General and First-Years FAQs

Applying to GW

I'm just beginning my college search. Where should I begin?

High school students in the early stages of the college search process should explore our Admissions 101 videos, which offer general resources to guide you along the journey. When you're ready to learn more about the George Washington University, we hope you'll explore our campus visit options!

How much is the application fee? Can I receive a fee waiver?

GW’s non-refundable application fee is $80, regardless of the method selected to apply. Students looking for a fee waiver should make a request from the Profile screen of the Common App or review the criteria within the Coalition Application; if a student does not meet those criteria but still wants to request a fee waiver, they should have their counselor contact our office.

Does GW require an interview?

No, evaluative interviews are not required or offered for GW admission. However, please feel free to reach out to the GW admissions representative assigned to your area or contact our office with any questions you may have.

Can I change my school or major?

Students apply to one of GW's schools or colleges on their application. Applicants have 2 weeks following submission to change their selection in the applicant portal; some changes may be allowed for admitted students. Current GW students may be able to transfer into another school after their first year, although rules vary by program.

Do I need to submit a portfolio for admission? If it’s not required, can I still send in portfolio materials?

Only students who intend to earn a B.F.A. (except Interior Architecture) within the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design must submit a portfolio (12 to 20 completed pieces). Those students who apply to GW's Corcoran School will receive information on how to submit a portfolio via Slideroom.

Students applying for any other degree are not required to submit a portfolio. Please note that GW cannot guarantee that any submitted material will be reviewed if it is not part of the official application process.

Do you accept AP, IB, or college credits taken in high school?

Yes, first-year and transfer applicants may earn college credit through AP, IB, or college courses. Find details under Bring Credits to GW.

Are students required to live on campus?

All students who begin at GW as first years are required to live on campus for three years unless they have been approved for a Residency Exemption. More information regarding housing and the registration process can be found on GW's Campus Living & Residential Education webpage.

Special Circumstances

Can I apply if I have earned a GED?

Yes, if you have not attended college since earning your GED, you should apply as a first-year applicant; if you have attended college since earning your GED, you should apply as a transfer student.

I am a homeschool student. Are there special requirements I need to fulfill to apply for GW admission?

Along with an application and required materials, homeschool students are required to submit the SAT or ACT and a transcript of courses taken to complete the high school diploma requirements. The Office of Admissions will work with students to waive the Counselor Recommendation. Read more about our admission process for first-year or transfer applicants. If a student needs guidance about applying as a homeschool student, please contact our office for assistance.

What are your requirements for high school students who attend online high schools?

Students who have attended an online high school are required to submit standardized test scores in addition to our other application requirements. Read more about our admission process for first-year or transfer applicants.

Standardized Tests

What is GW’s SAT and ACT (standardized) test policy?

GW continues to be test-optional for the majority of applicants, as we have been since 2015. Unless you are in a population noted below, all first-year applicants may choose whether or not to submit their standardized test scores on their application. At this time, the following populations are still required to submit SAT/ACT scores:

• Applicants applying to the accelerated B.A./B.S.-M.D. Program (if submitting ACT scores, the Science section is required for B.A./B.S.-M.D. applicants)
• Applicants who are homeschooled
• Applicants who attend secondary schools that provide only narrative evaluations rather than some form of grading scale

Note, GW considers only the critical reading and math sections of the SAT for admission. Except for B.A./B.S.-M.D. applicants, the ACT Science section is not required.

Are there minimum SAT/ACT or GPA requirements for admission to GW?

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, and admitted students are typically strong academic students in their high school graduating class.

Can I change my application to test-optional after I submit it?

You must choose whether to apply as test-optional prior to submitting your application. Once your application has been received, you will have 2 weeks to change that selection in your portal. After that time, it cannot be changed.

Please know that following decision release, we will ask admitted students to submit test scores for research purposes.

Does GW superscore standardized tests?

Yes, GW will superscore both the ACT and SAT.

Next Steps After Applying

How do I monitor the status of my application materials online?

Your application status can be checked through your GW Admissions Portal. Applicants will receive an email with a link after their application is received by GW.