Georgetown University vs Howard University

Georgetown University is the more selective of the two at 13%, versus 41% at Howard University. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Georgetown University
Highly selective
13%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1520
Private · Washington, D.C.
Howard University
Selective
41%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1280
Private · Washington, D.C.

Georgetown University vs Howard University: the differences that matter

How Georgetown University and Howard University stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Georgetown University is meaningfully harder to get into, admitting about 13% of applicants versus 41% at Howard University, a gap of roughly 28 percentage points. Treat Georgetown University as the bigger reach of the two when you build your list.

The two also read applications a little differently. Georgetown University leans more on application essay, recommendations, interview, while Howard University puts more weight on a similar mix of factors. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Georgetown University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1520 and Howard University's is around 1280. Admitted students at Georgetown University post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorGeorgetown UniversityHoward University
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Class rankimportantimportant
Standardized test scoresvery importantvery important
Application essayvery importantimportant
Recommendationsvery importantimportant
Interviewvery importantconsidered
Extracurricular activitiesimportantconsidered
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Georgetown University or Howard University harder to get into?

Georgetown University is harder to get into, with a 13% acceptance rate versus 41% at Howard University.

What's the difference in SAT scores between Georgetown University and Howard University?

Georgetown University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1520, and Howard University's is around 1280.

What are my chances at Georgetown University and Howard University?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.