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Georgetown University

Three essays on Georgetown's own application: activity, personal, and Why Georgetown. Annotated examples.

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Required essays

Application

Georgetown's own

Test scores

Recommended

Supplement

Required

What Georgetown rewards

Georgetown is the rare top university that does not use the Common App. You apply through the Georgetown Application, and it asks for three essays: a short activity essay, a longer personal essay, and a school-specific Why Georgetown essay tied to the undergraduate school you are applying to (the College, the School of Foreign Service, the McDonough School of Business, or the School of Health). Georgetown asks applicants to submit test scores.

Georgetown's prompts give loose, old-fashioned length guidance (about half a page or a full page, single-spaced) rather than strict word counts, which trips people up. Aim for roughly 250 words on the activity essay and 450 to 650 on the personal and Why Georgetown essays. The school-specific essay matters most: the School of Foreign Service wants a different essay than the business school, and Georgetown reads it for genuine fit with that specific program and its Jesuit, service-minded mission.

01Fit with the specific school. The Why Georgetown essay is tied to the College, SFS, business, or health school. Georgetown reads it for a real reason you want that program, not Georgetown in general.

02Substance over polish. Georgetown's tone is academic and earnest. The personal essay rewards a real point of view and ideas, not just a moving story told beautifully.

03Mission and service. Georgetown's Jesuit identity prizes people for others. Genuine engagement with community, ethics, or the wider world resonates here.

04Depth in the activity essay. The short activity essay is not a resume line. Georgetown wants the meaning of one involvement, told with a specific detail, in very little space.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

3 prompts for Georgetown, each broken down with annotated examples.

Activity essayAbout one-half page, single-spaced (roughly 250 words)

Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.

Personal essayAbout one page, single-spaced (roughly 450 to 650 words)

As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your personal background and individual experiences, skills, and talents.

Why Georgetown (school-specific)About one page, single-spaced (roughly 450 to 650 words)

Georgetown asks a school-specific essay based on the undergraduate school you are applying to (Georgetown College of Arts and Sciences, the Walsh School of Foreign Service, the McDonough School of Business, or the School of Health). Each asks why you are applying to that specific school and how your interests fit its programs.

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Deadlines

Early ActionNov 1

Regular DecisionJan 10

Cost

Sticker price$92,635

Avg net after aid$37,967

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How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what Georgetown weighs most Supplemental essays3 prompts, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $37,967/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes Georgetown interview? Format, tips, and practice The Georgetown Reader ProScore your draft against Georgetown's exact prompts

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Georgetown FAQ

What is Georgetown's acceptance rate?

Around 12% in recent cycles, from roughly 26,000 applicants. Early Action is non-binding. Georgetown requires its own application, the Georgetown Application, rather than the Common App or Coalition App. At Georgetown, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does Georgetown require?

Georgetown requires 3 supplemental essays on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does Georgetown cost?

Georgetown's published sticker price is about $92,635 per year, but the average family pays $37,967 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does Georgetown require SAT or ACT scores?

Georgetown requires SAT or ACT scores as part of the application.

When are Georgetown's application deadlines?

Georgetown's application deadlines are Early Action Nov 1; Regular Decision Jan 10. Add Georgetown to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

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