Georgetown University Supplemental Essay Prompts 2025–2026

by Justin Neiman, Former Admissions Officer
August 6, 2025

Georgetown University Supplemental Essay Prompts 2025–2026

Georgetown University has released its official supplemental essay prompts for the 2025–2026 application cycle (Class of 2030).

Georgetown’s 2025–2026 Essay Questions (Official)

1) Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.
One-half page, single-spaced.

2) As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your personal background and individual experiences, skills, and talents.
One page, single-spaced.

3) School-Specific Question:
One page, single-spaced.

College of Arts & Sciences:

Founded in 1789, the Georgetown College of Arts & Sciences is committed to the Jesuit traditions of an integrated education and of productive research in the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Describe your interest in studying in the College of Arts & Sciences. Applicants interested in the sciences, mathematics, or languages are encouraged to make specific reference to their choice of major.

McDonough School of Business:

Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business provides graduates with essential global, ethical, analytical, financial, and diverse perspectives on the economies of our nation and the world. Describe your primary motivations for studying business at Georgetown University.

Walsh School of Foreign Service:

Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders with the foundational skills to address global issues. Describe your primary motivations for studying international affairs at Georgetown University and dedicating your undergraduate studies toward a future in global service.

Berkley School of Nursing:

Georgetown University’s Berkley School of Nursing is committed to the formation of ethical, empathetic, and transformational nursing leaders. Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying Nursing at Georgetown University.

McCourt School of Public Policy (joint with the College of Arts & Sciences):

For nearly 50 years, Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy has equipped leaders and changemakers with the interdisciplinary skills to address local, national, and global policy problems. Undergraduate public policy students at Georgetown will have the unique opportunity to live and study on two campuses, spending their first two years immersed on the Hilltop, before completing the second half of their time at Georgetown on the Capitol Campus, immersed in the policy world. Describe your primary motivations for studying public policy at Georgetown University and dedicating your undergraduate studies toward a future related to public service.

Earth Commons (joint with the College of Arts & Sciences):

Through this joint program between the College of Arts & Sciences and the Earth Commons Institute, you’ll explore theories and practical skills in the classroom, in the field, and around the world, and put it all together to make a difference. Describe your primary motivations for studying environment and sustainability at Georgetown University to effect positive change in the world.

School of Health:

Georgetown University’s School of Health was founded to advance the health and well-being of people locally, nationally, and globally through innovative research, the delivery of interdisciplinary education, and transformative engagement of communities. Describe the factors that influenced your interest in studying health care at Georgetown University, specifically addressing your intended related major: Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science.

Special Talents

250 words maximum

All Applicants: Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you would like to highlight.

Submission Instructions

Unlike many other universities, Georgetown does not give a specific word count for its essay questions. Instead, it provides the following guideline:
Approximately one-half page or one full page, single-space

Applicants will upload their responses via the Georgetown Application platform. Since the formatting guidance is intentionally vague, there are various ways to interpret font size, margins, etc.

Tip: Make sure your response is long enough to provide a solid, well-developed answer, but don’t abuse the flexibility. By not specifying a font size or formatting details, Georgetown gives applicants some bandwidth to fit in extra content — but use this wisely. If your essay clearly exceeds the suggested length, it could hurt your application.

How to Answer Georgetown’s Supplemental Essays

Georgetown’s supplemental essays are an opportunity to show the admissions committee that you understand and connect with the university's core values. These questions are designed to reveal your character, values, and intellectual curiosity. By crafting thoughtful, personal, and authentic responses, you can help them see you as a future member of the Georgetown community.

Embrace the Jesuit Values

Georgetown is defined by its Jesuit identity and its commitment to social justice, service, and intellectual inquiry. Your responses should demonstrate that you understand these values, even if you are not Catholic. The questions about being a "person for others" and engaging with different viewpoints are direct invitations to reflect on these principles. Show how your experiences align with a commitment to community, ethical leadership, and service.

Be Specific and Personal

Avoid generic statements. Instead of just saying you are "committed to service," tell a specific story about a time you helped someone or contributed to a cause you believe in. The most effective essays use concrete examples and personal anecdotes to show, rather than tell, your character and values. Georgetown wants to understand the person behind your achievements.

Create a Cohesive Narrative

Think about your entire application as a whole. Do your essays, activities list, and letters of recommendation tell a consistent and compelling story about who you are? A strong application has a clear narrative that ties your experiences, passions, and goals together. This helps admissions officers understand what motivates you and how you would contribute to the Georgetown community. Not sure what a narrative looks like? Check out this blog post!

Directly Answer the Question

This sounds obvious, but it’s a common pitfall. Take the time to deconstruct each prompt. Does it ask for a specific experience? A reflection on your values? Make sure your response directly and thoroughly addresses every part of the question.

Proofread Carefully

Typos and grammatical errors can distract the reader and suggest a lack of care. A fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes you've overlooked. Before you submit, be sure to proofread your work.

Need Help With Your Georgetown Application?

Looking for additional guidance or application review support? Feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you through every step of the process!

Georgetown University has released its official supplemental essay prompts for the 2025–2026 application cycle (Class of 2030).

Georgetown’s 2025–2026 Essay Questions (Official)

1) Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.
One-half page, single-spaced.

2) As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your personal background and individual experiences, skills, and talents.
One page, single-spaced.

3) School-Specific Question:
One page, single-spaced.

College of Arts & Sciences:

Founded in 1789, the Georgetown College of Arts & Sciences is committed to the Jesuit traditions of an integrated education and of productive research in the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Describe your interest in studying in the College of Arts & Sciences. Applicants interested in the sciences, mathematics, or languages are encouraged to make specific reference to their choice of major.

McDonough School of Business:

Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business provides graduates with essential global, ethical, analytical, financial, and diverse perspectives on the economies of our nation and the world. Describe your primary motivations for studying business at Georgetown University.

Walsh School of Foreign Service:

Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders with the foundational skills to address global issues. Describe your primary motivations for studying international affairs at Georgetown University and dedicating your undergraduate studies toward a future in global service.

Berkley School of Nursing:

Georgetown University’s Berkley School of Nursing is committed to the formation of ethical, empathetic, and transformational nursing leaders. Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying Nursing at Georgetown University.

McCourt School of Public Policy (joint with the College of Arts & Sciences):

For nearly 50 years, Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy has equipped leaders and changemakers with the interdisciplinary skills to address local, national, and global policy problems. Undergraduate public policy students at Georgetown will have the unique opportunity to live and study on two campuses, spending their first two years immersed on the Hilltop, before completing the second half of their time at Georgetown on the Capitol Campus, immersed in the policy world. Describe your primary motivations for studying public policy at Georgetown University and dedicating your undergraduate studies toward a future related to public service.

Earth Commons (joint with the College of Arts & Sciences):

Through this joint program between the College of Arts & Sciences and the Earth Commons Institute, you’ll explore theories and practical skills in the classroom, in the field, and around the world, and put it all together to make a difference. Describe your primary motivations for studying environment and sustainability at Georgetown University to effect positive change in the world.

School of Health:

Georgetown University’s School of Health was founded to advance the health and well-being of people locally, nationally, and globally through innovative research, the delivery of interdisciplinary education, and transformative engagement of communities. Describe the factors that influenced your interest in studying health care at Georgetown University, specifically addressing your intended related major: Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science.

Special Talents

250 words maximum

All Applicants: Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you would like to highlight.

Submission Instructions

Unlike many other universities, Georgetown does not give a specific word count for its essay questions. Instead, it provides the following guideline:
Approximately one-half page or one full page, single-space

Applicants will upload their responses via the Georgetown Application platform. Since the formatting guidance is intentionally vague, there are various ways to interpret font size, margins, etc.

Tip: Make sure your response is long enough to provide a solid, well-developed answer, but don’t abuse the flexibility. By not specifying a font size or formatting details, Georgetown gives applicants some bandwidth to fit in extra content — but use this wisely. If your essay clearly exceeds the suggested length, it could hurt your application.

How to Answer Georgetown’s Supplemental Essays

Georgetown’s supplemental essays are an opportunity to show the admissions committee that you understand and connect with the university's core values. These questions are designed to reveal your character, values, and intellectual curiosity. By crafting thoughtful, personal, and authentic responses, you can help them see you as a future member of the Georgetown community.

Embrace the Jesuit Values

Georgetown is defined by its Jesuit identity and its commitment to social justice, service, and intellectual inquiry. Your responses should demonstrate that you understand these values, even if you are not Catholic. The questions about being a "person for others" and engaging with different viewpoints are direct invitations to reflect on these principles. Show how your experiences align with a commitment to community, ethical leadership, and service.

Be Specific and Personal

Avoid generic statements. Instead of just saying you are "committed to service," tell a specific story about a time you helped someone or contributed to a cause you believe in. The most effective essays use concrete examples and personal anecdotes to show, rather than tell, your character and values. Georgetown wants to understand the person behind your achievements.

Create a Cohesive Narrative

Think about your entire application as a whole. Do your essays, activities list, and letters of recommendation tell a consistent and compelling story about who you are? A strong application has a clear narrative that ties your experiences, passions, and goals together. This helps admissions officers understand what motivates you and how you would contribute to the Georgetown community. Not sure what a narrative looks like? Check out this blog post!

Directly Answer the Question

This sounds obvious, but it’s a common pitfall. Take the time to deconstruct each prompt. Does it ask for a specific experience? A reflection on your values? Make sure your response directly and thoroughly addresses every part of the question.

Proofread Carefully

Typos and grammatical errors can distract the reader and suggest a lack of care. A fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes you've overlooked. Before you submit, be sure to proofread your work.

Need Help With Your Georgetown Application?

Looking for additional guidance or application review support? Feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you through every step of the process!

Man smiling wearing gray sweater with brick building and shrubbery in the background

Justin Neiman

Former Admissions Officer, Harvard University
Former Assistant Dean, Stanford University

As a College Counselor I help students navigate the college admissions process. My goal is to help students stand out and get accepted to their top-choice schools.