Undergraduate Admissions

Parents and Families

We are pleased that your son or daughter is considering The George Washington University. GW is an exciting, challenging, and dynamic institution that offers students the opportunity to become active scholars and engaged citizens. As your family explores the strengths of GW, you will find that we offer an exceptional educational value in a unique setting that is unmatched anywhere else in the world.

Contacts for Parents and Families

GW values the commitment that families make to the University, and as such, we want to make sure that you and your student have the information necessary to make an informed decision.

We are here to make sure that your student’s and your family’s questions are answered. To meet this need, in the fall, admissions officers visit high schools throughout the country and abroad, and in the spring, we attend numerous college fairs. In addition, we encourage a visit to campus because seeing the University first hand will help your family understand GW as completely as possible. We also offer a message board and schedule online chats for students to communicate directly with GW students and admissions officers. Finally, your student can email the admissions officer assigned to their specific area of the country with detailed questions.

While the college admissions process can seem daunting at times, it is one that provides much joy and family discovery. Enjoy the process and let us know when we can be of assistance.

Parent and Family Notes

Fixed Tuition: GW offers a unique fixed tuition plan through which the price of tuition stays fixed for up to 10 semesters of full-time study. As a result families need not be concerned about annual tuition increases.
GW Family Grant: A full-time GW undergraduate who has a sibling also attending GW as a full-time undergraduate for the same academic year may qualify for a grant amounting to one-half tuition for the second student. Eligible students must apply for the grant each year through the Office of Student Financial Assistance.
Scholarships: All freshman applicants to GW are considered for merit scholarships based upon academic record, leadership experience and other achievements. Although we only provide merit scholarships to a small number of students a variety of other grants and scholarships may be available to your student through outside sources. In addition, we encourage all families to apply for need-based financial assistance.
Legacy Status: GW values the continued legacy of families enrolled at GW. As such we pay particular attention to students who have siblings or parents who have attended GW as undergraduates or parents who are employed at the University. Although we value this continued commitment, legacy status is only one factor in admission and does not outweigh the student's academic record or fit with GW. If GW is a first choice students who are legacies are encouraged to apply through Early Decision.
Safety and Security: Through our University Police Department GW is committed to maintaining the safety and security of our students and campuses. Through a number of initiatives including a campus ride service, blue light phones and educational programming, UPD works with the D.C. metropolitan police and other law enforcement agencies to promote safety.

Parent Resources

We have a number of services and ways for families to remain connected and be engaged with GW. The following resources are available to help both prospective student parents and current student parents obtain the information they need about GW.

Parent Services: GW, through the Office of Parent Services is committed to establishing and maintaining a sound relationship with parents and families. The Office of Parent Services achieves this goal by informing parents of student issues, encouraging more parental involvement in their student's college experience, and facilitating communication between the University and GW parents.
Colonial Inauguration: GW's orientation program is for parents too! You'll learn more about where your student will spend their four years through events designed especially for parents as well as meet other parents, students and administrators.
Colonials Weekend: This event is an ideal opportunity for the community to celebrate together. Colonials Weekend offers parents and families a chance to visit the campus, the city and their student. During Colonials Weekend, you will have the opportunity to see shows, participate in activities on campus and listen to lectures.
Multicultural Student Services Center: The MSSC office is available to answer questions parents may have about multicultural life on campus. In addition, the office hosts and facilitates a number of activities on-campus to promote cultural exchange between students and all members of the GW community.
Campus News Sources: Keep informed about campus news and events by reading The Hatchet, GW's student run newspaper, or the GW News Center's frequent updates.