Complete Guide to Georgetown University Admissions 2026
Introduction
Getting into Georgetown University is a goal for thousands of students around the world every year. With a 13% acceptance rate and a reputation for producing leaders in law, medicine, diplomacy, and business, Georgetown is one of the most competitive universities in the United States. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Georgetown University admissions in 2026 — from requirements and deadlines to essays and financial aid.
About Georgetown University
Founded in 1789, Georgetown is the oldest Jesuit and Catholic university in the United States, located in Washington D.C. It offers over 90 undergraduate programs through five schools and is widely recognized for its programs in international affairs, law, business, and the sciences. With a student-faculty ratio of 11:1 and an 87% graduation rate, it consistently delivers a high-quality academic experience.
Admission Statistics 2026
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Acceptance Rate | ~13% |
| Graduate Acceptance Rate | ~51% |
| Average SAT Score | 1400–1540 (middle 50%) |
| Average ACT Score | 34 |
| Recommended GPA | 3.7/4.0 |
| Application Fee | $75 |
Step 1: Choose Your School
Georgetown is not a single college — it comprises several undergraduate schools, each with its own strengths:
- Georgetown College — Liberal arts, sciences, and humanities
- School of Foreign Service (SFS) — International relations and diplomacy
- McDonough School of Business — Finance, marketing, management
- School of Nursing & Health Studies — Health sciences and nursing
- School of Continuing Studies — Professional and evening programs
Choose your school carefully — your application essays should reflect a genuine fit with your chosen school’s mission and values.
Step 2: Application Platform
Unlike most US universities, Georgetown does not accept the Common Application. You must apply through Georgetown’s own application portal. This is important — many students miss this detail and lose valuable preparation time.
Step 3: Required Documents
A complete Georgetown undergraduate application includes:
- Official high school transcripts
- SAT or ACT scores (required — send directly from the testing agency using SAT code 5244 or ACT code 0668)
- Three essays (detailed below)
- Two teacher recommendations and one school counselor recommendation
- Application fee of $75 (waivers available)
International students must also submit:
– TOEFL (80–100) or IELTS (7.0–7.5) scores to demonstrate English proficiency
– Certified translations of academic records (if not in English)
Step 4: Nail the Essays
Georgetown requires three essays, which carry significant weight in the admissions process:
- Short Essay (250 words): Highlight a special talent or skill
- Essay One (~1 page): A general essay for the admissions committee
- Essay Two (~1 page): Specific to the school you are applying to
Tips for writing winning essays:
– Be specific and genuine — avoid clichés
– Show why Georgetown’s specific values and programs align with your goals
– Reflect Georgetown’s Jesuit mission — service to others, intellectual curiosity, and ethical leadership
– Proofread multiple times and get feedback before submitting
Step 5: Key Deadlines
| Application Type | Deadline | Decision Date |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action | November 1 | Mid-December |
| Regular Decision | January 10 | Late March/Early April |
| Transfer (Fall) | March 1 | Rolling |
International students follow the same deadlines as domestic applicants.
Step 6: Financial Aid & Scholarships
Georgetown is committed to making education affordable:
- Tuition (2025–26): $71,338 per year (rising to $74,520 in 2026–27)
- Total Cost of Attendance: ~$94,312 per year
- Average Need-Based Grant: $56,082 per year
- Average Net Price (after aid): ~$39,242 per year
- Georgetown dedicates $278 million annually to financial aid
Apply for financial aid at the same time as your application — do not wait for an acceptance offer.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Start early — Georgetown’s separate portal means extra preparation time is needed
- Show school-specific fit — Generic applications are easy to spot; tailor yours to Georgetown’s schools and values
- Demonstrate leadership — Extracurriculars, community service, and unique experiences matter greatly
- Strong academics are non-negotiable — Aim for top grades and competitive test scores
- Research Georgetown thoroughly — Mention specific professors, programs, or initiatives that excite you
Final Thoughts
Georgetown University admissions in 2026 is competitive, but not impossible. With a thoughtful, well-prepared application that reflects genuine interest in Georgetown’s mission and programs, you can significantly improve your chances. Start early, write compelling essays, and present the most authentic version of yourself — that’s what Georgetown is ultimately looking for.