Chances of Getting Into George Washington University
Washington, D.C. • Private University • #67 National • Founded 1821
GW Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
GW SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About George Washington University
George Washington University sits blocks from the White House and Capitol Hill, making it one of the best-positioned schools in America for politics, international relations, and public policy. The Elliott School of International Affairs is world-renowned.
Top Programs
What Makes GW Unique
- Blocks from the White House, World Bank, IMF, and Capitol Hill
- Elliott School of International Affairs — top 10 nationally
- Unmatched internship access in government, policy, and media
- Urban campus in the heart of D.C.'s Foggy Bottom
- Alumni network includes political leaders worldwide
GW Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
GW Application Deadlines
How to Get Into GW: Admission Tips
GW's ED acceptance rate (~70%) is extremely favorable
Location is GW's biggest asset — show how you'll use D.C.
If interested in international affairs, mention the Elliott School specifically
Internship plans should feature in your essays
GW is test-optional — submit scores only if they're strong
The Brutal Truth About GW Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 49% acceptance rate, GW rejected over 13,770 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At GW, having a 3.65 GPA and 1380 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. GW doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if GW genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 49%-acceptance-rate basket.
GW Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at George Washington University?
George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 49% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 27,000+ applicants, approximately 2,600 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into GW?
The average GPA of admitted students at George Washington University is 3.65. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.50, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for GW?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted GW students is 1300-1460. The average SAT score is 1380. For ACT, the range is 30-33 with an average of 32.
Is GW hard to get into?
Yes, George Washington University is selective with an acceptance rate of just 49%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does GW cost?
Tuition at George Washington University is $63,270 per year, with total cost of attendance at $82,000. However, 45% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $40,000+.
What are my chances of getting into GW?
Your chances of getting into George Washington University depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 49% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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