Application Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
 Official Transcripts
One transcript is required from each college and university attended, regardless of whether or not a degree program was completed. Transcripts must be received in their original sealed envelopes. If academic records are in a language other than English, a certified English translation must be provided. Translations alone will not be accepted.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a grade point average of 3.0 or better.
Letters of Recommendation
MPA and MPP: one letter of recommendation for admission; one additional letter for assistantship consideration (total of two). Additional letters of recommendation may be submitted.
PhD: three letters of recommendations.
Certificate: three letters of recommendation
Recommendations should be returned in signed sealed envelopes. Recommendation forms are not required; traditional letters of recommendation are perfectly acceptable.
GRE
MPA, MPP, PhD: the GRE is required, but can be waived for students with a prior, earned JD or MD. Relevant transcripts must be submitted for this exception.
Certificate: the GRE is not required.
If you include your scores in the test section of the online application, please separate and identify the verbal and quantitative scores; we consider the scores independently. For example: V-800, Q-800.
We cannot accept the GMAT, or the LSAT, in lieu of the GRE. Information regarding the GRE is available at www.gre.org. The ETS reporting code is 5246.
TOEFL
All degrees: TOEFL scores are required of all applicants who are citizens of countries where English is not an official language. Exceptions may be made for applicants who hold a degree from a college or university in a country where English is the official language and the medium of instruction. Relevant transcripts must be submitted for this exception.
The recommended minimum TOEFL score for admission to The Trachtenberg School is 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test, 100 on the internet-based test.
Information regarding the TOEFL is available at www.toefl.org. TOEFL scores may not be more than two years old. The ETS reporting code is 5246.
As an alternative to the TOEFL, students may also submit scores from the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The Trachtenberg School's recommended minimum for the academic IELTS is an overall band score of 7.0, with no individual band score below 6.0. Information regarding the IELTS is available at http://www.ielts.org/.
Statement of Purpose
The
statement of purpose should be an essay of approximately 250 to 500 words in which you state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field. Include your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form or on your resume. This is your opportunity to convey to our admissions committee whatever information about yourself – over and above the information provided elsewhere in your application (including your resume) – that you would like us to consider.
* PhD applicants may submit a slightly longer essay.
Resume
Applicants should include their most recent resume or CV.
Interviews
We do not conduct personal interviews as part of our admissions process. However, we are happy to talk with applicants and answer questions.
Mailing Address
Applicants need only mail hard-copy materials such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. The application itself should be submitted online.
Please submit these hard-copy application materials to:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
The George Washington University
Phillips Hall, Suite 107
Washington, DC 20052
More detailed information about the application requirements is available through CCAS Admissions and their Frequently Asked Questions.
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