Students enjoying the campus atmosphere at Georgetown University.
Washington, D.C., July 31, 2025
Georgetown University has announced it will accept applications via the Common Application beginning August 2026, aiming to increase accessibility and diversity among its student body. With an acceptance rate of 13%, the university hopes this change will attract more low-income applicants. Despite adopting the Common Application, Georgetown will continue requiring standardized test scores and is maintaining its legacy admissions policy, amid calls for further equity in its admissions practices.
Washington, D.C. — Georgetown University has announced a significant shift in its admissions policy, stating that it will begin accepting applications through the Common Application starting August 2026. This move aims to enhance accessibility for a broader range of students and is part of the university’s efforts to attract more low-income applicants. Currently, Georgetown has an acceptance rate of 13%, and it is anticipated that this figure may decrease as the university joins the ranks of 1,097 institutions that utilize the Common App.
The University presently has about 7,220 full-time undergraduate students enrolled, and the change in application process seeks to increase diversity within the student body. However, Georgetown has confirmed that it will maintain its current requirement for SAT or ACT scores across all applicants.
For the 2029 academic year, Georgetown received approximately 26,800 applications, admitting 12% of candidates. Notably, the early action admissions for the Class of 2029 saw an increase in acceptance rates to 11%, compared to 10.3% in the previous year. The admitted students represent a mix from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and 58 additional countries. The university’s recent efforts to improve socioeconomic diversity are reflected in the fact that around 15% of the Class of 2028 were eligible for federal Pell Grants, a financial aid program aimed at supporting low-income college students.
Despite the advancements toward greater accessibility, no changes are planned regarding the admissions policy for legacy applicants at this time. Legacy applicants, or those with familial ties to Georgetown, have historically received preference, with research suggesting that they are three times more likely to be admitted compared to their non-legacy counterparts. This aspect of the admissions process has faced scrutiny, particularly from student advocacy groups advocating for more equitable practices.
These concerns were heightened after the Supreme Court’s decision in June 2023, which limited race-based affirmative action measures, prompting further dialogue within the university about the implications of legacy admissions on diversity.
Georgetown’s legacy admissions practices have also come under criticism following a lawsuit alleging that such practices favor wealthier applicants. The university community remains divided over these issues, with many calling for systemic changes to ensure a fairer admissions process that prioritizes merit and diversity over familial connections.
As Georgetown prepares for this significant change in its admissions policy, the university aims to balance its long-standing traditions with the increasing demand for diversity and equity in higher education. The implementation of the Common Application may signal a new direction for Georgetown in terms of attracting a more varied pool of applicants.
Georgetown University will start accepting the Common Application in August 2026.
While Georgetown’s current acceptance rate is 13%, it is expected to decline once the university joins the Common Application system.
Yes, Georgetown will maintain its requirement for SAT or ACT scores for all applicants.
There are currently no changes planned for the legacy admissions policy.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Application Adoption | Effective August 2026 |
| Current Acceptance Rate | 13% |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | Approximately 7,220 full-time students |
| Legacy Admissions Status | No changes planned at this time |
| Pell Grant Eligibility | About 15% of Class of 2028 |
| Applications for Class of 2029 | Approximately 26,800, 12% admitted |
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