Do I need to take any SAT Subject Exams?

GW does not require SAT Subject Exams for general admission; however, students applying to the Seven-Year B.A./M.D. and the Six-Year B.A./J.D. Programs are required to submit Subject Exam scores. Students applying to the B.A./M.D. Program must take two exams (one in math and one in science) while students applying to the B.A./J.D. Program must take two exams of their choice.

What if I want to change any information on my application during the application process?

Before your online GW Application is submitted you can change any information through the GW Application Center. Once your application has been submitted, you should email the Office of Admissions at gwapply@gwu.edu as soon as possible to make any necessary changes.

Does GW prefer the GW online application or the Common Application?

GW considers both applications equally. Applicants should keep in mind that if they submit the Common Application they are also required to submit the GW Supplement to the Common Application which is available at www.commonapp.org.

How do I apply to an Honors, Accelerated, or Special program?

To apply to any of these programs students should submit the Honors, Accelerated, and Special Programs Application which is available through the GW Admissions Activity Center. These programs are available only to freshman applicants who meet the specified application deadlines. For further application requirements, click here.

If I’m not admitted to an Honors, Accelerated, or Special program, will I still be considered for regular admission?

Yes. Applicants to an Honors, Accelerated, or Special program are first considered for general admission before being considered for one of these programs.

How important are interviews in the admissions process?

While interviews are not required for admission, they are evaluative and will be considered in the application review process. Freshman applicants may request interviews through the Admissions Office; however, availability is limited. The interview allows us to learn more about the applicant and gives applicants the opportunity to add a personal voice to their application file.

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

GW takes a comprehensive and holistic approach to the application review process. Therefore, we have no minimum GPA or SAT requirements for admission.

If I take the required standardized tests more than once, which results will GW consider?

Students are encouraged to limit the number of times they take the ACT or SAT. If standardized test scores are taken more than once, we will use the highest composite ACT or the highest combined SAT score.

How do I know if I should apply as a transfer student?

Any student who has graduated high school and earned college credit should apply as a transfer student.

How do I check my application status?

Your application status can be checked through the GW Admissions Activity Center. In order to access the Activity Center, you will need your GWID, a unique identification number, provided to you via email by the Office of Admissions once your application is submitted.

Which teachers should write recommendations?

We recommend that when submitting a recommendation that you choose a teacher who can best describe your involvement in the classroom and can speak of your intellectual abilities, character, and academic engagement. Freshman applicants should choose a teacher who has taught you in an academic subject in your junior or senior year. Transfer applicants should select a college professor who has taught you in an academic subject, and those not currently enrolled in college, may choose an employer to write the recommendation.

Should applicants send in supplementary recommendations?

If you believe that a supplemental recommendation would provide new information about you, an additional recommendation is appropriate. It is not necessary or encouraged, however, to add unnecessary recommendations to your file.

Can I send in portfolios, slides, or other supplementary materials?

Due to our large number of applications GW is unable to consider any portfolios, slides, or other supplementary materials in the application review process.

If I am an international student, do I have to take the SAT? 

All applicants to GW, including international students, are required to take either the SAT or ACT exams. Results of national examinations, such as the A Level exams, cannot be used as substitutes for these examinations. The SAT or ACT requirement is waived only if a student’s country of residence does not offer SAT or ACT testing anywhere in the country (such as mainland China).

Is the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) required, and what is the minimum required score?

If English is not your first language you must submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), regardless of citizenship, country of residence, or language of instruction in school. The minimum required score is 80 on the internet-based TOEFL, 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, or 550 on the paper-based TOEFL. Strong applicants to GW score much higher than the minimum required score on the TOEFL.

In lieu of the TOEFL, applicants may submit results from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS is required. (www.ielts.org)

The TOEFL requirement is waived only for applicants who score 550 or higher on the Critical Reading section of the SAT.

Are international students eligible for financial assistance and scholarships? 

International students are not eligible for need-based financial assistance. In order to receive the required paperwork from GW to apply for a student visa, applicants must submit a bank statement and the Financial Certificate Form as part of the application process. International students pay the same tuition as U.S. citizens.

GW awards a limited number of partial merit scholarships to international students with outstanding academic achievements. Automatic consideration for these merit scholarships is given to eligible candidates upon receipt of the application and all supporting credentials.