George Washington University Admission Requirements

I'm really interested in applying to George Washington University next year. Can anyone tell me what the specific admission requirements are? I'd like to start preparing my application early. Thanks!

George Washington University (GWU) is a great choice, and it's smart to start preparing your application early. Here are the specific admission requirements for GWU:

1. Common Application: The Common App is where you'll enter basic information about your family, educational history, and so on.

2. High School Transcript: You'll need to submit your official high school transcript, which will show all courses taken and your performance in each one. Make sure to maintain a strong GPA in a rigorous course load.

3. Letters of Recommendation: GWU requires two letters of recommendation from academic/professional references (teachers, counselors, and so on - GWU does recommend that one of your recommenders be a supervisor). Choose recommenders who will offer slightly different perspectives on your candidacy, and who won't be redundant with the information contained elsewhere in your application.

4. Essay: You'll need to write a personal essay as part of your application. There are several prompts to choose from, so select the one that resonates with you most and allows you to showcase your unique qualities, experiences, or writing skills. GWU also has an optional supplemental essay that you should complete to showcase your fit for this particular institution. You can find guidance on how to tackle both the personal statement and the GWU-specific supplement on CollegeVine's blog:

- Personal statement: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-common-application-essays/

- Supplement: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-george-washington-university-essays/

5. Test Scores (Optional): For the 2024-2025 application cycle, GWU is test-optional, which means that submitting SAT or ACT scores is not required. However, you can still submit your scores if you believe they'll strengthen your application. If you're unsure whether or not you should submit your scores, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which contains detailed guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/

6. Extracurricular Activities: List your involvements and achievements in extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. Highlight your leadership roles and accomplishments within your activities.

7. Application Fee or Fee Waiver: GWU has an application fee of $80. If you're experiencing financial hardship, you can request a fee waiver - CollegeVine's blog contains information on how to do so: https://blog.collegevine.com/the-complete-guide-to-fee-waivers-in-the-college-application-process

Make sure to check GWU's website for any additional program-specific requirements, as well as the specific deadlines for Early Decision I (EDI), Early Decision II (EDII), and Regular Decision (RD) applications. Good luck!