Georgetown University Announces Key Changes to Undergraduate Admissions
A guide for parents: What you need to know about Georgetown’s latest admissions policy updates
Mar. 27, 2025
Dear Parents,
Georgetown University, one of the most prestigious institutions in the United States, has recently announced several significant updates to its undergraduate admissions process. After a two-year internal review, the university is implementing changes aimed at broadening access and reinforcing its commitment to social mobility, academic excellence, and diversity.
Here is a summary of the key changes and what they may mean for your child’s college planning.
✅ Common Application to Be Accepted Starting August 2026
Beginning with the Class of 2027 (students applying in the 2026-2027 cycle), Georgetown will begin accepting the Common Application as part of a three-year pilot program. This is in addition to Georgetown’s own institutional application, which will remain available.
“The Common App will ensure Georgetown’s applicant pool contains a rich set of backgrounds and life experiences,” said Interim Provost Soyica Diggs Colbert.
This move aligns Georgetown with over 1,100 other colleges and universities already using the Common App—including all of its peer institutions except MIT. For students and families, this means an easier, more streamlined way to apply, especially if applying to multiple colleges.
Importantly, Georgetown emphasized that while the application platform is expanding, its admissions standards will remain unchanged. The university remains committed to a rigorous, holistic review process that looks at each applicant as a whole person.
✅ SAT/ACT Scores Will Remain Required
In contrast to many colleges that have moved to test-optional policies, Georgetown will continue to require either SAT or ACT scores as part of the admissions process.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary flexibility was offered to students who could not access testing. However, Georgetown will now return to its long-standing policy of mandatory score submission.
This decision is supported by recent research from the National Bureau of Economic Research, which found that eliminating test scores as a requirement can disproportionately disadvantage students from under-resourced high schools.
This highlights Georgetown’s belief that standardized tests, when used properly, can serve as an important and fair academic benchmark, particularly for students from schools with fewer resources.
✅ No Changes to Legacy Admissions Policy
Georgetown has decided not to eliminate or modify its legacy admissions policy at this time.
Legacy applicants—students with familial ties to alumni, faculty, or staff—will continue to receive additional consideration during the admissions review process. However, Georgetown clarifies that legacy status is just one of many factors in its holistic evaluation and does not guarantee admission.
In its analysis, the university found that legacy applicants reflect a similarly diverse range of socioeconomic and racial backgrounds as the general applicant pool. Thus, removing legacy consideration would not have a significant impact on the demographic composition of incoming classes at this time.
✅ Pell Grant Eligibility to Support Socioeconomic Diversity
As part of its ongoing mission to support educational access and inclusion, Georgetown will continue to use Pell Grant eligibility as a positive consideration in admissions.
In 2024, 15% of the incoming undergraduate Class of 2028 were Pell-eligible, marking the highest percentage in over a decade.
To further support low-income students, Georgetown has made historic increases to its financial aid budget:
- $265 million in the previous academic year
- $285 million committed for the upcoming year—the largest in school history
Georgetown’s financial aid packages include grants, scholarships, on-campus employment, and low-interest educational loans, ensuring that admitted students can attend regardless of financial circumstance.
📝 Final Thoughts for Families
These policy updates reflect Georgetown’s broader commitment to making higher education both accessible and exceptional. By embracing the Common App, maintaining rigorous academic standards, continuing its legacy policy, and expanding support for low-income students, Georgetown is reinforcing its mission as a Catholic, Jesuit institution focused on service, scholarship, and social equity.
For parents navigating the college admissions process with your children, it is critical to stay informed about how top-tier universities are evolving. These insights can help you guide your student strategically and confidently in their college journey.
As always, we will continue to monitor important changes in college admissions and provide timely, relevant updates to support your planning.
Thank you for trusting Elite Prep.
Andy Lee
Director, Elite Prep Suwanee
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📧 Email: andy.lee@eliteprep.com
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