International Applicants

GW offers binding and non-binding application options with notification dates ranging from late December to April 1st.

Your application consists of a complete Common Application or Coalition Application, a personal essay, a letter of recommendation from a high school counselor or academic teacher, demonstration of English Language Proficiency (for non-native English speakers), and a non-refundable $80 application fee.

The GW Admissions Committee carefully reviews each applicant based on academic background, the rigor of high school coursework, and GPA. In addition, the committee takes into consideration essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. Submitting standardized test scores is optional for most applicants. 

Because we take a holistic approach to the application review process, we have no minimum GPA or SAT/ACT requirements for admission. However, admission to GW is competitive; admitted students are typically strong academic students in their high school graduating class.
 

Official transcripts are required for each school, college, or university that you previously attended. These credentials are required (whether or not credit was earned or is desired) and should be sent directly from the school/college/university to GW's Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Official Transcripts Submission Procedures

First-Year Applicants

First-year applicants must have transcripts for their entire secondary school career (four years of academic study including the current year in progress). Transcripts are required from each secondary school attended as well as marks from any national examinations. Also, applicants are expected to submit a mid-year report from their senior year which includes grades for all classes. For Early Decision I students, first quarter or first trimester grades will fulfill this requirement.

Your School Counselor or other School Official may send an electronic transcript and School Report directly to our office. They may also email your transcript and School Report to gwadmgwu [dot] edu (gwadm[at]gwu[dot]edu). The transcript must be sent directly from the sender's school email address in order to be considered official.

Transfer Applicants

Official transcripts are required for each college or university that a transfer applicant previously attended. These credentials are required (whether or not credit was earned or is desired) and should be sent directly from the school/college/university registrar's office to GW's Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Email transcripts must be sent directly from the sender's school email address in order to be considered official.

For applicants with less than 30 college credits, transcripts are also required from any high schools attended and should be sent directly from the school to GW's Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

English Translation

If your original transcripts are not in English, please submit both the original documents as well as certified English translations.

School Report Submission Procedures

For First-Year Applicants

The School Report should be completed by the applicant’s high school counselor. It is typically submitted along with the applicant's high school transcript and a school profile.

For Transfer Applicants

The College Report is optional. If sent, it must come from your current or most recent college where you were enrolled full time. This form should be completed by the registrar or appropriate dean or college official who can verify your enrollment and academic/disciplinary standing.

You can request a College Report from your school official on the application.

The Funding Your GW Education form will appear in your admissions checklist once your application has been processed. This form is required for all international applicants to demonstrate financial ability to pay for their tuition and living expenses at GW.

For students who are admitted and pay the enrollment deposit, additional financial documentation will be required in order to process the student's initial I-20.

Pre-Enrollment Documents Required

The following documents are required from deposited international students. You are encouraged to submit these documents with your application as it will speed up the I-20 process. They will only become required once your enrollment deposit is received.

Financial Certificate

International students will be required to complete a Financial Certificate after submitting their enrollment deposit. This document, required by the U.S. government confirms your educational funding source(s).

Bank Statement

International students will be required to provide a bank statement before an I-20 Form can be issued. The bank statement should be an original letter from the sponsor’s bank on official bank letterhead, verifying their ability to provide the funds stated on the Financial Certificate.

The bank statement must be in English and include the sponsor’s name, the currency, and also indicate that the funds are in liquid form (in a checking, savings, or deposit account and/or available for withdrawal without restriction). Bank statements older than 1 year or missing any of the above requirements will not be accepted.

If you are receiving a scholarship or sponsorship from your home government, an international organization, a company, or employer you must provide a signed letter on official letterhead addressed to GWU specifying the start and end dates of the sponsorship, the amount, the currency type, what the funds will cover, and terms of the sponsorship.

Please refer to these examples of acceptable bank statements:

• Sample Certificate of Deposit (PDF)
• Sample Bank Letter (PDF)
• Sample Bank Statement (PDF)
• Sample Scholarship Letter (PDF)

Passport

You will be required to provide a clear copy of your passport information page as part of the I-20 process before enrolling at GW.

Current F-1 Visa Holders

Students who are currently studying in the United States on an F-1 visa will be required to submit these additional documents for the I-20 process:

• All 3 pages of your most recent I-20
• Copy of your visa
• Copy of your most recent I-94
• Completed Transfer Verification Form

You’re among the many bright, talented, and diverse students from across the world who want to study in Washington, D.C., and put their knowledge in action through research, internships, global experiences, and service. To us, you’re already revolutionary!

How to check your application status:

After submitting your application, you will receive information on how to access your admissions portal. Please allow up to 7-10 business days for GW to receive your application. In your portal, you will be able to track application materials, upload or request some documents, and, eventually, view your admission decision.

Please allow several weeks from the date you submit your application and supplemental material to process your documents and post them in your GW Portal. During the busy application period, your GW Portal is your best resource, as we are continually updating students' applications and documents.