georgetown application

Georgetown Application

Completing the Georgetown University application can feel daunting. As one of the most competitive schools in the nation, Georgetown University attracts thousands of applicants each year. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the Georgetown application and offer tips to help you stand out.

Applying to Georgetown University—or any top school—requires effort and dedication. However, for those accepted to Georgetown University, it’s well worth it. At Georgetown, you’ll receive a world-class education and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.

If you want to craft a strong Georgetown application, this article is for you. First, we’ll break down the key features of the Georgetown University application. We’ll cover everything from why prospective students apply to Georgetown to the Georgetown SAT requirements. Then, we’ll review the steps required to complete a Georgetown application.

So, let’s dig into how to get into Georgetown. That way, you’ll know exactly how to submit the best Georgetown University application you can. 

Georgetown application requirements

Here are the Georgetown application requirements:

  • Georgetown Application for First-Year Admission
  • Georgetown Application Supplement
  • Secondary School Report (including a transcript and counselor recommendation)
  • Teacher Recommendation
  • Application Fee
  • SAT/ACT Scores

As you can see, the Georgetown application requirements are similar to those at many schools. Later in this guide, we’ll look at each of the Georgetown application requirements in more detail.

Understanding the Georgetown acceptance rate

Want to know how to get into Georgetown? First, note that the Georgetown application process isn’t easy. For the 2021-2022 academic year, Georgetown received over 24,000 applications. They admitted around 3,700 students, making the Georgetown acceptance rate about 15%.

The university also received over 24,000 applications for its graduate programs and welcomed approximately 4,500 students. This put the Georgetown acceptance rate for graduate students at about 19%, though these statistics vary by program. 

Why apply to Georgetown?

georgetown application

Applying to college is a daunting task. As you build your college list, you might wonder where Georgetown fits in—or if it’s the right place for you. So, before you begin the Georgetown admissions process, let’s learn a bit more about the school itself.

Located in Washington, D.C., Georgetown University is one of the nation’s top universities. Given the school’s location, Georgetown often attracts students interested in government, public policy, and international relations. Each year, thousands of students complete the Georgetown University application process. If you don’t know whether Georgetown belongs on your college list, let’s unpack some reasons you might submit a Georgetown application.

Community

One reason why students complete a Georgetown application is because of Georgetown’s diverse, engaging community. The Georgetown enrollment comprises approximately 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

The Georgetown enrollment for undergraduate students is around 7,500, and the Georgetown enrollment for graduate students is around 12,000.  These students come from all over the world, representing all 50 U.S. states and over 130 countries. Georgetown’s diverse student body ensures students can learn alongside those with varied backgrounds and perspectives. 

Academics

You may also choose to complete a Georgetown application because of the school’s academic offerings. The school offers a variety of diverse majors across its four undergraduate schools. Georgetown allows students to explore various disciplines, including liberal arts majors as well as cutting-edge interdisciplinary programs. Some of the most popular majors at Georgetown University include international relations, political science, and economics. 

According to U.S. News & World Report, the Georgetown ranking among national universities is #22. This isn’t the only category you’ll see Georgetown ranking highly against other schools. Among professional schools, the Georgetown rankings are also impressively high. For example, Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business ranks #15 nationwide. Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service also consistently ranks as one of the top international relations programs in the world. 

Extracurriculars

Beyond its academic strengths, you might want to submit a Georgetown application because of the school’s vibrant student life. Georgetown offers an engaging campus community, with over 200 student organizations catering to various interests and passions. As a result, students can explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and build a sense of community on campus.

Before you get started on your Georgetown application, check out some of the student organizations you can choose to join.

Georgetown Student Organizations

Club Sports

Georgetown University offers 30 different options for club sports. Students can participate in everything from basketball and soccer to volleyball and ultimate frisbee. Compared to traditional NCAA-sanctioned sports, club sports offer an opportunity for students to play for fun without serious pressure. Students can participate in a sport they love, meet new people, and stay active.

Performing Arts

Georgetown has several performing arts groups. One is the Mask and Bauble Dramatic Society, a student-run theater organization that produces multiple shows a year. Groove Theory, an acapella group, is another example of a popular performing arts group at Georgetown.

Social & Political Clubs

Georgetown offers several social and political clubs for students interested in activism. Students Against Sexual Violence works to raise awareness about sexual violence and promote survivor support on campus. The Black Student Alliance is another popular group that supports Black students and fosters diversity and inclusion.

Beyond what is offered on campus, students can also take advantage of Georgetown’s location in the heart of Washington, D.C.

Georgetown provides access to numerous internship and job opportunities in the public and private sectors. Some of these opportunities can include positions with the federal government, international organizations, think tanks, and non-profit organizations. Living in D.C., Georgetown students have many opportunities to gain hands-on experience in their fields of interest.

Overall, Georgetown University offers an exceptional experience for students seeking a challenging and rewarding college experience. Due to its diverse and unique offerings, students from across the country choose to submit a Georgetown application.

Learn more about Georgetown University

As you prepare your Georgetown application, you should make sure you do plenty of research. The Georgetown admissions office offers a range of resources and programs for applicants. You can also visit Georgetown’s campus (either in person or online) or attend an information session.

For more information on Georgetown, check out CollegeAdvisor.com’s Georgetown University Panel linked below. The panel features alumni and current students from Georgetown. Throughout the webinar, Georgetown advisors share their insider perspectives about campus life, academic programs, and career opportunities. 

Is Georgetown on the Common Application?

Once you know you’re interested in applying, it’s time to learn how to submit your Georgetown application.

While many other top institutions are available on the Common Application, Georgetown University does not use the Common App. This means prospective students can only apply to Georgetown via their school specific application.

This first-year application reference copy will show you exactly what the Georgetown application looks like. Just like on the Common App, you’ll need to provide specific details about yourself. This includes information regarding your parents/guardians, high school, and the Georgetown programs you’re interested in. You’ll also need to submit a Georgetown application supplement along with your official transcript and test scores.

If the other schools you’re applying to use the Common App, completing Georgetown’s application may feel like an extra hassle. However, Georgetown believes their separate application allows students to better express themselves while actively demonstrating their interest in attending.

What makes the Georgetown application different from the Common App?

Overall, you’ll include much of the same information on your Georgetown application as you do on your Common App. However, you’ll notice some key differences. For instance, the Georgetown application does not use word limits for essays—instead, it uses page limits. Georgetown also has a different set of essay prompts than the Common App and requires all applicants to complete an alumni interview.

After you submit your Georgetown application, you can check your application status using the Georgetown application portal. Next, let’s talk about what to expect from the Georgetown application.

How hard is the Georgetown application?

georgetown application

Before completing your Georgetown application, it’s important to note how challenging it is to gain acceptance into this top school. Georgetown is considered a highly selective and academically rigorous institution. As stated earlier, the Georgetown acceptance rate is approximately 15%.

Overall, the Georgetown requirements for admission are fairly straightforward. In this section, we’ll look at each of the Georgetown application requirements in detail and provide some recommendations.  

Academic standards

In terms of academics, Georgetown has high standards for its students. So, before submitting your Georgetown application, think about how your grades and scores compare to those of admitted students.

The average high school GPA of admitted students is 4.15. The middle 50% SAT score range is 1440-1550, while the middle 50% ACT score range is 33-35.

While the academic standards at Georgetown are high, the university also values other aspects of a student’s application. This means admissions will look at your extracurricular activities, community involvement, and personal qualities. So, when completing your Georgetown application, it’s important to know what Georgetown looks for in potential students. Georgetown wants students who are academically strong, intellectually curious, socially responsible, and committed to making a positive impact. 

Leadership and community service

Beyond seeking intellectually curious students, Georgetown seeks students with leadership potential and a strong commitment to community service. The university is known for its Jesuit tradition, which emphasizes the importance of social justice and service to others. As a result, Georgetown looks for students who share this commitment and care about positively impacting their communities.

Lastly, Georgetown values students with a global perspective. The university has a strong international focus. Many of its academic programs are designed to prepare students for careers in international relations, diplomacy, and other global fields. So, it’s no surprise Georgetown seeks students eager to explore new ideas and perspectives. Overall, Georgetown encourages students to use the school’s resources to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of the world.

Strong profiles

Overall, prospective students must have strong profiles that highlight their strengths. Beyond strong test scores and GPAs, Georgetown considers a range of factors. Georgetown seeks students who are well-rounded, intellectually curious, and socially responsible. The university provides a supportive and dynamic environment for students to pursue their academic and personal goals. By doing so, they prepare them to be leaders in their fields and communities.

How do I apply to Georgetown?

georgetown application
Georgetown University” by Dmitrii Lezine | CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

If you have made it this far into the article, you now know a lot about Georgetown. We’ve offered you a brief overview of the Georgetown application. First, you read reasons why you should complete your Georgetown application. Then, we reviewed how hard it is to gain acceptance to Georgetown University. Now, it’s time to learn step-by-step how to complete your Georgetown application.

To apply to Georgetown University as a first-year student, students must complete the following steps:

Georgetown application- Six Step Guide

1. Research the school

As stated, Georgetown does not use the Common Application. So, familiarize yourself with the Georgetown application portal. Additionally, take some time to learn about the school. That way, you can use your essays and other materials to show why Georgetown is the perfect place for you.

2. Complete the Georgetown University application

Students must fill out the school-specific Georgetown application form, which includes basic personal information, academic history, and extracurricular activities. They must also write Georgetown supplemental essays, including a personal statement based on the school’s specific prompt.

3. Submit official transcripts

Students must submit official transcripts from all high schools they have attended and official test scores. You can choose to submit either the SAT or ACT.

4. Submit letter of recommendation

Students must request one teacher recommendation. Recommendations should come from an individual who knows the student well and can speak to their academic abilities and personal qualities.

5. Participate in an admissions interview

Georgetown provides interviews to all applicants. These will be conducted by registered alumni, and you will receive more information after you submit your Georgetown application.

6. Pay Georgetown application fee

The Georgetown application fee is $75, but fee waivers are available for students who demonstrate financial need. A fee waiver allows students to bypass the Georgetown application fee. 

Once all materials have been submitted for your Georgetown application, the rest is up to the admissions committee. Georgetown uses a holistic review process, meaning that they evaluate all aspects of each student’s Georgetown application. The office is committed to providing a fair, transparent, holistic admissions process considering each applicant’s unique strengths, talents, and experiences. 

Students who applied Regular Decision will receive a decision regarding their Georgetown University application by the end of March. Early Action applicants will receive a decision by mid-December. Students can check the progress of their Georgetown University application using the Georgetown application portal. 

What SAT score is required for Georgetown?

georgetown application

Georgetown University is a highly selective institution. However, you won’t find specific Georgetown SAT requirements. With that said, the university does provide information regarding student test scores. These scores represent the middle 50% range of SAT scores for the admitted students in the previous admissions cycle.

According to Georgetown’s admissions statistics for the 2021-2022 cycle, the middle 50% range of SAT scores was 1440-1550. This means that 25% of admitted students scored below 1440, while another 25% scored above 1550.

Remember, standardized test scores are just one part of your application. So, it’s important to note Georgetown requirements for admissions are not just focused on academics. Overall, Georgetown takes a holistic approach to admissions. When looking at a student’s Georgetown application, the university considers many factors. This includes grades, test scores, essays, recommendations, extracurricular activities, and more. Therefore, while a high SAT score can undoubtedly strengthen a Georgetown application, it won’t make or break you. In other words, it is not the only factor Georgetown admissions consider when making admissions decisions.

What time is the Georgetown application due?

If you are seriously considering submitting a Georgetown University application, you must adhere to their application deadlines. That being said, the Georgetown application deadline varies depending on your application plan.

The Georgetown application deadline for students applying under Regular Decision is typically January 10th. However, for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle, Georgetown extended the Regular Decision Georgetown application deadline to January 15th, 2023.

georgetown application

Early Action deadline

The Georgetown application deadline for Georgetown Early Action applicants is typically November 1st. However, Georgetown has decided to suspend Georgetown Early Action applications for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle. This is in part due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether Georgetown Early Action will return for the 2023-2024 admission cycle is still being determined. 

It’s important to note that Georgetown requirements are stringent. All of your Georgetown application materials must be submitted by the Georgetown application deadline for your application to be considered. Therefore, we recommend applicants submit their materials well before the Georgetown application deadline to ensure everything is received on time.

Once you have submitted your Georgetown application, make sure you check the Georgetown application portal. That way, you can ensure your application is complete and under review. 

Georgetown Application – Final Thoughts

Georgetown is a highly selective and prestigious university that offers many engaging programs and opportunities. The application process for Georgetown is rigorous and requires a significant amount of effort and attention to detail. In this article, we detailed how to get into Georgetown University and craft a strong Georgetown application.

In addition to academics, Georgetown values extracurricular activities, community involvement, and personal qualities. Therefore, maintain records of your extracurricular activities to strengthen your Georgetown application and overall chances of acceptance.

Start early and make a plan

Applicants should carefully review the Georgetown application requirements and deadlines before starting their application. Then, be sure to submit all materials well before the deadline to ensure that everything is received on time. Once the required materials are submitted, be sure to check out the Georgetown application portal to check the status of your Georgetown application.

While the Georgetown application process can be challenging, try to approach it as an opportunity. In your application, think about representing the best parts of your academic career and personal development. Remember to showcase your interests, accomplishments, and how you’d succeed at one of the top universities in the country. For those who are up to the challenge, use this guide to get started on your Georgetown application. Good luck!


georgetown application

CollegeAdvisor can help!

This guide to Georgetown University application was written by Senior Advisor Ashley Hollins. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.