Georgetown Transfer Acceptance Rate
Georgetown admitted 296 of 2,241 transfer applicants for Fall 2023 — a 13.2% rate. Georgetown runs its own application (not the Common App) and admits transfers to one of four undergraduate schools: SFS, McDonough Business, Nursing & Health Studies, or Georgetown College.
Georgetown transfer admissions, at a glance
Georgetown transfer figures
Georgetown publishes transfer admit data in its Common Data Set Section D2. Georgetown uses its own application — there is no Common App route.
| Cycle | Applicants | Admits | Acceptance Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | 2,241 | 296 | 13.2% | Georgetown CDS |
What GPA do you need for Georgetown?
Georgetown is one of the few elite privates that does not use the Common App — applicants submit through Georgetown’s own application portal. The institution admits across four undergraduate schools.
School of Foreign Service (SFS) and McDonough School of Business run the highest competitive bars within Georgetown. Each school has additional preferred coursework and essay requirements.
What a competitive Georgetown transfer applicant looks like
Competitive Georgetown transfer admits share a consistent profile. Below any of these bars, you’re likely competing uphill.
Georgetown Application Requirements
Application Essays
Georgetown’s own application essays — typically a longer supplement than other privates. School-specific essays for each undergraduate school (College, SFS, McDonough, NHS).
Letters of Recommendation
Two academic letters required. Georgetown reads recommendations closely for fit with its Catholic-Jesuit mission.
Credits
Most Georgetown transfers enter as second- or third-year students.
Test Scores
Test-optional policy varies year to year. Many elite privates reinstated SAT/ACT requirements post-2024 — verify Georgetown’s current policy. If submitting, top-quartile scores strengthen a competitive application.
Interested in transferring to Georgetown?
Book a 1-hour Zoom consultation with “The Goat” — a Stanford transfer student turned advisor, who’s spent the last decade helping applicants transfer into elite schools.
Why most Georgetown transfer applications get rejected
Most rejections trace back to one of five patterns. Here’s what they are — and how to fix them before you apply.
- Not having strong extracurriculars.A strong GPA isn’t enough — admissions officers want to see sustained commitment and leadership outside the classroom.
- Not having a competitive GPA.AOs need to know you can handle the coursework.
- Not telling a story that catches the AO’s attention.A list of accomplishments isn’t a narrative. The strongest essays connect who you are, why you’re transferring, and why Georgetown specifically — in a way that’s memorable, not generic.
- Not having a compelling reason to transfer.“I want a bigger school” or “better opportunities” reads as vague. Admissions officers want a specific, personal reason tied to your goals and to Georgetown.
- Not having strong personal recommendation letters.A rushed request to a professor who barely knows you shows. Build real relationships early so your recommenders can speak to specifics, not generalities.
Want us to spot these in your file before you submit? Book a 60-minute review ?
How Georgetown compares to peers
If Georgetown is your target, apply to these schools in parallel. Boston College and Notre Dame are Catholic peers; WashU offers a strong non-Catholic alternative.
Frequently asked questions
What is Georgetown’s transfer acceptance rate?
13.2% for Fall 2023 — 296 admits from 2,241 applicants.
Does Georgetown accept the Common App?
No. Georgetown runs its own application through its own portal — no Common App.
When is Georgetown’s transfer application deadline?
March 1 for Fall entry.
Which Georgetown schools are hardest to transfer into?
School of Foreign Service (SFS) and McDonough School of Business run the highest competitive bars.
Does Georgetown require SAT or ACT for transfers?
Yes — Georgetown reinstated the SAT/ACT requirement post-2024.
Where this data comes from
- Georgetown OIRE — Common Data Set — D2 transfer admit data
- Georgetown Admissions — Transfer — application portal, deadlines
Want a real shot at Georgetown?
Georgetown’s own application means additional supplemental essays. We’ll help you position your file for SFS, McDonough, or the College and craft the required ‘Why Georgetown’ response.