Freshman Admission
Each year we receive more applications from exceptionally competitive and talented candidates than we have available spaces in our freshman class. Every completed application is carefully reviewed by the Admissions Committee, which looks for students who have the academic preparation, personal qualities and motivation to thrive in GW’s blend of classroom, campus and city experiences.
Our review includes an evaluation of the applicant’s academic background, the rigor of the high school program, class rank (if available) and grades earned. In addition, the committee takes into consideration standardized test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, interviews (if applicable) and interest in the University. Requests for financial aid do not affect admissions decisions.
At GW, freshmen may choose one of three application options:
- Early Decision I
- Early Decision II
- Regular Decision
During the application process, freshman applicants are encouraged to consider applying to an Honors, Accelerated, or Special Interest program. Available only to entering freshman, these add a greater level of challenge and breadth to the freshman academic experience. These programs span a variety of disciplines and carry both academic and co-curricular components
Freshman Class Profile
The members of the GW Class of 2013 are some of the most academically qualified students in the University's history. Learn more about the freshman class.
Undergraduate Admissions on Facebook
Visit the GW Office of Undergraduate Admissions on Facebook! Keep up on all the latest GW events, ask questions and meet staff and current students.
The GW Experience
Students
All in the Family
Greg and Heather Hachenburg talk about their undergraduate experience at GW, one of many sibling pairs to share in the Colonials legacy.
Creating Next Generation Leaders
GW program helps female students connect with leading women across a variety of fields and develop their roles as future women in leadership.
Where the City is a Classroom
Freshman volunteers experience life beyond Foggy Bottom...
Faculty
Fighting Neglected Diseases
GW professor works to eradicate diseases that affect the health, education and economic development of the world's poorest people.
Building the Super Computer
Pioneering lab puts GW at the forefront of high-speed computing and offers GW students unprecedented access to science and skills of the future.
Blast From the Past
Students map an ancient—and dramatic—eruption as part of a geological research program in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.
Alumni
Giving Back to the District of Columbia
D.C. public health director calls GW education the foundation of his career.
GW Opens Doors
A chance encounter with a GW alumna helped give one GW undergraduate, an aspiring broadcast journalist from Texas, his big break.
The Legend Lives On
The $2 million bequest commitment caps a lifetime of philanthropy and service to GW, establishing the Elyse B. and Donald R. Lehman Endowed Professorship in Theoretical Physics.