Georgetown Application Deadlines: Key Dates for 2025-2026

Applying to Georgetown University requires thoughtful preparation and close attention to deadlines. Whether you’re pursuing Early Action, Regular Decision, or applying as a transfer student, staying on top of each Georgetown application deadline, decision release date, and financial aid requirement is crucial.

This guide will walk you through the 2025–2026 admissions cycle so you can approach the process with clarity and confidence.

• When Is Georgetown Application Due?
• Georgetown Early Action Deadline
• Georgetown Regular Decision Deadline
• How to Apply to Georgetown
• Georgetown Transfer Deadline
• Georgetown Financial Aid Deadline
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

When Is Georgetown Application Due?

Choosing when to apply to college can feel like a high‑stakes guessing game. Georgetown University takes some of the mystery out of this process by offering two admissions routes for first‑year students—Early Action and Regular Decision—plus a separate process for transfers. Both options have distinct Georgetown application deadlines, and understanding the differences will help you tailor your application strategy.

Here are key dates you should know:

Georgetown Early Action Deadline

Early Action (EA) at Georgetown is a non‑binding program designed for students who want an early read on their application. Here is a timeline of other important Early Action dates for the 2025–2026 admissions cycle:

What is Georgetown Early Action?

Georgetown’s Early Action program lets high-achieving students receive an admission decision in December without being obligated to enroll. Because EA is non-binding, you can compare financial aid offers before committing, while still having until the May 1 Candidate’s Reply Date to decide.

Key points to note:

• No early decision. Georgetown does not offer a binding Early Decision option.
• Restrictions. You may apply to other schools’ Early Action or Regular Decision programs, but not to any binding Early Decision programs.
• Acceptance rates. The university reports almost similar admit rates for Early Action and Regular Decision.
• No denials. EA applicants are never denied outright—those not admitted are deferred to Regular Decision for a full second review.

Applying by the Georgetown application deadline for Early Action is a smart choice if your junior-year record is strong and you’d like an early response. If deferred, focus on strong senior grades and submit updated scores or honors before the Regular Decision review.

Georgetown Early Action acceptance rate

For the Class of 2029, Georgetown’s Early Action acceptance rate was 11.1%, taking in 917 out of 8,254 applicants.

Applying EA may improve your chances of admission because it shows demonstrated interest and a binding commitment to enroll if accepted. EA pools often have slightly higher acceptance rates compared to Regular Decision, since colleges are admitting students who are highly motivated and likely to attend.

However, this doesn’t guarantee admission—your academic record, extracurriculars, and overall fit with Georgetown still play the most significant roles in the decision.

Georgetown Regular Decision Deadline

Regular Decision is Georgetown’s standard, non-binding admission option, giving you more time to refine your application, strengthen senior-year grades, or retake tests. The Georgetown application deadline for Regular Decision is January 10, with decisions released by April 1 and responses due by May 1. Be sure to submit all financial aid documents by February 1 too.

What is Georgetown Regular Decision?

Regular Decision lets you apply to Georgetown while keeping options open at other schools. Since it’s non-binding, you can apply broadly and compare offers until the May 1 reply date. Georgetown reviews each application holistically—looking at academics, coursework rigor, test scores, extracurriculars, leadership, essays, recommendations, and personal experiences.

The university notes that acceptance rates for Regular Decision and Early Action are roughly similar, making it just as valuable to meet the Georgetown application deadline for RD.

Georgetown Regular Decision acceptance rate

For the Class of 2029, Georgetown’s Regular Decision acceptance rate was 12.3%, admitting 2,283 out of 18,546 students. This is slightly higher than the 11.1% rate for Early Action.

There doesn’t seem to be a clear statistical advantage to applying early, so the best strategy is to submit your strongest application by the appropriate Georgetown application deadline. Apply Early Action if you’re ready and want an earlier decision, but choose Regular Decision if you need more time to strengthen your materials.

How to Apply to Georgetown

Applying to Georgetown involves more than just meeting the Georgetown application deadline—it requires careful planning and attention to detail. From completing the Georgetown-specific application to submitting test scores, transcripts, essays, and recommendations, each step plays an important role in your admissions journey. Below, we’ll walk you through the process so you can apply with confidence.

Georgetown admission requirements

Putting together a strong application is just as important as hitting the Georgetown application deadline. Here is Georgetown’s checklist of what you need:

• Submit the Georgetown application. Georgetown requires its own application, which takes only a few minutes to complete. Submitting this form opens your file and triggers the scheduling of a required alumni interview.
• Complete additional forms and essays. After submitting the initial form, you will receive access to the Application Supplement. Complete the required forms, including the personal essay and any supplementary sections. Georgetown charges a $75 application fee but offers a fee waiver for eligible students.
• Request a secondary school report and teacher recommendation. Ask your counselor to send the Secondary School Report and your transcript, and have at least one teacher send a recommendation. These documents should be submitted well before the deadline to avoid delays.
• Submit standardized test scores (optional). Georgetown requires applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores sent directly from the testing service. While testing is optional for many schools, Georgetown expects official scores unless you’ve been out of high school for more than five years (mainly for transfer applicants).

Georgetown application process

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you stay on track and submit a polished application when applying to Georgetown:

1. Choose your application route.

You’ll apply as a first-year, transfer, or visiting student. Georgetown currently supports two routes for first-year applicants: Early Action or Regular Decision.

2. Start with the Georgetown Application.

This is Georgetown’s proprietary application (not via the Common App, at least until its pilot adoption in 2026). Completing this initial form establishes your applicant file and triggers an alumni interview invitation.

3. Complete supplemental forms & recommenders.

After submitting the main application, log into your application account and submit:

• The application supplement (school-specific essays, extracurriculars, intended major) 
• Secondary School Report including your high school transcript & counselor recommendation
• Teacher Recommendation(s)
• Test scores (SAT or ACT) sent directly from testing agencies (Georgetown does not accept Score Choice) 
• Optional supplemental materials if applying to arts, music, theater, or dance programs

4. Schedule your alumni interview.

Once your Georgetown Application is received, the Alumni Admissions Program (AAP) will reach out with contact information for a local alumni interviewer. This Georgetown interview provides you with a chance to highlight aspects of your profile.

If, for some reason, there is no available interviewer in your area, the requirement is waived without penalty.

5. Mind the deadlines & financial aid.

Make sure your application is fully complete by your chosen Georgetown application deadline to ensure it’s reviewed. 

6. Wait for the decision.

Georgetown reviews applications holistically, considering grades, course rigor, test scores, essays, extracurriculars, leadership, recommendations, and unique experiences.

Early Action applicants who are not admitted are deferred to the Regular Decision pool for reevaluation—continue strong academics and submit any updated achievements to strengthen your candidacy.

If admitted, you must respond by May 1. Waitlisted students should confirm their interest and submit any new transcripts, test scores, or accomplishments to enhance their chances. If denied, explore other schools, improve your academic record, or consider reapplying as a transfer in the future.

Georgetown Transfer Deadline

Georgetown admits a small cohort of transfer students each year. Candidates must complete both the Georgetown Transfer Application and the Transfer Application Supplement. The Supplement, which includes requests for recommendations and official transcripts, is due by March 1. Prospective transfer students are encouraged to submit the initial application as soon as possible; doing so initiates an optional alumni interview.

Here are the important dates you need to keep in mind:

Georgetown’s transfer admissions are highly competitive. According to Common Data Set figures, the transfer acceptance rate for 2024 was only 5.9%, with the school admitting 135 out of 2,278 applicants..

Georgetown typically receives 2,200 to 2,600 transfer applications each year. The acceptance rate varies widely but often stays in the 5 to 15% range. This means transfer admission can be even more competitive than first-year admission.

Strong academic performance, compelling essays, and unique experiences are critical to standing out in such a selective pool.

Before you chase the Georgetown application deadline for transfers, here are some key considerations:

• A cumulative B+ average or higher is recommended for competitive transfer applicants.
• Applicants must have completed at least one full‑time semester of twelve or more transferable credits and no more than four full‑time semesters. High school students in dual‑enrollment programs should apply as first‑years.
• Transfer students must submit official college transcripts, a Dean’s Report, Professor’s Report and Secondary School Report (with final high school transcript). SAT or ACT scores are required unless the applicant has been out of high school for five or more years.
• Georgetown may offer limited spring transfer spots, but only candidates with approximately 45 credits or fewer by the time of enrollment are considered.

Georgetown Financial Aid Deadline

Georgetown University is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all eligible undergraduate students. Financial need is determined through the CSS Profile and FAFSA. The university does not offer academic or athletic merit scholarships.

To be considered for aid, take note of the dates below:

Georgetown encourages families to complete both forms even if they are uncertain about eligibility since receiving aid does not affect admissions decisions. For international students, a limited number of need‑based scholarships are available. Applicants must indicate their intent to apply for aid on the admission application and submit a CSS Profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I miss the Georgetown application deadline?

If you miss the Georgetown application deadline, your application will not be reviewed for that admissions cycle. Since Georgetown does not offer extensions or rolling admissions, you’ll need to wait until the next cycle to apply. To avoid missing out, keep track of all required dates (including financial aid deadlines) and submit materials well in advance.

2. Can I apply to other schools if I choose Georgetown Early Action?

Yes. Georgetown’s Early Action is non-binding, so you’re free to apply to other schools’ Early Action or Regular Decision programs at the same time. The only restriction is that you cannot apply to any binding Early Decision programs if you choose Georgetown Early Action.

3. Does applying early improve my chances of getting in?

No, Georgetown states that there is no statistical advantage to applying Early Action. The acceptance rates for Early Action and Regular Decision are historically roughly similar, so the best strategy is to submit a strong application by your chosen Georgetown application deadline.

4. Do I need to submit SAT or ACT scores to apply to Georgetown?

Yes. Georgetown requires SAT or ACT scores for all applicants. Unlike many schools that have gone test-optional, Georgetown has maintained its testing requirement, so you’ll need to submit official scores by the appropriate Georgetown application deadline.

5. Is financial aid available for international students?

Yes, but with important limitations. Georgetown offers very limited need-based scholarships to non-U.S. citizens. If you’re an international applicant and wish to be considered, you need to:

• Indicate on your application that you wish to be considered for financial aid
• Complete the CSS Profile (and any other required forms) by the financial aid deadline

If you don’t receive a scholarship in your first year, Georgetown typically will not offer one in subsequent years, so plan accordingly.

Takeaways

• Staying on top of every Georgetown application deadline, including financial aid submission dates, is critical to ensuring your application is complete and given full consideration in the highly selective admissions process.
• Regular Decision deadline is January 10.
• Early Action deadline is November 1.
• Transfer application deadline for the Fall term is March 1.
• Financial aid materials are due by February 1 for both Early Action and Regular Decision.
• If you want to stay on track and maximize your chances, a college admissions consultant can help you navigate every step of the process and meet all deadlines confidently.