Office of Undergraduate Admissions

 

For Families

 

 

It is an exciting time when your student begins their journey to college. It can also be full of changes and questions but the George Washington University community is here to support you both through the process. Review helpful information and resources on this page, explore current events and happenings via GW Today or the GW homepage, or contact our office with any questions.

At GW, the college experience is anything but typical. Our students might learn from Pulitzer Prize-winners, run into world leaders on campus or be challenged by the first lady to serve our community. But the real difference at GW is that our students immediately put what they learn into action. From the center of Washington, D.C., they can explore hundreds of internship opportunities (in their field alone), take part in groundbreaking research that changes lives, join a student organization and volunteer in the city or around the world. Those who attend GW don’t just live in D.C. — they become a part of the nation’s capital and make a difference in it every day.

 

 

University Mission Statement

The mission of the George Washington University is to educate individuals in liberal arts, languages, sciences, learned professions, and other courses and subjects of study, and to conduct scholarly research and publish the findings of such research.

 

 

 

 

Discover GW 

 

 

 

Admissions 101

  • Wondering what it REALLY means when a school says they are test optional or about the difference between Early Decision and Early Action?
  • Do you want to understand the difference between need-based aid and merit aid?  And what role the FAFSA and CSS Profile play in helping you finance your student’s education?
  • Wondering how you will survive all the layers of this complicated process?

For students and families just beginning the college search, we developed Admissions 101, a virtual curriculum to help demystify things. Watch our video series to be guided through the many steps involved in finding - and financing - the college of your student’s dreams.

When you and your student are ready to learn more about GW, our Journey to GW page is full of virtual, in-person, and on-demand resources!

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Student Life

College is a time to grow, as students discover the world around them and develop long-lasting relationships. From first-year students to first-generation students and transfer students, Student Life tailors services and events to reach each member of the GW student body. GW has unique traditions, designed to give students the opportunity to realize their full potential through a wide range of programs, activities, and support services. GW’s innovative programs are personalized to support students and ensure their academic success.

 

housing
 
 

Housing

GW aims to promote residential experiences rooted in vibrant communities where students can learn, grow, and feel at home. Students will be inspired to form lifelong connections; advance their personal, academic, and professional goals; and engage with all the university and D.C. offer. First-year residence halls offer a variety of room types and amenities, yet each residence hall is coed by room, includes streaming cable, has building-wide wireless internet, and is managed by a full-time professional Community Coordinator. 

 

dining
 
 

Dining

At GW, our meal plans are designed to fit students’ unique needs. With flexibility, convenience, and value in mind, students can enjoy all-you-care-to-eat meals at dining halls in Thurston and Shenkman Halls on the Foggy Bottom Campus and at The Eatery at Pelham Commons on the Mount Vernon Campus. These locations provide made-to-order, culturally diverse offerings, and allergen-friendly concepts to the GW community. Students can find a variety of food options such as vegan, vegetarian, and allergen free, and all dining services prioritize sustainability in their food-serving practices. GW’s student-athletes can expect a dining program that provides training meals through an athletics-focused performance food hub that is also available to all GW students. All students residing in residence halls are required to purchase a meal plan. Students will have an opportunity to choose their meal plan at the same time they apply for housing.

 

traditions
 
 

GW Traditions

At GW, we know history. Founded in 1821 through an Act of Congress, we have fulfilled George Washington’s vision of an institution in the nation’s capital dedicated to educating and preparing future leaders. Our students have shaped and celebrated the quintessential moments that make the GW experience truly unique. Explore GW’s traditions and university events.

 

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Student Organizations

Student organizations are one of the best ways to get involved on campus. Assembled under an array of causes, identities, and interests, student organizations at GW put on some of the most highly anticipated campus events and offer endless opportunities for involvement and leadership each year! GW offers over 500+ student organizations, so there is something for everyone!

GW’s gateway to all student organizations is Engage, which allows students to access information about any student organization at GW, find out about events and activities on campus, manage their organization’s communications and finances, and stay up to date with life outside of the classroom.

 

GWPD
 
 

Health & Safety

GW’s Police Department works with local law enforcement and community partners to provide a safe and secure campus environment for all members of the university community. Services include residential hall security, patrol services, and crime prevention education. Encourage your student to add GWPD’s emergency and non-emergency numbers to their contacts: 

  • GWPD emergency line: (202) 994-6111
  • GWPD non-emergency line: (202) 994-6110
    GW Safe Ride

    GW provides a free and safe ride to/from Foggy Bottom Campus residence halls and academic buildings during late-night hours for students, faculty, and staff who prefer not to walk alone.

    GW EMeRG (EMS)

    EMeRG (GW Emergency Medical Response Group) is a student-run and -operated volunteer EMS agency serving the greater Foggy Bottom community and the GW Mount Vernon Campus. As nationally certified EMTs, EMeRG and its members are committed to providing free prehospital care and transport to the GW community. If you are sick or injured on or around campus, call the GWPD’s Emergency Line at (202) 994-6111.

    GW Alerts

    GW uses a number of tools to notify students, staff, faculty, and community members of emergency situations and safety-related information. All students will automatically receive GW email alerts. If you listed your mobile number during the admissions process, it will automatically be signed up for text alerts upon enrollment. Students may customize their GW alert settings to include a parent or family member. GW also uses the Guardian app, which includes safety times, a direct link to the GWPD  Emergency line, and a directory of important resources. 

     

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    Value & Cost

    Most families find the process of financing a college education for their student a daunting undertaking. Unfortunately, many rule out universities and colleges that might serve their students well, out of an abundance of caution regarding expense and anxiety over debt. However, the proper research into actual cost and available institution-based financial resources can result in pleasant surprises about the actual affordability of higher education.

    The Office of Undergraduate Admissions administers our merit-based scholarship offerings. All applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships, and no additional application is required for most scholarships. 

    Return on Investment/Outcomes

    In addition to reviewing scholarships and need-based aid, we encourage you and your student to think about your return on investment - basically, where their GW degree will take them. GW’s Office of Career Services hosts the Undergraduate Employment and Education Outcomes page, where you can search by major to see where GW’s recent graduates are employed (by employer and geographic location), how many go onto graduate programs, and what their salaries are upon graduation.

     

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    Other GW Resources