FAQs - Cloned

High school students in the early stages of the college search process should explore our Journey to College page, which offers general resources to guide you along the journey. When you're ready to learn more about the George Washington University, visit our Journey to GW page!

The Office of Admissions carefully reviews each applicant based on academic background, the rigor of high school coursework, and GPA. In addition, admissions officers consider essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. Submitting standardized test scores to GW is optional for most applicants. We are looking for students who have the academic preparation, personal qualities, and motivation to thrive in GW’s dynamic environment.

The review of a GW admissions application is holistic and includes an evaluation of the applicant’s academic background, the rigor of the high school program, and grades earned. In addition, the committee takes into consideration essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and test scores (if applicable).

GW is test-optional for most applicants. We use a holistic approach when evaluating every applicant. For those who choose to submit standardized test scores, 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.

A first-year applicant can select primary and alternate schools before they submit their application. Transfer students only select a primary school. We do not allow students to alter their school list once it has been submitted. Current GW students may be able to transfer into another school after their first year, although rules vary by program. (Note that the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design can only be a primary school choice).

No, you cannot change your primary and/or alternate schools. You will be considered for admission off the waitlist if space becomes available in either your primary or alternate choice.

Your application status can be checked through the GW Undergraduate Student Portal. Applicants will receive an email with a link to sign up after their application is received by GW.

The GW Undergraduate Student Portal is designed so the applicant can not only check the status of their admissions application, but also find their GWID, view missing documents, find our contact information, and when it’s posted, view their application decision and next steps. Details will be sent via email after applications are processed by the university.

Applicants can find their GWID under their name on the home screen of the GW Undergraduate Applicant Portal. If your GWID is not visible in your portal, please reach out to our office.

Only students who intend to earn a BFA (except Interior Architecture) within the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design must submit a portfolio (12 to 20 completed pieces). When applying to GW via the Common Application, if you select Corcoran as your primary school choice, you will receive information on how to submit your 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.

GW’s application fee is $80 and can be paid via the Common App. Students looking for a fee waiver should make a request from the Profile screen of the Common App; if a student does not meet those criteria but still wants to request a fee waiver, they should have their counselor contact our office.

Early Decision is a binding agreement. If admitted, applicants agree to attend GW, submit a non-refundable enrollment fee by the deposit deadline, and withdraw applications submitted to other colleges. Therefore, if GW is your first-choice college and you definitely plan to attend if accepted, then we encourage you to apply Early Decision.

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

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.

If you have previously earned a bachelor’s degree, you can apply as a transfer student to earn a second degree at GW; however, students with bachelor's degrees will not be able to transfer any credit to GW and are not eligible for scholarships or financial aid (except for the Federal Direct Stafford Loan).

Yes, GW offers certain certificate, bachelor’s, and graduate programs online. These programs are coordinated by GW Online Programs and not the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Explore GW’s online program options.

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

Along with the Common Application and letters of recommendation, 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 Form. Read more about our admission process for first-year or transfer students. If a student needs guidance about applying as a homeschool student, please contact our office for assistance.

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 students.

Students who have been admitted for the fall semester at GW are not eligible to move up their entry date to the summer semester.

As long as you have met the graduation requirements set forth by your local high school, you may apply for undergraduate admission to GW. We look forward to receiving your application!

Yes, students who were previously registered at GW and wish to resume studies after discontinuing enrollment for one or more semesters (summer sessions and leaves of absence excluded) must apply for readmission. Applications are accepted at any time as long as they adhere to the deadlines for each semester. The deadline to submit your readmission application for the summer session is four (4) weeks prior to the beginning of the desired summer session.