UNIVERSITY · CDS 2023-2024

George Washington University

Washington, DC 11,387 undergrad Updated 2026-04-22
Top 60IR + Politics
Accept
43.5%
Yield
21.5%
Test
Optional
Academic Profile · CDS C9 / C11

The numbers a parent will ask about first.

SAT Total (mid 50%, computed)
1350–1498
SAT EBRW (mid 50%)
680–748
SAT Math (mid 50%)
670–750
ACT Composite (mid 50%)
31–33
GPA
Not reported

GPA NOTENot separately reported in CDS

METHODTotal SAT range is computed by summing the reported EBRW and Math mid-50% ranges from the school’s CDS (Section C9). Use as an approximation — a student’s actual total places them within, not at, the summed endpoints.

Decision Plans · CDS C1 / C21

When and how the school reads applicants.

PlanDeadlineAccept rateNotes
Plan details not yet recorded.
Cost & Aid · CDS H Series

What it costs and what families actually pay.

Tuition
$72,000
Total COA
$95,155
Avg need-based aid
$59,289
Avg merit award
$24,483
Net price after avg need aid
$35,866
GW meets 0.87% of demonstrated need on average.
Named merit programs
Presidential Academic Scholarship
0
Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Scholarship
$72,000 – $72,000 / yr (renewable)
Cisneros Scholars
0
AP Impact Calculator

What the student's APs are actually worth here.

GW's AP Policy

George Washington University awards a maximum of 24 credits for AP exams. Credit is typically awarded for scores of 4 or 5.

Min score
4
Credit cap
24 credits
Mode
Credit + placement
Per-score grid
Exam-level
Add the student's APs
No APs selected. Click Add AP exam to start, or use the sample profile to see what a strong student might recover.
What They Value · CDS C7

Every CDS factor, weighted exactly as the admissions office files it.

  • Rigor of secondary school record
    Very Important
  • Class rank
    Considered
  • Academic GPA
    Very Important
  • Standardized test scores
    Considered
  • Application Essay
    Important
  • Recommendation(s)
    Important
Mission & Narrative

What this school says it is — in their own words.

Since its founding in the earliest days of the nation, the George Washington University has prepared graduates to lead with integrity, resilience, and purpose.
Distilled Themes
LeadershipPublic ServiceGlobal OutlookImpact
The Coach's Read

What 'what they value' actually means at the table.

  1. 01GW is a great place for students who want to be in the heart of the action. The location in DC provides unparalleled opportunities for internships and networking.
  2. 02The university has a strong focus on experiential learning, so students who have a clear idea of what they want to do and are proactive about seeking out opportunities will thrive here.
  3. 03While test scores are optional, strong scores can still be a significant plus, especially for competitive programs.
Application Targets

What a strong application here should signal.

  1. 01Demonstrate a strong interest in a specific academic area and how you will take advantage of the resources at GW and in DC.
  2. 02Highlight any experiences that show your commitment to public service and making a difference in the world.
  3. 03Show that you are a self-starter who is not afraid to take initiative and create your own opportunities.
Quiet Disqualifiers

Things that hurt applicants here, even when they look fine on paper.

  • A lack of demonstrated interest in the university or its programs
  • An application that is too generic and does not show a clear understanding of what makes GW unique
  • A weak academic record, especially in core subjects
Signature Programs

Where this school is genuinely best-in-class.

Elliott School of International Affairs; School of Media and Public Affairs; Corcoran School of the Arts and Design; School of Engineering and Applied Science; Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Application calendar

Every date the family needs to know.

Deadlines & Decision Dates · 2025-2026

Family deadline matrix

Plan
Deadline
Decision release
Early Decision I
Binding
Decision release is by late December.
Nov 1, 2025
→ Dec 31, 2025
Early Decision II
Binding
Decision release is by late February.
Jan 5, 2026
→ Feb 28, 2026
Regular Decision
Non-binding
Jan 5, 2026
→ Apr 1, 2026
Early Action
Not offered
Restrictive Early Action
Not offered
Rolling Admission
Not offered
See every school side-by-side on the Deadline Tracker →
CDS C7 · Level of applicant's interest

Does effort toward this school move the needle?

Demonstrated Interest·CDS C7 (2023-2024)
TrackedWeight: Considered

George Washington University considers demonstrated interest, so applicants should actively engage with the university to improve their chances.

What they watch
  • Campus visit
  • Virtual info session
  • Email opens / clicks
  • Applying ED
  • Applying EA
Coach action

Attend a virtual or in-person info session, open all emails, and consider applying Early Decision or Early Action to signal your interest.

Source · CDS
Provenance

Where this record comes from.

SupportED Tutoring
Est. 2021 · A living brain for college coaches
Data sourced from each school's published Common Data Set + official financial-aid and AP credit policies.