The George Washington University

If you want to apply to GW, the regular decision application deadline is January 5 and the application fee is $80.

Application fees can add up, but some schools do have free applications and students who are struggling to afford application fees may qualify for for fee waiver for their application.

Students who submit their applications for Fall should receive an admissions decision no later than April 1.

GW Admissions Stats at a Glance

Considering Applying Early to GW?

The George Washington University offers early decision but not early action. Early decision is binding, meaning you must attend if you are admitted, while early action allows you to apply early without committing. Early Decision 2 applications are due 1/5.

The early decision acceptance rate at GW is 65%, compared to an overall acceptance rate of 43%. Last year, GW admitted 681 of the 1051 students who applied early decison.

Some students apply to college early because they believe it will help their chances. Early deadlines may increase the chance of being admitted, since applying early shows your are very interested in a school, and your application is being considered before all the regular decision applicants apply.

See a list of some selective colleges that admit significantly more applicants during early decision or early action than during regular admission.

Is GW Hard To Get Into?

It is extremely difficult to get into GW. GW evaluates applicants carefully based on multiple criteria to decide who to admit, and who to deny or waitlist.

In 2021, GW accepted 43% of all applicants, around 11,366 of the 26,405 students who applied.

Schools that are extremely difficult to get into, like GW, accept fewer than 30% of all applicants. At least 75% of admitted students have GPAs in the top 10% of their high school class and scored over 1310 on the SAT or over 29 on the ACT.

It is very difficult to be admitted as a transfer student.

In 2021, GW waitlisted 5,673 students. Of those, 2,512 eventually received an admissions offer.

What's Most Important to Get In to GW?

Colleges consider a range of factors when choosing who to admit for their next incoming class. Each college determines which factors are given the most weight in the admissions process. When creating your list of schools to apply to, you may want to consider your strengths and any possible weaknesses in your application, and choose schools that prioritize the areas where you shine.

Admissions Factors at GW

GW Application Requirements

Double check with GW's admissions department to confirm all application materials and requirements.

What GPA Do I Need To Get Into GW?

Out of all students that were admitted, 26% submitted a class rank. At GW 50% of students ranked in the top 10% of their graduating class in high school, 83% were in the top 25% and 98% were in the top 50%.

Unweighted GPAs range from 4.0 to under 1.0.

GW does look at standardized tests scores during the admissions process.

GW is test optional. Test optional schools allow students to choose if they want to submit ACT or SAT scores with their applications or not.

In 2021, 50% of GW's first-year students submitted their SAT scores with their application. 27% of admitted applicants sent ACT scores.

What's a Good SAT Score for GW?

To be competitive with other GW applicants, you should strive to earn between 1290 and 1430 (or higher!) on the SAT. At GW 25% of admitted students scored higher than 1430 and 25% of scored lower than 1290, but the majority of students scored somewhere in between these two numbers.

On the SAT Math Section, 25% of GW students scored 730 or higher and 75% of students scored 640 or higher. On the SAT Critical Reading section (formerly called the Verbal section), 25% of GW students scored 720 or higher, and 75% scored a 640 or higher.

Want to increase your SAT Score?

Preparing for the SAT can help raise your score, but it doesn't have to take up a lot of time.

Learn how to increase your SAT score 200 points or more in just 10 minutes a day.

What's a Good ACT Score for GW?

To be most competitive at GW, you should strive to earn between 29 and 33 on the ACT.

An ACT score of 33 means you fall in the 75th percentile for GW's admitted students. One out of every four students scored above a 33, and three out of four students scored lower than 33 on the ACT.

A 29 on the ACT is the 25th percentile for GW students. Only one out of every four students scored below 29.

Want To Bring Up Your ACT Score? Access ACT practice tests and study tips and see upcoming ACT test dates.

Transferring to The George Washington University

For transfer students, it is very difficult to get admitted to GW.

For transfer students wishing to start in the Fall, the deadline to apply is March 1.

Transfer students can enroll in GW during the following terms: - Fall Term - Spring Term - Summer Term

GW Admissions FAQs

Can I defer my acceptance to GW?

Yes, admitted students can defer their admission to GW.

Does GW accept transfer credits?

GW accepts eligible transfer credits from accredited institutions.

Does GW accept Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits?

GW does not accept International Baccalaureate credits but does accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits.

Do I have to submit test scores to GW?

No, GW is test optional, so it's up to you if you want to submit test scores or not. If your scores are higher than the school's average, you may want to send them. If you scored lower than a school's average,, you it might make sense to leave them out of your application..

What is GW's acceptance rate?

GW's acceptance rate is 43%.

What is the early decision acceptance rate at GW?

GW's early decision acceptance rate was 65% in 2021.

Want To Learn More About GW?

Click below to find out more about the admissions requirements and deadlines, student life, academics, majors and more.

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