How to Apply to Georgetown University: A Complete Guide for Prospective Students
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For decades, Georgetown University stood apart from many of America’s elite universities by requiring applicants to use its own admissions platform rather than the Common Application. That is changing. Beginning with applicants seeking admission for Fall 2027 and beyond, Georgetown now allows students to apply using either the Georgetown Application or the Common Application. There is no admissions advantage to choosing one over the other. Georgetown reviews applicants identically regardless of which platform they use.
Located in Washington, D.C., Georgetown is America’s oldest Catholic and Jesuit university and is widely recognized for its strengths in international relations, political science, business, economics, public policy, pre-med studies, and the humanities.
Does Georgetown Accept the Common App?
Yes.
After years as one of the nation’s most prominent holdouts, Georgetown announced a pilot program allowing students to apply through the Common Application beginning in August 2026. Applicants may now choose either application platform. Georgetown’s admissions standards, essays, recommendations, and evaluation criteria remain unchanged.
Students can choose whichever platform they prefer:
• Georgetown Application
• Common Application
The university explicitly states that there is no preference for either option.
Georgetown’s Undergraduate Schools
Applicants apply directly to one of Georgetown’s undergraduate divisions:
• Georgetown College
• McDonough School of Business
• Walsh School of Foreign Service
• School of Health
Because Georgetown admits students directly into a specific school, applicants should carefully select the academic division that best aligns with their interests and goals.
Georgetown Admissions by the Numbers
Georgetown is one of the most selective universities in the United States.
Successful applicants typically demonstrate:
• Exceptional academic performance
• Rigorous coursework
• Strong standardized testing
• Leadership experience
• Meaningful extracurricular involvement
• Service to their communities
Unlike many peer institutions, Georgetown continues to require SAT or ACT scores as part of the admissions process.
Early Action vs. Regular Decision
Georgetown offers two application options.
Early Action
Deadline: November 1
Notification: Mid-December
Georgetown’s Early Action program is non-binding. Students accepted through Early Action are not required to attend and may continue evaluating other colleges.
Regular Decision
Deadline: January 10
Notification: Early April
This option gives students additional time to strengthen grades, test scores, essays, and extracurricular accomplishments.
Application Requirements
A complete Georgetown application generally includes:
• Georgetown Application or Common Application
• Georgetown supplemental essays
• High school transcript
• Secondary School Report
• Teacher recommendation
• Application fee
• SAT or ACT scores
• Alumni interview when available
Georgetown will not review an application until all required materials have been received.
The Georgetown Interview
One of Georgetown’s most distinctive admissions features is its alumni interview program.
After beginning the application process, applicants are typically contacted by a member of Georgetown’s Alumni Admissions Program and invited to schedule an interview. These interviews are conducted by Georgetown graduates around the world and provide applicants with an opportunity to discuss their academic interests, achievements, goals, and reasons for applying.
While interviews rarely make or break an application, a thoughtful and engaging conversation can strengthen an already competitive file.
Georgetown Essays
Georgetown places significant emphasis on writing.
Applicants complete several supplemental essays designed to help admissions officers understand:
• Intellectual curiosity
• Personal values
• Academic interests
• Career aspirations
• Character and leadership
Each undergraduate school includes school-specific essay questions, allowing Georgetown to evaluate how well applicants fit their chosen academic division.
What Georgetown Looks For
Admissions officers evaluate applicants holistically.
Strong Georgetown candidates typically demonstrate:
Academic Excellence
Georgetown expects students to challenge themselves with honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or dual-enrollment coursework whenever available.
Leadership
The university values students who take initiative and create meaningful impact rather than simply accumulating activities.
Service
As a Jesuit institution, Georgetown strongly emphasizes service, ethics, and community engagement.
Intellectual Curiosity
Successful applicants often display a genuine love of learning and a willingness to engage with complex global issues.
Fit
Georgetown seeks students who embrace dialogue, public service, international awareness, and the university’s Jesuit mission.
Tips for Getting Into Georgetown
Start Early
The Georgetown application contains multiple moving parts, including recommendations, essays, and interviews.
Show Genuine Interest
Research Georgetown’s programs, professors, institutes, and opportunities. Demonstrate why Georgetown specifically fits your goals.
Prepare for the Interview
Be ready to discuss your academic interests, extracurricular activities, and future ambitions.
Write Strong Essays
Avoid generic responses. Georgetown’s admissions committee wants thoughtful, reflective essays that reveal who you are.
Maintain Strong Academics
Exceptional grades in challenging courses remain the most important part of any Georgetown application.
Is Georgetown Right for You?
Georgetown is an outstanding choice for students interested in politics, diplomacy, international affairs, economics, business, healthcare, public service, and the liberal arts. Its location in the nation’s capital provides unmatched access to government agencies, think tanks, nonprofits, international organizations, and Fortune 500 companies.
Students who thrive at Georgetown are often intellectually curious, globally minded, ambitious, and committed to making a meaningful impact on society.
Whether you choose the Georgetown Application or the Common Application, the key to admission remains the same: present a compelling academic record, thoughtful essays, authentic leadership experiences, and a clear sense of purpose. For students who can do that, Georgetown offers one of the most distinctive and prestigious undergraduate experiences in America.
