What is Georgetown University Acceptance Rate as of 2025?
Visualise stepping onto Georgetown’s historic campus, where the echoes of past presidents, diplomats, and Fortune 500 executives still linger. Feel the crisp D.C. air as you walk down its cobblestone pathways, passing students passionately debating global affairs under the spires of Healy Hall. Inside, classrooms pulse with heated policy discussions, investment pitches, and real-world problem-solving that shape future world leaders.
What makes Georgetown stand out? Location. Prestige. Impact. Situated in the heart of Washington, D.C., students live policy, business, or law, don’t just learn it. One day, you’re dissecting international relations theories in class; the next, you’re interning at the State Department, pitching ideas on Wall Street, or attending a live congressional hearing.
But with such prestige comes one of the toughest admissions processes in the U.S. Georgetown’s acceptance rate is ruthless—especially for its elite programs like the Walsh School of Foreign Service and McDonough School of Business. It’s not just about grades or test scores. It’s about proving that you belong among the world’s next great thinkers, strategists, and innovators.
So, how do you beat the odds? This blog breaks down Georgetown’s acceptance rate, key admissions criteria, and expert-backed strategies to maximise your chances. Whether you’re an aspiring diplomat, business mogul, or legal powerhouse, consider this your go-to roadmap for getting in.
Georgetown University Acceptance Rate: The Numbers
Georgetown’s acceptance rate fluctuates from year to year based on several factors, including the number of applications received, changes in institutional priorities, and overall trends in higher education. Below are the latest figures to help you gauge your chances:
- Overall Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: ~12-15%
- International Student Acceptance Rate: ~8-10%
- Graduate Programs Acceptance Rate: Varies widely from 10% to 30%, depending on the faculty and program.
Selective Schools Within Georgetown
- Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS): ~12%
- McDonough School of Business (MSB): ~11-13%
- Georgetown Law (JD Program): ~21%
- School of Medicine: ~2%
- MBA Program (McDonough School of Business): ~17%
Real Trends from Georgetown University Acceptance Rate
Year-over-Year Acceptance Rate Changes by School
Georgetown’s acceptance rates have fluctuated over the past few years, with the overall acceptance rate dropping from 16.8% in 2021 to about 12-15% in 2025. Here’s a closer look at how specific this trend has impacted schools within Georgetown:
- Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS): From 14% in 2021 to 12% in 2025, as the demand for international relations programs has grown significantly.
- McDonough School of Business (MSB): The acceptance rate has declined by 2-3% since 2022, driven by a rise in business applications.
- Georgetown Law: The acceptance rate dropped from 23% in 2021 to 21% in 2025, as the law school has seen an increase in applications recently, especially after the pandemic.
Impact of Test-Optional Policies on Admissions Competitiveness
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgetown has maintained a test-optional policy for SAT/ACT scores, allowing applicants to decide whether to submit their scores. However, Georgetown’s admissions data shows that submitting strong scores still provides a distinct advantage. Here’s why:
- Applicants who submitted SAT/ACT scores had a 20-25% higher chance of admission than those who did not.
- The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is 1450-1550, while the ACT range is 33-35.
- In 2025, over 75% of accepted students submitted standardised test scores, demonstrating that high test scores continue to play a critical role in admissions despite the test-optional policy.
Georgetown University Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- GPA: Most admitted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.8-4.0.
- SAT/ACT Scores:
- SAT: 1450-1550
- ACT: 33-35
- High School Coursework: Advanced coursework (AP, IB, Honors) is expected.
- Essays: Georgetown requires additional supplemental essays that must showcase intellectual curiosity and leadership.
- Extracurricular Activities: Leadership roles in politics, business clubs, debate, or international organisations are valued.
Graduate Admission Requirements
- GPA: 3.5+ (varies by program)
- Standardised Tests (if required):
- GRE: Competitive scores (320+ recommended)
- GMAT: 700+ for MBA applicants
- LSAT: 168+ for Law School
- MCAT: 510+ for Medical School
- Personal Statements & Letters of Recommendation: Georgetown heavily weighs these for graduate programs.
English Proficiency for International Students
- TOEFL: Minimum 100
- IELTS: Minimum 7.0
How to Maximize Your Admission Chances
1. Academic Excellence & GPA Strategy
Georgetown expects high GPAs, but admissions officers also assess the rigour of coursework. Students should aim for:
- A 4.0 GPA or the highest possible in their school
- AP/IB coursework in government, economics, and history (for SFS applicants)
- Advanced STEM courses (for business and science majors)
2. Standout Essays & Personal Statements
Georgetown’s essay prompts require depth. Use the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to showcase real-world impact. Example topics that have worked well:
- How a local advocacy project shaped global ambitions (for SFS applicants)
- Overcoming financial hardship and entrepreneurial resilience (for business applicants)
- Ethical dilemmas and leadership experiences in real-world settings
3. Networking & Letters of Recommendation
Letters should come from teachers or mentors who can provide specific anecdotes demonstrating your intellectual curiosity, leadership, and ability to thrive in rigorous academic environments. Georgetown values recommendations highlighting real-world impact, problem-solving skills, and engagement beyond the classroom.
4. Strong Test Scores
While test-optional policies exist, Georgetown’s admissions data consistently shows that applicants with high SAT, ACT, GMAT, or LSAT scores have a clear advantage—top scorers are admitted at disproportionately higher rates, reinforcing the importance of strong standardised test performance.
How to Stand Out and Get into Georgetown University
Georgetown thrives on diversity—not just in nationality or ethnicity but in perspectives, challenges, and growth stories. Even if your life hasn’t been filled with dramatic struggles or high-profile achievements, you can still craft a compelling application by focusing on:
- Subtle but Powerful Personal Growth: Admissions officers value stories of self-discovery, resilience, and intellectual curiosity. If you’ve lived in the same town your whole life or followed a conventional path, highlight the depth of your experiences.
- Example: Did growing up in a small town with limited resources push you to self-learn skills?
- Example: Did a routine family business expose you to economics, leadership, or ethical dilemmas?
- Intellectual Engagement: Georgetown wants students who question, analyse, and seek deeper meaning. Instead of relying on external hardships, emphasise your thinking and what excites you intellectually.
- Example: A simple summer job in retail could lead to insights into consumer psychology, socioeconomic dynamics, or marketing strategies.
- Example: A childhood hobby like gaming or music could be linked to cognitive development, strategic thinking, or cultural appreciation.
- Community & Identity Contributions: Even if you haven’t faced extreme hardships, how have you shaped your environment? Have you created impact in small but meaningful ways?
- Example: Tutoring younger students, organising local events, or maintaining a blog on a niche topic demonstrates leadership and initiative.
- Example: Tutoring younger students, organising local events, or maintaining a blog on a niche topic demonstrates leadership and initiative.
At Georgetown, your application is not just about what happened to you—but how you processed, responded to, and grew from it.
What Else Should You Know About Georgetown’s Acceptance Rate?
Understanding Georgetown’s 12-15% acceptance rate is just the beginning; applicants must also navigate key trends that shape admissions outcomes. Early Action applications have surged in recent years, yet Georgetown’s non-binding policy means the advantage is less pronounced than at other elite universities. International applicants face even lower acceptance rates (8-10%), with competitive programs like SFS and McDonough School of Business admitting far fewer students per year.
Meanwhile, standardised test scores remain a major factor—data from past admissions cycles show that SAT scores of 1500+ or ACT scores of 34+ significantly boost chances of admission, even with a test-optional policy in place. Letters of recommendation also carry considerable weight, as Georgetown seeks students with demonstrated leadership and intellectual curiosity. A generic LOR won’t cut it. Moreover, the increasing emphasis on diversity, global perspectives, and advocacy work means applicants with unique backgrounds and social impact initiatives gain an edge. Aspiring Hoyas must approach their applications with precision, strategy, and storytelling that aligns with Georgetown’s mission of producing future leaders in business, politics, and global affairs.
What Reddit Says About Georgetown’s Admissions
From application struggles to myths about test-optional policies, here’s what actual applicants are experiencing:
1. How Competitive Is Georgetown Really?
A recurring theme on Reddit is that fewer people apply to Georgetown than expected—yet its acceptance rate remains low. One applicant pointed out that Georgetown’s Common App exclusion discourages casual applicants who “mass-apply” to schools. This keeps its applicant pool more self-selective and competitive than other top-tier schools: “Most people who apply to Georgetown actually WANT to go there. It’s not just a ‘might as well’ school like some Ivies that get flooded with applications.” If you apply, you compete against serious applicants, not just Common App scatter-shooters. Your interest in Georgetown must be clearly demonstrated in your essays and interviews.
2. The Test-Optional Myth—Do You REALLY Need SAT/ACT Scores?
Even though Georgetown technically allows test-optional applications, Redditors strongly caution against applying without scores. The consensus? Georgetown still prefers standardised test scores, and applicants with strong scores have a clear advantage: “If you don’t submit test scores, your application has to be ridiculously strong in other areas. Like, think ‘national awards’ level.” Even though test scores aren’t required, 2025 stats with over 75% of applicants submitting their scores suggest they’re heavily valued. If your SAT/ACT is strong, submitting it will significantly boost your chances.
3. Best Applicant Strategies From Accepted Students
Reddit users who got into Georgetown emphasise three underrated strategies (though they’re no longer so if you’ve read the blog):
Killer Letters of Recommendation – Georgetown values detailed, anecdote-driven LORs. Many successful applicants chose recommenders who could tell a compelling story rather than confirm good grades.
Direct Engagement With Georgetown – Visiting campus, attending webinars, and networking with current students made a noticeable difference for some accepted applicants. Showing interest is key.
Standing Out in the Essays – Many applicants get rejected because their essays are too generic. The best essays tie personal experiences to Georgetown’s culture, values, or mission. A current Georgetown student writes, “I wrote about my experience working at a local political campaign and tied it to what I’d do at SFS. My Georgetown interview was basically just expanding on my essay.”
Your essays should show why Georgetown is THE perfect fit for you, not just why you’re a great student.
Final Thoughts
Georgetown’s 12% acceptance rate is a gatekeeper to a world of political power, business leadership, and global influence. Applicants confirm: test-optional is a myth, generic essays kill applications, and killer LORs set winners apart. Unlike Common App schools, Georgetown attracts only serious contenders. Want in? Prove you belong. Nail your essays, secure standout recommendations, and immerse yourself in Georgetown’s world. Strategy beats stats, so play it smart, or don’t play at all.
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