Profiles in Admission: Georgetown University

Feel and Setting

Georgetown University (GU), one of the nation’s oldest and most prominent colleges, is perched on a river bank in Washington, DC overlooking both the nation’s capital and a broad expanse of the Potomac River. This picturesque location has led to GU’s nickname, “The Hilltop”, a moniker that accurately portrays the school’s sense of prestige and distance. The neighborhood in which the school is located has purposefully refused to grant access to the DC Metro system, which has helped save its quaint cobblestone streets and small boutiques from the rapid corporate growth of other parts of the city. But Georgetown students are far from isolated; the school is well known for its integration with the rest of the city, particularly the political scene.

 

“…Georgetown students are far from isolated; the school is well known for its integration with the rest of the city, particularly the political scene.”

 

In fact, you would be hard pressed to find a student who isn’t involved in government in some capacity. GU houses a world-renowned School of Foreign Service, currently ranked as the nation’s top international relations program and famous for churning out students like Bill Clinton and Madeleine Albright. Other notable GU alumni include basketball greats Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo, and Allen Iverson; although it’s not known for its huge sports stadiums and rowdy football fans, GU has a strong basketball culture which brings the diverse student population together with a single cause.

 

“GU houses a world-renowned School of Foreign Service . . . famous for churning out students like Bill Clinton and Madeleine Albright…”

 

The Hilltop is known for housing some of DC’s preppiest students, but this reputation is a bit undeserved. While the student population may present itself as a sea of Vineyard Vines, boat shoes, pearls, and bright pastels, this image belies the distinct personalities of GU’s students. Georgetown has an incredibly diverse student body. This diversity is observable through student engagement in various clubs, sports, and activities. It’s not uncommon to meet a student who simultaneously participates in GERMS (Georgetown Emergency Response Medical Services), International Relations Committee, community service, and football. Engagement in clubs and student groups is an integral part of the GU culture, so taking advantage of all these opportunities is a must!

 

“While the student population may present itself as a sea of Vineyard Vines, boat shoes, pearls, and bright pastels . . . Georgetown has an incredibly diverse student body.”

 

Getting Accepted

Applicants to Georgetown University have a range of test scores. The accepted student has an average SAT composite score of 1310-1550 (GU doesn’t take the writing scores).

 

Class rank is also important: the higher an applicant’s rank, the greater chance that he or she will be accepted.

 

Test scores and GPA alone don’t decide your fate, however. The GU application process places a heavy emphasis on leadership roles, service, and extracurricular activities. One of the school’s mottos is “cura personalis” or “education of the whole person.” GU focuses on students who show great potential in furthering their growth academically, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

 

Residency

As Georgetown University is a private institution, it does not offer in-state tuition. However, it features an incredibly diverse student body. GU students come from all over the globe! The school praises diversity and engagement with others from different cultural, socioeconomic, and academic backgrounds.

 

International students also make up about 10% of the school’s population, which makes for an especially rich cultural milieu on campus.

 

Extracurriculars

Georgetown’s motto of “cura personalis” resonates throughout the application process. GU looks to see if an applicant demonstrates dedication to activities, leadership potential, and commitment to service. Leadership and service are important considerations for each prospective student. This doesn’t mean that you have to be in every club and take part in every activity, however. Commitment and dedication, even with a couple activities, is preferable to dabbling in many different clubs for brief amounts of time. Strive to show your commitment!

 

Summing It Up

If you’re interested in applying to Georgetown, it’s helpful to start preparing for the college process now. If you need help tackling schoolwork, preparing for standardized tests, or writing college essays, please reach out. We will be happy to help you every step of the way!

 

Kristy An
Associate Director
Georgetown Learning Centers