Thinking about applying to Georgetown University? The Great College Advice team visited campus recently. We’re sharing everything you need to know about Georgetown admissions to help you determine if Georgetown is right for you and whether you are right for it.
Whether you’re exploring Georgetown for its strong academics, vibrant student life, or international focus, this guide will help you decide if it’s the right fit — plus give you admissions insights to stand out in your application.
Quick Facts About Georgetown University
📍 Location: Washington, DC
🎓 Undergraduate Enrollment: ~7,800+ students (approx.)
📚 Student-to-Faculty Ratio: ~10:1
📖 Top Programs: International Relations, Business (McDonough School), Public Policy, Foreign Service, Sciences
🌍 Campus Style: Urban historic campus with modern resources
Georgetown is known for its strong emphasis on Jesuit values, global engagement, and a rigorous liberal arts core that empowers students to pursue deep intellectual and real-world impact. Prospective students are encouraged to demonstrate intellectual curiosity, civic engagement, and leadership in both academics and community activities — all qualities Georgetown admissions officers value highly.
Georgetown Admissions Snapshot — Class of 2029
Here’s a concise breakdown of the most recent admissions outcomes to help you understand how competitive Georgetown is:
Admissions Statistics for the Georgetown Class of 2029:
Total Applications Received: ~26,800
Total Students Admitted: ~3,200
Overall Acceptance Rate: ~12%
Early Action Acceptance Rate: ~11%; * Georgetown offers Restricted Early Action (REA)
Regular Decision Acceptance Rate: ~12.3%
- Yield Rate: almost 50%
These numbers show Georgetown remains highly selective, with admission rates comparable to top national universities. Please note that beginning in the Fall of 2026 application cycle, Georgetown will finally be accepting the Common App.
* From the Georgetown admissions site re: Georgetown Early Action:
Georgetown’s Early Action program is grounded in the belief that students should be free to choose among colleges until the May 1, Candidate’s Reply Date. Accordingly, admitted Early Action students will have the same reply date as Regular Decision candidates.
In keeping with this principle, students applying under the Early Action program shall not apply to any binding Early Decision programs since they then would not be free to choose Georgetown if admitted. Students are, however, allowed to apply to other Early Action or other Regular Decision programs while simultaneously applying to Georgetown’s Early Action program.
Candidates not admitted under the Early Action program are deferred to the spring review. There is no statistical advantage in applying Early Action, as both our Early Action and Regular Decision pools will have roughly the same acceptance rate. Typically, about 15 percent of the candidates deferred from Early Action are successful during the spring review.
Watch Our Georgetown Campus Tour
Tip: When planning a visit, combine an official information session with a student-led campus tour to both experience the culture and gather valuable insights you can reference in essays or interviews. Seeing the walkable historic campus, academic buildings, and student spaces helps prospective applicants visualize life at Georgetown — essential for families weighing top-tier college options.
What Makes Georgetown University Unique
🏛️ Academic Rigor + Global Perspective
Georgetown blends a traditional liberal arts education with real-world opportunities in policy, diplomacy, and business — all supported by its location in the nation’s capital.
🌐 International Focus & Networking
Programs like the Walsh School of Foreign Service and study-abroad opportunities are hallmarks that set Georgetown apart. Its DC location means internships and professional experiences are integrated into student life.
🤝 Community & Jesuit Values
Georgetown’s mission emphasizes “cura personalis” — care for the whole person — which you can feel in the collaborative campus culture, service initiatives, and academic advising.
How to Get Into Georgetown
Georgetown uses a holistic admissions process — they are looking for students who combine strong academic performance with leadership, initiative, and evidence of meaningful contributions to their communities. Admission to Georgetown is competitive, but a strong strategy can help you stand out. Here are key areas to focus on:
Build Academic Rigor: Take challenging Honors, AP, IB, or dual enrollment courses if available and do well in them — Georgetown values depth and consistency in coursework.
Highlight Leadership & Service: Demonstrate sustained impact through extracurricular leadership, community service, or projects that reflect growth and initiative.
Connect Your Story to Georgetown’s Strengths: Whether it’s international relations, public policy, or a specific research interest, tie your passions to programs and opportunities unique to Georgetown.
Prepare a Thoughtful Application: Beyond test scores and grades, essays and letters of recommendation need to convey what makes you unique and how your values will make you a valuable addition to the Georgetown campus.
These strategies help convey fit, one of the most important elements in Georgetown’s holistic admissions process.
Georgetown’s Common Data Set (CDS) indicates that academics (GPA, rigor, test scores, etc.) are deemed Very Important factors taken into consideration in the Georgetown admissions process. In terms of non-academic factors, it views character/personal qualities and talent/ability as very important as well. Note that demonstrated interest is not factored into the equation.
What is Georgetown Admissions Looking For?
To stand out:
Connect your interests to Georgetown’s mission and offerings
Highlight experiences that show growth, resilience, and engagement
Reference specific resources, faculty, or opportunities unique to Georgetown
Show you understand what makes Georgetown special — that kind of insight resonates with admissions officers.
Final Thoughts: Is Georgetown Right for You?
Georgetown University is a top choice for students who want intellectual challenge, global engagement, and a rich campus community in an iconic urban setting. But it’s also selective, and your application should reflect depth, authenticity, and thoughtful fit.
If you’re serious about applying — especially to competitive programs like the Walsh School of Foreign Service or McDonough School of Business — a targeted strategy and strong personal narrative are key.
Ready to Start the College Admissions Process?
Feeling overwhelmed by Georgetown’s application process? Want personalized advice on how to craft your essays, strengthen your list, or prepare for interviews? Our college admissions consultants specialize in helping students showcase their best selves — from campus visit strategy to essay polish and interview prep.
Since 2007, the expert team of college admissions consultants at Great College Advice has provided comprehensive guidance to thousands of students from across the United States and over 45 countries across the world. Great College Advice has offices in Colorado, New Jersey, Chicago, North Carolina, and Massachusetts. Book a free consultation to talk to us today!
In addition to our one-on-one counseling, Great College Advice extends its support through one of the most active and resource-rich Facebook Groups for college-bound students and their families: College Admissions Experts. With over 100,000 members—students, parents, and experienced counselors—this vibrant forum offers peer support and expert advice like no other.
