How to Get Into Georgetown: Its Own Application, Its Own Rules

Georgetown is one of the few elite universities that does almost everything its own way. It does not use the Common Application, it has its own deadlines and forms, it requires an alumni interview, and you apply to one of four distinct undergraduate schools. The acceptance rate sits around 12%, lower for its most competitive programs.

Navigating Georgetown's unusual process correctly is half the battle. This guide covers how the application works and what Georgetown values.

Georgetown Has Its Own Application

Georgetown does not accept the Common App or Coalition App. You must use the Georgetown Application (GU360), which has its own format, essays, and requirements. This means you cannot reuse your Common App exactly, and you need to start Georgetown's application early to avoid being caught off guard by its differences.

Georgetown also has an earlier-than-usual deadline for its non-binding Early Action and submits its application in stages. Understanding these mechanics — and giving yourself time for them — is essential. Many strong students stumble simply because they treat Georgetown like a Common App school.

The Four Schools, and Choosing the Right One

You apply directly to one of Georgetown's four undergraduate schools: the College of Arts & Sciences, the Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS), the McDonough School of Business, or the School of Nursing (and Health). Each has its own character, curriculum, and applicant pool, and the SFS in particular is globally renowned for international affairs.

Your choice of school shapes your essays and how your application is read. The school-specific supplement is your chance to show genuine fit with that program. Choose based on real interest, and write toward the specific school rather than Georgetown in general.

The Required Alumni Interview

Georgetown requires an alumni interview for most applicants, conducted by alumni in your area. While interviews are rarely make-or-break, Georgetown's is a genuine part of the process and an opportunity to demonstrate interest, articulate why Georgetown, and show your personality.

Prepare for it the way you would prepare to talk about your genuine interests: know why you are applying to your specific school, be ready to discuss your activities and goals, and come with thoughtful questions. Treat it as a real conversation, not an interrogation.

The Supplemental Essays

Georgetown's supplement includes a general essay and a school-specific essay (for example, a focused 'Why the School of Foreign Service' essay). These prompts reward specificity and genuine engagement with Georgetown's programs, mission, and Jesuit values of educating the whole person.

Vague praise of Georgetown's prestige or DC location does not work. Reference specific programs, the Jesuit commitment to service and reflection, or particular opportunities that connect to your goals. Our guide on writing supplemental essays applies directly here.

Academics, Testing, and Early Action

Competitive Georgetown applicants have rigorous coursework and strong performance. Georgetown has historically required standardized testing and recommends submitting all scores, so confirm the current cycle's policy carefully, as it differs from most test-optional peers.

Georgetown's Early Action is non-binding but has an early deadline and a meaningfully higher admit rate than Regular Decision. Because it is non-binding, EA is a low-risk way to show interest — see our guide on Early Decision vs. Early Action.