Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the application deadline?

A: To receive fellowship consideration, completed applications must be received by January 15. For regular admission without fellowship consideration, you should apply by February 1. Applications submitted after February 1 will be reviewed at the discretion of the school on a space-available basis only.

Q: May materials be postmarked by the deadline, or must they reach your office by the deadline?

A: All application materials should reach the Graduate Admissions office by the deadline; this includes GRE, TOEFL, and other test scores. We cannot begin reviewing your application until it is complete.

Q: How competitive is the admissions process at the Elliott School?

A: The admissions process is very competitive. In 2008, the School received 1,815 applications for an entering class of about 350 students. The average GPA for entering students is above a 3.5 (4.0 scale), and the average combined verbal and quantitative GRE score is around 1290.

Q: What factors are considered in the selection process?

A: Factors considered include: cumulative undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, recommendations, work experience, foreign language proficiency, background in micro and macroeconomics, and the statement of purpose.

Q: What courses should I take to strengthen my application? Are there other requirements for admission?

A: Most masters programs require four semesters (or the equivalent in experience) of a modern foreign language prior to enrollment. Some MA programs also require prior coursework in introductory economics (one semester each of micro and macro). You must have finished these courses by the time you enroll at the Elliott School.
Review the requirements for specific programs

Q: Are interviews part of the selection process?

A: Interviews are not used in the selection process. We do, however, hold information sessions to answer questions about the application process and our programs. If you would like to arrange an information session, please contact us by email at esiagrad@gwu.edu, or by telephone at (202) 994-7050.

Q: Which programs offer spring admission? Is there an advantage to applying for the spring?

A: The only programs that offer spring admission are: MA in Security Policy Studies, MA in International Science and Technology Policy, the mid-career Master of International Policy and Practice program, the international partnership Master of International Studies, and all certificate programs. There is no advantage to applying in spring as opposed to fall; it is no more and no less competitive. However, you cannot be considered for a fellowship if you apply for spring.

Q: Can I apply to more than one program?

A: No. While you are welcome to apply to other schools and colleges within The George Washington University, you must choose one Elliott School program at the time you apply.

Q: Should I apply to the MA in International Affairs or the Master of International Studies (MIS)?

A: The Master of International Studies program is open only to students who currently attend or have recently graduated from one of the Elliott School's partner institutions abroad.

Q: How can I apply to a joint/dual degree program?

A: If you are interested in the MA/JD, MA/MBA, or MA/MPH program, you will need to apply separately to each school and adhere to each school's deadlines. GRE scores are required of all Elliott School MA applicants; we cannot accept GMAT or LSAT scores.

Q: Do you require a writing sample?

A: No. Your 500-word statement of purpose will suffice. We request that you do not upload an extra writing sample to your application.

Q: Is it possible to attend classes on a part-time basis?

A: Students are allowed to enroll part-time. There is no separate application to apply as a part-time student. Full-time students earn a degree in two years; part-time study generally takes three years.

Q: I would like to work or pursue an internship during the day. Are any courses offered in the evenings?

A: Most classes are offered in the late afternoon or evening. This scheduling allows students to pursue employment and internships during the day. For more information on career and internship opportunities, visit the office of Graduate Student Career Development section of our website.

Q: Does the Elliott School offer PhD programs?

A: No. The George Washington University does, however, offer a wide range of PhD programs in other schools and departments. You may find out more information about these programs by visiting the GW website.

Q: How do I apply for fellowships and financial aid?

A: Merit-based fellowships are the only form of financial aid offered by the Elliott School's Office of Graduate Admissions. Complete applications will be considered for fellowships if they are submitted by January 15. Approximately 20% of the entering class receives fellowships. The average GPA for past fellowship recipients is 3.7, and the combined average GRE score is about 1400. For additional fellowship opportunities, contact the Office of Fellowships & Graduate Student Support. For information on federal loans, contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Q: What is the latest date I should take the GRE or TOEFL?

A: We cannot review your application until we receive your official scores from the testing agencies. To ensure your scores are received by the application deadline, you are advised to take the GRE no later than mid-December for fall admission and September for spring admission. Applications are not considered complete until they contain official test scores.

The Elliott School does not manage the ETS score-reporting process. If you have concerns about your GRE or TOEFL test date, or that your scores will not reach us on time, please contact ETS directly. ETS can be reached by phone at (800) 473-2255 or via the ETS website.

Q: Who should write my letters of recommendation?

A: At least two letters should be from faculty members who know your academic work well; one letter may come from an employer or supervisor. You should not submit more than three letters.

Q: Must my recommenders use the online form?

A: We prefer that recommenders accompany their letters with our form (found online). In your application, you must note whether your recommenders will submit their letters online or by hard copy. If your recommenders will submit online, our application system will send them a notification with instructions. If your recommenders will submit by hard copy, you will need to provide them with the recommendation form and/or our contact information. Letters may also be faxed or emailed.

Q: Must I use the online transcript request form?

A: No. The form is provided simply for your convenience. You may request and have transcripts sent directly from your institution(s).

Q: Should I send all of my materials together?

A: Sending all of your materials together will aid the office in creating a file for you. However, you may send your materials to us at any time. Your statement of purpose and resume should be uploaded online and will be sent to us electronically when you submit your application (MIPP applicants should also upload the required essay online). We do not offer an early decision option, so applications will not be reviewed until the deadlines.

Q: What address should I use for sending transcripts, recommendations, and other materials?

A: Materials can be sent to:
Graduate Admissions
The Elliott School of International Affairs
The George Washington University
1957 E Street NW, Suite 301
Washington, DC 20052.

Q: What can I do after I submit my materials?

A: You can check the status of your materials by logging into your application. Once logged in, you can re-send notifications to your recommenders to remind them of the procedure for submitting letters. You should ensure that your materials reach our office before the application deadline, as we cannot begin reviewing applications until they are complete. GRE and TOEFL scores may take several weeks to be entered into our system.

Q: When are admissions decisions made? How will I be notified?

A: Fall admissions decisions are mailed by late March, and you will need to notify us of your decision by May 1. Spring applicants will be notified by the end of November.

Q: Can I defer admission?

A: For all programs except International Development Studies, you may defer for one semester or one year. (IDS students may only defer for one year: from fall to fall). You may also defer to the spring semester, even if your program ordinarily offers only spring admission. To defer, we will need written notification from you; an email will suffice. Upon your decision to defer for one semester, you must submit a $500 tuition deposit postmarked by the deadline noted on your Declaration of Intent form. If you defer for one year, you must submit a $500 deposit postmarked by the deadline on the Declaration of Intent; in mid-November, we will contact you for another $500 deposit (due in December). Your total deposit will be credited toward your first-semester tuition bill. However, should your plans change and you decide not to attend the Elliott School, you forfeit your deposit(s).

Q: How can I apply as a transfer student? May I transfer any credits from prior coursework to the Elliott School?

A: There is no separate transfer application process; you should apply under the regular process. If you are accepted to an Elliott School program, you may transfer up to six credits of coursework toward your new degree program (pending approval of Academic Advising and the Program Director). You may not, however, transfer in credits which have already been used to fulfill requirements for another degree.

Q: How can I reapply?

A: You will need to create a new online application account using a different email address than was used for your last account. You will not have to re-submit transcripts or GRE scores (unless you have new records since last applying), but you should upload a new statement of purpose and resume to your application. There is a $60 application fee. If you would like old recommendations or other materials to be placed in your new file, please contact Graduate Admissions.

Q: How can I find housing?

A: For on-campus housing information, please visit the Off-Campus Student Affairs. Other good resources include the Washington Post, the Washington City Paper, and Craigslist.

Q: How can I request information about programs at the Elliott School?

A: All of the information you need can be found on the Elliott School website. Questions may be directed to esiagrad@gwu.edu. You may also join our mailing list.

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