Apply Online

An electronic graduate admissions application is available online at www.gwu.edu/gradinfo. This online process allows you to submit your graduate application and electronically send requests for letters of recommendation.

Supporting documents like your personal statement and resume can be uploaded to the online application. Any hard copies of documents like transcripts and letters of recommendation should be mailed directly to:

The George Washington University

College of Professional Studies

Office of Graduate Admissions

805 21st Street, NW, Suite 301

Washington, DC 20052

Checklist for All Applicants

1. Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) from accredited undergraduate institution 
2. Completed application (either online or paper version)
3. Grade point average of 3.0/4.0 or better (our average is a 3.4/4.0)
4. Three letters of recommendation (ideally at least one professional and one academic reference).  Providing additional letters will not help your chances of admission
5. An official transcript from each school where you took classes for degree credit. Applicants with international transcripts must provide a detailed evaluation that includes all coursework and grades. In addition, the evaluation must prove that the applicant earned the degree from the international institution and that it is the equivalent of an American bachelor's degree. Resources for evaluating international transcripts.
6. GRE test - please use ETS code 5246 (our average scores are in the 60th-70th percentile range for each section of the test). Learn more about the GRE at www.gre.com
   or
   GRE Waiver Request Form for applicants with three or more years of substantive, professional, full-time work experience
7. Personal Statement (part of application)
8. Current resume (any relevant political experience can only HELP your application; not having any cannot hurt your chances)

Writing Sample Policy: We do not require a writing sample.  If you want to provide one, however, you may but it is NOT an essential factor in the decision process.  If you do provide one, make sure it is relevant to the topics of practical or applied politics, elections, polling, campaigning, lobbying, public policy, legislation, etc.

International Applicants

We recommend that International applicants submit their complete application and accompanying paperwork six months in advance of your intended start date to allow sufficient time to process your financial and VISA paperwork. In addition:

• International Students must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and GRE. We also recommend you take the Test of Written English (TWE). You may also apply to waive the GRE requirement if you have at least three years of substantive, full-time, professional work experience
• International students must comply with Federal financial aid regulations. Contact the International Services Office for additional information at 202-994-4477 or http://gwired.gwu.edu/iso.
• International students must also complete the Financial Certificate stating how you intend to pay for your education and other expenses while studying in the USA.  Please fill it out the best you can, providing bank statements, sponsor letters and anything else that can help your case

PACs & Political Management Graduate Certificate

Students are required to have an appropriate bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution, three letters of recommendation, and evidence of capacity for productive work in the field of study, as indicated by undergraduate grades. The GRE is not required.

Application Deadlines (for all programs)

Fall Admission - June 15

Spring Admission - November 15

Summer Admission - April 15

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please e-mail or call us at 202-994-6000.

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