Georgetown Acceptance Rate: Admissions Statistics

Is Georgetown University one of your target schools? One of the first things you need to know is how tough it is to get in. Georgetown is one of the most prestigious schools in the U.S., so it’s no surprise that admissions are competitive. For the Class of 2028, Georgetown University’s acceptance rate was 12.3%, which means thousands of students apply each year, but only a small percentage make the cut.

In this blog, we break down Georgetown’s acceptance rate and other important admission stats (yield rate, Early Action and Regular Decision acceptance rates, transfer acceptance rate, and waitlist acceptance rate) and discuss how they can play to your advantage (or disadvantage) as a college applicant.

• What Is Georgetown’s Acceptance Rate?
• Georgetown Acceptance Rate Trends
• Georgetown Regular Decision Acceptance Rate
• Georgetown Early Action Acceptance Rate
• How to Get Accepted into Georgetown
• Georgetown Transfer Acceptance Rate
• Georgetown Waitlist Acceptance Rate
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is Georgetown’s Acceptance Rate?

Georgetown recorded a pretty steady acceptance rate for the Class of 2028. The school accepted 12.3% of its total applicants, a 0.8% difference from last year.

Here’s what the application types look like in numbers:

For the Class of 2028, the university received a total of 26,170 applications across both Early Action and Regular Decision. Of those, 3,226 students were accepted, resulting in an overall acceptance rate of 12.3%.

Georgetown’s Early Action had 8,584 applicants, but only 881 got in, making the acceptance rate 10.3%. Regular Decision had more applicants (17,586) and accepted 2,345 students, resulting in a 13.3% acceptance rate. Overall, Regular Decision applicants had a slightly better chance of getting in than those who applied Early Action.

Georgetown has made it clear that applying Early Action doesn’t really give you an advantage. The acceptance rates for Early Action and Regular Decision are pretty similar, so it all comes down to when you’re ready to submit your best application.

Georgetown yield rate

Georgetown University consistently has a high yield rate, meaning a large percentage of accepted students choose to enroll. For the Class of 2028, the yield rate was 78.9%, with 1,600 students enrolling out of 3,226 accepted. This trend has remained steady over the past few years, with yield rates hovering around 78% to 79%.

To put things into perspective, the national average yield rate for four-year nonprofit colleges in fall 2022 was only 30%. Private colleges did slightly better at 33%, while public colleges were even lower at 25%. Compared to that, Georgetown is in a league of its own, proving just how much students want to be there.

So, why is Georgetown’s yield rate so high? A big reason is its strong academic reputation and prestigious programs, which make it a top choice for many students. On top of that, its prime location in Washington, D.C., opens up amazing opportunities for internships, networking, and career growth.

Georgetown Acceptance Rate Trends

In the last 5 years, according to its Common Data Set, Georgetown has maintained pretty steady acceptance rates:

Over the past five years, Georgetown’s acceptance rate has stayed low, usually around 12% to 13%. The only exception was the Class of 2024, which had a noticeably higher rate of 16.8%.

One big trend is that applications have been going up, which makes getting in even tougher. The Class of 2024 was a bit different—fewer students applied (21,190 total), but more were accepted (3,561), leading to that higher acceptance rate. This was likely due to the pandemic, which changed the way many schools handled admissions.

At the end of the day, Georgetown is a tough school to get into, but that’s what makes it such an exciting goal for applicants who want to be part of an elite university.

Georgetown acceptance rate vs Ivy League schools

Georgetown is often mentioned alongside Ivy League schools and other top universities—and for good reason. But how does Georgetown stack up against the Ivies when it comes to acceptance rates? Let’s break it down:

With an acceptance rate of around 12%, Georgetown is just as selective as some Ivy League schools. It may not have the ultra-low rates of Harvard or Yale, but keep in mind the huge number of applications it gets every year.

But acceptance rates aren’t the whole story. Georgetown’s yield rate is an impressive 78.9%, which means most students who get in actually choose to enroll. That’s a big deal! In fact, Georgetown’s yield rate rivals or even beats some Ivy League schools, showing just how many students see it as their top choice.

While some private universities have even lower acceptance rates, Georgetown is still a major “reach” school for many students. It consistently ranks as one of the most prestigious and competitive universities in the country. Even if you have amazing grades, top test scores, and impressive extracurriculars, getting in is no sure thing—the competition is that fierce!

Georgetown Regular Decision Acceptance Rate

For the Class of 2028, Georgetown’s Regular Decision acceptance rate was actually higher than its Early Action rate, coming in at 13.3%.

Here’s a look at Georgetown’s Regular Decision acceptance rates over the past five years.

Over the last five years, Georgetown’s Regular Decision acceptance rate has ranged from 12% to 15%. For the Class of 2028, it was 13.3%, the same as the Class of 2026.

The Class of 2027 had a slightly higher rate at 15.4%, while the Class of 2025 was more competitive at 12.5%. The Class of 2024 stands out with the highest rate in recent years—19.5%, likely due to the pandemic affecting admissions.

If you’re already 100% ready, apply Early Action. It shows enthusiasm, and you get your results early. But if you need time to strengthen your application, go for Regular Decision to maximize your chances. There’s no statistical advantage to EA at Georgetown, so focus on submitting your best possible application!

Georgetown Regular Decision deadline and notification date

Georgetown’s Regular Decision deadline is January 10, giving applicants more time to polish their essays, improve test scores, and showcase senior-year achievements. Unlike many other top schools, Georgetown does not use the Common App, so you’ll need to submit your application through their own system.

Once submitted, you can expect to receive your admissions decision in late March. This timeline allows you to compare financial aid offers and make an informed choice before the May 1 college decision deadline.

Georgetown Early Action Acceptance Rate

For the Class of 2028, Georgetown’s Early Action acceptance rate was 10.3%, only slightly lower than its Regular Decision rate. Over the past five years, Early Action acceptance rates have remained fairly consistent:

Over the past five years, Georgetown’s Early Action acceptance rates have stayed low. This shows just how competitive the school’s admissions process is. For the Class of 2028, the EA acceptance rate was 10.3%, with 881 students accepted out of 8,584 applicants.

Looking at recent years, the Class of 2027 had the toughest EA round, with an acceptance rate of just 8.8%—only 791 students got in out of 8,987 applications. The Class of 2026 saw a small bump to 10.0%, accepting 881 students from 8,832 applications.

The Class of 2025 had one of the higher rates at 10.8%, with 940 admitted out of 8,710 applicants. Meanwhile, the Class of 2024 had the highest EA acceptance rate in the last five years at 11.7%, likely because fewer students applied that year (7,305 total applications, 856 admitted).

Overall, Georgetown’s Early Action acceptance rates usually hover around 10%, with small changes depending on the number of students who apply each year.

Georgetown Early Action policy

Georgetown’s Early Action (EA) program is designed to give you flexibility when choosing a college. Even if you’re admitted through EA, you still have until May 1—the same deadline as Regular Decision applicants—to decide where you want to go.

Because of this, Georgetown does not allow EA applicants to apply to binding Early Decision programs. If you’re applying EA, you need to keep your options open, meaning no ED applications elsewhere. However, you can still apply to other schools’ Early Action or Regular Decision programs at the same time. Just make sure to check each school’s rules, as not all EA programs allow multiple Early Action applications.

If you aren’t admitted through Early Action, don’t worry. Your application isn’t rejected. Instead, it gets deferred to the Regular Decision pool, meaning you’ll have another chance for admission in the spring.

Georgetown Early Action deadline and notification date

Georgetown’s Early Action (EA) deadline is November 1, giving students the chance to apply early and receive an admissions decision by mid-December. Unlike many other top schools, Georgetown does not use the Common App, so applicants must submit their materials through the university’s own application system.

Georgetown’s Early Action program is non-binding, meaning if you’re accepted, you’re not required to enroll. You’ll still have until May 1 to make your final college decision, just like Regular Decision applicants.

How to Get Accepted into Georgetown

Georgetown has its own application process so you won’t be using the Common App here. One cool thing? They offer alumni interviews for almost every applicant, allowing you to share your story beyond just grades and test scores.

Academics are definitely the biggest factor in admissions, but Georgetown looks at more than just numbers. They value what you do outside the classroom, how you give back to your community, and personal qualities like resilience, motivation, and ambition. These are the things that make you unique—and the kind of student who will both contribute to and thrive at Georgetown.

Here’s how you can boost your chances of beating the ultra-competitive Georgetown’s acceptance rate:

Target GPA

Georgetown doesn’t set a minimum GPA, but let’s be honest—a high GPA makes you a strong contender. Most admitted students have a GPA of around 3.9, so if you’re aiming for the top, shooting for a 3.9 or higher will help you stay competitive.

But don’t panic if your GPA isn’t perfect. You can balance it out with strong test scores, standout essays, or impressive extracurriculars. Taking challenging courses like AP, IB, or honors classes also proves you can handle Georgetown’s rigorous academics. At the end of the day, admissions look at the full picture, so just focus on showing them what makes you a great fit.

Target test scores

Georgetown requires SAT or ACT scores for all applicants, so skipping the tests isn’t an option here. Since scores play a big role in admissions, you’ll want to aim for ones that stand out. Based on Georgetown’s latest Common Data Set, here’s a look at the typical SAT and ACT scores for admitted students:

Hitting the 75th percentile of these score ranges (1530 on the SAT, 35 on the ACT) shows you’re ready to take on Georgetown’s rigorous coursework. But don’t stress if your scores aren’t perfect—while they matter, Georgetown looks at the whole picture. Your transcript, extracurriculars, essays, recommendations, and overall application all play a big role. So, focus on making every part of your application as strong as possible!

Extracurriculars

At Georgetown, it’s not about how many clubs you join—it’s about what you do in them. They want to see your impact, why your involvement mattered, and how you made a difference.

Leadership stands out. Did you start a club, organize a fundraiser, or lead a big project? Georgetown loves students who take initiative and make things happen.

Community service is also a big deal. Since Georgetown is a Jesuit school, giving back is important. Volunteering, mentoring, or working on meaningful service projects? That’s the kind of experience that will help you stand out.

Essays

Georgetown requires three essays as part of your application. Two prompts are the same for everyone, but the third one depends on which school you’re applying to. Don’t worry if you’re not totally sure about your major yet—you can still write a strong, school-specific essay by focusing on your interests, experiences, and what excites you about that program.

Use this space to let your personality shine and show what makes you unique. Share your perspective and explain why Georgetown is the perfect fit for you. Be specific—mention programs, professors, or campus opportunities that excite you and how you see yourself adding to the Georgetown community.

Recommendation letters

At Georgetown, you’ll need three recommendation letters, with at least two from academic sources. These are submitted through the online application portal, which automatically emails your recommenders with instructions and lets you track their progress.

Pick teachers who really know you—not just your grades, but your work ethic, personality, and growth. The more detailed and personal these letters are, the better they’ll help you stand out to the admissions team.

If you want a clear, step-by-step guide on Georgetown’s admissions process, we’ve got you covered. Our breakdown is full of tips and advice to help you build a strong application and boost your chances of getting into one of the most competitive schools out there.

Georgetown Transfer Acceptance Rate

Georgetown has not released the transfer acceptance rate for the Class of 2028, but based on past trends, it’s clear that transferring to Georgetown remains a challenging process with fluctuating acceptance rates depending on the year:

Georgetown’s transfer acceptance rate has fluctuated a lot over the past five years, ranging from 3.2% to 14.1%, making it highly competitive. For the Class of 2027, 13.2% of transfer applicants got in (296 accepted out of 2,241). The year before, the Class of 2026 had a lower rate of 7.3%, with only 185 students admitted from 2,528 applications.

The Class of 2025 was the toughest year, with just a 3.2% acceptance rate (86 accepted out of 2,655). On the other hand, the Class of 2024 had the highest rate at 14.1%, admitting 310 students from 2,195 applicants. The Class of 2023 was also competitive, with a 6.4% acceptance rate and 162 students admitted from 2,544 applicants.

Overall, transfer admissions at Georgetown are unpredictable and depend on the number of applicants each year.

Important dates and transfer requirements

Transferring to Georgetown University is competitive, so planning ahead is key. Here are the important deadlines to keep in mind:

• March 1. Transfer application deadline
• June 1. Financial aid application deadline (if applying for aid)
• Mid-May to Early June. Admissions decisions released
• July 1. Transfer credit evaluation submission deadline

Georgetown only accepts transfer students for the fall semester, so if you miss the March 1 deadline, you’ll have to wait another year to apply. To be eligible, you need to have completed at least one full-time semester (12+ credits) at another college, but you can’t already have a bachelor’s degree.

Transferring here isn’t easy, but it’s definitely possible with a strong GPA, great essays, and a well-prepared application. Stay organized, meet the deadlines, and use your essays to show why Georgetown is the perfect place for you!

Georgetown Waitlist Acceptance Rate

Georgetown hasn’t shared the official waitlist acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 yet. But looking at the past five years of waitlist data can give us a good idea of how the school approaches its waitlisted applicants:

Georgetown’s waitlist acceptance rate is all over the place, changing a lot from year to year. For the Class of 2027, 4.1% of waitlisted students got in—93 accepted out of 2,274. The year before was even tougher, with only 1.6% making it off the waitlist for the Class of 2026.

Things were even more competitive for the Class of 2025, where just 0.9% got accepted—that’s only 29 students from a huge pool of 3,277. On the flip side, the Class of 2024 had the best odds in recent years, with a 12.4% acceptance rate—275 students got in out of 2,215. Another waitlist group from 2024’s cycle had a 3.6% acceptance rate, admitting 86 students from 2,420 applicants.

Clearly, Georgetown’s waitlist is unpredictable—some years, a good number of students get in, and other years, barely any do. If you’re waitlisted, stay hopeful, but make sure you have a strong backup plan just in case.

What to do if you’re waitlisted

Getting waitlisted at Georgetown isn’t a no. It’s more like a maybe. The school sees you as a strong applicant, but there just isn’t a spot available right now. The waitlist gives the admissions team a backup pool of students to choose from if accepted students decline their offers.

While there’s still a chance, getting off the waitlist isn’t guaranteed. Here’s what you can do to stay in the game:

• Confirm your spot. Follow Georgetown’s instructions to accept your waitlist offer. If you don’t, you’re out of the running.
• Send a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). Write a short, genuine note to Georgetown reaffirming your interest. Mention new achievements, awards, or activities since you applied.
• Keep your grades up. Stay focused on academics and extracurriculars. Georgetown values commitment and consistency, even after applications are in.
• Stay grounded. The waitlist process is unpredictable. Hope for the best, but focus on the school where you’ve already been admitted to ensure you’re set for the fall.

The best way to avoid the waitlist stress is to submit a strong application upfront, but if you end up here, these steps can help you stand out. Just remember, getting off the waitlist is a long shot, so manage your expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Gorgetown’s latest overall acceptance rate?

For the Class of 2028, Georgetown received 26,170 applications through Early Action and Regular Decision combined. Out of those, 3,226 students were accepted, bringing the overall acceptance rate to 12.3%.

2. What is Gorgetown’s Early Action acceptance rate?

For the Class of 2028, Georgetown’s Early Action acceptance rate was 10.3%, with 881 students admitted from a pool of 8,584 applicants.

3. What is Gorgetown’s Regular Decision acceptance rate?

For the Class of 2028, Georgetown’s Regular Decision acceptance rate was 13.3%, which was actually higher than its Early Action rate. Out of 17,586 applicants, 2,345 students were admitted.

4. What is Gorgetown’s transfer acceptance rate?

Georgetown has not yet released the transfer acceptance rate for the Class of 2028. For the Class of 2027, the transfer acceptance rate was 13.2%, with 296 students admitted out of 2,241 applicants.

5. What is Gorgetown’s waitlist acceptance rate?

Georgetown hasn’t released the waitlist acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 yet. For the Class of 2027, 4.1% of waitlisted students were admitted, with 93 accepted out of 2,274 applicants.

Takeaways

Georgetown’s acceptance rate proves how competitive it is to get into this prestigious university. If you’re aiming for a spot, here are five key things to keep in mind:

• Georgetown’s overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 is 12.3%. That is with the yield rate of 78.9%.
• Georgetown’s acceptance rate is lower than many top private universities and is increasingly competitive year after year. It is comparable to that of the Ivy League.
• Unlike at other schools, Regular Decision applicants at Georgetown had a slightly better chance of acceptance, with an acceptance rate of 13.3% compared to 10.3% for Early Action.
• A strong GPA (3.8 to 4.0) and high SAT/ACT scores (SAT 1390-1530, ACT 32-35), along with impressive essays and recommendations, can boost your chances.
• Since Georgetown’s admissions are highly competitive, getting expert advice or working with a college admissions coach can help you craft a strong application and stand out from the competition.