Georgetown University Acceptance Rate 2026: 13.5% Admit Rate, GPA, SAT, ACT & Admissions Strategy
Direct answer: Georgetown University’s latest Common Data Set shows 26,822 first-year applicants, 3,618 admits and 1,589 enrolled. That makes the Georgetown acceptance rate about 13.5%.
Georgetown is not test optional. Most applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores, complete the Georgetown/Common App process, submit the writing supplement and take part in the required alumni interview process.
This guide is built for quick scrolling: acceptance rate first, then GPA context, SAT/ACT ranges, Early Action rules, deadlines, required materials, school-specific strategy, video help, FAQs and official Georgetown links.
3,618 admits from 26,822 first-year applicants.
Latest CDS SAT Composite range among enrolled score submitters.
Latest CDS ACT Composite range among enrolled score submitters.
Georgetown requires SAT and/or ACT scores as part of review.
Quick navigation for Georgetown applicants
Georgetown University acceptance rate 2026: clear answer first
| Search intent | Answer | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Georgetown acceptance rate 2026 | About 13.5% using the latest Georgetown CDS. | Georgetown is a reach school for most applicants. |
| Applicants | 26,822 first-year applicants. | Application volume is high, so weak fit is easy to reject. |
| Admitted students | 3,618 admitted first-year applicants. | Strong academics are expected, but not enough alone. |
| Enrolled students | 1,589 enrolled first-year students. | Georgetown enrolls a small class compared with applicant volume. |
| Waitlist | 2,672 offered waitlist; 356 admitted from waitlist. | Waitlist movement exists but should not be treated as a plan. |
Georgetown application deadlines: Early Action and Regular Decision
| Date | Georgetown action | Applicant warning |
|---|---|---|
| As soon as possible | Submit Georgetown Application or Common Application. | This starts your file and interview scheduling process. |
| November 1 | Early Action deadline. | Testing should arrive on time; do not wait for late scores. |
| December 15 | Early Action results. | Georgetown says EA applicants are not denied; non-admitted EA files move to RD review. |
| January 1 | Regular Decision deadline. | All required credentials should be received on time. |
| February 1 | Financial aid forms: FAFSA and CSS Profile. | Do not wait until admission results to prepare aid forms. |
| April 1 | Regular Decision results. | Compare aid, fit and program options carefully. |
| May 1 | Reply date for accepted first-year students. | Deposit only after reviewing the offer and financial aid. |
Georgetown SAT, ACT and GPA: what is competitive?
GPA answer
No official GPA cutoff. Georgetown’s latest CDS does not report average GPA, but class rank is very strong: 87% in the top tenth and 97% in the top quarter among students with rank.
SAT answer
1405–1530 SAT Composite middle 50%. SAT code: 5244. Georgetown considers highest EBRW and highest Math from multiple SAT sittings.
ACT answer
32–35 ACT Composite middle 50%. ACT code: 0668. Georgetown says it is not a score choice school for ACT and does not use the new ACT superscore optional reports.
Test optional answer
Georgetown is not test optional. Applicants should submit official SAT and/or ACT scores unless Georgetown gives specific testing-access guidance for their situation.
Score strategy table
| Your score situation | Georgetown meaning | Action step |
|---|---|---|
| SAT 1530+ or ACT 35+ | At or above the upper enrolled range. | Good academic signal; focus on essays, interview and fit. |
| SAT 1405–1530 or ACT 32–35 | Inside Georgetown’s middle 50% range. | Competitive score; still need strong rigor and writing. |
| SAT below 1400 or ACT below 32 | Below the latest middle 50% range. | Try to improve if time remains; strengthen course rigor and essays. |
| Strong SAT sections from different dates | Georgetown considers highest EBRW and Math from multiple SAT administrations. | Send official SAT reports according to Georgetown rules. |
| Multiple ACT sittings | Georgetown asks for all individual ACT scores and does not use the new ACT superscore report. | Plan ACT testing carefully before sending. |
What Georgetown reviews: the factors that matter most
Georgetown’s CDS marks many academic and personal factors as very important. This means the application must be strong in more than one area.
| Factor | Importance signal | How to strengthen it |
|---|---|---|
| Rigor of secondary school record | Very important. | Take advanced courses that match your intended path. |
| Academic GPA | Very important. | Show sustained performance, not only one strong semester. |
| Class rank | Very important. | If your school ranks, strong standing helps; if not, rigor and counselor context matter. |
| Standardized test scores | Very important. | Prepare seriously because Georgetown requires SAT/ACT. |
| Application essay | Very important. | Write for the specific Georgetown school, not generic prestige. |
| Recommendations | Very important. | Choose teachers who can show how you think, write and lead. |
| Interview | Important. | Prepare clear reasons for Georgetown and your chosen school. |
| Extracurricular activities | Important. | Show depth, public service, leadership, debate, research, work or community impact. |
| Character and personal qualities | Very important. | Let essays, recommendations and interview show maturity and purpose. |
Georgetown application materials: what to submit
| Material | Official detail | Applicant tip |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Georgetown Application or Common Application. | Submit early because it starts your file and interview scheduling. |
| Writing Supplement | Required additional writing forms after application account setup. | Do not reuse a generic “why college” essay. |
| Secondary School Report | Includes transcript and school context. | Make sure counselor details are correct. |
| Teacher recommendation | Required. | Pick a teacher who knows your thinking, writing or problem-solving. |
| Application fee | $80 non-refundable fee, payable in USD. | Use fee waiver if eligible; do not let payment delay submission. |
| SAT/ACT | Official scores sent directly from testing service. | Request scores early; Georgetown warns not to wait too long. |
| Interview | Required alumni interview process begins after application submission. | Check email and allow georgetown.edu messages through spam filters. |
Georgetown essay and interview strategy
Georgetown recommended high school preparation
| Applicant path | Georgetown preparation guidance | Practical action |
|---|---|---|
| General applicant | Full English program, at least two years of social studies, language study, mathematics and one year of natural science. | Do not underprepare in writing, language or core academic subjects. |
| Math or science concentration | Four years of mathematics and at least three years of science recommended. | Show calculus/advanced math and lab science strength where available. |
| Nursing applicant | At least three years of mathematics plus biology and chemistry. | Use health service, patient exposure or science rigor to support fit. |
| Business applicant | Minimum three years of math through advanced algebra and trigonometry; calculus required in the program; two years of science recommended. | Show quantitative preparation and business-related impact. |
| Foreign Service / language path | Modern foreign language or Latin background recommended. | Connect language, global issues, diplomacy, service or international interests clearly. |
Georgetown admissions video guide
Watch this related Georgetown admissions video, then use the checklist below to turn general advice into specific application improvements.
Georgetown application checklist: scan before you submit
International applicants: quick answers
Georgetown recommends, but does not require, English proficiency test results for students whose school language is not English. Accepted exams include DET, IELTS and TOEFL versions listed by Georgetown.
If an international student cannot access an open test center due to circumstances beyond their control, Georgetown says a form will be provided after the deadline to explain the issue.
Waitlist reality at Georgetown
The latest CDS data shows Georgetown offered 2,672 students a waitlist spot, 2,043 accepted a waitlist place and 356 were admitted from the waitlist.
Accept the spot if Georgetown remains a top choice, send a concise update and show continued fit without repeating your full application.
Move forward with another strong college. Waitlist admission depends on class space, not only applicant quality.
Common mistakes that hurt Georgetown applicants
- Thinking Georgetown is test optional: Georgetown requires SAT and/or ACT scores for most applicants.
- Submitting scores late: Georgetown warns applicants to send testing well before deadlines.
- Writing a generic DC essay: Washington, D.C. must connect to your academic or public-facing goals.
- Choosing the wrong school angle: Walsh, McDonough, Nursing, Health and the College require different evidence.
- Ignoring the interview: Georgetown’s alumni interview is important and should be prepared for seriously.
- Missing credentials: Georgetown says no application is considered until required credentials are received.
- Assuming EA is easier: Georgetown says Early Action does not provide a competitive advantage.
- Weak recommendations: Pick teachers who can discuss your thinking, writing and character.
- Ignoring course preparation: Business, nursing, science and foreign service paths have different preparation signals.
- Waiting on aid forms: FAFSA and CSS Profile are due February 1 for aid applicants.
Official Georgetown links and sources
The important details are summarized above so readers get answers on-page. Use these official links at the end to confirm current cycle rules before submitting.
Official deadlines, application materials, interview process, fee and contact information.
Application account, supplement, recommendation requests and deadline checklist.
Official course preparation, SAT/ACT rules, codes, English testing and international testing guidance.
Official Early Action policy, non-binding rules and competitive-advantage explanation.
Official CDS access page for acceptance rate, SAT/ACT, waitlist and admissions-factor data.
Official aid information for FAFSA, CSS Profile, deadlines and affordability planning.
FAQs about Georgetown University acceptance rate 2026
What is the Georgetown University acceptance rate for 2026?
For 2026 planning, Georgetown’s latest Common Data Set shows about a 13.5% acceptance rate: 3,618 admits from 26,822 first-year applicants.
Is Georgetown hard to get into?
Yes. Georgetown is highly selective. Applicants need rigorous coursework, strong GPA context, required SAT/ACT scores, strong essays, recommendations and interview preparation.
What GPA do you need for Georgetown?
Georgetown does not publish a guaranteed GPA cutoff. The latest CDS does not report average GPA, but 87% of students with rank were in the top tenth of their class.
What SAT score is good for Georgetown?
The latest Georgetown CDS reports a SAT Composite middle 50% range of 1405 to 1530. Georgetown SAT code is 5244.
What ACT score is good for Georgetown?
The latest Georgetown CDS reports an ACT Composite middle 50% range of 32 to 35. Georgetown ACT code is 0668.
Is Georgetown test optional?
No. Georgetown requires SAT and/or ACT scores as part of its holistic application review for most applicants.
Does Georgetown have Early Decision?
No. Georgetown does not offer Early Decision. It offers non-binding Early Action and Regular Decision.
What are Georgetown deadlines?
Early Action is November 1, EA results are December 15, Regular Decision is January 1, financial aid forms are due February 1, RD results are April 1 and accepted students reply by May 1.
Does Georgetown require an interview?
Yes. After application submission, Georgetown begins the process of scheduling a required alumni interview with a local Alumni Admissions Committee member.
How can I improve my Georgetown application?
Build a specific Georgetown school story, prepare SAT/ACT early, take rigorous courses, write focused essays, choose strong recommenders and practice clear interview answers.