Georgetown University: A Complete Guide for Polish Applicants 2026

Imagine this: you’re sitting on a stone wall by Healy Hall – the Gothic tower that has overlooked Georgetown’s campus since 1879 – and before you, a panorama of Washington D.C. unfolds. To your left, you see the Capitol dome; to your right, the Washington Monument pierces the sky like a silver needle, and below, the Potomac River lazily flows towards Chesapeake Bay. Soon, you’ll head to a lecture on American foreign policy, led by a former U.S. Ambassador to the UN, and after classes, an internship awaits you at the World Bank – just fifteen minutes by metro from campus. This isn’t fiction. This is Georgetown University – an institution that produces diplomats, intelligence chiefs, and international policy leaders like no other in the world.

But before you start packing your bags, there are a few things you need to know. Georgetown isn’t Harvard or Princeton – it doesn’t have their endowment, their universal recognition across every field, nor does it offer need-blind admissions for international students. What it does have, however, is something those universities lack: a location at the very heart of American power, the world’s best school for international relations (the Walsh School of Foreign Service), a Jesuit tradition of social service, and – perhaps most importantly for a Polish applicant – a realistically higher acceptance rate than elite Ivy League institutions.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Georgetown University in 2026: from its history and academic programs, through the admissions process (note: Georgetown does not use the Common App!), costs and financial aid, to student life in one of Washington D.C.’s most fascinating neighborhoods. I’ll also tell you why Georgetown is an ideal choice for a Polish applicant interested in politics, diplomacy, international law, or business – and when it’s worth considering alternatives.

Georgetown University – History and DNA of the Institution

Georgetown University was founded in 1789 by Jesuit John Carroll – the same year George Washington became the first U.S. President and the French Revolution began. It is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in the United States – and this fact alone speaks volumes about its character.

The Jesuit tradition doesn’t mean Georgetown is a seminary. It means that for over 230 years, the university has emphasized the education of the whole person (cura personalis), social service, and justice – values that permeate daily life on campus. At Georgetown, you’ll encounter students of every religion and no religion; Muslims, Jews, atheists, and agnostics alongside Catholics. But you’ll also find a sensitivity to social issues uncommon at other universities – from volunteer programs in Washington D.C.’s underserved neighborhoods to courses dedicated to the ethics of foreign policy.

In rankings, Georgetown consistently holds a position around 20-25th place in the U.S. according to U.S. News & World Report. In global rankings (QS, THE), it ranks lower – but this reflects the specificity of rankings that favor universities with massive research output in the hard sciences. In fields where Georgetown is truly strong – international relations, law, politics, business – it is an absolute global leader.

Walsh School of Foreign Service – The World’s Best IR School

If I had to point to one reason why a Polish applicant interested in politics and diplomacy should consider Georgetown, it would be the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS).

Founded in 1919 by Father Edmund Walsh, SFS is the oldest and most prestigious international relations program in the world. This isn’t just an opinion – it’s a fact confirmed by decades of rankings, extensive alumni networks in embassies, international organizations, and governments worldwide, and by the absolute dominance of SFS graduates in American foreign policy.

Who has SFS produced? The list is astounding:

• Bill Clinton (Class of 1968) – 42nd U.S. President
• King Abdullah II of Jordan
• Many directors of the CIA, heads of the NSA, and national security advisors
• Hundreds of U.S. ambassadors
• Leaders of the World Bank, IMF, UN

The SFS program offers eight majors: Culture and Politics, International Economics, International History, International Political Economy, International Politics, Regional and Comparative Studies, Science, Technology and International Affairs (STIA), and Global Business. Each combines theory with practice – and this practice is made possible by Georgetown’s location in D.C.

For comparison: Columbia University has its School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), but that’s a master’s program, not an undergraduate one. At Georgetown, SFS is an undergraduate school – you can start studying IR from day one. If international relations is your passion, there’s no better place in the world to begin your career.

Academic Programs – More Than Just Diplomacy

Georgetown is much more than just SFS. The university consists of four undergraduate schools, each with its own admissions process:

Georgetown College – the oldest and largest school, offering classic liberal arts and sciences programs. Here you’ll find majors like Economics, Government, Biology, English, History, Psychology, Computer Science, and many others. If you’re unsure about IR but value a humanistic approach to education – the College is for you.

Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS) – discussed above. The world’s most prestigious IR school.

McDonough School of Business – one of the best undergraduate business schools in the U.S. The program is practical, with a strong emphasis on finance, marketing, management, and consulting. Its proximity to D.C. means access to internships at consulting firms, banks, and government agencies. McDonough graduates go on to McKinsey, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, and startups in the Washington tech scene.

School of Nursing and Health Studies – a nursing and health sciences program, less relevant for the typical Polish applicant, but worth mentioning due to its quality.

Important: You apply to a specific school, not to “Georgetown generally.” You must know where you want to study at the application stage. Transferring between schools (e.g., from the College to SFS) is possible but difficult and not guaranteed.

Location – Why D.C. Changes Everything

Georgetown’s location in Washington D.C. is not just an asset – it’s a fundamental part of the educational experience. No other American university offers such access to the center of global power.

Within a 20-minute radius of campus are:

• The White House and Department of State
• The Capitol and Congressional offices
• The World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF)
• Embassies of over 170 countries (including the Embassy of Poland)
• Think tanks: Brookings Institution, Carnegie Endowment, CSIS, Atlantic Council
• The Pentagon (15 minutes by metro across the river)
• The CIA in Langley, Virginia (30 minutes by car)

What does this mean in practice? Georgetown students regularly undertake internships at these institutions – often as early as their sophomore year. Lectures feature former presidents, secretaries of state, heads of international organizations, and directors of intelligence agencies. Debates on campus have real political consequences, as the audience often includes individuals who will return to their offices at the State Department the very next day.

For a Polish applicant, this is particularly important: if you dream of a career in diplomacy, international politics, NGOs, intelligence, or think tanks, D.C. is the only city in America where you can build a network of contacts in these industries during your undergraduate studies. New York has Wall Street; Silicon Valley has technology; Washington has power.

Georgetown’s campus itself is located in the Georgetown neighborhood – one of Washington D.C.’s oldest and most charming areas. Cobblestone streets, colorful 19th-century townhouses, elegant restaurants, and boutiques along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue create an atmosphere that feels more like a European town than a typical American campus. Georgetown Waterfront Park along the Potomac is a popular spot for gatherings and running.

Admissions Process – Warning: No Common App!

This is perhaps the most important technical information in this article: Georgetown University does not use the Common Application. While most American universities (including the entire Ivy League, Stanford, or MIT) accept applications via the Common App, Georgetown has its own application portal on the university’s website.

What does this mean in practice?

1. Separate application – you must complete the Georgetown form separately from the Common App. This is extra work, but also an opportunity, as the essays and questions are unique to Georgetown.
2. Different essays – Georgetown does not ask for the Common App Personal Statement. It has its own questions, tailored to the university’s specific character and your chosen school (SFS, College, McDonough, Nursing).
3. Handwritten essay cover page – yes, you read that correctly. Georgetown still requires a handwritten essay cover page – a short passage (about half a page) written by hand and scanned/photographed. This is a unique tradition that Georgetown maintains as a symbol of its personal approach to admissions. You don’t need calligraphy – it’s about authenticity.

Application Requirements

To apply to Georgetown, you will need:

• Georgetown application form (online, on the university’s website)
• SAT or ACT scores – Georgetown requires standardized test scores (it is not test-optional). Median SAT for admitted students: 1440-1550
• TOEFL scores (minimum 100 iBT) or IELTS (minimum 7.5) for non-native applicants
• Academic transcript from high school
• Two letters of recommendation (from teachers)
• School Report from your counselor/principal
• Essays – specific to Georgetown and your chosen school
• Handwritten essay cover page

Application Deadlines

• Early Action (EA): November 1 – non-binding early application, decision by mid-December. The acceptance rate for EA is slightly higher.
• Regular Decision (RD): January 10 – decision by early April.

Georgetown does not offer Early Decision (binding) – only Early Action, which means you can apply EA to Georgetown and simultaneously to other universities (including REA to Harvard or other ED schools, with certain restrictions).

Acceptance Rate and Profile of Admitted Students

For the 2025/2026 admissions cycle, Georgetown admitted approximately 12-14% of applicants, making it a highly selective university, but still more accessible than Harvard (~3.2%), Yale (~4%), or Columbia (~4%). The profile of a typical admitted student:

• SAT: 1440-1550 (middle 50%)
• GPA: 3.9+ (on a 4.0 scale)
• Strong extracurricular activities with an emphasis on leadership, community service, or international engagement
• Compelling essays demonstrating alignment with Georgetown’s Jesuit values (cura personalis, service, justice)

Prepare for the SAT with okiro.io, which offers full Digital SAT practice tests with score analysis, and polish your English with prepclass.io.

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid

Let’s be upfront about money. The total annual cost of attendance at Georgetown for the 2025/2026 academic year is:

Category	Amount (USD)	Amount (PLN)
Tuition	~65,082	~263,600
Room and Board	~19,476	~78,900
Books and Supplies	~1,250	~5,060
Personal Expenses	~1,750	~7,090
Total	~87,558	~354,600

Exchange rate: 1 USD = 4.05 PLN (February 2026)

This is more than Harvard or Yale, but there’s a crucial catch: Georgetown is need-aware for international students. This means your financial situation MAY influence the admissions decision – unlike need-blind universities such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, or Amherst, where financial need is not considered.

However, if you are admitted, Georgetown covers 100% of demonstrated financial need – meaning that if the committee determines your family cannot afford the full cost, the university will cover the difference with a grant (non-repayable aid).

In practice:

• Over 50% of Georgetown students receive some form of financial aid
• The average grant is approximately $48,000 per year
• For a Polish family with an average income, Georgetown can cost significantly less than the sticker price – but there’s no guarantee of 100% need coverage like at Harvard.

To apply for financial aid, you must submit the CSS Profile (through College Board) and IDOC with your family’s financial documents. You can find more about the cost of studying in the USA in our guide to costs and guide to scholarships.

Student Life – Hoya Saxa!

“Hoya Saxa!” – this is the battle cry of the Georgetown Hoyas, which you’ll hear at every basketball game and campus event. Its etymology is debated (likely a mix of Greek and Latin meaning “what rocks!”), but the meaning is clear: it’s a synonym for Georgetown pride.

Basketball and Sports

The Georgetown Hoyas are a legendary NCAA basketball team that dominated American basketball in the 1980s under coach John Thompson, with players like Patrick Ewing (later a New York Knicks star and Basketball Hall of Famer) and Allen Iverson. Basketball games at Capital One Arena in downtown D.C. are one of the biggest social events – even if you’re not a sports fan, the atmosphere is electric.

Student Organizations and Traditions

Georgetown offers over 300 student organizations – from debate clubs (the Georgetown Debate Team is one of the best in the country) to cultural, religious, and political groups, to volunteer organizations. A few highlights:

• Georgetown University Student Association (GUSA) – the student government with real influence on university policy
• The Hoya and Georgetown Voice – two competing student newspapers
• Georgetown Solidarity Committee – an activist organization continuing the Jesuit tradition of social justice
• Model United Nations – Georgetown MUN is one of the most prestigious programs in the U.S., ideal preparation for a diplomatic career

International Character

Georgetown attracts students from over 130 countries, making it one of the most international universities in the U.S. Among the students, you’ll find children of diplomats, members of royal families, activists from conflict regions, and descendants of political dynasties – alongside ambitious students from around the world. For a Polish student, this is a fantastic environment for building a global network of contacts.

Georgetown vs. Washington D.C. – Life Beyond Campus

The Georgetown neighborhood offers a unique blend of history and modernity. M Street and Wisconsin Avenue are the main commercial and entertainment arteries, featuring restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. Georgetown Cupcake (famous from TV), Martin’s Tavern (where JFK proposed to Jackie), and The Tombs (a legendary student pub below campus) are must-visit spots.

All of Washington D.C. is accessible by metro and bus – though Georgetown’s campus itself doesn’t have a metro station (the closest are Rosslyn and Foggy Bottom, about a 15-20 minute walk or bus ride away). The Smithsonian Museums (free admission!), the National Mall, the Kennedy Center, the Library of Congress – all of this is within reach of daily life.

Georgetown vs. Columbia – A Comparison for IR/Political Science

Many Polish applicants interested in international relations hesitate between Georgetown and Columbia University in New York. Here’s an honest comparison:

Criterion	Georgetown (SFS)	Columbia
IR/Political Science Program	SFS – world’s best IR school (undergraduate)	SIPA – prestigious, but primarily graduate. Undergrad: Political Science
Location	Washington D.C. – center of U.S. power	New York – center of finance and media
Diplomacy Internships	Unrivaled – World Bank, IMF, State Department, embassies	Good – UN, think tanks, but fewer government institutions
Acceptance Rate	~12-14%	~4%
Tuition (annual)	~65,000 USD	~67,000 USD
Financial Aid (Int’l)	Need-aware, 100% demonstrated need	Need-blind, 100% demonstrated need
SAT middle 50%	1440-1550	1490-1570
Atmosphere	Service, diplomacy, Jesuit values	Intellectual, Core Curriculum, urban
Alumni Network in Diplomacy	Dominant – SFS graduates are everywhere	Strong, but smaller in diplomacy

My recommendation: If your passion is international relations, diplomacy, foreign policy – Georgetown SFS is the better choice. If you want a broader liberal arts education with the option to specialize in political science, but also with access to New York’s finance, media, and culture – Columbia might be a better fit. If you plan to pursue a Master’s in IR after your undergraduate studies – Georgetown SFS for undergrad + SIPA/SAIS for a master’s is a classic path.

How to Stand Out as a Polish Applicant at Georgetown

Georgetown seeks candidates who align with its Jesuit mission: individuals who are socially engaged, possess a sense of justice, are interested in serving others, and are ready to act in a global context. As a Polish applicant, you have several unique strengths:

1. Central European Perspective. Georgetown values geographical and cultural diversity. Your experience growing up in Poland – a country at the crossroads of West and East, a member of the EU and NATO, with the experience of systemic transformation (the post-communist transition) – provides material for a unique essay that no American applicant could write.

2. Interest in International Politics. If you’re involved in Model United Nations, debates, a civics olympiad, international volunteering, or have your own projects related to politics/diplomacy – Georgetown will appreciate this more than any other university.

3. Social Service. Georgetown seeks individuals who serve others – not for their resume, but out of genuine need. If you volunteer, help your local community, or organize charity events – write about it in your essays. The Jesuit “men and women for others” is not just a slogan; it’s an admissions filter.

4. Strong Academic Preparation. SAT 1440+ (aim for 1500+), TOEFL 100+ (aim for 105+), strong results from the extended Polish matura (high school leaving exam). Prepare for the SAT with okiro.io and for the TOEFL with prepclass.io. Also, read our guide to the U.S. university application process.

5. Profile Building. Your extracurricular activities should demonstrate a “spike” – deep engagement in one or two areas, not a superficial list of twenty clubs. Georgetown values quality, not quantity.

Georgetown Essays – What to Write and What to Avoid

Georgetown’s essays are different from those in the Common App – because the questions are different. Georgetown asks specific questions related to the university and its values. Typical questions (may change slightly each year):

1. Main Essay (approx. half a page): Why do you want to study at Georgetown? Why this specific school (SFS/College/McDonough)?

Tip: Be specific. Don’t write “Georgetown is prestigious” – write about a particular course, professor, program, or opportunity that exists only at Georgetown. If you’re applying to SFS, write about a specific major and how it connects with your past experiences.

2. Activity Essay (short): Describe one extracurricular activity that is most important to you.

Tip: Choose something that best showcases your character and values – not necessarily something “most impressive.” Georgetown values authenticity.

3. Handwritten Cover Page: A short passage (approx. half a page) written by hand.

Tip: Write something personal and concise. Don’t try to be “funny” forcefully – be yourself. Write legibly (it doesn’t have to be calligraphy, but it must be readable). Scan in high resolution.

You can find more about writing essays in our complete guide to application essays.

Career Prospects – What After Georgetown?

Georgetown graduates go on to places most students can only dream of:

Diplomacy and Government: Georgetown produces more diplomats than any other university in the U.S. SFS graduates work at the Department of State, CIA, NSA, World Bank, IMF, UN, and embassies worldwide.

Consulting and Finance: The McDonough School of Business sends graduates to McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, and Deloitte. Washington D.C. also has a strong government consulting scene (Booz Allen Hamilton, CSIS, RAND).

Law: Georgetown Law Center is one of the top 14 law schools in the U.S. (T14) and an absolute leader in international and constitutional law. Many students continue their education at Georgetown Law after their undergraduate degree.

Think Tanks and NGOs: Georgetown is a primary feeder for the Brookings Institution, Carnegie Endowment, Atlantic Council, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and many others. If you want to work in public policy – Georgetown opens these doors.

Earnings: The median earnings for Georgetown graduates 10 years after graduation are over $85,000 per year – placing the university among the top in this regard. SFS and McDonough graduates earn, on average, more.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Georgetown University

Does Georgetown University use the Common App?

No. Georgetown has its own application portal – you must complete a separate form on the university’s website. This is extra work compared to universities that accept the Common App, but the essays and questions are unique to Georgetown, giving you a chance to demonstrate your fit with the university.

What SAT score is needed for Georgetown?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1440-1550 on the SAT exam. Georgetown is not test-optional – an SAT or ACT score is mandatory. For a Polish applicant, aim for a minimum of 1480, and ideally 1500+. Prepare with okiro.io.

Is Georgetown need-blind for international students?

No. Georgetown employs a need-aware policy for international students, meaning your financial situation may influence the admissions decision. However, if you are admitted, the university covers 100% of demonstrated financial need. Learn more about financing studies in the USA in our scholarship guide.

How much does it cost to study at Georgetown?

The total annual cost is approximately $87,000-$88,000 USD (~355,000 PLN), including tuition, room and board, and personal expenses. However, over 50% of students receive financial aid, and the average grant is ~48,000 USD per year. A detailed analysis of study costs in the USA can be found in our guide.

What is the handwritten essay cover page at Georgetown?

This is a unique Georgetown tradition – a short passage (about half a page) written by hand, scanned, and attached to the application. It’s not about calligraphy, but rather a personal, authentic touch to the application. Georgetown is one of the last universities in the U.S. to require this.

Is it worth choosing Georgetown over an Ivy League university?

It depends on your goals. If your goal is international relations, diplomacy, or international law – Georgetown SFS is a better choice than most Ivy League universities (with the possible exception of Harvard). If you’re looking for a broader liberal arts education or a career in tech/hard sciences – the Ivy League might be a better fit. A key advantage of Georgetown: an acceptance rate of ~12% vs. ~3-6% in the Ivy League – your chances are realistically several times higher.

Is Georgetown a religious university? Do I have to be Catholic?

No – Georgetown is a Jesuit university, but it is fully secular in its approach to students. You do not need to be Catholic, Christian, or religious at all. The Jesuit tradition emphasizes social service, justice, and the education of the whole person – not religious doctrine. On campus, you’ll find students of every religion and worldview.

What does Georgetown University’s campus look like?

Georgetown’s campus is a small, charming campus in the historic Georgetown neighborhood of Washington D.C. The central point is the Gothic Healy Hall from 1879. The campus is compact (you can walk across it in 10 minutes), surrounded by trees and a stone wall, with views of the Potomac River. It’s not a typical sprawling American campus – it more closely resembles a European university.

Summary – Is Georgetown for You?

Georgetown University is an institution that doesn’t try to be all things to all people. It doesn’t have Harvard’s endowment, MIT’s recognition in technology, or Stanford’s presence in Silicon Valley. But it has something none of them possess: a unique position at the intersection of academia and power, in the heart of the world’s most influential city.

If you dream of diplomacy, international relations, international law, foreign policy, or government consulting – Georgetown SFS is the best choice you can make. If you’re interested in business with an international context – the McDonough School of Business will give you a solid foundation and a network of contacts in D.C. If you want a broader liberal arts education in one of America’s most interesting cities – Georgetown College offers this with a Jesuit flair you won’t find anywhere else.

For a Polish applicant, Georgetown has another advantage: an acceptance rate of ~12% is a realistically achievable goal, provided you have strong academic results (SAT 1440+, good Polish high school leaving exam results, TOEFL 100+) and genuine engagement in social or international issues. It’s not a lottery like Harvard or Princeton – it’s a demanding but realistic goal.

Next Steps

1. Take the SAT (aim for 1480-1550) – prepare with okiro.io. Georgetown is not test-optional! More about the SAT in our complete guide.
2. Take the TOEFL (100+, aim for 105+) – prepare with prepclass.io. Read our TOEFL guide.
3. Start writing your Georgetown essays the summer before your senior year – remember, these are SEPARATE essays from the Common App!
4. Prepare your handwritten cover page – write a few versions, choose the best one, and scan it in high resolution.
5. Decide which school you are applying to – SFS, College, McDonough, or Nursing. This is a decision you must make before applying.
6. Submit the CSS Profile concurrently with your application – don’t miss the financial aid deadline.
7. Consider Early Action (November 1) – the acceptance rate for EA is slightly higher, and EA at Georgetown is non-binding.
8. Apply to other universities concurrently – Ivy League, European universities (Oxford, LSE, Sciences Po), and others from our guides.

If you need individual support with your Georgetown application – from strategy planning, through essay preparation, to SAT and TOEFL coaching – contact the College Council team. We help Polish students get into the best universities worldwide.

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• Ivy League – The Elite League of American Universities
• How to Get into Harvard – A Complete Guide
• Study at Columbia University
• U.S. University Application Process – Step-by-Step
• Scholarships for Study in the USA for Poles