George Washington University

Washington, DC · private nonprofit

Official site ↗

Admissions

Admit rate47.1%
Applicants27,006
Middle-50% SAT1360–1470
Middle-50% ACT31–34
Avg GPA
Test policy
Avg net price / yr$37,454
Grad rate85%
Median earnings (10 yr)$90,873
Sourcecds · 2024

Application requirements

Early Decision2025-11-01
Early Decision II2026-01-05
Regular / Rolling2026-01-05
Application fee$80 (US) · $80 (intl)
Personal essayRequired
Writing supplementYes
PortfolioVia SlideRoom
Test policysometimes required
Teacher recommendations1
Counselor recommendationRequired
Mid-year reportRequired

Source: Common App first-year Requirements Grid, 2025-26 cycle. Confirm on the college's site — requirements can change mid-cycle.

Supplemental essays

Answer 1 of 2 — max 500 words each.

  1. At the George Washington University, our students frequently interact with policymakers and world leaders. These experiences and those of our alumni can shape the future of global affairs. If you had the power to change the course of history in your community or the world, what would you do and why?
  2. The George Washington University encourages students to think critically and to challenge the status quo. Thus, civil discourse is a key characteristic of our community. Describe a time when you engaged others in meaningful dialogue around an issue that was important to you. Did this exchange create change, new perspectives, or deeper relationships?
  3. With small classes and a dedicated faculty, the University Honors Program (UHP) embraces the ideals of a liberal arts education. Within the UHP, students take classes in many different academic fields (philosophy, science, history, art, social science, etc.) and hone their critical thinking skills. Explain why, as a member of the UHP, you would value the opportunity to engage with topics outside your major field(s) of study.
  4. The UHP represents a community of scholars at GW. First-year UHP students live and take classes together on the Mount Vernon Campus. Upper-level UHP students remain connected to our community for the remainder of their time at GW through courses, faculty mentoring, advising, research, an optional Foggy Bottom housing opportunity, and our many co-curricular/social activities. How do you see yourself contributing to and/or benefiting from this community as a member of the UHP?

Copied verbatim from the school's official admissions page (2025-26 cycle).