Located in a picturesque neighborhood in Washington, D.C., Georgetown University is one of the country’s most well-respected institutions. Its approximately 7,500 undergraduates and 11,500 graduate students form an intellectual community where students from all over the world can call the nation’s capital their new home.
Georgetown is particularly well-known for its programs in political science and foreign affairs, as well as in business and finance. It is America’s oldest Catholic university, founded by a Jesuit bishop in 1789; however, Georgetown’s community includes students from a wide range of spiritual and nonreligious traditions who engage with the university’s historical commitment to social justice and intellectual rigor.
Georgetown in a Few Words
Undergraduates at Georgetown can attend 1 of 4 different schools: Georgetown College, which offers a liberal arts curriculum and is the university’s largest school; the School of Nursing & Health Studies; the Walsh School of Foreign Service, which is America’s oldest school of international affairs; and the McDonough School of Business, home to one of the country’s most prestigious business programs.
Inspired by its Jesuit history, Georgetown puts an emphasis on educating the “whole person”. With a theology requirement as part of its core curriculum, the university helps students of all backgrounds to explore different moral and philosophical traditions, regardless of their major. Additionally, students are encouraged to join one of Georgetown’s more than 350 extracurricular organizations.
Georgetown students (called “Hoyas”) come from all over the world; indeed, nearly 10% of its community comes from outside the United States. Students take advantage of unparalleled access to the political and financial internship opportunities that Washington D.C. offers, thanks in no small part to Georgetown’s impressive alumni network.
Academics
Georgetown’s acclaimed faculty is able to provide students with just an 11:1 professor to student ratio, allowing for individualized attention even at a medium-sized university. Students have the choice of over 40 different majors, and can also pursue a double major or a minor. Georgetown asks its students, regardless of their major, to complete a core curriculum requirement including classes in writing, math, theology, and a foreign language.
One of the strongest aspects of Georgetown is its extensive investment in student research. For undergraduates, GUROP (Georgetown Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program) makes it easy for students to work closely with professors and receive mentorship as they acquire research skills.
U.S. News & World Report lists Georgetown as one of America’s Top 25 universities!
Campus Life
Washington, D.C. is one of America’s most vibrant cities—not to mention its capital! Students at Georgetown have the opportunity to pursue careers just around the corner in government offices, think tanks, NGOs, and financial headquarters.
DC is also home to many impressive cultural institutions. From an afternoon at the Smithsonian Museum to a concert at the Kennedy Center to a weekend of visiting some of the capital’s most famous monuments, students at Georgetown can always find something to do. Hoyas can join over 350 different student organizations, including groups focused on volunteerism, activism, identity-based organizations, and pre-professional networks.
How Do I Apply?
Undergraduate applicants to Georgetown must use the university’s own application; unfortunately, Georgetown does not use the Common App or the Coalition App. Students have the option of applying via either Regular Decision or Early Action.
Georgetown requires applicants to complete an interview with an alum. Students must also take either the SAT or the ACT; additionally, Georgetown strongly recommends applicants to take 3 SAT subject tests of their choice. The university also recommends international applicants submit TOEFL, IELTS, or DET scores.
The application deadline for the non-binding Early Action application is November 1st, with applicants receiving a decision by December 15th. The Regular Decision deadline is January 10th, with applicants hearing back by May 1st.
Affording Georgetown
The yearly tuition at Georgetown is $56,058, plus an additional $16,466 for room and board, for a total of $72,524. Admissions to Georgetown is need-blind for international students, meaning that requesting financial aid has no impact on your admission decision. If you would like to apply for financial aid, you must submit the CSS profile along with your application.
Author
With a Bachelor's (LLB) from UCL and Assas, and the Grande Ecole program at HEC Paris, Adam has over 10 years of experience in education and student mentoring. Passionate about helping students achieve their academic dreams, he co-founded Your Dream School to guide students through university admissions and interview preparation for top global institutions.
