Georgetown University: Acceptance Rate and Your Chances
Updated June 2026 · CollegeCalcAI
| Acceptance rate | 12% |
| SAT (75th percentile) | 1520 |
| ACT (75th percentile) | 34 |
| Location | DC |
| School type | Private |
Georgetown University is a private university in Washington, D.C., known for its programs in government, law, and international affairs. It accepts roughly 12% of applicants, making it one of the more selective private universities on the East Coast. The application process is competitive from any background.
Calculate your chances at Georgetown University free →How hard is it to get into Georgetown University?
A 12% acceptance rate means Georgetown is turning away approximately eight out of every ten applicants. Many of those rejected students had strong grades and real accomplishments. At this level of selectivity, doing well academically is the starting point, not the finish line.
Georgetown also asks applicants to apply to one of its specific schools, such as the School of Foreign Service or the College. Each school has its own character and may weigh parts of your application differently, so applying to the right one for your goals matters.
Test scores that make you competitive
The 75th percentile SAT among admitted students is 1520, and the 75th percentile ACT is 34. Scores at or near those levels put you in solid territory on the academic side. Falling below them is not disqualifying, but your essays and record of achievement will need to compensate.
Georgetown has adjusted its test policies in recent years. Always check the current requirements on its admissions website, since test-optional policies can vary by application cycle.
What Georgetown looks for
Georgetown is a Jesuit university and consistently looks for students who show intellectual curiosity, ethical thinking, and a commitment to contributing to something larger than themselves. Service and leadership show up in a lot of successful applications, but authenticity matters more than the specific activity.
Strong writing is important here. Georgetown's supplements are substantive, and a thoughtful essay that engages with the university's specific character tends to perform better than a polished but generic one. Students interested in policy, diplomacy, or public service often find the culture a strong fit.
Estimate your chances at Georgetown University
If you want a free, honest estimate of your odds at Georgetown, the CollegeCalcAI calculator can give you one in minutes. Enter your GPA, test scores, and activities at collegecalcai.com and get a personalized read before you start writing essays.
Frequently asked questions
What is Georgetown University's acceptance rate?
Georgetown accepts about 12% of applicants, making it a highly selective private university.
What SAT or ACT score do I need for Georgetown University?
The 75th percentile SAT is 1520 and the ACT is 34. Scores near those numbers are competitive, though Georgetown evaluates the full application.
Is Georgetown University hard to get into?
Yes. A 12% acceptance rate reflects a very competitive applicant pool. Strong academics are necessary but not sufficient on their own.
See your real odds at Georgetown University
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Sources: U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS), NCES, and publicly reported Common Data Sets. Acceptance rate and score figures are rounded and reflect recent admissions cycles. How we calculate chances.