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Office of Undergraduate Admissions

 

Academic FAQs basic

General Academics

Can I complete more than one major at GW? If so, what is the percentage of GW students double majoring?

You can certainly double major at GW. Approximately 18 percent of seniors double major at GW, and 30 percent have a minor in a related discipline.

If I want to double major between schools, to which school should I apply?

Apply to your top choice school. GW students are able to double major across schools, regardless of the school to which they were admitted. As a student, you can work with your academic advisor to explore double-major options.

If I am a student in Corcoran, can I double major?

The Corcoran School of the Arts and Design is considered part of the broader Columbian College of Arts and Sciences at GW. Students who complete the requirements of two majors in the Columbian College (such as mathematics and physics, or history and economics) may graduate with a double major under a specific primary degree (BA, BS, BFA). However, due to the studio-intensive nature of the BFA programs, students will have to work diligently if they are to achieve a double major with another academic concentration. We strongly encourage students to consult with advisors in the two departments of interest before declaring both majors.

Can I switch my major?

Generally, yes. Some programs may have requirements, while others are open. Your academic advisor can help you if you wish to change majors after you enroll.

Students who wish to change to a major within another school may request an internal transfer from the University Registrar. A university-wide graduation requirement is that students must be registered in the college/school in which their primary major is housed. Some schools may require that certain prerequisite courses have been taken and that minimum grades have been earned before the transfer is processed.

How many classes are taught by teaching or graduate assistants?

Graduate assistants may lead break-out or discussion sections at GW, but no graduate assistant relays new information independent of the course’s main instructor.

Special Academic Programs

How do I apply for special academic programs?

First-year applicants may indicate an interest in special academic programs on their application. Read more about our Special Interest Programs.

Can I choose to apply to special programs after I submit my application?

First-year applicants may add or remove special programs from their applicant portal in the two weeks following receipt of their application by GW.

What is NROTC, and how does it work at GW?

GW’s Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) adds military training, opportunities, and knowledge to the traditional undergraduate program. The program is comprised of midshipmen and prior-enlisted Sailors and Marines from GW, Catholic University, University of Maryland at College Park, Georgetown University, and Howard University. Learn more information about GW’s NROTC.

Do you have an honors program?

Yes, the GW Honors Program is an interdisciplinary experience that helps students hone their analytical and expressive powers, deepen their understanding of complex issues and broaden their perspectives. Our Honors students are what we like to call “intellectual omnivores” - they understand that you can’t be interested in one thing without being interested in all things. First-year applicants may choose to apply to the University Honors Program via their application. Learn more at the GW Honors Program website.

Can I reapply to the Honors Program if I’m not selected in my first year?

Current students at GW who wish to apply to the Honors Program must be in the second semester of their first year at GW (rising sophomores). There are no minimum requirements to apply, but there are requirements to remain in the Honors Program.

Does GW offer summer programs for high school students?

Yes, learn about our Pre-College Program for high school students.

AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment: For which test scores can I receive college credit at GW?

Review our policy for bringing credit to GW. Also note that while the general GW policy limits transfer credit from AP/IB exams to 24 units, students who enroll in the B.A./B.S.-M.D. program will be allowed to bring in additional credits from AP/IB exams.

Undergraduate Research

Can I take part in research as an undergraduate? What kind of opportunities are there?

Yes, there are undergraduate research experiences that offer students the chance to learn first-hand, in collaboration with professors, how new knowledge is generated. Some students may also engage in research at their respective internship sites. Learn more about Research at GW, then explore undergraduate fellowships and grants to fund these experiences offered through the Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research.

Study Abroad 

Do you offer study abroad? (if so where and how many students participate?)

Yes, and more than 40 percent of GW students will study abroad before they graduate. The Office for Study Abroad provides and facilitates international educational opportunities at GW, including over 150 programs in more than 45 countries.

Career Preparation

Are there any internship opportunities available to GW students? If so, what types of internships are available?

Yes, in fact, GW students have access to some of the nation's most coveted internships year-round. Students usually seek opportunities that align with their majors, but there are so many industries in Washington D.C. that there’s something for everyone. Recent placements have included: The World Bank, The International Monetary Fund, The Naval Research Laboratory, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, NPR, the White House, ABC News, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Congress, the French Embassy, the American Psychological Association, and National Geographic. For more information about internship opportunities, please visit Career Services.

Are you able to take an internship for credit?

Yes, it is possible to receive up to 6 credits for internships. The Career Services website has additional information on internships.

Do GW undergrads receive any sort of preference when applying to GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences or GW Law?

Unless GW students have enrolled in an early assurance program, they will not receive preferential treatment in either the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences or GW Law School admissions process.

Admission to Other GW Programs

I'm interested in nursing, professional programs, graduate study, or summer/non-degree programs. Where do I go?

Although GW offers a wide range of academic programs, GW's Office of Undergraduate Admissions only recruits traditional first-year and transfer applicants for GW's Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (including Corcoran School of the Arts and Design and School of Media and Public Affairs), Elliott School of International Affairs, School of Business, School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the Milken Institute School of Public Health.

Applicants to other schools at GW should refer to their respective school/department for admission policies. Other common areas of interest are listed below:

Search all of GW's Graduate Programs

Admission Letters or Proof of Enrollment

How can I get a copy of my admission letter or proof of enrollment?

We encourage each student to save a copy of their admission letter from their portal upon admission. Letters from previous years will not be available. Often current students will require a "proof of enrollment," which are available for the current academic semester. These are available from the Student Records Information Menu of GWeb; more information is available from the Office of the Registrar. To request a copy of your admission letter from a previous term, please contact our office with your request and include your GWID for verification.