How to Get Into Georgetown

How to get into Georgetown – General Information 

Founded in 1789, Georgetown University is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit private research university in the US. Its campus, fondly referred to as “the hilltop,” sits above the Potomac River in Washington, DC. With this prime location, this school offers endless opportunities. Georgetown also emphasizes the importance of public service, activism, and entrepreneurship, encouraging its students to think of the city as a part of their campus.   

If you’ve got your eye on this elite university, ranked #21 by Forbes Top Colleges 2021, you’re in the right place! We’re going to break down all things about Georgetown University admissions. From planning your high school courses to writing your supplemental essays, this guide will show you just how to get into Georgetown. 

What we will cover in this How to Get into Georgetown Guide: 

  • Georgetown undergraduate enrollment
  • Optimal Georgetown average GPA and Georgetown SAT scores
  • Georgetown acceptance rate
  • Details on Georgetown University admissions
  • Georgetown University application deadline
  • Tips for Georgetown supplemental essays
  • Georgetown interview, and more!

Figuring out how to get into Georgetown takes strategy. We can help. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes Georgetown graduates. Want to maximize your Georgetown admissions odds? Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

Is it hard to get into Georgetown?

The Georgetown undergraduate enrollment includes approximately 7,000 students. The student body spans four distinct colleges: Georgetown College, the Walsh School of Foreign Service, the McDonough School of Business, and the School of Nursing and Health Studies. 

Whether you hope to join Bill Clinton as a Walsh School of Foreign Service alum or are more interested in the sciences, Georgetown has you covered. With so many options, it’s no wonder you’re trying to figure out how to get into Georgetown. 

Georgetown University is an elite private research university, evident from the 14% Georgetown acceptance rate. While the Georgetown undergraduate enrollment has remained steady in recent years, Georgetown University admissions has stepped up their game. So, figuring out how to get into Georgetown takes some planning, preparation, and passion. Don’t wait until weeks before the Georgetown University application deadline to get started. 

Given its Jesuit roots, Georgetown University stresses the importance of a holistic education. It calls itself “a research university with a heart,” and its students have a passion for activism and public service. So, while your grades and standardized test scores matter, Georgetown looks for more than brains. Georgetown supplemental essays are also a great way to overcome the Georgetown acceptance rate. However, you should also have strong grades and scores. If you’re worried about having lower test scores, then check out this article. 

Remember, there are no quick tricks to getting into the school of your dreams. Both the Georgetown average GPA and Georgetown SAT scores are well above the national average. So, start planning, strategizing, and creating a strong application narrative well before the deadline. 

Want to learn more about acceptance rates? Check out our expert guide.

What is the average GPA for Georgetown University?

The Georgetown acceptance rate is low. The Georgetown average GPA is 4.0, and the average Georgetown SAT scores are around 1450. That means the average admitted student had between a 3.89 and 4.1 GPA and at least a 1380 on their SAT. So, it is no surprise that Georgetown University admissions states that one of the key factors they look for is academic achievement.  

Georgetown University admissions stresses the importance of a rigorous high school course load. They expect you to take AP and IB courses. So, plan on taking challenging courses that won’t overwhelm you. If science isn’t your thing, then opt for AP English and Comp rather than AP Chemistry. In short, it won’t help much to take challenging classes that you won’t excel in, so play to your strengths! 

What does the Georgetown University application include?

Georgetown University admissions does not use the Common App, boasting its own application instead. When applying to Georgetown, you will have to fill out their unique application, which includes an alumni interview. 

Their admissions page states that academics are the most important criteria. However, they do try to let students shine in other parts of their application. This makes the Georgetown supplemental essays an essential part of the process. 

Here’s what the application includes:

  • Georgetown Application
  • Application Supplement
  • Secondary School Report (including transcript)
  • Teacher’s Recommendation
  • A Non-refundable Application Fee of $75.00 – payable in USD
  • Results of the College Board Scholastic Assessment Test or the American College Testing Program examination sent directly from the testing service
  • Scores from College Board SAT Subject Tests sent directly from the testing service

According to their site, the Georgetown Application should only take a few minutes and is to be completed ASAP. The brunt of the application process will be done in the Application Supplement, including supplemental essays. The Georgetown University application deadline for Regular Decision applicants is January 10th. For Early Action applicants, it is November 1st. 

When thinking about how to get into Georgetown, remember that they require applicants to send ACT or SAT scores. Make sure to send them by January of your senior year. Since the Georgetown average GPA and average Georgetown SAT scores are high, start planning early. The four Georgetown supplemental essays are also required. Your essays are a great chance to make up for lower grades or scores, so make the most out of them.

If you’re interested in the arts and planning how to get into Georgetown, you can submit an arts supplement. These can center around your work in theater, art, dance, or music. However, this is not required. 

What extracurriculars does Georgetown University require?

Want to know how to get into Georgetown? Find strong extracurriculars that you care about. Most students in the Georgetown undergraduate enrollment participate in at least one of the many clubs on campus. 

Extracurriculars are a great way to stand out, especially if you don’t meet the Georgetown average GPA and Georgetown SAT scores. Georgetown University admissions values leadership, passion, and community. So, have some fun, and look for activities that genuinely interest you. This will boost your “how to get into Georgetown” strategy.   

Also, resist the urge to join clubs that you think may look good for the sole purpose of college admissions. You want to choose activities that will not only make your application and Georgetown supplemental essays shine, but that also get you excited!

What is the acceptance rate at Georgetown University?

Georgetown University has an acceptance rate of 14.36%. With the Georgetown average GPA of 4.0 and Georgetown SAT scores of around 1450, academic achievement is one of their top criteria. So, make sure you get strong grades before the Georgetown University application deadline. However, that’s not to say they don’t value anything else. 

Georgetown University admissions purposefully uses their own application to give students the opportunity to show their unique strengths. You can do this through your Georgetown supplemental essays and extracurriculars. The Georgetown undergraduate enrollment is full of students who radiate leadership, public service, and empathy.   

As a top-ranked university, it’s no wonder that “how to get into Georgetown” is a tough question. However, don’t fret! That doesn’t make it out of reach. Still, make sure you plan your academics, extracurriculars, and application narrative. This will ensure that the high Georgetown average GPA and Georgetown SAT scores don’t hold you back from Georgetown undergraduate enrollment.  

Does Georgetown University require interviews?

Georgetown University admissions requires alumni interviews for first-year and transfer applicants. Once you complete your Georgetown application, the interview process will begin. So, expect to have your interview between September and February. Emails will be sent to both applicants and interviewers. The applicant will then be expected to reach out to their interviewer to set up a time. 

How to get into Georgetown, you ask? Well, ace the interview! While an in-person interview may seem intimidating, it is a great chance to show off your strengths. This is especially true if you don’t meet the Georgetown average GPA and Georgetown SAT scores. 

Georgetown University admissions also values leadership. So, think about your extracurriculars and how they relate to Georgetown’s core values: leadership and social justice. Be sure to prepare a couple of thoughtful questions for your interviewer, too. This is a great chance to show who you are; go beyond what you’ve already outlined in your other application materials! 

Tips to write the Georgetown University supplemental essays

The Georgetown University application has four required Georgetown supplemental essays. First, there are two are 250-word essays that focus on your extracurricular activities and skills. In addition, there are two other Georgetown supplemental essays that are one-page and half-page limits. One is a personal statement, and the other asks applicants why they’re interested in Georgetown. Given the low Georgetown acceptance rate, essays are key when planning how to get into Georgetown. 

Through these four essays, Georgetown University wants to see who you are beyond your grades and scores. Try not to get overwhelmed by having to write four essays. This is another chance to set yourself apart from the crowd. What makes you such a great fit for Georgetown University?

How to get into Georgetown with your Georgetown supplemental essays:

  • Start drafting your essays early. Ideally, the summer before your senior year!
  • Highlight your talents and skills, and be authentic—don’t write what you think they want to read.
  • Avoid topics that you’ve already outlined in the rest of your application. This is a chance to show them something new!
  • Keep in mind what you specifically could contribute to the Georgetown undergraduate enrollment. Display that in your Georgetown supplemental essays. 

Want more tips on how to get into Georgetown using the Georgetown supplemental essays? Check out more tips in our Georgetown essay guide.

How does Georgetown University review applications?

First, all applicants must fill out Georgetown’s unique application. This consists of their written application (including essays) and an alumni interview. 

With the Georgetown acceptance rate at 14%, Georgetown wants to see how students align with the university’s values. In other words, they believe their application gives students a chance “to best express their personalities, talents, skills, and accomplishments.”

Key tips for how to get into Georgetown with that upcoming Georgetown University application deadline:

  • Academic achievement. Georgetown looks for academically high-achieving students. 
  • Challenging course load. They want to see IBs and AP courses here. 
  • Personality that aligns with their values. Use your essays and application narrative to show that you are meant for this school. 

Remember that the Georgetown University application deadline is January 10th for RD and November 1st for EA. When considering how to get into Georgetown, start early. This will give you time to complete all the materials—especially the Georgetown supplemental essays!

Will Georgetown University consider my social media accounts?

What’s worse than not hitting the Georgetown average GPA or Georgetown SAT scores? Losing an opportunity due to social media. There’s nothing on Georgetown’s admissions page that states they look at social media. However, you should still play it safe with your social media. If you think it could affect an admissions decision, it’s best not to post it. 

Georgetown does not formally review social media as part of their admissions process. So, you may not have to rush to review your accounts before the Georgetown University application deadline or while stressing about how to get into Georgetown. However, what you post could impact other opportunities such as jobs or internships. 

With this in mind, it’s best to double-check your content to make sure you’re using social media responsibly, whether you’re trying to figure out how to get into Georgetown or just posting about your weekend.    

Is Georgetown University a good school for me?

So, you’re eagerly searching for tips on how to get into Georgetown, anxiously checking the Georgetown acceptance rate, and hoping to become a part of the Georgetown undergraduate enrollment. Suddenly, you’re obsessing over the Georgetown University application deadline, Georgetown average GPA, and Georgetown SAT scores without considering if it’s a good fit for you!

The Georgetown acceptance rate is competitive. And that competitive nature continues on campus, club culture included! The Georgetown undergraduate enrollment is full of ambitious students. Does that type of environment overwhelm or excite you? There’s no shame in deciding that a top school is just not for you. 

How to know if you really want to know how to get into Georgetown:

  • Visit campus. Get a feel for what life would be like there. If you aren’t able to, take a virtual tour. 
  • Listen to what current students and alumni are saying about their Georgetown experience. Does it resonate with you?
  • Make a list of your goals and expectations for your college experience. Do they align with Georgetown?

Additional Tips to Get Into Georgetown

Here are a few final things to consider as you build your “how to get into Georgetown” plan:

Take competitive high school courses.

A great way to meet the Georgetown average GPA is to take AP/IB courses. Keep in mind that the average Georgetown SAT scores are around 1450. So, if standardized tests aren’t your thing, start prepping early. 

Start early!

Don’t let the Georgetown University application deadline surprise you. Early Action applications are due November 1st and the Regular Decision deadline is January 10th. The application will take time. Start thinking about recommendations, Georgetown supplemental essays, and interview prep by the summer before your senior year. 

Craft your application narrative with care.

The Georgetown acceptance rate is low, so make sure your skills, talents, passions, and personality come across in your essays. What story do you want to tell? How does it align with Georgetown’s values? Show the character and intellect that you would bring to Georgetown.  

Amp up your activism.

Social justice is one of the university’s core values. This can help you when planning how to get into Georgetown. Are you passionate about a cause? Any genuine way in which you give back to your community will work. Just make sure it comes across in your application and Georgetown supplemental essays.

This guide was written by Sarah Kaminski. If you want to know how to get into Georgetown, we’ve got you covered. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes Georgetown graduates. Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.