George Washington University campus
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George Washington University

Washington, DC · Private · 11,182 students

The George Washington University features a Foggy Bottom Campus, Mount Vernon Campus, and Virginia Science & Technology Campus.

Acceptance rate

47.1%

SAT (mid 50%)

1350–1500

Avg net price

$36,586

after aid

Testing

optional

2027 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and George Washington University’s admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Getting in is the hard part. George Washington University admitted 47.1% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 13501500 on the SAT and 3134 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what George Washington University actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

What they value

Research is Transforming Lives

My GW education made everything that I'm doing today possible. From my policy skills, communication skills, and getting to know every nook and cranny of D.C., GW gave me access and roots in the city.

  • Advancing Cancer Therapiesmedical innovations, federal investments
  • Prevention of Diabetesat-risk populations, medical innovations
  • Building Trustworthy AI Systemsnext-generation computer chips, federal investments

Verified from gwu.edu.

Applying

Requirements and deadlines

  • Testingoptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from https://www.gwu.edu.

The essays

Supplemental essay prompts

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

  • George Washington University's location in Washington, DC places students at the intersection of medicine, science, policy, innovation, and public service. Imagine yourself 10 years after graduating from the B.A./B.S.-M.D. program. What impact do you hope to have on your patients, your profession, or society? Describe how specific opportunities at GW and in the DC metropolitan area would help you develop the experiences, relationships, and perspectives needed to achieve that vision.

  • With small classes and a dedicated faculty, the University Honors Program (UHP) embraces the ideals of a liberal arts education. Within the UHP, students take classes in many different academic fields (philosophy, science, history, art, social science, etc.) and hone their critical thinking skills. Explain why, as a member of the UHP, you would value the opportunity to engage with topics outside your major field(s) of study. Include an example of a time when you successfully tackled an intellectual challenge outside of your personal comfort zone.

    Up to 500 words

  • The UHP represents a community of scholars at GW. First-year UHP students live and take classes together on the Mount Vernon Campus. Upper-level UHP students remain connected to our community for the remainder of their time at GW through courses, faculty mentoring, advising, research, an optional Foggy Bottom housing opportunity, and our many co-curricular/social activities. Describe a time when you have personally benefited from being a member of a tight-knit community. How do you see yourself contributing to the UHP community inside and/or outside the classroom while at GW?

    Up to 500 words

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from https://www.gwu.edu.

Cost and aid

What you will actually pay

The sticker price is about $83,856, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $36,586.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $90,873.

Verified from https://www.gwu.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Campus life

The feel of the place

From policy skills and communication to getting to know every nook and cranny of D.C., GW gives you access and roots in the city.

Students make discoveries across Washington, D.C., getting to know every nook and cranny of the city.

UrbanResearch-focusedEntrepreneurial

Quick answers

George Washington University FAQ

Is George Washington University test-optional?
For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at George Washington University is optional.
How hard is it to get into George Washington University?
Very hard. George Washington University admits 47.1% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1350 to 1500 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
How much does George Washington University cost?
The list price is about $83,856, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $36,586.
Is George Washington University worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $90,873 ten years after enrolling, and 85% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.

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Ask Spike anything about George Washington University.

Spike answers from George Washington University’s own site, then helps you figure out your move. Join the waitlist to get in early.