Georgetown University is the oldest Jesuit and Catholic higher-learning institution in the United States. The prestigious university was established in 1789 and receives thousands of applications yearly. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., the university is known for its incredibly competitive admission process.
The university’s acceptance rate has historically fluctuated between 9% and 12%. In the admission cycle for the class of 2028, the Georgetown acceptance rate was 12%. Out of approximately 26,170 applicants, 3,226 made the cut.
Georgetown Acceptance Rate Insights
The 12% Georgetown acceptance rate spotlights the small but renowned university’s rigorous selection process.
Also of note is the university’s use of Early Action cycles, which means that hopefuls must submit their applications early to be considered for the first wave of admission. Whereas some universities have shied away from EA cycles, Georgetown University has stood by its decades-old tradition.
Overall admissions data includes transfers, which come from a range of institutions, such as four-year colleges and universities, as well as community colleges.
Breaking Down Georgetown’s Admission Statistics
For more context, here are more statistics regarding Georgetown admissions:
- Total Applicants: 26,170
- Admitted Students: 3,226
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Early Action Applicants: 8,600
- EA Admitted Students: 860
- EA Acceptance Rate: 10%
Georgetown University received 404 more Early Action applications this year compared to the previous cycle. However, it accepted 104 fewer EA students, which is a large reason why the EA acceptance rate dropped from 11.76% for the class of 2027 to just 10% for the class of 2028. The overall 2028 acceptance rate of 12% is also slightly lower than the 2027 rate of 13%.
Demographic and Geographic Trends
Georgetown University has an incredibly diverse student body. As of 2021, roughly 45% of students identify as white, just over 10% are Asian, 8.49% are Hispanic or Latino, and 7% are African American. Notably, nearly one out of five enrollees are non-resident students, indicating that the school has a huge population of international students.
The school has not published more recent demographic data, so it is unclear how the class of 2028 will impact these figures.
Georgetown Admissions Policies and Student Profiles
Georgetown University does not summarize the GPA ranges during its admissions cycles. However, according to the school’s website, most successful applicants have a GPA of at least 3.8-3.9 on a 4.0 scale. Additionally, the school reports that most successful applicants are in the top 10-20% of their high school classes.
Based on recent admissions cycle data, 50% of applicants who are accepted to Georgetown University have an ACT score between 32 and 35 or an SAT score between 1390 and 1560. Roughly 25% of accepted applicants score above these ranges, and the remaining quarter score below these ranges.
School officials place a high value on an applicant’s high school class rank as well as letters of recommendation. Strong applicants have a combination of a high GPA, high SAT or ACT scores, exceptional recommendations, and a ranking near the top of their high school class.
What It Takes to Be Successful
While it’s easy to become focused on the relatively low Georgetown acceptance rate, it is better to focus on meeting the school’s academic requirements, which include:
- Four years of English
- At least two years of social studies
- At least two years of modern language
- At least two years of mathematics
- One year of natural science
The university also has modified requirements for students who plan to concentrate in select fields. Students who plan to concentrate on mathematics or science should have four years of the former and at least three years of the latter. Candidates for the School of Health or School of Nursing need at least three years of mathematics and one year each of chemistry and biology.
Overall, the Georgetown University admissions team emphasizes the “quality of a student’s work” and their seriousness of purpose and “general promise.” However, students must meet the minimum standards regarding high school preparation, recommendation letters, and the completion of the SAT or ACT.
The Georgetown acceptance rate is based on a holistic review of an applicant’s body of work. Students who have demonstrated purpose and focus will have an opportunity to join the ranks of Georgetown University.
Is It Hard To Get Into Georgetown?
Based on the 12% Georgetown acceptance rate, you have slightly higher than a one-in-ten chance of being accepted. However, it is impossible to predict your individual odds due to the sheer number of variables at play.
What GPA Do I Need to Get Into Georgetown?
The university does not have a mandatory minimum GPA requirement, but it reports that most successful applicants have at least a 3.8 GPA.
How Many Applications Does Georgetown Receive?
Georgetown typically receives 8,000-10,000 Early Action applications each year and over 25,000 total applications.
