Georgetown University, founded in 1789, is the United States’ first institution to follow the principles of Jesuit education. Among its graduates are several government officials from many countries. Many royal family members from other countries have also attended Georgetown. Although Georgetown has religious roots, it is not strictly a religious institution and welcomes students of all faiths.
"Students are challenged to engage in the world and become men and women in the service of others, especially the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community. These values are at the core of Georgetown’s identity, binding members of the community across diverse backgrounds, faiths, cultures and traditions." (Georgetown)
Popular undergraduate programs:
- Economics
- Finance
- International Relations
- Marketing
- Nursing
Notable graduate programs:
- International Affairs
- Nursing Practice
- Global Infectious Diseases
Notable Alumni:
- Bill Clinton, 43rd president of the United States
- Bradley Cooper, American actor and filmmaker
- Alexandra Cousteau, conservationist, filmmaker, and granddaughter of scientist Jacques Cousteau
Academic Life
Students will enter one of five of Georgetown’s undergraduate colleges:
- Georgetown College (the largest individual college)
- School of Nursing and Health Studies
- McDonough School of Business
- Walsh School of Foreign Service
- School of Continuing Studies
Many majors are designed to be interdisciplinary. This approach furthers Georgetown’s mission of "educating the whole person." Being located in the capital city of the United States affords students many opportunities for community involvement and internships. Several programs require service-learning projects for degree completion.
Three pieces of trivia about Georgetown
- The international student community is quite large. About a third of all Georgetown students are bilingual, and the undergraduate student body represents more than 130 countries. This has been the case since the early 19th century, shortly after the university was built.
- The official name of Georgetown sports teams, the "Hoyas," is said to come from a cheer. This cheer, made up by a student studying Greek and Latin, is said by some to mean "what rocks." Others argue that it means absolutely nothing. Whichever is true, the name stuck.
- There is an intricate seal on the walk in front of Healy Hall. Superstition holds that if a student steps on the seal, they will not graduate in four years.
High school summer programs available?
Yes.
Admissions Statistics (Fall 2021):
- 27,629 applicants
- 3,311 (12%) admitted
How to apply to Georgetown:
- ACT or SAT (the writing section is not needed)
- TOEFL, DET, or IELTS (recommended for all for whom English is a second language)
- Georgetown application supplement
- Secondary School Report (including transcript)
- Teacher’s recommendation
Supplemental materials are needed if the student intends to enter a music, visual art, theater, or dance program.
Application Deadlines:
- November 1 (Early Action)
- January 10 (Regular Decision)
