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Georgetown University, located in one of the greatest neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., is renowned for its academic excellence and is one of about two dozen Jesuit schools in the US (more on that later). The application process for Georgetown is rather unique, so careful planning and a detailed approach is required. Prospective students are faced with an old-fashioned feeling Georgetown Application that is not aligned with the CommonApp, which presents some difficulties for some newbies on the application side and is the consternation of many admissions counselors. After submitting the Georgetown Application, students jump through a series of additional hoops to provide more information about themselves, their chosen school and major, activities, standardized testing updates, and essays. Recommendations from high school counselors and teachers are also required and emails are sent to these individuals automatically to request the necessary documents for the application. Georgetown, unsurprisingly, requires three supplemental essays for all applicants. The first essay involves discussing the significance of a school or summer activity in which the student has been most involved. The second essay allows students to describe themselves in their own words (good place to recycle CommonApp material), whether through a personal or creative narrative. The third, optional essay, invites students to elaborate on any special talents or skills they wish to highlight.
One great aspect of Georgetown's application process is the alumni interview, conducted between September and February for first-year applicants. This interview offers students the opportunity to present their personal stories in their own words, providing the admissions committee with a better understanding of the candidate. More schools should do this to get a real sense for who people are, in lieu of numbers on a screen. It’s a much more human approach to selecting the right candidates and gives interviewers a real sense of character.
Back to the Jesuit aspect, the emphasis is on a commitment to values such as cura personalis (care for the whole person), academic excellence, and social justice. These principles guide the university's commitment to nurturing both the intellectual and moral growth of its students. Cura personalis means that Georgetown not only focuses on academic success but also on the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of everyone. The equally important dedication to social justice is reflected in its encouragement of students to engage in service, advocacy, and leadership roles that address widespread societal issues.
To maximize their chances of admission, students should aim for really exceptionally high academic performance, including a GPA of 3.89 or higher, strong standardized test scores (average 1480), and a top 10% class rank if your school does that sort of thing. These criteria reflect Georgetown's competitive admissions standards and the caliber of students they seek.
Applying to Georgetown University is a comprehensive and somewhat daunting process that demands meticulous attention to detail. By understanding the application steps, crafting compelling supplemental essays, and meeting program-specific requirements, prospective students can navigate the process successfully. The expert team at ITS Education Asia can help navigate around these application obstacles and maximize your changes of success!
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