my georgetown essay

Georgetown University 2024-25 Essay Prompt Guide

Early Action: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 10

Georgetown 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words; 1 half-page essay; 2 page-long essays

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Activity , Why, Diversity

How to Write Compelling Georgetown University Essays

Since Georgetown doesn’t use the Common App, they require four essays, one of which is specific to the college you’re applying to. Three of these essays fall into CEA’s archetypes: the Why Essay , Diversity Essay , and Activity Essay , while the fourth asks you to elaborate on one of your talents. Taken together, these four essays help to illuminate your “accomplishments outside of the classroom, demonstrated commitment to the broader community, and personal qualities such as resiliency, motivation and ambition.” The most important thing to remember while drafting your responses is to be honest and true to yourself. Georgetown wants unique individuals who will embrace their community, so show them what sets you apart from the crowd! Read on for more guidance on each essay.

Georgetown Essay Prompts Breakdown

All georgetown university applicants , prompt 1: please elaborate on any special talents or skills you would like to highlight. (250 words) .

This prompt may come first on the list, but we think you should save it for last! For the other essays on the Georgetown application, we ask you to dig deep and share personal stories that showcase talents and interests. Don’t dry the well by listing all of your (many!) skills and talents too soon. Every essay should reveal something new to admissions. So once you finish polishing your other pieces, ask yourself: What’s missing? Is there some critical puzzle piece that will help connect your other three essays? Have you been dying to get something off your chest that didn’t fit anywhere else? This essay could be the perfect outlet for you to showcase your more personal skills, interests, and quirks. If the rest of your essays describe your drive to work in international relations, perhaps your answer to this prompt could reveal a lighter side: your love of experimental cooking (and impressive knife skills!). Or maybe explain how learning a new language helped you learn how to whistle! While you should aim to highlight genuine skills that you have put effort into cultivating, you can also have a little bit of fun. This prompt is the most open-ended one on the application, so show admissions something they won’t find anywhere else on your application.

Prompt 2: Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (1/2 page, single-spaced, or approximately 300-400 words depending on font size) 

Next up is a fun twist on the classic Activity Essay, which asks you to expand on an extracurricular endeavor that you care about. For starters, we’d give you basically the same advice as the prompt: focus on one of the activities “in which you have been most involved.” Although we usually urge students to write about experiences that haven’t appeared elsewhere on their application, the Activity Essay is an exception since it specifically asks you to address an item on your resume. So, pick something with meat! When have you had the opportunity to take on a leadership role? How have four years of debate club shaped the way you communicate? Was it difficult coaching pee wee soccer as a freshman, and what motivated you to stick with it? Regardless of what you choose to write about, be sure to describe what it means to you.

Prompt 3: As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your personal background and individual experiences, skills, and talents. (1 page, single-spaced) 

Though it seems straightforward, this may be one of the hardest prompts! (What do you mean, tell you about myself in my own words?) Don’t fret. You can treat this essay just like the Common App’s prompt #1 , which asks students to write about a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. (Even better: If you’ve already written an essay in response to the Common App’s first prompt, you can recycle that essay here since Georgetown has its own application platform!)

If you’re approaching this essay from scratch, take some time to brainstorm . What about your background, talents, or identity might be worth highlighting for an admissions officer? Don’t worry about cramming every aspect of the wonder that is you into one essay; they will naturally reveal themselves along the way as you write. Whether you want to write about a facet of your identity that few people know about or a passion you’ve been dabbling in (and telling everyone about) for years, you can’t go wrong with authentic reflection and an engaging hook!

Georgetown University School-Specific Prompts 

Georgetown college of arts and sciences: founded in 1789, the georgetown college of arts & sciences is committed to the jesuit traditions of an integrated education and of productive research in the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. describe your interest in studying in the college of arts & sciences. (applicants interested in the sciences, mathematics, or languages are encouraged to make specific reference to their choice of major.).

You can probably guess what we’re going to recommend here…wait for it…research! Georgetown wants to know not just what you want to study but why you want to study it at their school. The prompt makes specific reference to the school’s Jesuit history, focus on research, and “integrated education,” so start there. Are you looking forward to a college experience grounded in faith? Are you excited to tie your various interests together through different courses, activities, and clubs? Does the Core Curriculum speak to your desire to not only focus on your intended major, but also explore other fields? If you know what you want to major in, make sure you take extra care to reference specific courses, professors, clubs, or other research opportunities that excite you. The more specific details you can incorporate into your essay, the more sincere and personal it will feel (and be!). 

School of Nursing: Georgetown University’s School of Nursing is committed to the formation of ethical, empathetic, and transformational nursing leaders. Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying Nursing at Georgetown University.

Well, this is about as straightforward as prompts get! Our advice is much the same as it is for students applying to the School of Health (see below). Set yourself apart from other applicants by not only discussing the factors that led you to pursuing a career in nursing, but also tying those experiences to your larger goals for the future. Take note of the keywords in the prompt’s first sentence and try to connect them to your story. Are you attracted to Georgetown’s focus on ethics because you come from a family of medical professionals? Were you drawn to the profession due to an empathetic nurse who supported your family during your little sister’s leukemia treatments? How do you hope to embody these characteristics in your future career? If there are elements of a Georgetown education that will support your particular interest or connect to your past experiences in some way, you should dig into that in your response, while also revealing new information to admissions about your character, motivations, and aspirations.

School of Health: Georgetown University’s School of Health was founded to advance the health and well-being of people locally, nationally, and globally through innovative research, the delivery of interdisciplinary education, and transformative engagement of communities. Describe the factors that influenced your interest in studying health care at Georgetown University, specifically addressing your intended related major: Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science.

If we know anything about applying to medical programs, it is this: everyone wants to help people, everyone wants to make the world a better place, and everyone wants to make a meaningful contribution. Few fields lend themselves to service-oriented clichés and platitudes as readily as medicine does, so to safely navigate the minefield of hackneyed generalizations, start with something personal! What’s one eye-opening experience that made you believe healthcare could be your calling? Perhaps it was a single moment, like accidental eye contact with a concerned mother in the ER. Or maybe it was something more long-term, such as navigating your school in a wheelchair after knee surgery and realizing you want to improve patient outcomes by researching physical therapies. Whatever the case, use your personal story as the backdrop for your argument. What did you learn? What problems do you hope to tackle? What change do you hope to help create? As we said, it’s not enough to just want these things; your job is to show admissions why medicine interests you personally. Once you’ve accomplished that, be sure to address the role Georgetown will play in your plan for the future. In other words, why do you want to study healthcare at Georgetown in particular? Align your response to the keywords in the prompt’s first sentence to show that Georgetown is the right school for you. Do they have a research lab that’s at the forefront of innovation? Are you eager to engage with local and global communities by volunteering in DC and studying abroad? How will Georgetown’s interdisciplinary education support your goals as a Human Science major? A wise applicant will do some research so they can infuse their response with specific details that demonstrate meticulousness and drive.

Walsh School of Foreign Service: Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders with the foundational skills to address global issues. Describe your primary motivations for studying international affairs at Georgetown University and dedicating your undergraduate studies toward a future in global service.

The Walsh School of Foreign Service wants to know what fuels your fire. What is driving you to dedicate your undergraduate studies (and maybe even your life!) to a path of service? Maybe you are incredibly passionate about combating climate change before it’s too late. What do you hope to achieve and how? Perhaps you’re following in the footsteps of a trailblazer you look up to—how do you hope to continue fighting the good fight in their honor? If you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself: What kind of mark would you like to leave on the world? How do you think you can positively contribute to a cause that is important to you? If you had the power to make a lasting impact in any area at all, what would it be? Next, describe how Georgetown’s specific program will help you achieve these goals. What courses, professors, study abroad experiences, clubs, or activities make Georgetown’s program stand out? The prompt makes reference to “generations of leaders,” so do some research to see if there are any alumni in whose footsteps you hope to follow. Finally, while building the personal connection is key, you’ll also want to leave yourself some space to spell out at least a few steps you might take to address your global issue of choice.

McDonough School of Business: Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business provides graduates with essential global, ethical, analytical, financial, and diverse perspectives on the economies of our nation and the world. Describe your primary motivations for studying business at Georgetown University.

If you think we’ve never seen an essay with the line, “I love money,” you would be wrong. Spoiler: this does not make a great first impression. Studying business is about so much more than dollars and cents, and this prompt offers a few other aspects of business you’ll learn about in this program, including “global, ethical, analytical, financial, and diverse perspectives.” In order to get some perspective, we’d recommend doing your homework. Like any classic Why Essay, the best answers are personal and specific, so go beyond your general interest in business and try to figure out specifically why Georgetown could be the right fit for you. Is it the location? The professors? The travel opportunities? Allow yourself to follow every lead and fall down every rabbit hole as you root through the program website. Your essay should paint a picture of the kind of student you will be at Georgetown, from the classes you’ll take to the activities you’ll pursue. How will this education prepare you for your dream career?

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Georgetown Essays

We have been reading Georgetown essays for over twenty years now, so we know a thing or two about the most common mistakes students make. The most common mistakes to avoid are repeating the prompt in your essay (don’t waste your words), trying to sound like an academic (admissions wants to hear your authentic voice!), and using cliches (they’re ineffective and—let’s face it—lazy).

Why Choose College Essay Advisors for Georgetown Essays

We at College Essay Advisors have been guiding students one-on-one through the essay writing process for Georgetown for over twenty years. We take a holistic approach to these essays, considering each student’s application package as a whole and identifying their strengths to highlight. Our Advisors accommodate each student’s scheduling needs to virtually brainstorm, draft, and revise winning essays. It’s incredibly important to us that each student’s voice is preserved, and we pride ourselves in helping students to write successful Georgetown essays that differentiate them from similarly qualified applicants. For more information, submit a contact form below or review our one-on-one advising services or list of student acceptances . 

About Amanda Amah

View all posts by Amanda Amah »

We'd love to connect you with an Advisor from our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Georgetown requires:

• one (1) essay of 250 words
• one (1) half-page essay; and
• two (2) page-long essays

So four (4) essays in total.

Georgetown University seeks to welcome students of “character, intelligence, motivations and achievement, without distinction on the basis of race, gender, immigration status or religious preference.” So, naturally, applicants who want to give themselves an edge will make an effort to highlight their own aspirations, accomplishments, character, and intellect without shying away from matters of personal identity.

In order to make your Georgetown essays stand out, we recommend giving yourself plenty of time to brainstorm , reflect on your stories, and piece together cohesive narratives that reveal new information about who you are and what you hope to accomplish without relying on common cliches.

Georgetown asks applicants to submit one (1) essay of 250 words, whereas the other essays don’t have word counts. Instead, they require page counts (one half-page essay and two full-page essays, to be exact).

With each of the school-specific essays, admissions is trying to suss out your motivations for studying your academic interest of choice at Georgetown and what you hope to do with that education long after graduation. To write a strong essay, you will need to think ahead to what you hope to achieve in the future. Then, circle back to how a Georgetown education will help you get there. The more specific you can be in referencing aspects of their offerings that will propel you toward meeting your goals, the better. Just make sure not to regurgitate all the information from their website back to them without reflecting on why said offerings appeal to you, specifically.

"I was accepted into Georgetown a few hours ago. Thank you for all your help! It was really difficult for me to get started on my applications, so I wanted to thank you for the help you gave in keeping me on top of things, guiding me through the brainstorming of essays, and revising them. This would've been such a stressful application experience had it not been for your help."

– CEA Student, Georgetown, Class of 2025

"I just wanted to say thank you once again for your support and assistance with [my son's] Georgetown application. Without a doubt, you made this whole process fun, interesting and bearable. [My son] absolutely loved working with you!! After reading all of his essays, all I could say was, “Wow!!” Each and every one was a true reflection of him. I was so proud of his hard work, dedication and authenticity."

– CEA Parent, Georgetown, Class of 2026

Contact us for information on rates and more!

• I am a * Student Parent Potential Partner School Counselor Private College Counselor
• Name * First Last
• Phone Type Mobile Landline
• Street Address
• Address City State / Province / Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
• Which best describes you (or your child)? High school senior High school junior College student College grad Other
• How did you find CEA? Internet Search Podcast New York Times Guidance counselor/school Social Media YouTube Friend Special Event Delehey College Consulting Perks at Work Other
• Common App and Coalition Essays
• Supplemental Essays
• University of California Essays
• University of Texas Essays
• Resume Review
• Post-Grad Essays
• Specialized Services
• Waitlist Letters
• Private School Essays
• General College Counseling
• School list with priorities noted:
• Anything else we should know?
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

School Stats:

• Agnes Scott College
• Alvernia University
• American University
• Amherst College
• Babson College
• Bard College
• Barnard College
• Baylor University
• Bennington College
• Bentley University
• Berry College
• Bethany College
• Boston College
• Boston University (BU)
• Bowdoin College
• Brandeis University
• Brown University
• Bryn Mawr College
• Bucknell University
• Butler University
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• California Lutheran University
• Capitol Technology University
• Carleton College
• Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• Catawba College
• Centre College
• Chapman University
• Claremont McKenna College
• Clark University
• Clemson University
• Coastal Carolina University
• College of Charleston
• College of William and Mary
• College of Wooster
• Colorado College
• Colorado School of Mines
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Culver-Stockton College
• D'Youville University
• Dartmouth College
• Davidson College
• Dickinson College
• Drexel University
• Duke University
• Earlham College
• Elon University
• Emerson College
• Emory University
• Flagler College
• Fordham University
• George Mason University
• Georgetown University
• Georgia State University
• Georgia Tech
• Gonzaga University
• Hamilton College
• Hampshire College
• Harvard University
• Harvey Mudd College
• Haverford College
• Hillsdale College
• Hofstra University
• Howard University
• Illinois Institute of Technology
• Illinois Wesleyan University
• Ithaca College
• Johns Hopkins University
• Kalamazoo College
• Lafayette College
• Lehigh University
• Lewis and Clark College
• Linfield University
• Loyola Marymount University (LMU)
• Lynn University
• Macalester College
• Manchester University
• Marist College
• Mary Baldwin University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Meredith College
• Monmouth College
• Moravian University
• Morehouse College
• Mount Holyoke College
• New York University (NYU)
• North Carolina State
• North Park University
• Northwestern University
• Occidental College
• Oklahoma City University
• Olin College of Engineering
• Pepperdine University
• Pitzer College
• Pomona College
• Princeton University
• Providence College
• Purdue University
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Rice University
• Roger Williams University
• Saint Anselm College
• Saint Elizabeth University
• Santa Clara University
• Sarah Lawrence College
• Scripps College
• Seattle Pacific University
• Seattle University
• Siena College
• Smith College
• Soka University of America
• Southern Methodist University
• Spelman College
• St. John’s College
• Stanford University
• Stevens Institute of Technology
• Stonehill College
• Swarthmore College
• Syracuse University
• Texas A&M University
• Texas Christian University (TCU)
• The College of Idaho
• The George Washington University
• The New School
• Trinity College
• Tufts University
• Tulane University
• UNC Wilmington
• University of California
• University of Central Florida (UCF)
• University of Chicago
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Colorado Boulder
• University of Florida
• University of Georgia (UGA)
• University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• University of Maryland
• University of Massachusetts Amherst
• University of Massachusetts Lowell
• University of Miami
• University of Michigan
• University of Minnesota
• University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
• College of Mount Saint Vincent
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• University of Notre Dame
• University of Oklahoma
• University of Oregon
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Richmond
• University of Rochester
• University of San Diego
• University of San Francisco
• University of Southern California (USC)
• University of Texas at Austin
• University of Tulsa
• University of Vermont
• University of Virginia (UVA)
• University of Washington
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Vanderbilt University
• Vassar College
• Villanova University
• Virginia Tech
• Wake Forest University
• Washington and Lee University
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Wellesley College
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
• Yale University

Want free stuff?

We thought so. Sign up for free instructional videos, guides, worksheets and more!

One-On-One Advising

Common App Essay Prompt Guide

Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

• YouTube Tutorials
• Our Approach & Team
• Undergraduate Testimonials
• Postgraduate Testimonials
• Where Our Students Get In
• CEA Gives Back
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Admissions
• Private School Admissions
• International Student Admissions
• Common App Essay Guide
• Supplemental Essay Guide
• Coalition App Guide
• The CEA Podcast
• Admissions Stats
• Notification Trackers
• Deadline Databases
• College Essay Examples
• Academy and Worksheets
• Waitlist Guides
• Get Started

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

Georgetown Supplemental Essays 2024-25 – Prompts and Advice

June 20, 2024

The nation’s oldest Jesuit institution of higher learning is also its most selective, as Georgetown University welcomed just 12% of applicants to the Class of 2028 onto its historical and notably beautiful Washington, DC, campus. Whenever you are applying to a school of Georgetown’s caliber, where the average admitted applicant has a 1470 SAT score and is at (or near) the top of their high school class, you need to find ways to set yourself apart from the pack. Toward that aim, prospective Hoyas need to take advantage of the Georgetown supplemental essays.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Georgetown? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Georgetown: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

The goal is to write compelling, standout compositions. Your essays should showcase your exceptional writing ability and reveal more about who you are as an individual. Below are Georgetown’s essay prompts for the 2024-25 admissions cycle along with tips about how to address each one.

Georgetown Supplemental Essays – Prompt 1

Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you would like to highlight. (250 words)

The wording of this prompt changed slightly from “ Indicate any special talents or skills …” to “ Please elaborate on any special talents or skills …” This tells us that Georgetown is encouraging applicants to go into more detail about their chosen talent/skill.

If you are a world-class athlete, you are likely already in the recruitment process. If you placed high in AIME or won a National Merit Scholarship, that is already stated in the awards section. Therefore, using the prized 250 words of real estate to merely rehash the fact that you won an award for something you are good at would not be an inspiring move. Instead, use this essay as an opportunity to offer a new level of depth and understanding about your talent(s). In addition to discussing the talent you possess, describe the journey of how you developed your abilities and how they have impacted you.

A few years back, Malcolm Gladwell popularized the idea that becoming an expert at anything takes 10,000 hours of practice. Consider talking about the grind and sacrifice it took you to become great at a given skill. Describe how you see that skill becoming even more finely tuned/developed over time. If this skill fits into your future academic/career plans, all the better—share that too!

Georgetown Supplemental Essays – Prompt 2

Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (approximately 1/2 page, single-spaced) 

Perhaps you are the captain of a team, the editor-in-chief of your school paper, or the president of a club. On the other hand, you may simply be a valuable contributing member. Regardless of whether you are a leading man/woman or a still-essential bit player, make sure that you use your writing ability to show the admissions officer what type of involved team member you are rather than merely telling them.

You can also discuss how you have engaged with your high school local/community. Share what you have learned from interacting with people of a different ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual identity, etc. Draw on past evidence of your commitment to being a positive force in the context of your activity/activities. Also be sure to speculate how that is likely to manifest on Georgetown’s campus. Research and cite Hoya student-run organizations, local nonprofit groups, or anything else you are drawn to. The admissions committee wants to understand precisely how you will contribute to their campus community of 7,000+ undergrads. Drawing the link between your past efforts and future aims is critical here. For example, if you’ve done work with Habitat for Humanity throughout your teens, it will be most impactful if you express your commitment to joining Georgetown’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity in the future.

Georgetown University Supplemental Essays – Prompt 3

As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your own background, identity, skills, and talents. (Approximately one page, single-spaced)

Whether you decide to write about yourself in a way that is light, creative, humorous, personal, sincere, or vulnerable (any are perfectly fine), aim to reveal a picture of yourself that cannot be gleaned from elsewhere in your application materials.

Take note of the wide-open nature of this prompt. While there are no limits to the way in which you approach this essay, here are some angles to consider:

• A perspective you hold
• An experience you had
• A community you belong to
• Your cultural or family background
• Something you’ve had to overcome

The admissions officer looking at your essay is hoping to connect with you through your written words. So be open, humble, thoughtful, inquisitive, emotionally honest, mature, and insightful. No matter what type of story you tell, the goal is to have the reader come away saying, “I can definitely see this applicant as a contributing member of our talented and engaged student community.”

Georgetown Supplemental Essays — The School-Specific Essay

Depending on the College or School that you are applying to at Georgetown, you’ll need to write a separate school-specific essay. At their core, all of them are “Why Us” essays. As you address each prompt (see below), be sure to include Georgetown-specific offerings and opportunities that support your reasoning, interests, and future plans.

Elements of a great Georgetown “Why Us?” essay

• Cite school-specific  academic programs , professors,  research opportunities ,  internship/externship programs , and  study abroad programs .
• Reference student-run organizations at Georgetown that align with your passions.
• Describe how you take advantage of Georgetown’s immense resources both inside and outside of the classroom.
• Make sure to touch on both a) why Georgetown is the perfect fit for you and) why you are the perfect fit for Georgetown. Covering both topics is essential.

Common mistakes on a Georgetown “Why Us?” essay .

• Fawning over the picturesque Gothic-style Georgetown campus (it is quite beautiful, but they already know that).
• Georgetown is top-ranked, prestigious, and has a great reputation. Again, they know!
• Too many generic expressions of feeling (e.g., It has been my dream since I was a toddler to be a Hoya… ).
• Recycled statements from your other “Why Us?” essays that come across as stale, impersonal, or worst of all–irrelevant/inaccurate.

Georgetown College: Founded in 1789, the Georgetown College of Arts & Sciences is committed to the Jesuit traditions of an integrated education and of productive research in the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Describe your interest in studying at College of Arts & Sciences. Applicants interested in the sciences, mathematics, or languages are encouraged to make specific reference to their choice of major.

Out of all the attributes they could have chosen, Georgetown chose to reference “integrated education” and “productive research” within the prompt. Accordingly, you may want to do some research on the two aforementioned traditions and think about how they’ll impact your education at Georgetown. You can also write about any other offerings, programs, professors, or opportunities within the College of Arts and Sciences that are especially interesting to you and in line with your experiences and goals. Note that Georgetown encourages certain types of applicants to make specific references to their prospective field of study.

Georgetown Supplemental Essays (Continued)

School of Nursing: Georgetown University’s School of Nursing is committed to the formation of ethical, empathetic, and transformational nursing leaders. Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying Nursing at Georgetown University.

School of Health: Georgetown University’s School of Health was founded to advance the health and well-being of people locally, nationally, and globally through innovative research, the delivery of interdisciplinary education, and transformative engagement of communities. Describe the factors that influenced your interest in studying health care at Georgetown University, specifically addressing your intended related major: Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science.

Since these prompts are similar, the below advice applies to both:

“A nurse is not what you do, it is who you are.”

This quote from an anonymous source captures the idea that becoming a nurse is a calling; not a profession you just stumble into. Healthcare is no different. Healthcare professionals are willing to work long shifts in the service of others, be on the frontlines of a pandemic, and deal with life’s toughest challenges (e.g., suffering and death) on a regular basis. Many applicants share stories of caring for sick relatives, experiencing a tough medical episode themselves, or observing the challenges faced by a particular community as inspiration for studying nursing or healthcare.

In addition, you’ll want to include school-specific research that demonstrates your knowledge of the school’s opportunities and resources as well as the skills Georgetown will help you build (and why they are important to you). Overall, show the admissions committee that you are a passionate and mature healthcare or nursing candidate, that this field is genuinely “who you are,” and that attending Georgetown will be the right fit for you.

Walsh School of Foreign Service: Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders with the foundational skills to address global issues. Describe your primary motivations for studying international affairs at Georgetown University and dedicating your undergraduate studies toward a future in global service.

International service is not something every 17/18-year-old in the country is dreaming about doing as a vocation. There is likely a very interesting story surrounding what motivated you to apply to the Walsh School of Foreign Service and this essay invites you to share this very narrative. You don’t need to look any deeper than today’s headlines to identify powerful and immensely challenging global problems. Regardless of your major, you likely have a highly specific set of academic and career goals taking shape in your mind.

If you can communicate these goals and the motivations behind them while sharing a vision for how you will contribute to the betterment of humankind in one or multiple regions of the world, then you are likely to end up with an excellent Walsh essay. Moreover, discuss why Walsh in particular will be a great fit for you.

McDonough School of Business: Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business provides graduates with essential global, ethical, analytical, financial, and diverse perspectives on the economies of our nation and the world. Describe your primary motivations for studying business at Georgetown University.

Before you start writing, do some McDonough-specific research and think about why a business education from McDonough in particular will be a great fit for your interests and goals. Further, to stand out, applicants need to connect the resources they’ve chosen to experiences they’ve had, demonstrating that they have availed themselves of every opportunity to dive into the business world during their high school years. Of course, not everyone has parents who hand them money to invest in the stock market or land them an internship at Goldman Sachs in 9th grade.

Relevant experiences can include high school investing clubs, participation in activities like FBLA, summer programs/courses in business/finance/economics, running your own local small business or e-business (Etsy, landscaping, etc.), or just a regular old retail job. The important thing to highlight is what you learned from your experiences. You should also note how you’ll bring that newly acquired knowledge to the classroom at Georgetown, and how your experiences have informed & influenced what you hope to continue learning in college.

How important are the Georgetown supplemental essays?

There are a whopping 8 factors that Georgetown considers to be “very important” to the evaluation process. These are: rigor of secondary school record, character/personal qualities, class rank, GPA, standardized test scores, recommendations, extracurricular activities, and most relevant to this blog—the application essays. The essays undoubtedly play a significant role in the admissions process at Georgetown. They can help the committee decide who to admit when choosing between similarly credentialed (GPA, test scores, etc.) applicants.

Want personalized assistance with your Georgetown supplemental essays?

Interested in working with one of our experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Georgetown supplemental essays? We encourage you to get a quote  today.

Need more writing-related resources? Consider checking out the following:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• How to Start a College Essay
• How to End a College Essay
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• Best College Essay Help
• College Essay

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

• 2-Year Colleges
• ADHD/LD/Autism/Executive Functioning
• Application Strategies
• Best Colleges by Major
• Best Colleges by State
• Big Picture
• Career & Personality Assessment
• College Search/Knowledge
• College Success
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Data Visualizations
• Dental School Admissions
• Extracurricular Activities
• General Knowledge
• Graduate School Admissions
• High School Success
• High Schools
• Homeschool Resources
• Law School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Online Learning
• Outdoor Adventure
• Private High School Spotlight
• Research Programs
• Summer Program Spotlight
• Summer Programs
• Teacher Tools
• Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essays 2024–2025

Subscribe to our newsletter for college app advice!

Georgetown University , located in Washington, D.C., is a historically Catholic and Jesuit institution that embraces students of all faiths. Known for their global research community and vibrant student life , Georgetown attracts over 25,000 applicants every year. However, Georgetown admits only around 13% of their applicants. Their accomplished alumni include Bill Clinton, Bradley Cooper, John Kelly, and Jim Gaffigan. Hoping to join their ranks? First, you’ll need to nail your Georgetown supplemental essays. Let’s dive in.

Georgetown’s 2024-2025 Prompts

Required short essays, briefly (approximately one-half page, single-spaced) discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved., as georgetown is a diverse community, the admissions committee would like to know more about you in your own words. please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your personal background and individual experiences, skills, and talents. (approximately one page, single-spaced), school-specific essays (approximately one page, single-spaced), applicants to the college of arts & sciences: founded in 1789, the georgetown college of arts & sciences is committed to the jesuit traditions of an integrated education and of productive research in the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. describe your interest in studying at college of arts & sciences. applicants interested in the sciences, mathematics, or languages are encouraged to make specific reference to their choice of major., applicants to the school of nursing: georgetown university’s school of nursing is committed to the formation of ethical, empathetic, and transformational nursing leaders. describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying nursing at georgetown university., applicants to the school of health: georgetown university’s school of health was founded to advance the health and well-being of people locally, nationally, and globally through innovative research, the delivery of interdisciplinary education, and transformative engagement of communities. describe the factors that influenced your interest in studying health care at georgetown university, specifically addressing your intended related major: global health, health care management & policy, or human science., applicants to the walsh school of foreign service: georgetown university’s walsh school of foreign service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders with the foundational skills to address global issues. describe your primary motivations for studying international affairs at georgetown university and dedicating your undergraduate studies toward a future in global service., applicants to the mcdonough school of business: georgetown university’s mcdonough school of business provides graduates with essential global, ethical, analytical, financial, and diverse perspectives on the economies of our nation and the world. describe your primary motivations for studying business at georgetown university., we’ll review your essay.

Receive edits in as little as 24 hours

General Tips

A running theme of all of these prompts is understanding what makes you you . In other words, what are your unique qualities, interests, and academic/career goals?

Before you begin writing these essays, it can be helpful to read through the prompts. This will help you better understand what you’re being asked to provide in each essay. Note that you will only need to answer one school-specific essay . This is because you can only apply to one school at Georgetown.

After you’ve read through the prompts, make a brief list of all the pieces of information the prompt requires. Be specific. Within your prospective major, what specialties are of particular interest to you? Among your formative personal experiences, what particular experiences have most significantly shaped the person (and student) you are today? Then, identify what pieces of information will satisfy the prompt that you are comfortable sharing with strangers.

Often, applicants feel overwhelmed by the expectation to get vulnerable in their college essays. However, the Georgetown supplemental essays do not require vulnerability. Instead, they require specific details about your academic interests and career goals. You only need to provide minimal information about your personal background and experiences in the second required essay. Thus, you shouldn’t feel pressured to get vulnerable in your Georgetown supplemental essays. In fact, it may be advisable to stay focused on academics and your intended career.

Now, let’s dive into the prompts themselves.

Georgetown Required Short Essays

Georgetown’s admissions team seeks to understand what drives you to pursue the activities listed on your application. Some high school students only pursue a set of activities because they think it’s what they’re “supposed” to do. However, top universities like Georgetown seek applicants who are self-motivated and pursue their activities due to genuine interest and curiosity.

Therefore, consider which activities you’ve pursued because you felt internally driven to get involved. Writing about these activities will give your application that authentic, personal quality that distinguishes remarkable essays from unremarkable essays.

Moreover, be sure to explain not only the significance of the activity you choose to write about, but also what exactly the activity is. Where and when did you get involved in this activity? Who else was involved? How did your involvement begin? Even if you don’t have room to answer all of these questions in your essay, at least some of the answers should be clarified so that the reader understands the context of the activity.

This essay prompt is similar to a Common App personal essay. Although Georgetown University doesn’t accept the Common App, or the Coalition App for that matter, their admissions team seeks many of the same qualities in their applicants as other universities do. A single-spaced page of typed writing is around 500 words. Thus, this essay will likely be just a bit shorter than your Common App personal essay.

That said, the prompt does say “approximately,” so you could likely push your essay just beyond the length of a page without repercussions. In other words, feel free to repurpose your Common App personal essay for this prompt if desired. Still, consider shortening it just a bit if it is near 650 words.

If you do repurpose your Common App personal essay, make sure that it still fits with the Georgetown prompt. Think about each aspects of the question above. Does your essay describe who you are? Does it reflect on your personal background? And does it reflect on your individual experiences, skills, and talents? If not, you must modify or rewrite your essay so that all aspects of the prompt are addressed.

Georgetown School-Specific Essays

You will need to write only one of the essays below. This is because you can only apply to one school at Georgetown. Your essay must be approximately one page long, single-spaced.

Although this prompt does not require all applicants to “make specific reference to their choice of major,” all applicants likely should do so. Moreover, students interested in the sciences, mathematics, or languages should feel more than encouraged to do so. If you have not yet settled upon a particular major or two, you can indicate what majors interest you. Further, provide brief explanation as to your uncertainty about which to choose. A strong reason for your indecision could be that you haven’t yet had the opportunity to study certain subjects. Therefore, you look forward to exploring those areas of study while at Georgetown.

A strong argument for why the Georgetown College of Arts & Sciences is a great fit for you will require specificity. That means explaining how your specific intended area of study is taught at Georgetown. Further, clarify why that method of teaching aligns with your academic goals. That also means indicating what opportunities at Georgetown specifically align with your goals and interests. In order to do this, you’ll need to research the courses, professors, programs, research, and other opportunities/programs available to College of Arts & Sciences students that interest you.

Before you begin writing, consider making a list for yourself of your reasons for pursuing Nursing at Georgetown University. These reasons can range from specific courses that interest you, the location of the program, a particular professor whose work relates to your intended specialization, or even the career outcomes of Georgetown Nursing students. Whatever your reasons may be, identify them for yourself before you begin writing.

Then, in your essay, focus on explaining why these reasons are important to you specifically. Instead of merely listing the reasons, express their significance to you and your goals. This will make your essay far more compelling. In other words, it will demonstrate to the reader why you are a good fit for Georgetown. In addition, you may want to describe how you hope to maximize the opportunities available to Georgetown Nursing students.

First things first, identify your intended major for the reader, and consider briefly explaining why this major interests you. Then, link your reasons for pursuing a degree in health care to your reasons for pursuing a degree in health care specifically at Georgetown . What differentiates Georgetown’s programs? What makes Georgetown a uniquely good fit for you?

In other words, you’ll need to answer multiple questions whose answers will build upon one another. As you answer these questions, you’ll need to provide evidence to back up your points. Name specific courses, clubs, professors, and other opportunities available to Georgetown School of Health applicants that excite you and have compelled you to apply. Consider mentioning how these programs are uniquely suited to your unique interests and goals . This specificity will demonstrate how and why Georgetown is a great fit for you.

This essay prompt requires you to look critically at your past, present, and future. Consider the following questions:

• Past: What experiences, worldviews, aspects of your background, and influential people in your past have motivated you to pursue a degree in international affairs?
• Present: How do you currently pursue international affairs? Put differently, how are you preparing yourself for an undergraduate career in international affairs?
• Future: How do you hope to pursue international affairs after graduation? What are your career aspirations? How will a Georgetown education bring you closer to your goals?

After answering each of these questions for yourself, incorporate their sentiments into your essay. Then, provide the reader with specific examples of programs, courses, professors, clubs, and other opportunities available to students in the Walsh School of Foreign Service that are of particular interest to you.

Before you begin writing this essay, you may want to make a list for yourself of your reasons for pursuing international affairs at Georgetown University. These reasons can range from specific courses that interest you, the location of the program, a particular professor whose work relates to your intended specialization, or even the career outcomes of graduates from the McDonough School of Business. Whatever your reasons may be, identify them for yourself before you begin writing.

In addition, this prompt specifically mentions the “essential global, ethical, analytical, financial, and diverse perspectives” developed by students at the McDonough School of Business. Thus, you may want to bring up the particular global, ethical, analytical, financial, and diverse programs, courses, and other opportunities at the McDonough School of Business that you hope to get involved in.

If you need help polishing up your Georgetown supplemental essays, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

Sign Up for More College App Tips

Subscribe to the Next Admit newsletter, a weekly newsletter where you'll receive our best college essay and college app advice. You can unsubscribe at any time!

Students Also Read

The Ivy Coach Daily

• College Admissions
• College Essays
• Early Decision / Early Action
• Extracurricular Activities
• Standardized Testing
• The Rankings

August 6, 2024

Georgetown University Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2024-2025

Georgetown University has released its 2024-2025 admissions essays for applicants to the Class of 2029 . The Jesuit institution, which has for years bucked the trend of joining The Common Application , asks applicants to respond to three essays in addition to one essay that is school-specific within the broader university. So, what are this year’s essay prompts? Hint, hint: they’re the same as last year’s. Let’s dive in!

2024-2025 Georgetown Essay Topics and Questions

Essay prompts for all georgetown applicants.

All Georgetown applicants must answer the following three essay prompts

1. Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you would like to highlight (250 words) .

Applicants should focus on a skill related to the hook they’ve showcased in the activities section of their Georgetown application. After all, Georgetown’s admissions committee doesn’t care if an applicant can juggle. Even if the skill doesn’t relate to the student’s hook, the talent must showcase intellectual curiosity or it’s a wasted opportunity.

2. Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved (approximately 1/2 page, single-spaced) .

Applicants should shine a spotlight on one of their more meaningful activities. And, yes, this activity should relate to the student’s hook. If a student is interested in studying political science, the activity they write about for this essay prompt should not relate to physics. Georgetown’s admissions committee wants to see how applicants are going to make the world better in a small but meaningful way. As such, this is an opportunity to show rather than tell how they’ve done that to date through the prism of a specific extracurricular pursuit.

3. Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your own background, identity, skills, and talents. (approximately 1 page, single-spaced)

It’s unsurprising that unlike many of its peer institutions, Georgetown has made few changes to its application in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling outlawing Affirmative Action. After all, Georgetown’s longtime Dean of Admissions Charles Deacon is well known for his aversion to change. For example, it took a worldwide pandemic for the man to finally switch to notifying applicants of their decisions via the Internet rather than snail mail.

While this essay is similar to last year’s third essay prompt required of all applicants, the wording is slightly different. Unlike last year’s prompt, Georgetown has included “background” and “identity.” Last year, the prompt read, “As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you.”

Now, keep in mind that some schools, like Johns Hopkins University , included bold language that very much capitalized on the loophole Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts penned in his majority opinion outlawing Affirmative Action , allowing schools to continue to consider a candidate’s race in context: “Nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.” Georgetown, unsurprisingly, didn’t go nearly as far in its language under its reluctant-to-modernize admissions czar — but it’s a step nonetheless.

Students need not be underrepresented minorities to answer this prompt powerfully. Students can instead write about their faith, community, or experiences, but we do encourage applicants who are underrepresented minorities to subtly make it clear since Georgetown, like all highly selective universities, continues to wish to admit a diverse class of students.

Georgetown School-Specific Essay Prompts

For the school-specific essay, irrespective of the school, the essay should not exceed one page, single-spaced.

Georgetown College of Arts and Sciences

A liberal arts education from the College of Arts & Sciences involves encounters with new concepts and modes of inquiry. Describe something (a class, a book, an event, etc.) that changed your thinking. (Applicants to the sciences, mathematics, public policy or languages are encouraged to include examples related to that field.)

Georgetown’s admissions committee wants to understand how an applicant thinks. Through a specific anecdote or anecdotes (no matter a student’s chosen field of study) — be it via a book, event, classroom discussion, lecture, or anything — it behooves applicants to shine a light on how they are filled with conviction. Yet, they’re also malleable to change when presented with better ideas. And, of course, it wouldn’t hurt to pepper — by showing rather than telling — the importance of the Jesuit tradition and, in particular, Cura personalis, in their storytelling.

McDonough School of Business

The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.

This essay prompt presents applicants with an opportunity to share an origin story — as high schoolers rather than as children — for their interest in business. Ideally, the origin story traces to an activity featured in the student’s Georgetown activities section. And, of course, McDonough isn’t looking to admit future business titans just out for money. They want to understand how applicants will make the world better in a small but meaningful way. As such, McDonough applicants should infuse their essays with Jesuit traditions — and why they matter to them in business. And, yes, this essay should also be infused with Why McDonough and Why Georgetown specifics (and, no, name-dropping professors and listing classes don’t count as genuine specifics).

Walsh School of Foreign Service

The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. What is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world?

Walsh is looking to learn the origin story of an applicant’s interest in foreign service — as high schoolers rather than as children. Through a specific anecdote or anecdotes, which ideally trace back to the student’s activities so they’re showing rather than telling, applicants should highlight how they hope to leave a mark on the wall in a way that can be actualized. Stopping climate change can’t be actualized. Incentivizing countries to be greener — based on specific research and insights — is much more doable.

School of Health

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care at Georgetown University. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science).

Georgetown’s School of Health seeks to understand a student’s origin story, as a high schooler, for their interest in the disciplines under the School of Health’s umbrella. A grandparent becoming ill with breast cancer is not the way into such an essay since it’s all too common and doesn’t say enough about how a student thinks and how they wish to leave a mark on their field.

Instead, applicants should tell a small story that ideally relates to an activity they’ve participated in during high school, that showcases precisely why they want to contribute to the health field and how they hope to make a difference — and always in a small but deeply meaningful way.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Georgetown Essays

If you’re interested in submitting essays that will wow Georgetown’s admissions committee, fill out Ivy Coach ’s complimentary consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to outline our college admissions counseling services for seniors.

You are permitted to use www.ivycoach.com (including the content of the Blog) for your personal, non-commercial use only. You must not copy, download, print, or otherwise distribute the content on our site without the prior written consent of Ivy Coach, Inc.

Related Articles

NYU Supplemental Essay Prompt: 2024-2025

September 18, 2024

The Ultimate College Essay Guide: Prompts and Writing Tips

September 12, 2024

The Most Popular College Essay Prompts for 2024-2025

September 11, 2024

10 College Admissions Essay Pet Peeves from Ivy Coach

MIT Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2024-2025

September 10, 2024

On Using Colloquial Writing in College Admissions Essays

September 2, 2024

TOWARD THE CONQUEST OF ADMISSION

If you’re interested in Ivy Coach’s college counseling,
fill out our complimentary consultation form and we’ll be in touch.

Fill out our short form for a 15-minute consultation to learn about Ivy Coach’s services.

Georgetown University

• Cost & scholarships
• Essay prompt

Want to see your chances of admission at Georgetown University?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

Georgetown University’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Extracurricular essay.

Briefly (approximately one-half page, single-spaced) discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.

Personal Statement Essay

As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your own background, identity, skills, and talents.

Select-A-Prompt Essay

All students applying to Georgetown will have to answer 3 essay prompts: two general essays and one school-specific essay.

Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you would like to highlight.

Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.

Georgetown College of Arts and Sciences: A liberal arts education from the College of Arts & Sciences involves encounters with new concepts and modes of inquiry. Describe something (a class, a book, an event, etc.) that changed your thinking. (Applicants to the sciences, mathematics, public policy or languages are encouraged to include examples related to that field.)

School of Health: Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care at Georgetown University. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science).

School of Nursing: Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying your intended major, Nursing.

Walsh School of Foreign Service: The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. What is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world?

McDonough School of Business: The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essays: Expert Tips and Prompts

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 12/18/23

Not sure how to write the Georgetown essays? Below, we’ll help you craft compelling responses that will make your Georgetown application shine.

Georgetown University has academic excellence, a rich history, and a vibrant campus. So, if you want to get admitted, you must submit a strong application and write insightful supplemental essays. These responses will allow you to show that your personality and interests align with Georgetown’s Core Curriculum .

In this article, we’ll provide expert insights to help you ace your Georgetown supplemental essays. After giving you a detailed overview of the prompts, we’ll discuss how you can answer each one, and provide a few sample essays you can use as inspiration for your own writing. Let’s get started!

Georgetown Supplemental Essay Prompts 2023-2024

Here are the current essay prompts for Georgetown’s supplemental essays .

Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you want to highlight. (250 words)

Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (approximately 1/2 page, single-spaced)

As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay that you feel best describes you and reflects on your own background, identity, skills, and talents. (approximately 1 page, single-spaced)

Prompt #4 - Georgetown College

A liberal arts education from the College of Arts & Sciences involves encounters with new concepts and modes of inquiry. Describe something (a class, a book, an event, etc.) that changed your thinking. (Applicants to the sciences, mathematics, public policy, or languages are encouraged to include examples related to that field.) (approximately one page, single-spaced each)

Prompt #5 - School of Health

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management and Policy, or Human Science).

Prompt #6 - School of Nursing

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major, Nursing.

Prompt #7 - Walsh School of Foreign Service

The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded over a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. What is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world?

Prompt #8 - McDonough School of Business

The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial, and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.

How to Write Each Prompt for Georgetown

In this section, we’ll break down each prompt to help you craft compelling Georgetown University supplemental essays: 

How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essay #1 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #1 : This prompt allows you to highlight a specific aspect of your identity or abilities. Admissions officers are interested in understanding what makes you stand out. Your response should demonstrate self-awareness and the impact of your talents or skills.

• Highlight Your Talent : Start by discussing the talent or skill you want to highlight and why it matters. What drives your passion for it?
• Describe Your Experience : Offer concrete examples or experiences illustrating how you've applied this talent or skill. What accomplishments or projects can you point to?

How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essay #2 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #2 : This prompt encourages self-reflection and allows you to share a meaningful experience. Admissions officers want to know what has shaped you and why this activity is essential.

• Select an Extracurricular Activity : Select an activity that genuinely matters to you. It could be an extracurricular, school club, or summer program.
• Describe Your Experience : Narrate your experience and the journey you've taken. Highlight challenges and successes to make your story engaging.
• Describe the Impact : Explain how this activity has influenced your personal growth, values, or future goals.

How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essay #3 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #3 : This prompt calls for you to express your individuality and creativity. There are no specific guidelines or themes, so it’s a great opportunity to be authentic.

• Describe Your Background : Consider what aspect of your background or identity you want to highlight. How does it define you?
• Make It Captivating : Feel free to use creative elements such as storytelling, metaphors, or anecdotes to make your essay engaging.
• Highlight the Impact :   Share insights into your values, beliefs, and how your experiences have shaped them.

How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essay #4 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #4 : Georgetown College's essay prompt focuses on your encounters with new concepts and modes of inquiry. Describe something that changed your thinking, and provide examples of your field of interest.

• Describe a New Experience : Choose an event, class, book, or other experience that significantly impacted your perspective.
• Evaluate the Outcome and Make Connections : If you're interested in a specific field, connect your response to that area of study. Highlight how this change in thinking influenced your academic interests.

How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essay #5 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #5 : If you're applying to the School of Health, you must describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Be sure to address your intended major: Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science.

• Describe Your Inspiration : Share the personal experiences or factors that sparked your interest in health care.
• Align Your Goals With Your Inspiration : Clarify why you've chosen your specific major within the School of Health and how it aligns with your goals.

How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essay #6 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #6 : For applicants to the School of Nursing, this prompt is similar to the School of Health's essay. Describe the factors influencing your interest in studying health care, with a focus on the Nursing major.

• Describe Your Experience : Emphasize what draws you to nursing. Is there a specific experience that ignited this passion?
• Talk About Your Aspirations : Explain how your intended major in Nursing aligns with your career aspirations in health care.

How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essay #7 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #7 : Georgetown's Walsh School of Foreign Service aims to prepare students to address global challenges. In this essay, explain what motivates you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world.

• Show Your Aim : Describe your vision for how you want to contribute to addressing global issues.
• Outline Your Commitments : Discuss any experiences or activities that demonstrate your commitment to global service.

How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essay #8 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #8 : For applicants to the McDonough School of Business, the prompt focuses on motivations for studying business at Georgetown. Here's how to approach this essay:

• Show Your Motivation : Discuss what interests you about the field of business. Is it ethical, analytical, financial, or global perspectives?
• Do Your Research : Explain why Georgetown's McDonough School of Business is the right place to pursue business studies. Make sure to be as specific as possible and demonstrate that you’ve taken the time to do your homework on all Georgetown has to offer.

Remember to showcase your individuality, experiences, and motivations to help the admissions committee get to know you better. This is your opportunity; make the best of it!

Examples of Georgetown Supplemental Essays That Worked

To give you an idea of how to write your own essay, here are several Georgetown application essays that worked . These essays were written by applicants who were students of the school. Take note of our expert verdict on why it worked, as it’ll be helpful when crafting yours.

Sample Essay #1

Prompt : Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you want to highlight. (250 words)

“ Within Scouting over the last ten years, I learned not only outdoors skills and the like, but also interpersonal skills. Starting in my transition to Boy Scouts, my fellow scouts recognized my ability to handle pressure and be a strong example and promoted me to [POSITION] – a leadership position to collectively organize camp-outs, lead activities, and manage conflict. Over time, more in the troop noticed my capabilities in leadership, to be an example for other scouts, and to model skills. After three years as a [POSITION], I continued to move up the ranks. I became an [POSITION], and was then elected [POSITION] – the youth leader for the entire troop. 

I participated in martial arts for several years in my local community. Initially, I struggled with every aspect, but over time, I learned not only to be better at fighting but how to persevere and work towards a goal. Again, eventually, the adult leaders of the school took notice of me practicing after class and asked me to help lead the [PROGRAM NAME] youth classes. I was eventually leading all classes of my peers. Watching those I had coached begin to master skills just as I had was beyond rewarding.”

Why Essay #1 Worked

This essay effectively demonstrates the applicant's leadership and interpersonal skills, highlighting their journey from a scout leader to a martial arts instructor. The progression and recognition of their abilities make for a compelling narrative, showcasing their ability to handle pressure, lead, and motivate others. 

It aligns with the prompt by emphasizing personal growth through these experiences and successfully conveys the candidate's leadership qualities.  

Sample Essay #2

Prompt : Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (approximately 1/2 page, single-spaced)

“Swimmers take your mark! Set!” Then came the blast of the starting horn. It's a sequence that’s forever in my mind. I had never been an athletic kid, but during the pandemic, I felt out of shape. I had always enjoyed swimming, so I chose to join the swim team in the winter of my sophomore year. I started off at the bottom of the ladder, one of our worst swimmers. 5:30 a.m. practices would kill; I’d have to drag myself out of the pool every day. Breaststroke, and the 200 IM, and I found my stride. My times kept dropping, and I started to earn my place on the team. I also helped the others of the team work through mental roadblocks as I was working through mine. One thing I noted from my first few meets is that the nerves always fade when you can cheer on your fellow swimmers. Every race, I would gather the new swimmers and the old, and I’d line everyone up along our side of the deck. Once the starting horn blared, the sounds were deafening. “SWIM! GO! KICK!! KICK!! COME ON!!” echoed throughout the natatorium, regardless of the size. I always liked to do team cheers like this, at meets or at practice. I felt it brought all of us closer together as teammates and as friends. Seeing this, after my junior year season, the coaches all met and selected me as captain of the team. I’ve never been more in love with the sport. 

Waking up at 5 a.m. every morning for three months is still as hard as it was at the start, but now I’m more motivated. I even took this passion and turned it into a job. Other swimmers would tell me about their summers spent working the pools, and it sounded idyllic. Sit in the sun, watch over some kids, and get breaks every hour? What was there not to like? The second I turned 16, I sent in my application. After a few months, I received an interview. The head guards asked so many questions, but every time I gave a response, it seemed like I had given the right answer. “I have always loved swimming,” I told them. “I’ve been on the swim team for 2 years now, and I’ve been chosen as a captain. I also have aquatic lifesaving, first aid, and CPR experience through Scouting.” At the end of that interview, I was offered the job. Thanks to my time spent swimming competitively, I was in a much better position than the other guards. I remember completing the 500 meters we had to swim as a final test, looking to see who else had finished, and saw most weren’t even done with their first 250. On the last day this summer, I walked to my bike and noticed the sunset falling over the pools I had spent so much time watching but never truly observing. All I could do, faced with the positive memories of both lifeguarding and the sport that had gotten me there, was pause, sit, and watch the sunset with a smile”.

Why Essay #2 Worked

This essay portrays a transformation narrative. It shows the applicant's growth from an inexperienced swimmer to becoming a captain and lifeguard, which fits well with the prompt asking about a significant school or summer activity. The descriptions of early struggles, personal progress, and leadership roles convey their dedication and enthusiasm for swimming. 

The essay connects these experiences with personal and professional growth, making it engaging and relevant to the reader. Additionally, the heartfelt reflection on watching the sunset underscores the sentimental value of these experiences.  

Sample Essay #3

Prompt : As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your own background, identity, skills, and talents. (approximately 1 page, single-spaced)

“I come from a mid-sized suburb of [CITY] called [SUBURB NAME]. It isn’t the most notable of birthplaces – nothing like the grandeur of big cities or the natural wonder of a rural town in Montana. In response to the dreaded, “Where are you guys from?” question, instead of explaining the nuanced differences between [CITY]  and [SUBURB NAME], we simply swallow our pride and claim residence in the nearest star to home on the map. However, even these cities have points of celebration. [SUBURB NAME] has the largest concentrated population of Arab and Middle-Eastern communities outside of the Middle East. From my earliest memories, those of different backgrounds have treated one another with immense respect. Of my teachers in preschool, half wore hijabs. There was no difference in my mind between students in my elementary school playground; we were all just friends, playing the same game together. Being from [[SUBURB NAME]], I have had a unique opportunity to not only see but to participate in other cultures. Just a few months ago, I was able to attend a Ramadan festival, up late into the night eating traditional food, listening to traditional songs. I have had the opportunity to view a real Torah, to pray in a mosque, to join in a communal meal in a Sikh temple. I’ve always been outspoken about my support for diversity and equity, through protests, speeches, and other events. Within [[SUBURB NAME]], I have participated in many protests, rallies, and other political events. Four years ago, on MLK Day, I participated in a protest against racism and police brutality, marching from the local library to the city hall. Recently, I attended a protest against the banning of LGBTQIA+-centered books. I hope to continue this activism and to be an advocate for social justice into my future in college and beyond”.

Why Essay #3 Worked

This essay highlights the applicant's unique perspective and deep commitment to promoting diversity and equity. It begins with a compelling description of their hometown, emphasizing the multicultural environment, setting the stage for their passion for embracing various cultures and advocating for social justice. 

Furthermore, the essay connects these personal experiences with a desire to continue their activism in college, which aligns with Georgetown's values. The writing is concise and engaging, showcasing the applicant's strong advocacy for equity and diversity, effectively conveying their values and readiness for the Georgetown community.

Get More Sample Essays Here!

Look at our College Essay Example Database to read other Georgetown essays that worked.

FAQs: Georgetown Supplemental Essays

Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions about the Georgetown supplemental essays.

1. How Many Essays Does Georgetown Require?

Georgetown requires three general essays and one tailored to the school or program you are applying to.

2. How Important Are College Essays for Georgetown?

College essays are a vital component of your Georgetown application. They offer a chance to influence the admissions process.

3. How Long Should My Georgetown Essays Be?

The general essays should be approximately one page each (single-spaced), while school-specific essays should also be about one page each. 

4. What Should I Focus on in My Georgetown Essays?

Focus on your unique experiences, skills, and passions that make you a strong fit for the university. Showcase your potential contributions to the campus community and your enthusiasm for your chosen program.

5. Can I Use the Same Essay for Multiple Schools Within Georgetown University?

Yes, you can. However, it's better to tailor each essay to the specific school or program you're applying to. Each school may have different priorities and wants to understand why you're a good fit for their offerings.

6. Can I Exceed the Recommended Word Limit for Georgetown Essays?

It's advisable to stick to the recommended word limits. Admissions officers appreciate concise and focused responses. Going over the word limit might not work in your favor.

Final Thoughts

Crafting compelling Georgetown supplemental essays requires self-reflection and a deep understanding of the university's values and your chosen program. Tailor each response to demonstrate your unique qualities and commitment to contributing to Georgetown's diverse community. 

Be concise, stay within word limits, and research the university's resources and programs to illustrate your genuine interest. These essays are your opportunity to stand out and show how you can be an asset to Georgetown, so invest time in making them shine.

Get A Free Consultation

You may also like.

How To Get Into Dartmouth: Admission Requirements + Tips

How to Get College Scholarships as an Out-of-State Student

Sample Essays

The breadth of Georgetown’s core curriculum means that students are required to write for a wide variety of academic disciplines. Below, we provide some student samples that exhibit the key features the most popular genres. When reading through these essays, we recommend paying attention to their 

1. Structure (How many paragraphs are there? Does the author use headers?) 

2. Argument (Is the author pointing out a problem, and/or proposing a solution?) 

3. Content (Does the argument principally rely on facts, theory, or logic?) and 

4. Style (Does the writer use first person? What is the relationship with the audience?)

Philosophy Paper

• Singer on the Moral Status of Animals

Theology Paper

• Problem of God
• Jewish Civilization
• Sacred Space and Time
• Phenolphthalein in Alkaline Solution

History Paper

• World History

Literature Review

Comparative Analysis 

Policy Brief

• Vaccine Manufacturing

White Paper

Critical Analysis

• Ignatius Seminar

• Search All Scholarships
• Exclusive Scholarships
• Easy Scholarships to Apply For
• No Essay Scholarships
• Scholarships for HS Juniors
• Scholarships for HS Seniors
• Scholarships for College Students
• Scholarships for Grad Students
• Scholarships for Women
• Scholarships for Black Students
• Scholarships
• Student Loans
• College Admissions
• Financial Aid
• Scholarship Winners
• Scholarship Providers

Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here .

How to Ace the 23/24 Georgetown Supplemental Essays

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

Learn about our editorial policies

Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

The Georgetown University supplemental essays are an important part of the overall application. Georgetown has a 12% acceptance rate , so your very best writing is required here. Remember, you are not alone in this Georgetown supplemental essay writing process! Keep reading our guide to learn more about how to best respond to the Georgetown supplemental essays. 

Breaking down the Georgetown supplemental essays

Georgetown requires all applicants to respond to three prompts. 

Here is a breakdown of the word count for the Georgetown supplemental essays: 

• Short Essay – approximately ½ page, single spaced
• Essay 1- approximately 1 page, single spaced
• Essay 2- approximately 1 page, single spaced, response based on intended school

Georgetown Supplemental essay questions for all applicants

Short essay.

Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved (½ page, single spaced)

This is an opportunity to expand on an extracurricular activity that you are passionate about and have participated in the most. 

Some questions to help brainstorm your response could include: 

• Did you receive any leadership roles in this activity? 
• Why do you love this activity? 
• When did you become interested in this activity? 

Once you establish your main activity, write a story surrounding this event and detail a narrative! Do your best to connect back to Georgetown. Think of Georgetown clubs you want to become involved in to continue to pursue your interests. For example, if you love participating in track and field, but do not want to participate at the college level, discuss joining the Georgetown University Running Club. Additionally, try to really show not tell how significant this activity is in your life. For example, you could detail a narrative of how going for a run allows you to clear your mind and helps you cope with stress! Ultimately, this is your time to expand upon a passion you have and why you are passionate about it! 

As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your own background, identity, skills and talents. (1 page, single spaced)

Although this is one of the first questions asked by Georgetown, it may be smart to save this question for the end. This is because there are a lot of prompts that Georgetown asks that reveal many of your interests and skills. 

Therefore, to ensure you are not repeating yourself in your responses, answer this question last. Every essay you are responding to should reveal something new! 

Once you are ready to answer this question, brainstorm some of the following questions: 

• What is missing from your application that you want to highlight about yourself? 
• Are there any skills you possess that have not been touched upon? 
• Is there a leadership position you were involved in that you want to detail? 
• What would you do if you had to go on stage at a talent show? 

It is important to use this question as an outlet to showcase your skills, talents, and interests. 

Some examples of some skills, talents, or interests can be: 

• Playing an instrument 
• Participating in a sport
• Speaking a different language
• Mastering a video game
• Able to do something others cannot

You should be not just stating what talents you have, but also a short narrative or story surrounding each skill. Describe how you discovered this skill or how long it took you to become the expert you are today. 

Therefore, it is important to be short and thoughtful with your word choices. Eliminate any filler words and only describe the important parts of your story.

This prompt is quite broad, which can make it challenging to respond to. It is important to try and come up with a topic for this essay that has not been discussed in your application thus far. Remember, Georgetown has most likely already read about your academic and athletic achievements. So, try to be more creative in your response!

So what should you write about? 

To help you brainstorm creative topics for this essay, think of the following questions: 

• What are you known as in your friend group? (Exp: the artsy one, the funny one…) 
• Are there any quirks you possess? 
• Do you belong to any communities? 
• What kind of background did you come from? 
• Have you ever had to overcome anything? 
• What are you passionate about? 
• Is there anything that makes you stand out from other applicants? 

If you are still having trouble coming up with a topic idea for this essay, do not fret. Remember, Georgetown does not use the Common App . This means that you could potentially use your response to the Common App as an answer to this essay.

If you are going to use your Common App essay response to answer this question make sure you are: 

• Not repeating yourself in your application
• Answering the question entirely
• Revealing a new piece of information about yourself

Essentially, Georgetown wants to be able to connect with your application and your personal and unique experiences. Therefore, be yourself and always reveal new things!

Essay #2: Georgetown school-specific essay questions

Each school-specific prompt should not exceed one-page, single-spaced. 

Georgetown College essay

A liberal arts education from the College of Arts & Sciences involves encounters with new concepts and modes of inquiry. Describe something (a class, a book, an event, etc) that changed your thinking. (Applicants to the sciences, mathematics, public policy or languages are encouraged to include examples related to that field.) 

Georgetown College admissions wants to hear all about your way of thinking! Try to brainstorm a time in which your mind was changed – this can be anything from reading a book to seeing a TED Talk to having a conversation with a teacher. Whatever event, be sure you are picking one that most closely aligns to your intended major such as mathematics or public policy. Remember, you want to show, not tell! So describe this change of thinking through a story! Try to include details to bring your experience to life such as reading your book while driving through the mountains or seeing a TED talk in class and immediately having millions of ideas rushing through your brain. Additionally, it may be wise to describe your thinking prior to the event and then after the event. This will show how exactly you have changed and how much. Now, go one step further and connect back to Georgetown! Doing so will impress the admissions officers and truly demonstrate how you are a perfect fit for the Georgetown community. It’s a good idea to allude to how you will continue to take this new way of thinking to the Georgetown community. 

Questions to consider

• What is a time in which you changed your thinking on a topic? 
• What did you learn from changing your thinking? 
• How will you take what you have learned and apply it while at Georgetown? 

School of Health essay

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care at Georgetown University. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science).

This essay question should be fairly easy if you have a passion for studying health care. Ultimately, you just need to explain why you want to study health care! And specifically, why you want to study health care at Georgetown. So, write a story describing your interest in global health, healthcare management & policy or human science! After detailing this narrative, go into detail about why Georgetown is a perfect fit for you. Describe any specific classes, professors, clubs, or the location of DC to demonstrate your interest in Georgetown. The most important thing is that you are tying your response back to Georgetown! 

• Why do you want to major in your chosen major?
• What do you aspire to do with your degree?
• Why did you choose to apply to Georgetown? 

School of Nursing essay

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major Nursing. 

If you are considering the School of Nursing, then you obviously have a passion for helping people. Therefore, you should not focus on this fact in your response. Remember, these Georgetown supplemental essays are an opportunity to make yourself stand out from other applicants – so try to really think about this question. 

In order to avoid any cliches, try thinking of the following questions to help you brainstorm your response: 

• What has been an eye-opening experience you have had that has influenced your decision to apply to the School of Nursing? 
• Why the Georgetown School of Nursing? 
• Why do you want to help people? 
• Was there a specific instance in which you realized nursing was your calling? 
• Is there anyone close to you who works in the medical or nursing field? 

After brainstorming, begin your response by describing a narrative. Tell your story about why you became interested in nursing and studying in the medical field. Whatever your story may be, use that as the backbone of your response for this essay. 

Try to answer the following questions in your essay: 

• What have you learned from this passion? 
• What change do you hope to bring to your future profession? 
• What do you hope to do with this degree? 
• What will you become involved in while at Georgetown? 

The most important thing is that you are tying your response back to Georgetown. Specify how and why Georgetown’s program and resources are the best fit for you. 

See also : Top nursing scholarships

Walsh School of Foreign Service essay

The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. What is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world?

International service is a rather uncommon major and profession to go into. Therefore, there is most likely a story behind your decision to choose this school. 

Start by brainstorming the following questions: 

• What inspired you to pursue this major? 
• Is there someone who inspired you to pursue this particular degree? 
• What do you want to do with this degree? 

Now that you have a good idea of what you want to write about, detail exactly what degree you are intended to pursue. Communicate what your goals are for this degree. What do you hope to accomplish? 

In addition, describe how you plan to contribute to change the world for the better. 

Afterwards, connect back to Georgetown by writing about the programs, clubs, and/or opportunities you hope to take advantage of while studying there. 

McDonough School of Business essay

The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivation for studying business at Georgetown.

In order to stand out from other applicants, begin by detailing any background you may have in business. This could be anything from taking a business class in high school to creating your own brand that went viral. Once you describe your business background, connect back to the McDonough School of Business specifically. 

There are a lot of business schools out in the country, so why Georgetown? In order to accurately answer this question, you should have done adequate research on the following aspects of the McDonough School of Business: 

• Class sizes
• Travel opportunities
• Clubs and organizations

Becoming familiar with these aspects of the school allows you to write about the factors that are most important to you. Be open and honest–which factors appeal to you most,  and why? 

Final thoughts on responding to the Georgetown supplemental essays

The Georgetown supplemental essays are quite challenging, but they are completely worth the effort.  Georgetown heavily relies upon the supplemental essay responses to select applicants, so it is important that your application is well-rounded. Make sure that you are not repeating anything when writing your essays. In addition, always connect your experiences back to Georgetown by detailing what you want to become involved in on campus. 

Additional resources

Are you curious about how many colleges to apply to , how to choose a college , or when to take the SAT/ACT ? Do not worry because Scholarships360 has you covered! In addition, we have numerous resources to help you through the rest of your college essays. Check out our guides on how to write an essay about yourself , how to write a successful admissions essay , and how to write 250 or 500 word essays. Throughout your college application journey, make sure that you apply to all the scholarships you qualify for! 

Start your scholarship search

• Vetted scholarships custom-matched to your profile
• Access exclusive scholarships only available to Scholarships360 members

Scholarships360 Recommended

10 Tips for Successful College Applications

Coalition vs. Common App: What is the difference?

College Application Deadlines 2024-2025: What You Need to Know

Trending now.

How to Convert Your GPA to a 4.0 Scale

PSAT to SAT Score Conversion: Predict Your Score

What are Public Ivy League Schools?

3 reasons to join scholarships360.

• Automatic entry to our $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship
• Personalized matching to thousands of vetted scholarships
• Quick apply for scholarships exclusive to our platform

By the way...Scholarships360 is 100% free!

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category

College Admissions

• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

7 Steps to a Successful Georgetown Application

Georgetown University is one of the most selective universities in the country, but understanding the application and what Georgetown admissions officers are looking for when they review your application can give you a serious leg up over the rest of the competition.

In this guide, we go over everything you need to know about the Georgetown University application, including what you need to submit, every Georgetown application deadline, what admissions officers are looking for when they review applications, and how you can make each key part of your application stand out from the pack.

Key Info About the Georgetown Application

It's important to know the key information about the Georgetown University application early on so that you'll have plenty of time to gather and submit all the materials you need before deadlines.

Where to Find the Georgetown Application: You can find the Georgetown application here . This page also has links to application FAQs and deadlines.

How to Submit the Application: When you've completed the Georgetown application, you can submit it by hitting the "Submit" button at the end of the application. SAT and/or ACT scores must be sent directly to Georgetown.

When to Submit Your Application: It's very important to know each Georgetown application deadline because missing just one could mean your application won't be looked at. Below is every Georgetown University application deadline you need to be aware of:

Source: Georgetown Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Looking at the above chart, you can see that the Georgetown University application deadline for Early Action is November 1, and the deadline for Regular Decision is January 10, though on their website Georgetown does recommend submitting your application earlier if you can.

Early action is not binding, which means that, even if you apply Early Action to Georgetown, you can still apply to and accept a place at other schools. Early Action just gives you the benefit of knowing Georgetown's decision earlier (although some Early Action applicants get deferred to the Regular Decision pool).

How to Apply to Georgetown

Completing and submitting your Georgetown application is a fairly straightforward process. Below are the seven steps you need to follow. Georgetown recommends you complete the first three steps as soon as possible, ideally over the summer or in early fall.

Step 1: Fill Out and Submit the Georgetown Application

The Georgetown application can be found here, and it should only take you about 10-15 minutes to fill out. It contains mostly demographic information, such as your address and contact info, including those of your parent(s).

Submitting this form allows Georgetown to create an applicant file for you, the first step in considering you for admission. It also initiates the alumni interview process (see Step 6).

At the end of this form, you'll pay the $75 application fee by inputting your credit or debit card information. If this fee is a financial burden for you, you may request a fee waiver .

Step 2: Create an Applicant Profile

After completing Step 1, you'll receive instructions within 24 hours via email on how to create an application account. You'll be able to log into this account anytime . This Georgetown account makes it possible for you to track your recommendation requests and save your work on the Application Supplement.

Here's what the Georgetown application looks like in PDF form .

Step 3: Complete the Georgetown Request for Secondary School Report, Teacher's Report, and Midyear School Report

To complete this form, you'll need to know the name and email address of both your high school counselor and the teacher writing your recommendation. After you submit these forms, those two people will each receive an email telling them what to do next so that Georgetown can receive your transcript and letter of recommendation.

Here are the PDF versions of the Secondary School Report , the Teacher's Report , and the Midyear School Report for your reference (note that you'll actually be filling these out on your Georgetown online application account described in Step 2).

Step 4: Submit the Application Supplement

You'll next need to submit the application supplement , which you can save and go back to as many times as you need. The supplement is where you'll enter info about your extracurriculars, state what area you plan on majoring in, and write your essays.

Step 5: Submit Your Standardized Test Scores

You'll need to submit SAT or ACT scores for Georgetown (they were test optional for 2020-2021 but are now required again). Georgetown's SAT code is 5244, and its ACT code is 0668.

Georgetown requires scores from all test sittings. So, for example, if you took the ACT twice and the SAT once, you'd need to submit scores from each of those three test dates, even if one or more of those scores wasn't your best. (If you took SAT Subject Tests , you'll also need to submit those scores as well.)

AP or IB scores are not required but are recommended as another way to boost your application.

Step 6: Have an Alumni Interview

All first-year applicants are required to have an interview with a Georgetown alum , provided one lives in the same city/region as they do. Georgetown does not have on-campus interviews, and if there are no alumni near you, this requirement is waived and it won't hurt your application.

You'll receive information via mail or email explaining how to set up the interview, typically two to four weeks after you complete Step 1.

Step 7: (Optional) Submit Any Supplemental Materials

If you are interested in an art, music, theater, or dance program at Georgetown, you have the option to send in supplemental materials , but this is not required.

Georgetown Application Checklist

To recap, below is everything you need to submit when you apply to Georgetown. You can use this application checklist to stay organized and make sure you've submitted all the required materials. Your application won't be considered until all the pieces below have been received by Georgetown:

• Georgetown Application
• Secondary School Report (including transcript)
• Teacher Recommendation
• Application Fee of $75.00
• SAT/ACT scores
• Alumni Interview
• (Optional) Supplemental Materials (for art, music, theater, and dance)

What Does the Georgetown Application Committee Look For? What Makes a Strong Georgetown Application?

What makes a standout Georgetown application? Like other universities, Georgetown wants to admit students that they feel will excel at their school, both academically and socially. They want students who will do well in their classes and also work well with professors, fellow students, and university groups.

Georgetown also wants to admit those who will have a positive impact on the school and the world in general, both while they're students and after they graduate.

In order to make the most accurate admissions decisions, Georgetown looks at a variety of factors that could indicate future success at the school. Below are some of the most important factors:

Academic Excellence

Georgetown wants to know you can excel in their classes, so they'll look for academic excellence in your application. There are usually three factors that show academic excellence:

• The rigor of the classes you took in high school
• Your standardized test scores

Being strong in each of these three areas proves to Georgetown that you can handle (and do well with) difficult coursework.

The next section gives more specific information on what grades and test scores you should be aiming for. If you've participated in academic competitions and done well in them, you can also show academic excellence that way.

Leadership Skills

Georgetown wants leaders at their school because leaders are more likely to have an impact at the school and after they graduate.

You can show leadership skills by taking on higher roles in extracurriculars, starting your own club or fundraiser, or gaining more responsibility at your job or internship. Anything that shows that you took initiative and were able to excel with additional responsibilities will prove that you have the potential to be a strong leader at Georgetown and beyond.

Passion for Your Future Major

Students who are passionate about what they are studying are more likely to get better grades and do well in their careers after they graduate.

In order to prove your excitement for what you're going to study at Georgetown, your application should indicate that you've taken classes and pursued extracurriculars in that subject area during high school.

For example, if you want to major in pre-med and eventually become a doctor, your high school transcript should include lots of science- and math-oriented classes, while your extracurriculars could include activities such as being part of a science club, volunteering at a hospital, etc.

Sociability

Getting good grades is important, but Georgetown also wants students who will be part of the campus community and get along with other students. This skill makes the campus a happier place, and more engaged students often have a larger positive impact on their school.

Being involved in a group club or sports team demonstrates sociability, and the people writing your letters of recommendation can also mention your strong people skills.

5 Key Sections of the Georgetown Application and How to Do Well on Them

For a school as competitive as Georgetown, your application needs to be strong across the board. Below are the five key parts of the Georgetown application as well as tips for how you can excel on each one to impress admissions officers:

#1: High School Transcript

Your transcript shows Georgetown three essential pieces of info: which classes you took, how difficult they were, and the grades you received in them. In terms of the number of years of classes in different subjects, Georgetown recommends the following:

• Four years of English
• At least two years of social studies
• At least two years of a foreign language
• At least two years of math
• At least one year of natural science

There are additional class recommendations depending on what you want to major in at Georgetown. You can see those recommendations here.

Georgetown has rigorous classes, and they want to see applicants who have already challenged themselves by taking advanced classes in high school. If your school offers honors, AP, and/or IB classes, you should aim to take at least some of these advanced classes, especially those in the field you plan to major in.

It's also important to get high grades in those classes. Accepted Georgetown students have an average unweighted GPA of about 3.9 . This means that, in addition to taking advanced classes, you'll need to get practically all A's. H igh grades are most important in classes related to your future major.

#2: Standardized Test Scores

While Georgetown has no minimum score requirements for the SAT/ACT, because admission is so competitive, you should aim for a high standardized test score.

A safe score to aim for is the 75th percentile score for admitted Georgetown students. Meeting this score for either the SAT or ACT means you will have scored higher than 75% of other admitted students, which puts you in a strong position during the admissions process.

A 75th percentile score for Georgetown is either a 34 on the ACT or a 1530 on the SAT . You can get scores lower than this and still get accepted, but these are solid goal scores to try to aim for.

AP scores, particularly those related to your intended major, are another great way to show off your academic prowess. Aim for at least a 3 in each test, and ideally a 4 or 5.

#3: Letters of Recommendation

You'll need just one letter of recommendation for Georgetown, so try to ask a teacher who knows you well and thinks highly of you. A strong letter of rec will include specific examples of your academic abilities and personal skills; it will also explain why you're an excellent applicant for Georgetown.

Speak to the person you'd like to write your letter fairly early, ideally at the end of your junior year or beginning of your senior year, especially since Georgetown recommends filling out the Teacher's Report (which is sent to your recommender) early on in the application process. Check out our guide for more information on who to ask to write your letter of recommendation and a step-by-step guide on how to ask.

Georgetown requires four essays. The first essay requires a short, 250 word response, and the second should be about half a page (single-spaced). The other two essays should be approximately one single-spaced page each. Below are the current Georgetown essay prompts:

Special Talents: Please indicate any special talents or skills you possess. You should write in either paragraph or bulleted-list format (250 words).

Short Essay: Briefly (approximately one-half page, single-spaced) discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.

Essay 1: As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you.

Essay 2: The prompt for this essay depends on what you plan on majoring in.

• Applicants to Georgetown College: What does it mean to you to be educated? How might Georgetown College help you achieve this aim? (Applicants to the Sciences and Mathematics or the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics should address their chosen course of study).
• Applicants to the School of Nursing & Health Studies: Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, Human Science, or Nursing).
• Applicants to the Walsh School of Foreign Service: The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. What is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world?
• Applicants to the McDonough School of Business: The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.

In the first three Georgetown essay prompts, you get the chance to discuss yourself and why you're a strong candidate for admission. Be sure to use specific examples that let admissions officers see what you care about and why you would be an asset to Georgetown. They want to see someone who is passionate about something and will use that passion to excel in school and have a positive impact on Georgetown.

The final essay gives you a chance to show Georgetown what your future plans are. Having an idea of what you want to study and how your education will help you achieve your goals indicates that you're thinking ahead and have big plans for the future.

Be sure to reference specific resources at Georgetown, such as study abroad options, student groups, or research opportunities you're interested in. This shows that you've done your research on Georgetown and know how to make the most of what it offers to help you achieve your goals.

Check out this step-by-step guide for more info on how to write a great college essay.

#5: Extracurriculars

Your extracurriculars are also an important part of your Georgetown application. The best way to stand out with your extracurriculars is to emphasize your passion and leadership skills. You can do this by pursuing extracurriculars in a field related to your future major, sticking with them, and achieving leadership roles in them.

Learn more about the types of extracurriculars you'll need to have to get into top-tier schools.

Recap: Georgetown University Application

Georgetown is a very competitive school, but understanding its application process and what admissions officers are looking for can help increase your odds of getting in.

There are multiple parts of the Georgetown application, and it's extremely important to know each major deadline in the application process. You'll need to submit either SAT or ACT scores, and there are also several Georgetown essay prompts you'll need to complete.

When looking over your application, admissions officers want applicants whom they believe will excel academically and develop strong personal relationships at Georgetown.

When applying to a school as competitive as Georgetown is, you really can't have many weak areas in your application. It's vital to go through each key area—including your grades, standardized test scores, letter of recommendation, essays, and extracurriculars—and try to make them as strong as possible to maximize your chances of getting accepted to Georgetown.

What's Next?

Wondering what a good SAT score is? Learn how to set a goal score based on the schools you want to get into.

Want to know how to make your extracurriculars stand out even more? Check out this guide to four amazing extracurricular activities and learn why they're so impressive to colleges.

Trying to decide between community college classes and AP classes? Which one looks better on college applications? Read our guide for a complete overview of both .

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Georgetown Supplemental Essays: 2022-2023

Georgetown essay guide quick facts:.

• Georgetown acceptance rate: 12%— U.S. News ranks Georgetown as a highly competitive school.
• 1 half-page (~250 word) essay
• 1 full-page (~500 word) essay
• 1 school-specific essay (~500 words)
• Georgetown application note : Georgetown DOES NOT accept the Common Application or Coalition Application. Students must submit an application via Georgetown’s own application portal.  
• #1 Georgetown Essay Tip : We recommend answering ALL Georgetown University supplemental essays comprehensively and thoughtfully, highlighting in all of your Georgetown essays why Georgetown is the perfect school for you.

Does Georgetown have supplemental essays?

Yes. You will be required to answer three Georgetown University essay prompts as part of the Georgetown application requirements.

While many students may find the Georgetown supplemental essays stressful, the Georgetown essays are actually a great chance to show Georgetown admissions who you are. In particular, pay attention to your “why this college essay” (in this case, the why Georgetown essay). Georgetown admissions loves this question when assessing a Georgetown application. 

Still stressed about getting the Georgetown University supplemental essays right? This guide will break down each of the Georgetown essays, giving you the best chance to impress Georgetown admissions.

Note: Georgetown does not use the Common App . Instead, you will respond to the Georgetown essay prompts through the Georgetown Application portal . Since the Georgetown application does not go through the Common App , keep a close eye on Georgetown’s application deadlines in order to ensure you have plenty of time to work on your Georgetown essays.

What are Georgetown’s supplemental essays?

The Georgetown essay prompts are found only in the Georgetown application. Your responses to the three Georgetown University essay prompts will discuss your extracurriculars , background , and motivations for attending Georgetown.

Above all, the Georgetown University supplemental essays aim to help the Georgetown admissions officers get to know you . Each of the Georgetown essay prompts is broad. This gives you the freedom to write your Georgetown supplemental essays about who you are with relatively few limitations. Take advantage of each of the Georgetown University essay prompts to maximize your Georgetown admissions odds .

Georgetown Supplemental Essays — Prompt 1 ( Required ):

Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (1/2 page, single-spaced).

In the first of the Georgetown essays, Georgetown admissions asks about the activity in which you are most involved. Most strong Georgetown applicants will engage meaningfully with several extracurricular activities . So, highlight what extracurriculars make you unique in your Georgetown supplemental essays. 

This Georgetown essay prompt gives you the chance to demonstrate how your extracurricular pursuits make you special. This will help you impress Georgetown admissions.

Answer the “why,” “what,” and “how”

This prompt for the Georgetown essays asks you to discuss three key things: 

• Why you chose to do your chosen activity
• What you’ve done to show dedication to this activity
• How this activity has impacted your community

Strong Georgetown University supplemental essays will address each of these things. Don’t get bogged down in statistics when answering the first of the Georgetown supplemental essays: why you chose to do an activity and the results of your involvement matter more than the sheer number of hours you’ve spent doing something.

The best Georgetown essays will discuss topics that you haven’t already emphasized elsewhere in your application. Use this Georgetown application essay to offer new insight into your extracurricular life, and be careful not to be repetitive. This Georgetown application essay should provide a response that Georgetown admissions hasn’t seen in another part of your application. 

Show another side of yourself

Additionally, note that the activity that you write about in this Georgetown application essay doesn’t need to connect directly to your major. After all, your Georgetown supplemental essays should help admissions officers understand all aspects of who you are, both as a student and as an individual.

In this Georgetown application essay, use your chosen extracurricular to highlight your collaboration and leadership skills. Think about how your extracurricular engagements will inform what you do in the future and weave it into the first of the Georgetown University supplemental essays. While your accomplishments are relevant and important, Georgetown admissions will ultimately admit you based on your potential. 

The Georgetown supplemental essays are a great way to show admissions what you will do with your education. You want admissions officers to come away from your first Georgetown application essay with an understanding not only of what you’ve done in high school but, also, of what you will do on their campus.

Think outside the box

In your Georgetown supplemental essays, try to avoid writing about an activity that lots of students could write about such as sports, Model UN, or volunteering at homeless shelters. Georgetown essays about these topics can feel cliché. That being said, if you have a unique story to tell about one of these topics, tell it in the Georgetown supplemental essays. 

As you craft this Georgetown application essay (as well as the other Georgetown University supplemental essays), make sure that your response is as unique and personal as possible. Additionally, all of your Georgetown essays should be vivid, descriptive, and deeply authentic. With that in mind, if you read over your Georgetown essays and feel like someone else could have written them, you might want to rethink your topics and responses to the Georgetown University essay prompts.

Successful Georgetown supplemental essays focus more on the applicant than the organization. In other words, don’t waste time describing the logistics of your activity or program when responding to the first of the Georgetown essay prompts. Instead, just write about what you did and why it mattered . Write about your actions, leadership, and impact. Finally, balance storytelling with reflection. How can you use your Georgetown application essay to reveal your values and goals?

Georgetown Essay Reflection Questions:

• Is your response to this Georgetown application essay personal and unique?
• Did you use the first of the Georgetown supplemental essays to write about one of the activities in which you are most involved?
• Does your Georgetown application essay focus on you more than the organization or club you describe?
• Do you avoid repeating details found elsewhere in your application?

Georgetown Supplemental Essays — Prompt 2 ( Required ):

As georgetown is a diverse community, the admissions committee would like to know more about you in your own words. please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you. (1 page, single-spaced).

As stated above, Georgetown does not use the Common Application or the Coalition Application. As a result, many students reuse their Common App essay for the second of the three Georgetown essay prompts. 

For many students, this is a good choice for this Georgetown application essay. In general, applicants tend to spend more time editing and reworking their Common App Personal Statements than any other college essays. So, if you feel like your Common App essay “best describes you,” you might consider repurposing it for this Georgetown application essay prompt.

When (and when not) to use your personal statement

That being said, the second of the Georgetown essay prompts does differ from the Common App essay prompts in some notable ways. Often, your Common App essay topic was chosen because it “best describes you.” This Georgetown application essay prompt, however, also highlights how Georgetown is a “ diverse community ,” essentially asking how you would supplement this diversity. 

While not necessarily a standard “why this college essay,” the second of the Georgetown University essay prompts asks what you would bring to campus in terms of “diversity.” Remember, the term “diversity” can mean many things. In other words, it doesn’t just relate to your cultural background or heritage. Essentially, your second Georgetown application essay should revolve around what makes you unique and what your perspective would bring to the Georgetown community.

To strengthen your Georgetown University supplemental essays, consider writing a new personal statement if your Common App essay was primarily about academics. You might also edit your Common App essay to better suit this Georgetown application essay by emphasizing how your diverse attributes will inform your presence on Georgetown’s campus. Successful Georgetown supplemental essays will do just that. 

One more note: Georgetown supplemental essays in response to this prompt can either be “personal or creative.” If you are a creative writer, this Georgetown application essay is your time to shine! If you have a deeply personal and impactful story, tell it in the second of the Georgetown essay prompts—even if you don’t do so in a conventional essay form.

• Does this Georgetown application essay response highlight the unique perspective you would contribute to Georgetown’s diverse community?
• Do you reveal what “best describes you”?
• Does your essay present a part of your background and experience that you did not already write about for one of the other Georgetown University essay prompts?
• Does your essay “show” your message more than it “tells” it?

Georgetown Supplemental Essays — College Specific Prompts

The Georgetown supplemental essays in this section will vary depending on your intended major or area of study. Responses to these Georgetown essays should focus on your intellectual interests and intended educational goals. Successful student responses to these college specific Georgetown University supplemental essays should be unique and passionate. Lackadaisical and cliche responses to these Georgetown supplemental essays will not stand out to admissions amongst the many Georgetown essays that are submitted. 

What’s the best way to impress admissions when responding to these college-specific Georgetown essay prompts? Successful college-specific Georgetown supplemental essays will write a why Georgetown essay that shows how applicants will enrich Georgetown specifically. These Georgetown University supplemental essays should also show how applicants would benefit from and utilize Georgetown specific programs. 

While all the Georgetown essay prompts seem different, at the core they are each a why this college essay. Let’s check out what it takes to impress admissions officers when responding to each of these college-specific Georgetown supplemental essays. 

Unpacking the College Specific Prompts:

These Georgetown University essay prompts are school-specific. The school-specific Georgetown application essay responses should not exceed 1 page, single-spaced.

The third of the Georgetown supplemental essays will depend on which of the four colleges within the University to which you apply. The last of the Georgetown supplemental essays essentially poses the why this college essay prompt. Successful responses to these school specific Georgetown supplemental essays will include everything you’d want to see in a why Georgetown essay.

However, this why Georgetown essay should get specific. Your final Georgetown application essay should show why you want to study your major and why at Georgetown. 

When reading Georgetown University supplemental essays, the Georgetown admissions committee looks for applicants who accord with the University’s Jesuit values of service, ethics, and global awareness. Also, they want to see that you’ve considered why Georgetown is the place for you. This leads us to the “why Georgetown essay” and the college-specific “why school essay.”

Be specific

Successful Georgetown supplemental essays responding to this Georgetown essay prompt will make full use of the one single-spaced page limit. This Georgetown application essay will typically be around 650 words. The best Georgetown essays will use specific details to articulate a cohesive plan for studying at Georgetown. Research the specific programs, professors, classes, and opportunities that you want to participate in at Georgetown. Given the specific nature of Georgetown’s programs, it’s even more important that you know exactly why Georgetown is the place for you. Then, demonstrate that to Georgetown admissions through the last of the Georgetown University supplemental essays.

In your Georgetown application essay, avoid just writing about location. Many students write their why Georgetown essay about wanting to go to college in Washington D.C., but there are many universities nearby. When writing about D.C. in this Georgetown application essay, articulate how your engagement with the community will be made possible by opportunities at Georgetown . What makes Georgetown the perfect school for you?

Georgetown College Prompt: 

What does it mean to you to be educated how might georgetown college help you achieve this aim (applicants to the sciences and mathematics or the faculty of languages and linguistics should address their chosen course of study.).

This Georgetown application essay prompt depends on a definition—namely, what it means to “be educated.” To begin, think about what education means to you—is it academic? Social? Cultural? All of the above? Now, consider how Georgetown’s programs can help you educate yourself as a professional and as a community member. This Georgetown College why school essay (or why this college essay) needs applicants to tie that all together.

In general, successful Georgetown essays (Georgetown supplemental essays that impress Georgetown admissions) for Georgetown College will use the definition of “educated” to address why a student wants to pursue a major. Impactful Georgetown University supplemental essays for Georgetown College will think critically about why you want to pursue your chosen field and how this field will inform what your education looks like. At the end of the day, this Georgetown application essay should make the case that you can only truly be educated by Georgetown to achieve your goals. Use specific details—courses, professors, and programs—to emphasize why Georgetown College is the place for you. 

School of Nursing & Health Studies Prompt:

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. please specifically address your intended major (global health, health care management & policy, human science, or nursing)..

When writing the Georgetown supplemental essays, keep in mind that everyone can say they want to make a difference and help people. If you want your “why school essay” for the School of Nursing & Health Studies to stand out, then, be sure to include specific details of how your interest in health and nursing originated and what you hope to do with it.

Successful Georgetown essays for the School of Nursing & Health Studies will be authentic and personal. Try to approach this prompt through a personal connection to healthcare. Then, connect your story to specific programs at Georgetown. Many students will write about their shadowing in the medical field or volunteering in medical facilities in their Georgetown essays. What sets you apart? 

Additionally, avoid focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic in this Georgetown essay—these essays can seem cliché unless you have a specific personal connection to healthcare in the age of COVID-19.

Walsh School of Foreign Service Prompt:

The walsh school of foreign service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. what is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world.

Effective Georgetown supplemental essays responding to the “why this college essay” for Walsh will detail how you plan to impact the world and how Georgetown will make that plan a reality. ”Global problems” and “service to the world” both take many forms. Successful Georgetown essays won’t narrow applicants’ interests solely to political science and international relations—instead, they’ll think broadly about the tools Georgetown can give them to make the world a better place. Like other Georgetown essays, your response to this prompt should be specific and personal.

Successful Georgetown University supplemental essays for this prompt should not just be aspirational. Instead, they should also include how your interest in solving global problems translates to your past and current activities.

If you aren’t sure how to begin answering this “why school essay” prompt, think about how you spend your time. Do you tutor underprivileged children, so you care about expanding access to education? Do you help people learn to speak English because you want to break down cultural and linguistic barriers? International problem-solving comes in many forms. The best Georgetown supplemental essays will depict Walsh as the next step in an applicant’s journey toward making a difference in the international sphere.

McDonough School of Business Prompt: 

The mcdonough school of business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. please discuss your motivations for studying business at georgetown..

This Georgetown application essay prompt emphasizes the holistic nature of business—namely, how it relates to “ethical, analytical, financial, and global” perspectives. This holistic attitude also accords with Georgetown’s Jesuit values, which set McDonough apart from its competitors.

The best responses to this specific “why school essay” (“Why McDonough ?”) will answer all aspects of this prompt, emphasizing the Jesuit dimensions of McDonough’s programs. A moving “why business” and “why this college essay” will not focus on money or titles. Instead, the best Georgetown essays for the “why school” essay for McDonough will emphasize the impact that you will have at Georgetown and beyond.

The most impactful Georgetown supplemental essays will get personal. What are your current and prior experiences with your intended major? How have you developed the skills to succeed in business? Research the specific programs and opportunities you would join at McDonough.

College-Specific Georgetown Essay Reflection Questions:

• Does your essay respond adequately to the essay prompt?
• Do you discuss the specific clubs, classes, professors, and/or opportunities that you would be involved in?
• Does your essay tell a personal and specific narrative?
• Do you articulate a clear plan for your time at Georgetown?

How to write Georgetown Supplemental Essays

So, how should you answer the Georgetown University essay prompts?

First of all, keep in mind the word limits of the Georgetown university essay prompts. The first of the Georgetown essays is limited to 250 words. This Georgetown supplemental essay asks you to discuss the importance of an extracurricular activity in which you are most involved. The next two Georgetown essays– the personal statement and the “Why Georgetown” college-specific essay– have one-page single-spaced limits rather than word limits. 

All three Georgetown University essay prompts are required

Before you start writing, it’s important to understand how your essays will be assessed. 

In evaluating Georgetown essays, the admissions team looks at both content and writing skill. Essentially, this means it’s not just about what you say in the Georgetown supplemental essays, but how you say it. Use the Georgetown University essay prompts to tell your story, and approach each of the Georgetown Universityessay prompts holistically. Since there are three Georgetown University essay prompts, you can illustrate different parts of your identity in different essays. Each Georgetown application essay should tell your readers something new about you.

It may feel overwhelming to complete three Georgetown University essay prompts. However, if you give yourself enough time to plan, draft, and revise your Georgetown supplemental essays, you can help minimize your stress. In fact, using the tips from this guide will show you how to use the Georgetown University essay prompts to your advantage!

Focus on your identity

In each Georgetown application essay, focus on one experience, event, or element of your identity. Then, introduce it in an intriguing way through a “hook” at the beginning of each of your Georgetown supplemental essays. Next, provide background and relevant details to each of your Georgetown essays. And finally, discuss in your Georgetown supplemental essays how this has impacted your life, motivations, and relationships with others. In each of the Georgetown essays, relate your stories, background, and discussion to a central message in order to best respond to the Georgetown essay prompts.

In this guide, we’ve broken down each of the Georgetown University essay prompts to help you write Georgetown supplemental essays that will stand out in admissions.

How much does Georgetown care about essays?

Georgetown is intentionally not part of the Common Application; they want to admit applicants who put in the extra effort to apply. This makes the “Why Georgetown” college specific supplemental essay even more important. However, of course, all of the Georgetown supplemental essays are important within the Georgetown application requirements.

Read the checklist of Georgetown application requirements to make sure you complete each step, including the three Georgetown supplemental essays. Many students have impressive GPAs and test scores, which means your Georgetown University supplemental essays give you the chance to stand out. 

Implement the tips in this essay guide to set yourself apart through your Georgetown supplemental essays. Use your Georgetown essays to engage your reader through interesting stories, vivid details, and an actionable plan for your time at Georgetown.

Top 3 Tips for Writing Georgetown Essays

In this guide, we’ve discussed how to specifically answer the three Georgetown essay prompts. But, what are some of the most important tips in making sure you impress the admissions team with your Georgetown supplemental essays?

How to write impressive Georgetown supplemental essays:

#1 – start early.

Be sure to leave yourself time to edit and revise each of your Georgetown University supplemental essays! Georgetown has two deadlines to turn in all of your Georgetown application requirements: November 1, 2021, and January 10, 2022. Apply by November to know your decision on December 15, 2021.

#2 – Look at the big picture

When writing your Georgetown supplemental essays, consider your application as a whole. Make sure that each of your Georgetown essays says something new about you. After all, no two Georgetown essay prompts are the same. Be sure to not repeat other parts of your application in the essays.

# 3 – Show your unique self

These Georgetown supplemental essays are an opportunity for you to stand out to admissions. Don’t generalize when writing your Georgetown essays. Get specific about your experiences. Use the opportunity to not only demonstrate who you are, but also to show off your writing style.

Georgetown Supplemental Essays — Final Thoughts

In each of your Georgetown essays, be unique and original, but also genuine and honest. Instead of trying to predict what your readers would like to hear in your Georgetown supplemental essays, just tell your personal story. 

Do your research on the specific college within the University to which you are applying so you can connect yourself with Georgetown. Be clear, concise, and specific in your responses to the Georgetown essay prompts. There is no cookie-cutter Georgetown student, so highlight what makes you stand out in your Georgetown supplemental essays. Good luck!

This Georgetown supplemental essays guide was written by Sarah Kaminski .  Looking for more admissions support? Click  here  to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how  CollegeAdvisor.com  can support you in the college application process.

Personalized and effective college advising for high school students.

• Advisor Application
• Popular Colleges
• Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice
• Student Login
• California Privacy Notice
• Terms and Conditions
• Your Privacy Choices

By using the College Advisor site and/or working with College Advisor, you agree to our updated Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , including an arbitration clause that covers any disputes relating to our policies and your use of our products and services.

• [email protected]
• (650) 338-8226

Cupertino, CA

• Our Philosophy
• Our Results
• News, Media, and Press
• Common Application
• College Application Essay Editing
• Extracurricular Planning
• Academic Guidance
• Summer Programs
• Interview Preparation

Middle School

• Pre-High School Consultation
• Boarding School Admissions

College Admissions

• Academic and Extracurricular Profile Evaluation
• Senior Editor College Application Program
• Summer Program Applications
• Private Consulting Program
• Transfer Admissions
• UC Transfer Admissions
• Ivy League Transfer Admissions

Graduate Admissions

• Graduate School Admissions
• MBA Admissions

Private Tutoring

• SAT/ACT Tutoring
• AP Exam Tutoring
• Olympiad Training

Research Programs

• Science Research Program
• Humanities Competitions
• Passion Project Program
• Ad Hoc Consulting
• Athletic Recruitment
• National Universities Rankings
• Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings
• Public Schools Rankings

Acceptance Rates

• University Acceptance Rates
• Transfer Acceptance Rates
• Supplemental Essays
• College Admissions Data
• Chances Calculator
• GPA Calculator

National Universities

• College Acceptance Rates
• College Overall Acceptance Rates
• College Regular Acceptance Rates
• College Early Acceptance Rates
• Ivy League Acceptance Rates
• Ivy League Overall Acceptance Rates
• Ivy League Regular Acceptance Rates
• Ivy League Early Acceptance Rates

Public Schools

• Public Schools Acceptance Rates
• Public Schools Overall Acceptance Rates
• Public Schools Regular Acceptance Rates
• Public Schools Early Acceptance Rates

Liberal Arts

• Liberal Arts Colleges Acceptance Rates
• Liberal Arts Colleges Overall Acceptance Rates
• Liberal Arts Colleges Regular Acceptance Rates
• Liberal Arts Colleges Early Acceptance Rates

Georgetown Essay Prompts 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

Dreaming of strolling through the historic halls of Georgetown University? You’re not alone! This esteemed institution isn’t just about prestigious academics; it’s a vibrant community eager to welcome diverse voices and unique stories. And guess what? Your journey to becoming a Hoya begins with a pen and paper—or, in today’s world, a keyboard and screen.

This blog will discuss Georgetown’s essay prompts for the 2023-2024 academic year. Think of these essays as your personal spotli ght—a chance to shine, share your story, and show the admissions committee why you’re not just another applicant, but a future Georgetown star. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a nervous note-taker, we’ve got the insights and tips to help you transform your thoughts into compelling narratives that resonate with the Georgetown spirit.

Does Georgetown University Accept Common Application?

No, Georgetown University does not accept the Common Application . Instead, Georgetown has its own application system . Applicants must use the Georgetown Application , which is available on the university’s website. This unique application process allows Georgetown to tailor its application to better fit the specific needs and focus areas of the university and its various programs. As part of this application, students are required to complete Georgetown’s own set of essay prompts, which are distinct from the Common App essay prompts .

How Many Essay Prompts Does Georgetown Have?

Georgetown University has a total of three main essay prompts for all applicants in the 2023-2024 application cycle. Additionally, there are specific prompts for each of the different schools within the university, such as the Georgetown College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Health, the School of Nursing, the Walsh School of Foreign Service, and the McDonough School of Business. 

Each of these schools has its own unique prompt, tailored to the specific interests and focus areas of the programs offered. Therefore, the total number of essay prompts a student will need to respond to depends on the specific school within Georgetown to which they are applying.

What are the 2023-2024 Georgetown Essay Prompts?

Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (1/2 page, single-spaced) 

As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your own background, identity, skills, and talents. (1 page, single-spaced)

School-Specific Prompts:

Georgetown College: 

A liberal arts education from the College of Arts & Sciences involves encounters with new concepts and modes of inquiry. Describe something (a class, a book, an event, etc.) that changed your thinking. (Applicants to the sciences, mathematics, public policy or languages are encouraged to include examples related to that field.) (approximately one page, single-spaced each)

School of Health: 

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying healthcare. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science).

School of Nursing: 

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major Nursing.

Walsh School of Foreign Service: 

The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. What is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world?

McDonough School of Business: 

The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.

How to Answer the Georgetown Essay Prompts

Main prompt 1:, understanding the prompt:.

This prompt is an opportunity for applicants to showcase a significant aspect of their personal development, interests, and contributions outside of the classroom. This could include anything from a leadership position in a student organization to a personal passion project that you’ve been working on. The goal is to show the admissions committee who you are as a person and what you’re passionate about outside of academics.

Crafting Your Response:

1. Depth of Involvement and Personal Growth: The prompt asks for the activity in which the student has been “most involved,” signaling an interest in depth rather than breadth of engagement. Students should reflect on an activity in which they invested significant time and effort, explaining how this commitment shaped their character, skills, or perspectives. 

This could be a leadership role in a club, a sport they are passionate about, or a project they led during a summer program. The focus should be on how the activity contributed to their personal growth, such as developing leadership skills, learning to collaborate, or overcoming challenges.

2. Impact and Contributions: Beyond personal growth, it’s important to discuss the impact the student had through their involvement. This could include how they improved the club or team, initiated a new project or event, or made a difference in their community. For instance, if they were part of a community service project, they could detail how their efforts contributed to the community’s welfare and what they learned about social issues.

3. Passion and Interest Alignment: The essay should reflect the student’s genuine interest and passion for the activity. This is an opportunity to reveal what drives them and how their interests align with their broader goals or values. For example, if they’re involved in environmental activism, they can discuss how this reflects their commitment to sustainability and their aspiration to pursue environmental studies.

4. Lessons and Future Application: Students should consider what lessons they have learned from their involvement and how these lessons will be applicable in their future, especially in a college setting like Georgetown. This could involve discussing skills like time management, resilience, or creative problem-solving, and how these skills will help them contribute to the Georgetown community.

In crafting a response, students should aim for a narrative that is authentic and reflective, providing specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate their points. The goal is to give admissions officers a clear and compelling picture of who they are, what they care about, and how they engage with the world around them.

Main Prompt 2:

The Georgetown essay prompt for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle is an invitation for applicants to share a more personalized and comprehensive view of themselves beyond their academic achievements and extracurricular activities. The prompt asks applicants to “tell us about something that is important to you, and why.”

This could be anything from a personal passion to a deeply held belief. The goal of the prompt is to give applicants a chance to show the admissions committee who they are as a person, beyond their academic records.

1. Reflect on Your Unique Background and Identity: This prompt allows students to delve into aspects of their identity that have shaped them. Students should reflect on their cultural, familial, or community background, considering how these elements have contributed to their perspectives, values, and goals. For example, if a student grew up in a multicultural household or has been significantly involved in their cultural community, they could discuss how these experiences have enriched their understanding of diversity and shaped their worldview.

2. Highlight Personal Challenges and Growth: Applicants can use this opportunity to discuss personal challenges they’ve faced and how they’ve grown from these experiences. This might include overcoming personal adversity, dealing with a significant life event, or managing a unique challenge that isn’t apparent in other parts of their application. The key is to focus on the learning and growth that came from these experiences, showing resilience, maturity, and self-awareness.

3. Showcase Creative Talents or Unique Skills: If the student has a particular creative talent or skill, this is the place to share it. This could be anything from writing, art, music, to less conventional skills like coding games, robotics, or even a unique hobby. The goal is to illustrate passion and dedication, perhaps by describing the process of developing this talent or skill, and how it reflects their personality or has impacted their life.

4. Discuss Impactful Experiences or Moments of Realization: Students might choose to focus on a specific event or experience that had a profound impact on their life. This could be a volunteering experience, a significant project, travel, or an encounter that changed their perspective. They should aim to describe why this experience was meaningful and how it has influenced their aspirations or approach to life.

5. Connect to Georgetown’s Values and Community: While the essay is about the student, subtly relating their experiences and values to those of Georgetown University can be effective. If aspects of their identity, experiences, or aspirations align with Georgetown’s commitment to diversity, service, or intellectual exploration, making this connection can help illustrate why they are a good fit for the university.

In all of these points, the key for students is to be authentic and introspective. The essay should give the admissions committee a window into who they are as an individual, beyond just their academic and extracurricular profile. It’s about painting a picture of a well-rounded, thoughtful individual who would contribute meaningfully to the Georgetown community.

Georgetown College Prompt

This prompt is designed to explore a student’s openness to new ideas and their ability to engage critically with different concepts and perspectives. It’s an opportunity for applicants to demonstrate how their thinking has evolved through exposure to new experiences or knowledge.

1. Identify a Transformative Experience: The prompt asks for a class, book, event, or similar experience that changed your thinking. Students should reflect on moments in their academic or personal life where they encountered a new idea or perspective that significantly altered their understanding of a subject, concept, or the world. This could be a novel that challenged their worldview, a class that introduced a new way of thinking, or an event that shifted their perspective on an important issue.

2. Detail the Initial Perspective: To effectively convey the transformation, it’s important to describe the initial thoughts or beliefs the student held before the encounter. This sets the stage for understanding the change. If it was a class or book, what did they initially think about the subject? If it was an event, what were their preconceived notions about the topic or issue involved?

3. Describe the Process of Change: The crux of the essay should focus on how the experience led to a change in thinking. This involves detailing the specific aspects of the experience that were impactful. Was it a particular argument, piece of evidence, or narrative that caused the shift? How did the student grapple with this new information or perspective? This part should also reflect a journey of intellectual or personal growth, showing how the student engaged with the challenging ideas.

4. Reflect on the Impact and Future Application: Finally, students should reflect on how this change in thinking has impacted them. Have their actions, choices, or aspirations changed as a result? How do they apply this new perspective in their daily life or future plans? Particularly for applicants to fields like sciences, mathematics, public policy, or languages, linking this new understanding to their intended field of study can be powerful, showing how their transformed perspective will enrich their contributions to their chosen field.

Students should aim to be genuine and introspective, offering a narrative that is uniquely theirs and that showcases their ability to evolve intellectually and personally. This essay is not just about the change itself, but also about the student’s capacity for growth and adaptation, essential qualities for a successful liberal arts education.

School of Health Prompt

This prompt seeks to understand the motivations and influences behind a student’s decision to pursue a career in health care. Specifically, it asks the student to reflect on the factors that have driven their interest in a particular major within the healthcare field, such as Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science.

1. Personal Experiences or Anecdotes: The student should begin by recounting any personal experiences that sparked their interest in health care. This could be a family member’s health challenge, a volunteer experience, or an inspiring interaction with a healthcare professional. The key is to narrate this experience in a way that clearly connects to their chosen major. For instance, if applying for Health Care Management & Policy, they might discuss how witnessing inefficiencies in a healthcare system inspired them to want to improve healthcare policies.

2. Academic and Extracurricular Interests: Linking academic subjects and extracurricular activities to their chosen major can demonstrate a sustained interest in the field. For example, if they are interested in Global Health, they might discuss how subjects like biology and global studies have shaped their understanding of health on a global scale, or how being part of a Model United Nations club deepened their understanding of international health policies.

3. Impact and Aspirations: The student should articulate what they hope to achieve in their chosen field. This could involve specific goals like contributing to groundbreaking health policy reforms, working in global health initiatives, or conducting research in human science to advance medical knowledge. This part of the essay should convey a sense of purpose and ambition.

4. Connection to Georgetown’s Program: It’s crucial to demonstrate why Georgetown University, in particular, is the right fit for their aspirations. This could involve mentioning specific courses, professors, research opportunities, or the overall philosophy of the program that aligns with their interests and goals. For instance, if interested in Human Science, they could talk about how Georgetown’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning will help them explore the human body from both a scientific and societal perspective.

5. Reflection on Skills and Qualities: Finally, students should reflect on their personal qualities and skills, and how these will help them succeed in their chosen field and contribute to the Georgetown community. For example, qualities like empathy, a collaborative spirit, or analytical thinking are highly relevant in healthcare fields and should be linked to personal experiences or achievements.

In answering this prompt, the student should aim to weave these elements together into a cohesive narrative that not only highlights their passion and suitability for the field of health care but also underscores their unique perspective and what they can bring to Georgetown University.

School of Nursing Prompt

The prompt is seeking to understand the applicant’s motivations and experiences that have led them to pursue a career in nursing. It’s an opportunity for students to demonstrate their passion for the field, their understanding of what nursing entails, and how their personal experiences align with their career aspirations.

1. Personal Experiences and Influences: Reflect on any personal experiences that have influenced your decision to pursue nursing. This could be a personal health experience, an encounter with a nurse who made a significant impact, or witnessing the role of nurses in the healthcare system. 

Describe how these experiences gave you insights into the nursing profession and inspired your interest. Be specific about what aspects of these experiences resonated with you and how they align with your desire to become a nurse.

2. Understanding of the Nursing Role: Demonstrate your understanding of what nurses do, the challenges they face, and the essential qualities required to be successful in the field. You could discuss how your skills, qualities, or experiences (such as empathy, communication skills, resilience, or teamwork) align with the demands of the profession. This shows that your interest in nursing is informed and well-considered.

3. Educational and Professional Goals: Articulate your long-term goals in the field of nursing. What specific areas of nursing are you interested in? Are there particular populations or health issues you are passionate about addressing? Discuss how studying nursing at Georgetown will help you achieve these goals. Mention any particular programs, courses, or opportunities at Georgetown that align with your interests.

4. Contribution to the Field and Community: Reflect on how you envision contributing to the field of nursing and the broader community. Nursing is often about service to others; consider discussing your desire to impact patient care, healthcare policy, community health, or global health issues. This can include your views on advocacy, healthcare equity, and innovation in nursing.

When answering, it’s crucial to be authentic and personal. Admissions committees are looking for genuine passion and a clear understanding of the nursing profession. Your response should be a blend of personal narrative and professional insight, showing that your interest in nursing is both deeply personal and thoughtfully considered.

Walsh School of Foreign Service Prompt

The prompt from the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University reflects their commitment to fostering a deep understanding of their applicants’ motivations and aspirations. It demonstrates the school’s emphasis on selecting candidates who are genuinely dedicated to a career in global service.

By asking students to articulate their motivations, the institution aims to identify individuals who have a clear sense of purpose and a strong commitment to making a positive impact on the world. This approach ensures that the school can attract and nurture future leaders who will contribute significantly to international affairs and global diplomacy. In essence, this prompt serves as a gateway for the school to identify and cultivate the next generation of global changemakers.

1. Personal Experiences or Inspirations: Students should reflect on personal experiences or inspirations that have shaped their interest in global affairs. This could include specific events, people (such as a family member or public figure), or experiences (like travel, volunteering, or living in different cultures) that sparked their passion for international relations. Detailing how these experiences influenced their worldview and the desire to work in service to the world helps to create a personal and compelling narrative.

2. Understanding of Global Issues: Demonstrating awareness and understanding of current global challenges is crucial. Students should identify specific issues (like climate change, human rights, international diplomacy, or global health) that they are passionate about. They should explain why these issues matter to them personally and how they hope to contribute to solutions in the future. This showcases not only their awareness but also their commitment to specific causes.

3. Career Aspirations and Goals: Applicants should articulate their long-term career goals and how these align with the mission of the Walsh School of Foreign Service. Whether they aspire to work in international diplomacy, non-governmental organizations, global policy-making, or another related field, they should clearly connect these aspirations to their motivation for choosing this path of study. This demonstrates a forward-looking and goal-oriented mindset.

4. Understanding of the Walsh School’s Offerings: Showing knowledge about what the Walsh School of Foreign Service specifically offers and how it aligns with their goals is essential. This might involve mentioning specific programs, courses, professors, extracurricular activities, or resources at Georgetown that they find appealing and relevant to their interests. This indicates that the student has done their research and is genuinely interested in what the school uniquely provides.

5. Personal Qualities and Skills: Reflect on personal qualities and skills that will help the student succeed in this field. This can include traits like resilience, adaptability, empathy, cross-cultural communication skills, or a knack for problem-solving. Explaining how these qualities have been developed over time and how they will be beneficial in a career dedicated to global service can s trengthen the essay.

In crafting their response, students should aim for authenticity, clarity, and specificity. Each point should contribute to painting a comprehensive picture of their motivations, understanding, and aspirations, making a compelling case for why they are a strong fit for the Walsh School of Foreign Service.

McDonough School of Business Prompt

The prompt for the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University seeks to understand a candidate’s specific reasons for wanting to study business at this prestigious institution. It emphasizes the unique aspects of their program – ethical, analytical, financial, and global perspectives. A thoughtful response to this prompt should articulate a clear, personal connection to these aspects.

1. Personal Connection to Business Studies: The applicant should reflect on their personal journey and experiences that sparked their interest in business. This could be a pivotal moment, a long-standing interest, or experiences in their family or community. For instance, if a family business inspired them, they can discuss how witnessing its operations piqued their interest in business principles.

2. Interest in Ethical Business Practices: Georgetown’s emphasis on ethical perspectives in business is unique. Applicants should consider how their values align with this approach. They might discuss their views on corporate social responsibility, sustainable business practices, or ethical dilemmas in the business world. For example, if a student is passionate about environmental sustainability, they can talk about their desire to learn how to integrate sustainable practices into business models.

3. Global Business Aspirations: Given the global focus of the McDonough School, students should explore their interests in international business. This could involve discussing aspirations to work in multinational corporations, interest in specific global markets, or understanding the global economic landscape. For instance, a student might be intrigued by the challenges of doing business in emerging markets and want to learn strategies to navigate these complexities.

4. Analytical and Financial Skills Development: Applicants should address how they plan to develop or utilize analytical and financial skills through the program. They could talk about their interest in areas like data analysis, financial modeling, or market research. For example, a student with a knack for numbers might express enthusiasm for deepening their understanding of financial analytics to aid decision-making in business.

5. Connection to Georgetown’s Unique Offerings: It’s crucial to link these interests and aspirations specifically to what Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business offers. This could be particular courses, professors, extracurricular opportunities, or the school’s network and location. Researching the school’s curriculum, talking to alumni, or attending informational sessions can provide valuable insights. For instance, an applicant might be drawn to a specific professor’s research in international trade or the opportunity to participate in business competitions organized by the school.

Students should integrate these elements in a cohesive narrative, demonstrating a clear understanding of what makes the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown unique and how it aligns perfectly with their career goals and personal values.

Structuring Your Georgetown Essays

The structure of an essay is akin to the skeleton of a building; it provides the necessary framework to organize thoughts, present ideas logically, and ensure that the message is conveyed effectively and coherently. When tackling the Georgetown essay prompts for 2023-2024, a well-structured essay can be the difference between a compelling, memorable application and one that fails to make an impact. Here are three key points on structuring these essays:

Introduction: Establishing a Personal Connection

For the Georgetown essay prompts 2023-2024, the introduction should serve as more than just a beginning. It needs to immediately establish a personal connection with the reader. Begin with a captivating hook – a vivid anecdote, a surprising fact, or an intriguing question. This hook should naturally lead to a thesis statement that succinctly presents the main theme or point of your essay. For example, if the prompt is about your motivation for studying business, start with a brief story or moment that ignited your passion for business. This sets the stage for the reader to understand the depth of your interest and the personal journey that led you to apply to Georgetown.

Body: Detailing Experiences and Reflections

The body of your essay for the Georgetown prompts should be a balanced mix of narrative and reflection. Each paragraph should start with a clear topic sentence that relates back to your thesis. Use specific examples and experiences to illustrate your points – whether it’s a significant project, a personal challenge you overcame, or an inspiring encounter. Be sure to integrate how these experiences align with the values and offerings of Georgetown University.

It’s crucial to show not just what you did, but also to reflect on how these experiences shaped you and how they tie into your decision to apply to Georgetown. This part of the essay is where you get to showcase your analytical thinking, self-awareness, and the ability to make connections between your experiences and your future goals at Georgetown.

Conclusion: Looking Forward and Reflecting Back

A powerful conclusion is essential in structuring your Georgetown essay. It should do more than simply summarize the essay; it should bring your narrative full circle and point toward the future. Reflect on what your experiences and aspirations say about you as a potential member of the Georgetown community. Consider tying back to your introduction in a way that shows growth or deepened understanding.

For instance, if you began with a personal anecdote, you might conclude by reflecting on how that experience now informs your future aspirations at Georgetown. The goal is to leave the admissions committee with a clear sense of your unique character, your fit with Georgetown, and the contribution you intend to make to their community.

By meticulously structuring your essay, you ensure that your narrative is clear, your arguments are well-developed, and your fit with Georgetown University is unmistakably articulated. Remember, each part of the essay serves a purpose in painting a holistic picture of you as a candidate. The structure is your guide to making sure every word counts and every paragraph moves you closer to your goal of impressing the Georgetown admissions committee.

How to Effectively Revise and Proofread Your Georgetown Essays

Revising and proofreading are critical steps in the process of crafting a compelling essay response to the Georgetown essay prompts 2023-2024. They transform a good essay into a great one by ensuring clarity, coherence, and correctness. Here are key strategies for applicants to effectively revise and proofread their essays:

1. Distance Yourself Before Revising: After writing the initial draft in response to the 2023-2024 Georgetown essay prompts, take a step back for a day or two. Distance allows you to return to your essay with a fresh perspective, making it easier to spot areas that need improvement. When you revisit your essay, read it as if you were a member of the admissions committee. 

Ask yourself: Does this essay capture my interest? Does it effectively communicate my message? Is my enthusiasm for Georgetown evident? This perspective can help you see the big picture and evaluate the overall effectiveness of your essay.

2. Read Aloud for Flow and Clarity: Reading your essay out loud is a surprisingly effective way to catch errors and awkward phrasings that you might miss while reading silently. As you read, pay attention to the rhythm and flow of your sentences. Do they sound natural? Are there any jarring transitions or cumbersome sentences? For the 2023-2024 Georgetown essay prompts, ensure that each paragraph smoothly transitions to the next, maintaining a coherent narrative that clearly articulates your motivations and aspirations.

3. Seek Feedback from Trusted Sources: It’s invaluable to have a second (or third) set of eyes on your essay. Choose individuals who know you well and can provide honest, constructive feedback. This could be a teacher, a guidance counselor, or a mentor. Ask them to review your essay with the Georgetown prompts in mind and provide feedback on content, clarity, and tone. They can help identify areas where your personality and passion for Georgetown aren’t shining through as strongly as they could.

4. Focus on Precision and Conciseness: When revising, scrutinize every word and sentence. Ensure each sentence serves a purpose and contributes to your overall message. Eliminate redundant phrases, replace vague words with more precise ones, and cut unnecessary filler. The goal is to convey your thoughts in the most effective and efficient way possible, especially considering the word limit constraints of the 2023-2024 Georgetown essay prompts.

5. Final Proofreading: Attention to Detail: After revising the content, the final step is thorough proofreading. Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Small mistakes can distract from the quality of your writing and may inadvertently give an impression of carelessness. Tools like grammar checkers can be helpful, but they’re not infallible. A meticulous manual review is essential. Additionally, ensure that your essay adheres to the specified format guidelines (such as font size, margins, and spacing) set by Georgetown University.

By diligently revising and proofreading, applicants ensure their essays are not only free of errors but also compellingly articulate their fit and desire to be part of Georgetown University. This process transforms their initial drafts into polished pieces that stand out in the competitive admissions landscape.

Why Choose Georgetown University

Choosing to study at Georgetown University is a decision that aligns with both academic excellence and a commitment to global and ethical perspectives. This prestigious university is not just a place for acquiring knowledge; it’s a hub for nurturing future leaders equipped to address global challenges.

Georgetown University boasts an exceptional academic reputation, evidenced by its rankings in several key areas. According to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report, Georgetown is ranked #22 among national universities in the United States, and #39 in the Best Value Schools category.

These rankings underscore Georgetown’s commitment to providing comprehensive and high-quality education, benchmarked against over 1,800 colleges and universities across the country. Furthermore, on a global scale, Georgetown stands impressively at #314 out of 1740 institutions, reflecting its esteemed status worldwide.

The university also excels in specialized fields. It ranks first in both Best Colleges for Political Science and Best Colleges for International Relations in America, according to Niche rankings. This distinction highlights the strength of its programs in these critical areas, offering students unparalleled opportunities in these fields. The Business program is another area of excellence, ranking #16 in the USA and #22 globally. Such high rankings in specialized streams make Georgetown an attractive destination for students aspiring to lead in these sectors.

Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., Georgetown University offers a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world experience. Its position in the epicenter of political and international affairs provides students with unmatched opportunities for internships, networking, and exposure to global issues.

This enriching environment fosters a diverse and inclusive community where students from various backgrounds converge, share perspectives, and prepare for global careers. The university’s global outlook is further emphasized by its World University Ranking for 2024, where it stands at an impressive 32nd position.

Georgetown’s identity as a leading Catholic college in America adds another dimension to its educational approach. Ranked #1 among Catholic colleges, Georgetown integrates strong ethical values into its curriculum, focusing on the holistic development of students. This approach ensures that graduates are well-rounded individuals equipped to make meaningful contributions in their professional and personal lives.

Lastly, being a part of Georgetown’s alumni network opens doors to a world of opportunities. The university’s reputation and connections provide a solid foundation for its graduates, enabling them to excel in various fields, including government, international relations, business, law, and beyond.

The Importance of College Essays

Essays play a crucial role in shaping a student’s prospects of getting admitted to prestigious institutions like Georgetown University. When tackling the Georgetown essay prompts 2023-2024, it’s essential to understand the multifaceted importance of this aspect of the application.

One of the most significant roles essays play is in showcasing the applicant’s personal identity and voice. These narratives allow students to transcend beyond the quantitative aspects of their application, like GPAs and test scores, offering a glimpse into their individual experiences, thoughts, and aspirations.

When responding to Georgetown’s essay prompts, applicants have the opportunity to narrate their unique journeys, share transformative experiences, and articulate future goals. This humanizes the application, allowing the admissions committee to see the person behind the numbers, which can be a decisive factor in the admissions process.

Furthermore, essays serve as a medium for applicants to demonstrate their alignment with the university’s culture and values. Georgetown, known for its distinctive ethos focusing on global engagement and ethical leadership, seeks students who not only excel academically but also resonate with its values.

Through the essay prompts, applicants can illustrate how their personal values, goals, and interests align with those of Georgetown. This involves not just understanding what Georgetown stands for but also articulating how one’s aspirations and experiences intersect with the university’s ethos, thereby demonstrating a mutual fit.

Another critical aspect of the essay is its ability to showcase an applicant’s writing and critical thinking skills. Essays provide a canvas for students to demonstrate their ability to construct coherent narratives, articulate ideas clearly, and analyze complex topics. For Georgetown essay prompts 2023-2024, it’s essential that students present well-structured, thoughtfully developed essays. This showcases not just proficiency in language but also an ability to engage with ideas at a deeper level, reflecting a readiness for the rigors of college-level academics.

Lastly, in the increasingly competitive landscape of college admissions, essays are a powerful tool for differentiation. For institutions like Georgetown, where many applicants boast strong academic credentials, a compelling, uniquely written essay can make all the difference. It’s about presenting common experiences in an uncommon light, offering unique perspectives, and captivating the admissions committee with one’s narrative. A distinctive essay elevates an application, setting it apart in a pool of similarly qualified candidates and enhancing the chances of admission .

Overall, the essay component, especially in response to the Georgetown essay prompts 2023-2024, is more than just a formality in the college application process. It’s a strategic element that allows applicants to express their unique identity, align with the university’s ethos, demonstrate intellectual capabilities, and distinguish themselves in a highly competitive applicant pool. Mastery in crafting these essays can significantly tip the scales in favor of admission to prestigious institutions like Georgetown University.

How Do Georgetown University’s Essay Prompts Compare to Other Universities?

The Georgetown essay prompts for 2023-2024 offer a distinctive approach to the college application process, especially when compared to other top universities. These prompts are tailored to not only gauge the academic capabilities of applicants but also to deeply understand their personal narratives and alignment with Georgetown’s unique ethos.

Unlike some other prestigious institutions, such as Harvard or Stanford , which tend to have broader, more open-ended essay questions, Georgetown’s prompts are more specific and reflective of the university’s identity. For instance, Harvard’s application might include a prompt inviting students to write about a topic of their choice, or Stanford’s renowned “What matters to you, and why?” essay. These prompts allow for a wide range of responses and encourage creative thinking.

In contrast, Georgetown’s prompts, especially those specific to its various schools, such as the McDonough School of Business or the Walsh School of Foreign Service, are more targeted. They ask students to reflect on their specific interests, experiences, and aspirations that align with the particular values and academic focus of these schools.

This specificity in Georgetown’s prompts demands a more focused and tailored response, which not only challenges students to be introspective but also to research and understand the unique aspects of Georgetown’s academic programs and community.

Furthermore, Georgetown’s essay prompts place a significant emphasis on personal and ethical dimensions, reflecting the university’s Jesuit heritage. This is somewhat different from the essay prompts of schools like MIT or Caltech, which tend to emphasize technical prowess and problem-solving skills. Georgetown’s prompts encourage students to delve into their personal experiences, ethical values, and societal contributions.

For instance, a prompt asking students to discuss a significant school or summer activity in which they have been most involved not only seeks to understand the student’s interests but also how they have applied themselves in these contexts, potentially highlighting leadership, commitment, and community involvement. This is indicative of Georgetown’s holistic approach to education, which values both intellectual rigor and the formation of character.

Overall, the Georgetown essay prompts for 2023-2024 stand out in their specificity and alignment with the university’s ethos compared to other top universities. While schools like Harvard and Stanford offer broader, more open-ended prompts, Georgetown’s prompts require a more focused approach, reflecting its particular academic and ethical values. This difference underscores the importance for applicants to tailor their essays to the unique character and expectations of each university, demonstrating not just their academic abilities but also their fit with the institution’s culture and values.

In summary, tackling the 2023-2024 Georgetown essay prompts is your chance to shine and show what makes you unique. Remember, these essays are not just about impressing the admissions committee; they’re about sharing your story, your dreams, and your aspirations. Be honest, be creative, and most importantly, be yourself. 

Each word you write is a step towards the college of your dreams. So take a deep breath, gather your thoughts, and let your personality and passion flow onto the page. Georgetown is looking for students like you – individuals with stories, talents, and the drive to make a difference. Now, go ahead and tell them your story – the world is waiting to hear it!

It is important to have all the necessary information before making any decision. AdmissionSight is always here to help you with any questions or concerns. We have over ten years of experience helping students successfully navigate the challenging admissions process.

Consult with AdmissionSight and find out how we can help you get into the school of your choice by ensuring that you are fully informed and prepared for the application process. We will work with you to develop a personalized plan that meets your specific needs and goals. We will also provide you with access to our team of experts who can help you with everything from choosing the right schools to writing your essays .

Don’t let the admissions process overwhelm you. Contact AdmissionSight today and let us help you achieve your dreams.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

Why College Admissions Isn’t Perfect

US News Rankings

The Personal Statement: The Holy Grail of College Admissions

The Modern Day 4.0 and 1600 SAT Score Student Is No Longer Impressive

The Competitive Nature of College Admissions for Asian Americans

The College Application

Our Comprehensive Approach

Ivy League Schools

How Early Should You Prepare for College?

Featured in US News & World Report Best Colleges Publication

Congratulations to AdmissionSight Students and their Acceptances!

College Rejection

College Rankings

College Consultants Could Make A Difference

College Admissions Scandal and Higher Education

Life after College: Insights and Advice

11 Best STEM Colleges in the US

Best Law Student Jobs to Make Money During Law School

The Top 5 Dental Schools in the US This 2024

Top Target Schools for Investment Banking Worldwide

The 7 Best Political Science Universities in Europe

Is Lehigh University a Good School? All You Need to Know Before Applying

How to Succeed in the Duke Premed Track

What Is Student Council? Here’s Why It Matters for College Admissions

What Is Sorority Pledging and How Does It Work?

Top 10 Georgetown University Degrees

Is UC Irvine Hard to Get Into? Here’s How to Get In

Is It Possible to Get a 5.0 GPA? Insights and Tips

The 7 Best Product and Industrial Design Schools in the US

How to Get into Columbia University: Admission Requirements and Tips

Everything You Need to Know About the IB Grading Scale

The 7 Best Colleges for Figure Skating

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Articles

Life after College: Insights and...

11 Best STEM Colleges in...

Best Law Student Jobs to...

The Top 5 Dental Schools...

Top Target Schools for Investment...

The 7 Best Political Science...

Is Lehigh University a Good...

How to Succeed in the...

What Is Student Council? Here’s...

What Is Sorority Pledging and...

Is UC Irvine Hard to...

Sign up now to receive insights on how to navigate the college admissions process..

Admissions Counseling

• Academic & Extracurricular Profile Evaluation

Copyright © AdmissionSight 2024

Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions

First Year Application

We look forward to working with you throughout the admissions process. Please visit the General Information page for first-year applicants to learn more about the Georgetown University application process. For important information about the application process, we recommend you to review the Information for Applicants  document.

Georgetown Application Submission

Step One  – Complete and submit the  Georgetown Application . Filling out this form should only take you ten to fifteen minutes. This form creates your official admissions file and allows us to track and connect any documents or standardized testing sent in support of your application. Submission of the Georgetown Application also initiates the  alumni interview , conducted between September and February for first year applicants.

Within 24 hours of submitting the Georgetown Application , you will receive an email with instructions on how to create your application account, so you can begin working on your additional required application forms. Please contact our office if you do not receive this email, please do not submit another Georgetown Application.

Step Two  – Complete and submit your  additional required application forms . These forms will allow you to tell us more about yourself and include your chosen school and major at Georgetown, activities, standardized testing updates, and your essays. Once you log in to your application account, please complete all additional required application forms by the deadline. (Early Action: November 1, or Regular Decision: January 10).

Important Note: The Recommendations Request form will ask you to provide the names and email addresses of your high school counselor and recommending teacher(s). Emails are sent to them automatically to request these documents for your application. Please complete this form as soon as you have secured the correct contact information for your recommenders. The remaining additional required application forms can be completed over time and are due no later than your application deadline.

Application Changes:

Information submitted on the Georgetown Application can be updated on the additional required application forms. If you need to make any changes to your application after completing the additional required application forms, please submit the Application Change Form . Please do not submit another copy of the application.

Application Forms:

We strongly encourage applicants to use the online application. To view the essay questions ahead of submitting your application, please see the additional required application forms that have been provided. Reference copies are available in PDF format below:

Georgetown Application Additional Required Application Forms Secondary School Report Teacher’s Report Midyear School Report

    Supplemental Materials: Art, Music, Theater, and Dance (Not Required)

We hope you are able to convey your talents and extracurricular activities in your undergraduate admissions application. However, those with an exemplary art talent they wish to pursue on campus are able to submit a supplement to their application. All art supplemental materials are reviewed by each specific department and therefore we cannot confirm receipt.

Music : If you have musical talent that you would like to be evaluated along with your application please find specific instructions on the Performing Arts website.

Theater : If you have theatrical talent that you would like to be evaluated along with your application please find specific instructions on the Performing Arts website.

Dance : If you have dancing talent that you would like to be evaluated along with your application please find specific instructions on the Performing Arts website.

Studio Art : If you have visual art talent that you would like to have evaluated along with your application, please find specific instructions on the Art and Art History website.

We appreciate your interest in Georgetown University and look forward to working with you throughout the application process. If you have any questions, please contact the admissions office .

More Information

General Information for Applicants Early Action Program Preparation Process Student Profile Application Fee Waiver Alumni Interviews Join Our Mailing List

Add Project Key Words

A Guide to the Georgetown Essays 2023-2024

October 23, 2023

Georgetown University continues to hold its place as one of the country's top universities. Securing admission to this esteemed school is no easy feat, as Georgetown boasts an acceptance rate of just 12%. Whether you aspire to join their renowned undergraduate business program or envision yourself achieving the same level of success as notable  alumni Bill Clinton and Bradley Cooper, one hurdle stands in your way: the Georgetown essays 2023-2024.

Unlike many other universities, Georgetown University does not utilize the Common Application or its personal statement prompts. Instead, they provide their own unique set of essays, designed to gain insight into your character and passions. Whether you're applying to Georgetown College, the School of Nursing and Health Studies, the Walsh School of Foreign Service, or the McDonough School of Business, crafting compelling responses to the Georgetown essays 2023-2024 is essential to setting yourself apart from the competition and positioning yourself as an indispensable candidate.

Georgetown Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you would like to highlight. (250 words).

If you are really proud of one of your abilities, now is the time to show it. Georgetown wants students who bring a variety of backgrounds and interests, this essay is a good opportunity to show a new side of yourself. Your talent doesn’t have to be an external ability such as playing the piano or writing sonnets. Neither is it required that you have received an award for this talent!

You can write about an internal characteristic such as an easy facility for making friends with new people. Or it can be something quirky like being a phenomenal cartoonist. In fact, it is better if the skill you mention is unique because your Georgetown essays 2023-2024 need to establish you as a memorable candidate. For questions like this, you don’t want to answer with a typical talent, or an ambiguous characteristic. We can assure you that many of your peers are going to be talented writers, musicians, and singers. You need to bring your own exceptional spin. As for personal characteristics, asserting that a trait like kindness is your greatest asset is frankly boring and vague. Think about what differentiates you.

The main point of your essay should emphasize why this talent or skill is meaningful to you. Why are you particularly proud of this talent? Make sure you’ve addressed all parts of the prompt. Is it a natural skill, or did it take time to develop? Will you continue to use this talent in your future goals and career? What have you learned about yourself while pursuing this skill? Let the reader understand why this talent matters so much, and exactly why it’s an admirable ability.

Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (approximately 1/2 page, single-spaced) 

Each year, Georgetown receives thousands of applications from students with stellar grades. By asking such a question through the Georgetown essays 2023-2024, the school is interested to know the kind of impact you’ve made in your community in order to distinguish you from the rest of the applicants. The school wants to know what part of your current high school career holds the most significance to you and how that in turn will influence the way you contribute to the Georgetown community. By asking this question, Georgetown wants to know the type of leader you are, how you collaborate with others, and what you care about the most.

To think about the activity you want to elaborate on, take a look at your activities list. A question like this should highlight one of the extracurriculars listed at or near the top of your activities list. In the activities section, you only had 150 characters, including spaces to describe what you did. But if it truly is an activity that has mattered, there’s far more to say. Reflect on what kind of leader you were while participating in the activity, if it’s an initiative that you started, why it is important to you, and the people you connected with. Half of a page is about 250 words, so really focus your answer on the impact rather than spending too much time describing what you did as part of the activity.

As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your own background, identity, skills, and talents. (approximately 1 page, single-spaced)

While the previous question highlights what you’ve done and how you’ve made an impact, this question attempts to get more to the core of who you are. Alongside evaluating your academic achievements, Georgetown especially considers your “accomplishments outside of the classroom, demonstrated commitment to the broader community, and personal qualities such as resiliency, motivation and, ambition are certainly considered.” They want to see whether you possess qualities that can not only uniquely add to the Georgetown community but benefit from it as well. 

It can be difficult to figure out where to even begin brainstorming this question — you can probably name a few different points or facets of your life that you consider core to your personality and character. To write this essay, it would be wise to write about the same topic as the Common App personal statement . Since Georgetown admissions officers won’t be looking at your Common App, it’s absolutely okay to draw from your personal statement, as that essay is also about a story that is completely unique to you. This prompt provides you with a chance to tell a story that doesn’t apply to 99% of other students. Your response could also focus on a part of your background that has shaped you or it could highlight an experience that you believe distinguishes you from your peers. The prompt also says you can get creative with your essay, so don’t be afraid to think out of the box. Unlike the Common App, which isn’t school-specific, you can even add a sentence or two at the end of this prompt as you’re only submitting this response to Georgetown!

School-Specific Prompts

Applicants to georgetown college:, a liberal arts education from the college of arts & sciences involves encounters with new concepts and modes of inquiry. describe something (a class, a book, an event, etc.) that changed your thinking. (applicants to the sciences, mathematics, public policy or languages are encouraged to include examples related to that field.).

In order to create a powerful and impactful response that truly captures your insatiable thirst for knowledge and unwavering eagerness to explore new ideas, it is essential to carefully select a class, book, or event that embodies these qualities. Reflect on an experience that not only challenged your preconceived beliefs and assumptions, but also compelled you to reassess your perspective and actively seek fresh approaches to problems. Use this opportunity to showcase your openness to intellectual growth and your ability to critically analyze your own viewpoints.

When reflecting on your experience, make sure to establish a strong connection between that encounter and the education you hope to receive at Georgetown's College of Arts & Sciences. Explore how this experience aligns with Georgetown's focus on nurturing critical thinking, interdisciplinary studies, and engagement with innovative ideas. Emphasize the ways in which this encounter has expanded your knowledge and enhanced your ability to think critically and creatively.

Remember to utilize vivid details and personal anecdotes to make your story compelling and unforgettable. By painting a vivid picture of your journey, you will engage the reader and allow them to connect with your transformative experience on a deeper level. Delve into how this transformative experience has impacted you as an individual. Reflect on the valuable insights you gained about yourself and how this change has influenced your goals, aspirations, or values. Express how this experience has shaped your character, broadened your perspective, and ignited a desire for personal and intellectual growth. This reflection will demonstrate your self-awareness and your ability to learn and grow from your experiences.

Georgetown highly values intellectual curiosity, a commitment to personal growth, and a desire to engage with novel ideas. Your essay should vividly demonstrate these qualities and illustrate how you would be an invaluable asset to their academic community. Showcasing your passion for learning, your ability to think critically, and your eagerness to contribute to the academic discourse will make you a standout candidate for admission.

Applicants to the School of Nursing and Health Studies:

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. please specifically address your intended major (health care management & policy, human science, global health, or nursing)..

Georgetown knows that all students applying to the School of Nursing and Health Studies have a passion for medicine, want to help people, and imagine a career for themselves in healthcare. This question asks you to dig deeper. What makes your specific interest in the field unique? The school wants to see that you have done your research on Georgetown’s nursing school specifically and understand the resources that make the college unique. 

In this essay — without overlapping with the previous question about who you are — you have to expand on a story related to your love for medicine that only applies to you. Lots of students may have been inspired by their own or their relatives’ illnesses, while others might have realized their calling for the profession through an internship junior year. Since you have about 500 words you can write in detail about how your interest in medicine originated, the ways in which you explored the interest further both academically and through extracurriculars, and then delve more into how your choice of major at Georgetown can help you reach your aspirations. Why Health Care Management & Policy, and why at Georgetown? Make sure the reader understands that you understand the school’s offerings and resources and that you’re ready to make the most of them.

Applicants to the Walsh School of Foreign Service:

The walsh school of foreign service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. what is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world.

The Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown is one of the best known schools in the world for studying international affairs. Admissions officers use this prompt to understand both your personality, character, and values. The School of Foreign Service wants to see where your priorities lie, what your goals are, and how an education in one of the school’s unique majors such as Regional and Comparative Studies and International Political Economy can help you get there. The school is looking for ambitious, open-minded, and curious individuals, and using this prompt among the Georgetown essays 2023-2024 can be an effective way of doing so.

If you’ve answered the 4th prompt among the Common App personal statement essays ( Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve.) , you can write a similar response here. Remember that while this question asks for a current global issue, you’re still writing supplemental essays for your application. This prompt is less about what problem you’ve chosen, and more about getting to know what’s important to you and how you react when faced with one. Moreover, since it doesn’t have to examine a problem the world has already solved, you can use this prompt to delve deeper into your academic interests, specifically within the Walsh School. Is your desire to end climate change connected with your selection of the college’s Science, Technology & International Affairs major? Carefully choose an issue that shows your personal stake, as well as conveys you as an individual aware of the world around them.

Applicants to the McDonough School of Business:

The mcdonough school of business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. please discuss your motivations for studying business at georgetown..

As one of the top undergraduate business schools in the United States, the McDonough School wants to know how you hope to benefit from a business degree from Georgetown specifically. They want to know what you want from a business degree at this stage — how will you take advantage of Georgetown’s hands-on opportunities? What impact have you made on your community and what are you bringing to the classroom? How will you add to the diversity of your cohort?

The word limit allows you to go into details about discovering your love for not just business — but your specific interest in the discipline. Whether it’s marketing or accounting, ask yourself questions to start brainstorming exactly what motivates you. Was there one instance that catalyzed your passion and goals? How have you explored the subject of your interest since then? How has your curiosity about the topic grown? The majority of your essay should be dedicated to tying your interest in with what McDonough has to offer. Note which professor you can’t wait to learn from or a class that stands out to you on your way to becoming a future entrepreneur.

Additional Tips for Writing the Georgetown Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Now that you’ve taken a look at the prompts for the Georgetown supplemental essays , here are a few tips to help your brainstorming process: 

• Don’t underestimate the power of your extracurriculars : Admissions officers want to know what makes you tick outside the classroom. Don’t just shrug off the first essay and repeat information word for word from what you’ve already included in your activities list. They want to know about your perspective and identity. Your activities could have shifted your views in a way that you might not have even realized before sitting down to write the essay. And you won’t be able to analyze their impact properly if you don’t look at them from a more nuanced angle.
• Research both the college of your choice and the university as a whole: While you definitely have to go in-depth to understand what makes the college of your choice within Georgetown special, it’s also essential that you understand what makes Georgetown unique. This means understanding its identity and values , researching its unique opportunities, and really knowing why you think you would be a good fit. The fit automatically shines through in your writing if you’ve worked to authentically connect your research to your interest in the school.

Georgetown University is a dream school for many students. Naturally, the competition is not easy. To help admissions officers understand what you can bring to campus and how the school can help you grow and thrive, take advantage of these prompts to explain what makes you unique. With the right amount of research, the extracurriculars and grades to back it up, and passion for your field of interest, you can give yourself a fair shot at this well-esteemed university.

If you are looking for a college admissions counselor to help maximize your chances of getting into your dream school, we can help! InGenius Prep has helped more than 6,000 students around the world gain admission into the most competitive schools including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, NYU, and more. Sign up for a free strategy call today and join the 6,000+ students we've helped get accepted into their dream school.

Tags : Georgetown University , applying to georgetown , georgetown supplemental essays , georgetown essays

Schedule a free consultation

to find out how we can help you get accepted.

‘Mr. Georgetown’: More Than Just a Performance, It’s a Counterculture Institution

“Club culture” at Georgetown University has a myriad of connotations. Competitive. Toxic. Intense. Students often prioritize their applications over their coursework during the first few weeks of the year, and after bouts of interviews and essays, some say it’s harder to get into a club on campus than to get into Georgetown itself. 

In the midst of this rigorous environment, there’s a counterculture of acceptance, joy and community which brings out the unseriousness of a system known for its severity. The epitome of this phenomenon is a campus institution that celebrates the exuberance of club culture: “Mr. Georgetown.”

A staple of Homecoming Weekend since 2005, “Mr. Georgetown” — an annual pageant run by the Georgetown Program Board (GPB) — offers a chance for male-identifying seniors to represent the essence of their respective organizations through dance performances, talent shows and comedy sketches. “Mr. Georgetown” has had only an uptick in popularity since its founding, with seats selling out in eight minutes in 2023 and crashing CampusGroups for almost an hour this year as throngs of students tried to secure a coveted ticket.

But it’s not only fun and games; “Mr. Georgetown” represents a way for clubs to make their mark on campus, spike interest in their programs and come together to cheer on their beloved leaders. For the senior participants, it’s a “thank you” to the organizations that have welcomed them with open arms.

For Mr. Georgetown University Grilling Society (GUGS) Max Russo (SFS ’25), joining GUGS felt written in the stars after he transferred to Georgetown during his sophomore year.

“Well, I’ve always loved to cook, but I remember applying to Georgetown as a miserable GW student and thinking, ‘I really want to engage with students in a fun way and forget about the daily grind,’” Russo told The Hoya, “One day I was looking at the website and they mentioned GUGS; I mentioned it to my friends back home and they’re like, ‘Dude, you have to go to Georgetown.’” 

Mr. Mask & Bauble Noah Vinogradov (SFS ’25) said he joined the campus theater troupe after a chance encounter at his resident assistant’s birthday party, which compelled him to join the group as a pianist. 

“I was a sophomore transfer student, and I was invited to my RA’s birthday party — I’m not sure about the legality of that — but I was just chatting with someone who was talking about how they were directing a show and needed a pianist. So I say, ‘I play piano, you know, I’m kind of looking for opportunities on campus’. And they’re like, ‘Why don’t you come to the rehearsal tomorrow night?’ So I showed up,” Vinogradov told The Hoya. Following his first show, Mask and Bauble’s annual Night of Musical Scenes , he has since been a part of two other shows on campus and is set to direct the spring musical: “Sweeney Todd.”

Mr. Ultimate Frisbee Andreas Moeller (MSB ’25), Mr. Rock Climbing Jordan Schuman (CAS ’25) and our very own Mr. The Hoya Clayton Kincade (SFS ’25) all ventured outside of their self-imposed comfort zones to find joy in what they now love — and continue to do so through participating in “Mr. Georgetown.”

Full disclosure: Clayton Kincade (SFS ’25) previously served as a Guide Staff Writer, Guide Deputy Editor, Senior Guide Editor, Executive Editor and Senior News Editor from Fall 2021 to Fall 2023.

Kincade joined The Hoya in his first semester at Georgetown with no previous writing experience — starting his Hoya career by writing movie reviews for The Guide and spending five semesters on the paper, including three on its board of editors. Kincade said he hopes to show students that there is nothing to fear in trying new things through participating in “Mr. Georgetown.”

“Just pursue the things that you’re interested in, no matter if you’re coming to a school where it feels like everyone else has so much experience in whatever they’re doing,” Kincade told The Hoya. 

Moeller had never played ultimate frisbee before joining Georgetown’s club team and said he wants to inspire audiences to try new things — including, he hopes, ultimate frisbee. 

“One of my roommates is a captain, and we were just talking, and he said, ‘You’re representing the whole club, people will see you and that brings attention to the club,’” Moeller told The Hoya. “They see big, bold letters on your sash and they hear about it when you get announced: ‘Mr. Ultimate Frisbee.’” 

Schuman came to campus his first year with brand-new climbing shoes his family had bought for a summer vacation and decided to try out club rock climbing as a chance to use them. Three years on, Schuman said he is proud to represent his club at “Mr. Georgetown.”

“I think it’s a really cool thing to do, it’s a fun, silly thing,” Schuman told The Hoya. “Having fun, having a good time is the whole goal of it. But I think it’s also really cool to represent Rock Climbing because that’s been my main, defining thing at Georgetown.” 

For contestants representing affinity groups such as Mr. Asian American Student Association (AASA) Aidan Ng (SFS ’25) and Mr. Caribbean Culture Circle Ajani Jones (CAS ’25) , “Mr. Georgetown” is more than just a club showcase, it’s representation for their cultural communities. 

Whether it’s through AASA’s own events, such as the club’s original musical “(no) pressure,” which Ng produced, or through the previous Mr. AASAs Lucas Lin (SFS ’24) and Ed Shen (MSB ’23) competing in “Mr. Georgetown,” Ng reveals just how important continuing the legacy of Asian American representation on campus is to him.

“It feels really good that I was able to fool everyone into singing my songs and playing my music. And I’m really proud of that. But I’m even more proud of the friends I made and the people who continued to do the musical even after I left,” Ng told The Hoya. “Because now it’s not my show at all, it’s their show, and I’m really happy that there’s a space for Asian American theater that started with AASA.”

Jones, on the other hand, said they see “Mr. Georgetown” as a way for clubs such as the Caribbean Culture Circle to foster solidarity for marginalized communities on campus and display the often-overlooked aspects of their cultures. 

“I wanted to take that chance to have a fun memory in my senior year and use that as a further opportunity to bring attention to this club that’s super important to me, but also bring my culture, which is such a huge part of who I am, to a more central stage,” Jones told The Hoya. 

With 17 contestants, this year’s “Mr. Georgetown” is larger than both the 2022 and 2023 iterations ; Mr. Innovo Consulting Ulises Olea Tapia (SFS ’25), Mr. Lecture Fund Liam McGraw (CAS ’25), Mr. Hilltop Consultants Thomas Fogarty (SFS ’25), Mr. Pep Band Nicholas Vianna (CAS ’25), Mr. Philonomosian Society John DiPierri (SFS ’25), Mr. D.C. Reads Joe Vitali (CAS ’25), Mr. Blue & Gray Josh Ford (SFS ’25), Mr. ESCAPE Koby Twist (CAS ’25), Mr. Hoya Blue Elliot Landolt (MSB ’25), and Mr. The Voice Cole Kindiger (CAS ’25) will also take to the stage in Gaston Hall this year.

From promoting their own found communities to encouraging audiences to break out of their shells to let their cultural backgrounds take center stage, “Mr. Georgetown” represents much more than just a Homecoming tradition — it’s a shining example of how we can come together as a community to create inclusive, welcoming spaces that allow every Hoya to find a home on campus.

But, at the end of the day, every pageant needs a winner; a judging panel of students, professors and graduates will crown one contestant “Mr. Georgetown” at the Sept. 20 show. 

• campus events

Your donation will support the student journalists of Georgetown University. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

Comments (0)

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Steals & Deals: Up to 80% off hair tools, charging bundles, more

• Share this —

• Watch Full Episodes
• Read With Jenna
• Inspirational
• Relationships
• TODAY Table
• Newsletters
• Start TODAY
• Shop TODAY Awards
• Citi Concert Series
• Listen All Day

Follow today

More Brands

• On The Show
• TODAY Plaza

Why I take at least 1 night off parenting every week

We mark the days on the calendar, treating them like essential, non-negotiable appointments.

When was the last time you took a weeknight off from parenting? Not a date night, not running errands , but a night purely for yourself.

If you’re like most parents, the answer is probably “before my kids were born.”

That was my answer, too. For years, I believed that spending every evening with my children was just what parents did. But the reality of balancing my career with the demands of parenting two toddlers just a year apart in age pushed me to the edge. 

At some point last year, I found myself perpetually exhausted, and, yes, admittedly snapping every so often at my kids and husband. I was running on fumes and reached a point where I needed a break — or else I’d break. 

That’s when my husband and I decided to try an experiment that on the outset seemed simple, but that we soon learned would be life-changing and life-giving: We would each get one or two nights “off” per week.

Initially, I had a hard time sticking to it. It felt too easy to default to our old ways, and I felt guilty for leaving my kids and for saddling my husband with their care. The idea of stepping away, even for a night, felt selfish. But as an introvert desperate for solitude and time to recharge, I realized that without some time off, I wouldn’t be able to give my family the best version of myself (or — if I’m being honest — even a semi-human version). 

So, my husband and I made a pact: Every week, we’d both have a night off to do whatever nourished our souls — no questions, no guilt. We marked these days on the calendar, treating them like essential, non-negotiable appointments.

Having a designated night off has felt like fresh air after years of holding my breath.

Once we did that, the impact was immediate and profound. Having a designated night off has felt like fresh air after years of holding my breath. Some nights, I’ve taken a solo hike or enjoyed a quiet dinner alone; other times, I let myself roam without a plan, savoring the rare and delicious freedom of unstructured time. 

It wasn’t long before I noticed a transformation in my parenting, too. I’ve become happier, more patient and joyfully present with my children. The time away isn’t just a luxury — it is a lifeline. Taking a break and having time to recharge is a necessity for my well-being, and thus for theirs.

When I started sharing our new routine with other parents, I noticed that many of them found the idea highly unusual and hadn’t ever considered taking this kind of time for themselves. (Before I tried it, I had never imagined it either!) And, living in a culture that glorifies self-sacrifice, especially for mothers, that makes sense. 

However, a few shared that they’ve taken similar “breaks” from parenting. Kelly Hubbell, founder of Sage Haus, an outsourcing platform for busy parents, has carved out a similar routine with her husband. He swims with friends on his nights off; she enjoys yoga or a moms’ night out on hers.

“It’s a necessary break to be more patient, kind and fully present, both with each other and our children,” she tells TODAY.com. “This rhythm has become essential for maintaining our sanity and nurturing our relationship.”

While having a partner certainly makes the approach a bit easier, fractional CEO and sales consultant Dora Rankin has always prioritized her own well-being, even as a single mom to two daughters.

“When the mothership goes down, everything goes down,” she tells TODAY.com. By taking regular weekends away with friends, she shows up as a stronger and more present mother. “My girls showed up just as strong, independent and self-sufficient too,” she adds.

Taking time off from parenting might seem counterintuitive, but it’s by far one of the best decisions we’ve made for our family. These breaks recharge us, enabling us to be more present, loving and fulfilled. As a result, every moment we spend with our kids feels richer and more meaningful.

It has also taught us a vital lesson: There are no strict “rules” to parenting. The more we give ourselves permission to break away from societal expectations and focus on what truly replenishes us, the higher the chances are that we can lead a life that feels truly aligned, even during these intense years when we’re dedicating so much of ourselves to our children. It’s easy to fall into default patterns — or frankly have so much on our plates we don’t come up for air to consider that there might be another way — but I’m living proof that this approach is a fast track to burnout. Thankfully, by stepping away from what we’re “supposed” to do, we’ve created a happier, healthier home for everyone.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, I encourage you to consider your own version of a night off. I know it’s easier said than done, and that even considering a night off requires a certain amount of privilege, but I also know how important it is to see alternative versions of what life could look like. Whether it’s scheduling solo time, hiring a babysitter or setting up a system with a partner, co-parent or friend, the key is to identify what you need on an ongoing basis, and not only give yourself permission to do so but to make it a priority. 

Your needs can’t always come last, because it’s only when we’ve taken care of ourselves that we can take care of others. In that sense, it’s the most selfless thing we can do for our families.

Gesche Haas is the founder of Dreamers & Doers , a highly curated community for extraordinary women entrepreneurs and leaders. She lives in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with her two toddlers, husband, and dog.

How The Consortium Helped Me Achieve My MBA Dreams

Contributing Writer

September 18, 2024

The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management  enhances diversity in business education and leadership by helping reduce the underrepresentation of African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans in MBA programs and in the ranks of management. As a member school, Georgetown McDonough provides scholarships for students who are admitted as part of The Consortium. All eligible applicants are considered upon submitting a completed application to the Full-time MBA Program at Georgetown McDonough through The Consortium.

We spoke with Tory Paez (MBA’20) about her experience in The Consortium, why she applied, and how the program helped position her for success in her career as a manager at The Bridgespan Group. 

Tory Paez (MBA’20)

Prior to business school, I was serving in the U.S. Peace Corps on a remote island in Costa Rica. I applied to pursue my MBA because I saw it as an opportunity to further develop the necessary hard skills and leadership capabilities needed for a long-term career in social impact. I specifically saw The Consortium as an opportunity to further my passion for diversity and inclusion, as well as to build a meaningful network with like-minded individuals. But I underestimated the career opportunities it would provide me. 

In my Consortium application essay, I wrote:  

“After receiving my MBA, I plan to alleviate economic challenges for marginalized individuals by serving as a consultant at a nonprofit management consulting firm, such as The Bridgespan Group, to assist their International Development team with projects around the globe.”

Upon acceptance into the Consortium family, I attended the annual Orientation Program Conference, a week-long introduction event for incoming MBA students. The Orientation Program provides the chance for Consortium university students to connect with one another as well as with top employers across the country. You can imagine my excitement (and nervousness) when I saw The Bridgespan Group as an employer at the Orientation Program Career Fair. Michelle, my Orientation Program roommate, fellow Georgetown student, and new friend of three days, pumped me up prior to heading into the employer gauntlet. I waited in line for more than 30 minutes to speak with employees of Bridgespan. From that initial connection, I was able to cultivate meaningful relationships over the next year to eventually secure a full-time offer upon graduation. 

This experience demonstrates the power of the Consortium. Not only was I able to secure my dream job upon graduation because of this organization, but I also met my best friends in the MBA program. These friends are more than just my professional network – my Consortium friends got me through finance and accounting, they showed me how business can be better for society, and they were always there to catch up over a beer at KEGS, our weekly MBA networking event. I am so grateful for what I learned as a Consortium scholarship recipient. It provided me with the career opportunities, support network, and endless encouragement to achieve my MBA dreams.

-Tory Paez (MBA’20)

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Write the Georgetown Essay Supplements 2021-2022

Georgetown University has two required prompts for all applicants. Applicants will also be required to answer an additional prompt about their intended area of study depending on what school they are applying to.

Georgetown is a highly competitive university that receives thousands of applications each year with the same perfect GPAs and test scores. Essays are the chief way admissions officers can distinguish between applicants and decide which students they want at their university. In this post, we’ll cover how to write engaging and impressive essays for each of these prompts.

Want to know your chances at Georgetown? Calculate your chances for free right now.

Georgetown Supplemental Prompts

All applicants.

Prompt 1: Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. ( 1/2 page, single-spaced, or approximately 300-400 words depending on font size)  

Prompt 2: As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you. ( 1 page, single-spaced, or approximately 300-400 words depending on font size)

School-Specific Prompts

Georgetown College: What does it mean to you to be educated? How might Georgetown College help you achieve this aim? (Applicants to the Sciences and Mathematics or the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics should address their chosen course of study.)

School of Nursing & Health Studies: Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, Human Science, or Nursing).

Walsh School of Foreign Service : The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. What is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world?

McDonough School of Business: The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.

(Each school-specific prompt should not exceed 1 page, single-spaced )

How to Write the Georgetown University General Supplemental Essays

Prompt 1: briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved..

The key strategy to responding to this prompt is to figure out which activity or program best exemplifies your interests and values. Rather than reach for the club you’ve committed the most hours to or an activity that you think would look the most impressive to the admissions officer, take a moment to pick one that inspires you. You’ll never be able to divine which specific activity the adcom may find the most appealing, so your best bet is to select the one that you’re most passionate about and show them why .

A few bits of advice:

If you decide to talk about a summer program, be very careful which one you pick and how you frame it.

For example, spending a few weeks traveling Europe or participating in a paid summer program on a college campus may have been a very enriching experience for you, but it is easy to stumble into cliches and run out of things to say in this context. It is highly likely that there will be many other applicants who have had similar experiences, which will make it much more difficult for you to convince the adcom that your activity is unique and indicative of your specific interests.

Further, it is harder to justify a one-time summer experience as an activity demanding the greatest level of involvement.

However, if you spent three summers in a row working as a camp counselor or participating in community service projects with a particular organization, you can definitely highlight your commitment to the activity.

When the prompt asks for an activity with which you have been most involved, it does not necessarily refer to the number of hours you spent.

For example, you may have devoted nine years of your life to playing an instrument and performing. At the same, you may have joined the school paper as a junior, written several articles for every edition, and created a brand new features section to highlight student accomplishments beyond the classroom.

While counting hours would lead us to conclude that you’ve spent more time being a musician, it is evident from this example that you’ve shown most initiative as a reporter, despite the short period you spent at the paper.

While it is fantastic if your chosen activity directly ties into the major you’re planning to pursue, don’t worry too much about picking something that you deem most relevant to your field.

In this essay, the adcom is looking to understand your passions, the skills you gained, your strengths as a leader or a team player, and your dedication. If you can demonstrate your commitment to, say, teaching ukulele to small kids and your creativity and excitement in approaching the task at hand, you will show the adcom that you have acquired transferable skills , which you will apply with the same intensity to your collegial pursuits.

Don’t try to second-guess what the adcom may or may not wish to see. Pick an activity that makes you the most excited —the one you never cease to talk about with your friends and family — and write about why it’s important.

Prompt 2:  As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you.

Although Georgetown is not on the Common App, this prompt asks essentially the same questions as the Common App prompts for 2021-2022 . This essay is an opportunity for the adcom to get to know you as an individual. Through this essay, they want to learn who you are, what your values are, what drives you and gets you out of bed in the morning, in other words — what makes you unique. The most efficient approach here is to use your Common App personal statement.

Notice the prompt’s emphasis on the importance of diversity. Whether or not you end up using your Common App essay, make sure that your response highlights the unique perspective you will contribute to the Georgetown community. Remember that diversity does not necessarily imply belonging to an ethnic or religious community, which is a topic many students tend to initially gravitate towards. For example, if you are someone who has lots of experience traveling, you can talk about how exploration is a key aspect of your personality. If you devote all of your free time to designing sets for your school’s plays, you can emphasize your identity as an artist and team player in your response.

The admissions committee will be choosing among hundreds of applicants, many of whom will have academic profiles, grades, and scores similar to your own. The key to producing a successful response here is to make yourself stand out in the eyes of your reader.

Your GPA and SAT don’t tell the full admissions story

Our chancing engine factors in extracurricular activities, demographics, and other holistic details. We’ll let you know what your chances are at your dream schools — and how to improve your chances!

Our chancing engine factors in extracurricular activities, demographic, and other holistic details.

Our chancing engine factors in extracurricular activities, demographic, and other holistic details. We’ll let you know what your chances are at your dream schools — and how to improve your chances!

How to Write the Georgetown University School-Specific Supplemental Essays

The primary purpose of each school-specific prompt to determine why you want to study a particular discipline and why you want to study it specifically at Georgetown. While your responses to the general prompts will give the adcom a picture of who you are beyond your academic accomplishments, the school-specific essays seek to assess your intellectual motivations for choosing a particular program of study.

When responding to any of these prompts, it is important to keep in mind Georgetown’s unique characteristics, such as Georgetown’s values of educating “men and women for others” (those who will seek to improve their communities and society at large) and its emphasis on ethics and worldliness.

Georgetown College Prompt

What does it mean to you to be educated how might georgetown college help you achieve this aim (applicants to the sciences and mathematics or the faculty of languages and linguistics should address their chosen course of study.).

In this essay, you want to underline your academic and career-related goals and demonstrate why Georgetown is the perfect school to help you achieve them. Be sure to draw on Georgetown’s unique Jesuit identity and its specific values when responding to this question. For example, if you are planning to study politics, you can discuss your interest in improving people’s lives and connect it with Georgetown’s emphasis on serving others.

For the purposes of this prompt, it is also important that you establish what being educated means to you. You want to explain your definition early on in your response before diving into specific examples from your life. Receiving an education can mean a number of different things, and this open-ended questions gives you an opportunity to define education in a way that will highlight your unique experiences.

You could discuss how education to you means broadening your horizons beyond the classroom by attending independent film screenings or local art exhibits in your town. You could define education as exploring new ideas by connecting to those around you with different opinions and points of view. Education could mean learning new languages in order to be able learn about new cultures and belief systems. Whatever position you decide to take, be sure to explicitly address what being educated means to you in your introduction.

Here are a few ideas to help you in crafting a perfect response:

1. As mentioned in the prompt, if you’re applying to a specific program within the College, you need to focus on the specific opportunities it has to offer you. Do some research on the university’s website to see if there is anything that jumps out at you—Georgetown, and D.C. in general, are home to many symposiums, conferences, and nationwide events that can provide you with ample opportunity to learn beyond the classroom.

2. Don’t be afraid to discuss Georgetown’s wide network and the possibility of connecting with important practitioners in your field. Many faculty members at Georgetown have previously worked in the public or private sectors, and being able to take their courses will afford you the opportunity to better understand your chosen field.

3. Washington, D.C. is a wealth of museums, historical sites, non-profit organizations, and interest-based societies that will enable you to apply your academic knowledge out in the world. If you choose to highlight the importance of the university’s location to your learning goals, keep in mind that D.C. is home to a number of prestigious universities.

Don’t focus solely on D.C.’s advantages at the expense of the opportunities unique to Georgetown. If you wish to discuss the wealth of historical resources available at the National Archives, talk about the unprecedented access that being a Georgetown student will provide. Visiting a museum is something any tourist can do, but having a conversation with a field specialist and witnessing the conservation process on a class trip is a chance only Georgetown students have!

Remember, when the prompt asks you to discuss what being educated means to you, it does not refer solely to the classes you will attend. Drawing attention to opportunities beyond the classroom that being a member of the Georgetown community will offer you is a key difference between a good and a great response.

School of Nursing & Health Studies Prompt

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. please specifically address your intended major (global health, health care management & policy, human science, or nursing)..

This prompt is a chance for you to explain to the adcom why you’re choosing to devote your academic career to health sciences. Prior to writing your response, make sure to research the major you’re applying to and understand what sets it apart from the others.

For example, health care management & policy majors really focus on the policy aspect of the health industry, learning about key stakeholders in the policymaking process and understanding what goes into managing and improving the industry. So if you’re applying into this major, you want to highlight your interest in the legislative and managerial aspects of the field, rather than discuss your passion for taking care of individual patients. Above all, this essay is a time for you to reflect on and narrow down your interests.

As with any school-specific essay, you want to write something that sets you apart from all the other applicants. It’s very likely that they, too, will have experiences working in labs or volunteering at a local hospital to speak about. You need to find an angle that highlights your unique perspective and approach.

Read on for some ideas below:

1.  If you are someone who lived through a serious or chronic illness, you can address your experiences here as a way to explain your interest in the health industry . While an illness can be a challenging and extremely personal topic to write about, you can focus on the ways it helped to develop your passion for helping others or for conducting scientific research as a way to put your academic accomplishments in context.

2. If you have a family member who works in the healthcare industry , you can discuss your first exposure to the field in the context of building connections with your loved ones. Perhaps your uncle has spent countless hours pointing out inefficiencies in the ways we currently manage large hospitals based on his work as a doctor. You can recount these conversations as a gateway to your passion for healthcare and even mention some projects you may wish to pursue to combat these problems in the future.  

3.  If you spent a summer or your after-school hours volunteering at a local hospital or other medical establishment, you can use an anecdote describing your experience to underline your interest in the industry. Keep in mind that many other students applying to this school will likely have similar activities on their resume. Try to find a unique angle that will exemplify your experience.

What was the specific moment that you first realized you want to study health? What were you doing when you had that revelation? Was there a particularly jarring conversation or event that led you to this conclusion? Perhaps you volunteered in a childcare center at the hospital and spending time with a particular child first prompted you to realize that you find caring for other people especially fulfilling. Perhaps you prepared a research project for your biology class and became fascinated with genetic disorders, leading you to seek out a summer internship in a local lab. Whatever angle you choose, be sure to reflect on the questions above as you prepare to write your essay, and try to pick an anecdote that highlights your personality.

When you sit down to write, remember that your main goal to explain to the adcom why what you want to accomplish cannot be accomplished by studying any other field. Focus on program features that set Georgetown apart from other universities and find a connection to your personal experiences that will help to humanize you in the eyes of the reader.

Walsh School of Foreign Service Prompt

The walsh school of foreign service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. what is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world.

Applicants to the School of Foreign Service are expected to be well-versed in global affairs. This essay is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your passion for and understanding of global and public service. The admissions committee wants to understand why this topic is important to you , and personal anecdotes are the most powerful way to convey this. 

It is important to pick an experience related to one of your interests that is unique and can be connected to solving global problems. Don’t try to write an essay about the hot topic of the day like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict if you don’t have a deep personal connection. You should choose an issue or experience with a problem that motivated you to take action and dedicate your life to helping the world.

Here are some strong example responses you can use for inspiration:

1. If you have devoted time to raising money for a charity that helps finance the education of a child in need, you can connect your personal experience to the larger issue of income or education disparities. Spend a paragraph detailing the moment that first sparked your interest in this issue and follow it up with a nuanced analysis of what you hope to learn in college that will allow you to address the larger issue at hand.

 2. If you’re passionate about female participation in politics, you could discuss your first voting experience and highlight how the lack of female candidates on the ballot sparked your outrage. Or you could mention the insufficient number of female role models in the political arena that struck you as a child interested in politics. Be descriptive and detailed about your emotions to convey the deep need you feel to solve this issue .

3. If you’ve taken a class or worked on a project that exposed you to a variety of international issues, explain why a particular topic struck a chord . While you may not have a direct experience with the issue at hand, try to think of ways to connect it to your own life. Then go on to discuss how you hope to return to and solve this issue in the future.

4. Even if you lack an academic or extracurricular experience that ties into global affairs, there are other ways you can make a personal connection to the topic. If there is a book you read or a movie you watched that exposed you to an issue of global significance, which you’ve been curious about ever since, this can be your link! Make sure to show why this topic grabbed your attention and to highlight your intellectual curiosity and passion.

Whichever topic you choose to write about, remember that your essay should seamlessly connect your past to your future. You need to demonstrate your passion for the field of foreign service, what your goals are within the field, and how the Walsh School will help you grow your passion to achieve your future goals.

McDonough School of Business Prompt

The mcdonough school of business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. please discuss your motivations for studying business at georgetown..

This prompt should not be regarded as yet another “why business school” essay. Note the question’s emphasis on a global approach and its reference to ethics . As mentioned earlier, Georgetown’s identity is built upon its Jesuit values, which manifest themselves in all its academic programs. When you write this essay, keep those keywords in mind. In responding to the prompt, highlight the unique perspective that this program seeks to provide and emphasize your appreciation for the opportunities it will offer you.

Here are a few response ideas:

1. If the school’s focus on ethics appeals to you, you could discuss your passion for developing sustainable business practices and link it to a local business in your community whose model you particularly appreciate. If you have ever worked for a small business or if your family or friends own one, you can mention it to point out the origins of your focus on sustainability.

2. If the McDonough’s global approach attracted you to the school in the first place, you can talk about your interest in economic models different from that of the U.S . For instance, if you’re fascinated by India’s initiatives to combat deep poverty in its rural regions, this is your opportunity to discuss it.

Be sure to tie it to the programs and opportunities offered at the school. For example, if there is a course on the economics of poverty that you are particularly eager to enroll in or a professor who is an expert in this field, talk about it in your response!

3. You can never go wrong with harnessing Georgetown’s advantageous D.C. location to help you justify your interest in its business school. In particular, if you’re interested in financial policy or the interaction between the government and entrepreneurs, you can reference the internship opportunities that McDonough’s strategic location will provide you and the star faculty, who frequently come to teach at Georgetown after working in D.C.’s public and private sectors for many years.

The main reason that Georgetown does not use the Common App is that it wishes to only attract students who are dedicated enough to their university and its values that they are willing to go through a separate application process to get there. As you work on your application, remember what makes Georgetown unique and why these particularities appealed to you when you first put Georgetown down as a potential school on your list. Think hard about your motivation for applying, do your research, and reach out for help when needed!

Where to Get Your Georgetown Essays Edited for Free

Do you want feedback on your Georgetown essays? After countlessly rereading your essays, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. Since they don’t know you personally, they can be a more objective judge of whether your personality shines through, and whether you’ve fully answered the prompt. 

You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. We highly recommend giving this tool a try!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts