Founded in 1821, George Washington University is a world-renowned private university in one of the most prestigious and historical locations in the United States. In this article, we take a look at the George Washington University acceptance rate and other essential figures for prospective first-year students, such as the application process and admissions process.
We’ll also explore George Washington University’s admission requirements and average cost of attendance, as well as the educational experience it provides to its students. These facts and figures will help you get a better picture of how to prepare for George Washington University’s admissions process and determine whether or not the school is right for you in the first place.
Is George Washington University Easy to Get Into?
Yes, getting into George Washington University is easy, as about half of all applicants at George Washington University are admitted. To increase their chances of admission, prospective first-year students should prepare early, have strong standardized test scores and a higher than average GPA, write a compelling essay, and submit all necessary documents before the admission deadline.
What Is George Washington University’s Acceptance Rate?
The acceptance rate for George Washington University is 50 percent. This means that for every 100 students who apply, 50 are admitted, making George Washington University’s admissions process somewhat competitive. This figure includes both in-state and out-of-state applicants.
What Is George Washington University’s Transfer Acceptance Rate?
George Washington university’s transfer acceptance rate is 70 percent. This means that for every 100 transfer applicants, about 70 are admitted. This figure is a total for transfer applicants from all schools and colleges at George Washington University.
What Is George Washington University’s Early Decision Acceptance Rate
George Washington university’s transfer acceptance rate is 65 percent. This figure is a total for early decision applicants from all schools and colleges at George Washington University. This means that for every 100 Early Decision applicants, about 65 are admitted. Applying early can, therefore, increase your admissions chances.
George Washington University Admissions: An Overview
- Number of Applicants at George Washington University per year: 27,236
- George Washington University Acceptance Rate: 50%
George Washington University is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 50 percent. Every year, George Washington University receives about 27,000 applications and admits around 13,500 students. Compared to other private institutions, George Washington University’s acceptance rate is about on par with the national average acceptance rate for private colleges.
In-state, out-of-state, and international students can apply by submitting their academic records, transcripts, personal statements, and recommendations. While the application process is similar across GW’s various colleges, there are some additional program requirements for admission to almost all BFA programs offered by the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design and School of Media and Public Affairs.
Who Gets Into George Washington University?
Just under 50 percent of George Washington University’s student population is white, with the three other largest ethnic demographics being Hispanic or Latino, Asian, and Black or African American students, with each representing around 11 percent of the student body. These figures encompass current undergraduate and graduate students.
George Washington University Enrollment by Ethnicity
- White – 46.3%
- Hispanic or Latino – 11.1%
- Asian – 10.9%
- Black or African American – 10.3%
- Two or More Races – 3.38%
- American Indian or Alaska Native – 0.196%
George Washington University Application Deadline: When Is George Washington University’s Application Due?
The deadlines for admissions to George Washington University are November 1 for Early Decision 1, January 5 for Early Decision 2 and regular decision, and October 1 for spring admission. First-year notification dates are by late December for Early Decision 1, late February for Early Decision 2, early April for Regular Decision, and early December for spring admission.
George Washington University Application Deadlines
- Early Decision Deadline: November 1
- Early Action Deadline: N/A
- Application Fee: $80
- Common App: Yes
What Are the Major Reasons to Go to George Washington University?
The major reasons to go to George Washington University include the diversity of its student, its excellent faculty and facilities, and its vast career services in addition to its high-quality academic programs and its desirable college setting at the heart of Washington, DC. Below is a further explanation of the major reasons to go to George Washington University.
Diversity
George Washington University is one of the most diverse universities in the United States. Only about 46 percent of students at the university are of white ethnicity, and over 35 percent are Hispanic or Latino, Asian, Black or African American, or of two or more races. This diversity allows students of all backgrounds to share and learn from each other’s cultures and life experiences.
Excellent Faculty and Facilities
George Washington University is home to a passionate faculty of renowned experts who aim to provide their students with transformative experiences and prepare them for a vast range of future career opportunities. The university also has various state-of-the-art facilities, including a stunning core lab facility where students can conduct research.
Career Services
Some of the many student career services available at George Washington University include self-assessment workshops, career coaching, cover letter development, internships, networking events, and interview preparation services. These services can help you discover your interests and talents, and develop an effective job search strategy for your future career path.
Tips for Applying to George Washington University
The best tips for applying to George Washington University include applying for Early Decision, applying for a program that suits you best, and writing a compelling essay. It also helps to have a strong GPA, competitive SAT or ACT scores, and tier one or two extracurriculars. Below, we take a deeper look at how can boost your admissions chances to George Washington University.
Apply For Early Decision
Seeing as the acceptance rate for Early Decision applicants is higher than the school’s overall acceptance rate, applying for an early decision can increase your chances of getting into George Washington University. That being said, keep in mind that this decision is binding, so make sure that George Washington University is your top choice.
Apply For a Program that Suits You Best
Some programs and schools are more competitive than others, but you should apply to one that is aligned best with your strengths and interests. Not only will your strengths in that field of study make for a stronger application, but your authentic interest and passion to learn more about it will surely lead to higher consideration from the university’s admissions office.
Write a Compelling Essay
While a supplemental essay is optional, it’s the best way for you to showcase your personality, motivation, and academic preparation to thrive in George Washington University’s dynamic environment. Although the admissions committee places more weight on the rigor of your high school coursework, GPA, and academic background, a strong essay can sway their decision in your favor.
George Washington University Admissions Requirements: First-Year Applicant Checklist
The following section is a breakdown of the general George Washington University admissions requirements for first-year applicants. The university only requires SAT/ACT scores from homeschooled applicants, applicants who attended secondary schools without a grading scale, and those interested in the accelerated seven-year BA and MD Program.
- A completed application form on the Common App
- Your official transcripts
- A writing supplement (optional)
- Your standardized test scores (optional)
- A letter of recommendation or a teacher recommendation
- A copy of your college-level coursework
- Applicants to all BFA programs, with the exception of the BFA in Interior Architecture, must submit a portfolio
George Washington University SAT Requirements
Below we show you the SAT scores required to get accepted into George Washington University. About 25 percent of students scored at or below that number, while about 75 percent scored above that number.
- Students Submitting SAT Scores:29%
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 660 (25th percentile); 740 (75th percentile)
- SAT Math: 650 (25th percentile); 750 (75th percentile)
George Washington University ACT Requirements
Below we show you the ACT scores required to get accepted into George Washington University. A 25th percentile figure shows that 25 percent of students scored at or below that number, while a 75th percentile figure tells us that 25 percent scored above that number.
- Students Submitting ACT Scores: 18%
- ACT Composite: 30 (25th percentile); 34 (75th percentile)
- ACT English: 31 (25th percentile); 35 (75th percentile)
- ACT Math: 27 (25th percentile); 32 (75th percentile)
Acing Your George Washington University Application: What Is the Best Way to Prepare for the SAT and ACT?
Start Early
Allocate around three to six months to get ready for your SAT or ACT test. This will give you enough time to familiarize yourself with its formats and the kinds of questions you’ll face. This will allow you to significantly improve your vocabulary, and memorize most of the formulas and key concepts covered on the test.
Familiarize Yourself With The Test Details
Familiarizing yourself with the overall structure, format, content, and feel of the SAT and ACT can be a valuable asset for test day. Understanding the fundamental differences between the two tests can help you determine which of the two is the best fit for you and best demonstrates your skills and knowledge.
Take a Full-Length Practice Test
Put some time aside to take full-length practice tests. Using a timer is an excellent method to pace yourself and get accustomed to the time limits. After completing each practice test, check the answers and review the ones you got wrong. The best free resources for full-length practice tests are Khan Academy’s Official SAT Practice and ACT Test Prep.
George Washington University GPA Requirements: What GPA Do I Need to Get In?
There is no minimum GPA requirement for George Washington University. That being said, the school’s average incoming class GPA sits at 3.66. Many of the students who go to George Washington University were near the top of their high school class rank. Having strong grades in college preparatory classes, such as IB and AP, will also benefit you tremendously.
While your GPA is an important determining factor in admissions, high SAT/ACT scores can also prove that you’re prepared for the academic rigor of George Washington University. Participating in extracurricular activities, community service, and sports can also compensate for a low GPA.
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George Washington University Tuition: How Much Does it Cost to Attend George Washington University?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the actual cost of attendance at George Washington University for full-time enrollment is $59,870 a year for undergraduate students and $32,850 a year for students in a graduate program. This cost may vary depending on your living arrangement and the number of academic credits you take each semester.
Current undergraduate students enrolled part-time or for less than 12 credit hours per semester pay a tuition rate of $1,995 per credit hour. On average, students in an on-campus or off-campus living arrangement away from their parents spend a total of $78,335 per year, while those living off-campus with family spend a total of $62,895 per year.
Common Majors at George Washington University
Common undergraduate majors at George Washington University are International Relations and Affairs, General Political Science and Government, and Nursing. In 2020, George Washington University awarded 536 International Relations and Affairs degrees, 311 Political Science degrees, and 303 Nursing degrees. Below, we take a brief look at these majors and the best jobs for their graduates.
International Affairs
George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs helps students develop a solid understanding of global issues through the lenses of geography, anthropology, economics, history, and political science before focusing their studies on regional or functional concentration. Students in this program must complete core liberal arts courses and six STEM courses.
Best Jobs for International Affairs Graduates
- International policy Analyst
- Diplomatic Agent
- Economic Analyst
Political Science
Political science students get the unique opportunity to study policy and politics and see it in action. Immersed in everything the capital has to offer, students can get the opportunity to intern on Capitol Hill, meet the nation’s top journalists, and observe Supreme Court arguments. This program is helmed by the school’s Columbian College of Arts and Sciences.
Political science majors at George Washington University tackle a wide range of issues in governance and political behavior in the nation and around the world. Students take on challenging, hands-on academic courses and learn to analyze political problems and come up with innovative, policy-based solutions.
Best Jobs for Political Science Graduates
- Political Scientist
- Policy Analyst
- Lawyer
Nursing
Students who join this program are either looking to advance their careers as registered nurses or to change careers. With accelerated and online options as well as an option for veterans, George Washington University ensures that its nursing students are professionally prepared to treat patients in a high-standard health care environment.
Best Jobs for Nursing Graduates
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
- General Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
George Washington University Attendance Outcomes
In the section below, we take a look at the most common and highest-paying jobs occupied by graduates of George Washington University. The selection of jobs in the following tables takes into consideration graduates from one of the five most specialized majors at George Washington University.
The jobs occupied by graduates of the most popular majors at George Washington University earn an annual median salary of between $99,290 and $159,010 and have an outlook of between three percent and 22 percent. The highest-paying jobs occupied by George Washington University graduates earn a median salary of between $62,910 and $208,000.
Most Common Jobs for People Who Attended George Washington University
| Position | Median Salary | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developers | $110,140 | 22% |
| Managers | $99,290 | 9% |
| Lawyers, Judges, Magistrates, and other judicial workers | $102,550 | 3% |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $79,640 | 12% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $159,010 | 11% |
George Washington University Alumni Highest-Paying Jobs
| Position | Median Salary | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeons | $208,000 | 3% |
| Physicians | $208,000 | 3% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $152,350 | 4% |
| Financial Specialists | $73,240 | 11% |
| Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | $62,910 | 4% |
Should I Apply to George Washington University?
Yes, you should definitely apply to George Washington University. George Washington University’s acceptance rate of 50 percent is moderate, making it easier to get into than many other top universities in the region. This does not mean that its educational programs are of lower quality, as the school is tied for 63rd best National University by US News & World Report.
Studying at George Washington University allows you to learn from leading experts and participate in cutting-edge research. The university’s location at the heart of Washington DC has many advantages for students including many opportunities for networking, internships, and high-paying jobs.
George Washington University Acceptance Rate FAQ
Factors that the admissions office considers when making a decision include a student’s academic background, GPA, high school coursework, extracurricular activities, admission essays, standardized test scores, and recommendation letters.
The application requirements for graduate degree programs are a completed application form, your official transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and, depending on the program, your GRE or GMAT scores. Additional requirements for master’s and doctoral level programs often include a resume, writing samples, or proof of specialized certification.
You can monitor your online application after submitting your application form through the school’s undergraduate student portal. Most universities will require you to create an admissions account when you submit your application. You’ll receive an email with a signup link when the university receives your application.
You should apply to Washington University’s Early Decision plan if you’re certain it is your first choice. Keep in mind that the Early Decision plan is binding and that accepted students must withdraw their applications to other colleges if they are accepted. That being said, applying for Early Decision can significantly increase your chances of acceptance.
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