Georgetown University

Essay prompts (12)

1. activityWashington, DC campus2026-27250 words
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   All first-year applicants to the Washington, DC campus (Georgetown Application or Common Application). Labeled "Short Essay 1" on the official Application Requirements and Forms page; limit printed as "(250 Words)".

   Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.

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2. communityWashington, DC campus2026-27250 words
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   All first-year applicants to the Washington, DC campus (Georgetown Application or Common Application). Labeled "Short Essay 2" on the official Application Requirements and Forms page; limit printed as "(250 Words)". The Doha campus (GU-Q) asks the same question separately — see the GU-Q entry below.

   In all our lives, we interact with people who hold different viewpoints than our own. Describe such an event you experienced. What did you learn from the experience?

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3. personalWashington, DC campus2026-27650 words
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   All first-year applicants to the Washington, DC campus. Labeled "Essay 1" on the official Application Requirements and Forms page; limit printed as "(650 Words)".

   As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your personal background and individual experiences, skills, and talents.

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4. why usCollege of Arts & Sciences2026-27500 words
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   First-year applicants to the College of Arts & Sciences (Washington, DC campus). This is the "Essay 2" school-specific variant; page heading reads "For Applicants to the College of Arts & Sciences". Limit printed as "(500 Words)".

   Founded in 1789, the Georgetown College of Arts & Sciences is committed to the Jesuit traditions of an integrated education and of productive research in the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Describe your interest in studying in the College of Arts & Sciences. Applicants interested in the sciences, mathematics, or languages are encouraged to make specific reference to their choice of major.

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5. why usMcCourt School of Public Policy2026-27500 words
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   First-year applicants to the McCourt School of Public Policy (Washington, DC campus). "Essay 2" school-specific variant; page heading reads "For Applicants to the McCourt School of Public Policy". Limit printed as "(500 Words)".

   For nearly 50 years, Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy has equipped leaders and changemakers with the interdisciplinary skills to address local, national and global policy problems. Undergraduate public policy students at Georgetown will have the unique opportunity to live and study on two campuses, spending their first two years immersed on the Hilltop, before completing the second half of their time at Georgetown on the Capitol Campus, immersed in the policy world. Describe your primary motivations for studying public policy at Georgetown University and dedicating your undergraduate studies toward a future related to public service.

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6. why usEarth Commons Institute2026-27500 words
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   First-year applicants to the Earth Commons Institute (Washington, DC campus) — a joint program with the College of Arts & Sciences. "Essay 2" school-specific variant; page heading reads "Applicants to the Earth Commons Institute". Limit printed as "(500 Words)".

   Through this joint program between the College of Arts & Sciences and the Earth Commons Institute, you'll explore theories and practical skills in the classroom, in the field, and around the world, and put it all together to make a difference. Describe your primary motivations for studying environment and sustainability at Georgetown University to effect positive change in the world.

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7. why usBerkley School of Nursing2026-27500 words
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   First-year applicants to the Berkley School of Nursing (Washington, DC campus). "Essay 2" school-specific variant; page heading reads "For Applicants to the Berkley School of Nursing". Limit printed as "(500 Words)".

   Georgetown University's Berkley School of Nursing is committed to the formation of ethical, empathetic, and transformational nursing leaders. Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying Nursing at Georgetown University.

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8. why usSchool of Health2026-27500 words
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   First-year applicants to the School of Health (Washington, DC campus). "Essay 2" school-specific variant; page heading reads "Applicants to the School of Health". Limit printed as "(500 Words)".

   Georgetown University's School of Health was founded to advance the health and well-being of people locally, nationally, and globally through innovative research, the delivery of interdisciplinary education, and transformative engagement of communities. Describe the factors that influenced your interest in studying health care at Georgetown University, specifically addressing your intended related major: Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science.

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9. why usWalsh School of Foreign Service2026-27500 words
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   First-year applicants to the Walsh School of Foreign Service (Washington, DC campus). "Essay 2" school-specific variant; page heading reads "For Applicants to the Walsh School of Foreign Service". Limit printed as "(500 Words)". Applicants to the Doha campus (GU-Q) do NOT use this prompt — see the GU-Q entries.

   Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders with the foundational skills to address global issues. Describe your primary motivations for studying international affairs at Georgetown University and dedicating your undergraduate studies toward a future in global service.

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10. why usMcDonough School of Business2026-27500 words
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    First-year applicants to the McDonough School of Business (Washington, DC campus). "Essay 2" school-specific variant; page heading reads "For Applicants to the McDonough School of Business". Limit printed as "(500 Words)".

    Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business provides graduates with essential global, ethical, analytical, financial, and diverse perspectives on the economies of our nation and the world. Describe your primary motivations for studying business at Georgetown University.

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11. communityGeorgetown University in Qatar2026-27
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    First-year applicants to Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), the Doha campus. Labeled "Short Essay" on the GU-Q how-to-apply page, which lists it as one of two required writing components alongside the personal statement. NOT the main Washington, DC campus supplement. No word limit is printed on the GU-Q page (the DC campus prints 250 words for the identically worded Short Essay 2 — do not assume the same limit applies at GU-Q).

    In all our lives, we interact with people who hold different viewpoints than our own. Describe such an event you experienced. What did you learn from the experience?

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12. personalGeorgetown University in Qatar2026-27650 words
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    First-year applicants to Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), the Doha campus of the Walsh School of Foreign Service. Labeled "Personal Statement". NOT the main Washington, DC campus supplement. Stated range is 250-650 words, approximately 1 page.

    The Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either autobiographical or creative, which you feel best describes you and helps us understand your interest in international affairs and your anticipated major. (250-650 words, approximately 1 page).

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