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Not sure how to write the Georgetown essays? Below, we’ll help you craft compelling responses that will make your Georgetown application shine.
Georgetown University has academic excellence, a rich history, and a vibrant campus. So, if you want to get admitted, you must submit a strong application and write insightful supplemental essays. These responses will allow you to show that your personality and interests align with Georgetown’s Core Curriculum.
In this article, we’ll provide expert insights to help you ace your Georgetown supplemental essays. After giving you a detailed overview of the prompts, we’ll discuss how you can answer each one, and provide a few sample essays you can use as inspiration for your own writing. Let’s get started!
Here are the current essay prompts for Georgetown’s supplemental essays.
Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you want to highlight. (250 words)
Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (approximately 1/2 page, single-spaced)
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 that you feel best describes you and reflects on your own background, identity, skills, and talents. (approximately 1 page, single-spaced)
A liberal arts education from the College of Arts & Sciences involves encounters with new concepts and modes of inquiry. Describe something (a class, a book, an event, etc.) that changed your thinking. (Applicants to the sciences, mathematics, public policy, or languages are encouraged to include examples related to that field.) (approximately one page, single-spaced each)
Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management and Policy, or Human Science).
Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major, Nursing.
The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded over a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. What is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world?
The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial, and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.
In this section, we’ll break down each prompt to help you craft compelling Georgetown University supplemental essays:
Analysis of Prompt #1: This prompt allows you to highlight a specific aspect of your identity or abilities. Admissions officers are interested in understanding what makes you stand out. Your response should demonstrate self-awareness and the impact of your talents or skills.
Analysis of Prompt #2: This prompt encourages self-reflection and allows you to share a meaningful experience. Admissions officers want to know what has shaped you and why this activity is essential.
Analysis of Prompt #3: This prompt calls for you to express your individuality and creativity. There are no specific guidelines or themes, so it’s a great opportunity to be authentic.
Analysis of Prompt #4: Georgetown College's essay prompt focuses on your encounters with new concepts and modes of inquiry. Describe something that changed your thinking, and provide examples of your field of interest.
Analysis of Prompt #5: If you're applying to the School of Health, you must describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Be sure to address your intended major: Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science.
Analysis of Prompt #6: For applicants to the School of Nursing, this prompt is similar to the School of Health's essay. Describe the factors influencing your interest in studying health care, with a focus on the Nursing major.
Analysis of Prompt #7: Georgetown's Walsh School of Foreign Service aims to prepare students to address global challenges. In this essay, explain what motivates you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world.
Analysis of Prompt #8: For applicants to the McDonough School of Business, the prompt focuses on motivations for studying business at Georgetown. Here's how to approach this essay:
Remember to showcase your individuality, experiences, and motivations to help the admissions committee get to know you better. This is your opportunity; make the best of it!
To give you an idea of how to write your own essay, here are several Georgetown application essays that worked. These essays were written by applicants who were students of the school. Take note of our expert verdict on why it worked, as it’ll be helpful when crafting yours.
Prompt: Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you want to highlight. (250 words)
“Within Scouting over the last ten years, I learned not only outdoors skills and the like, but also interpersonal skills. Starting in my transition to Boy Scouts, my fellow scouts recognized my ability to handle pressure and be a strong example and promoted me to [POSITION] – a leadership position to collectively organize camp-outs, lead activities, and manage conflict. Over time, more in the troop noticed my capabilities in leadership, to be an example for other scouts, and to model skills. After three years as a [POSITION], I continued to move up the ranks. I became an [POSITION], and was then elected [POSITION] – the youth leader for the entire troop.
I participated in martial arts for several years in my local community. Initially, I struggled with every aspect, but over time, I learned not only to be better at fighting but how to persevere and work towards a goal. Again, eventually, the adult leaders of the school took notice of me practicing after class and asked me to help lead the [PROGRAM NAME] youth classes. I was eventually leading all classes of my peers. Watching those I had coached begin to master skills just as I had was beyond rewarding.”
This essay effectively demonstrates the applicant's leadership and interpersonal skills, highlighting their journey from a scout leader to a martial arts instructor. The progression and recognition of their abilities make for a compelling narrative, showcasing their ability to handle pressure, lead, and motivate others.
It aligns with the prompt by emphasizing personal growth through these experiences and successfully conveys the candidate's leadership qualities.
Prompt: Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (approximately 1/2 page, single-spaced)
“Swimmers take your mark! Set!” Then came the blast of the starting horn. It's a sequence that’s forever in my mind. I had never been an athletic kid, but during the pandemic, I felt out of shape. I had always enjoyed swimming, so I chose to join the swim team in the winter of my sophomore year. I started off at the bottom of the ladder, one of our worst swimmers. 5:30 a.m. practices would kill; I’d have to drag myself out of the pool every day. Breaststroke, and the 200 IM, and I found my stride. My times kept dropping, and I started to earn my place on the team. I also helped the others of the team work through mental roadblocks as I was working through mine. One thing I noted from my first few meets is that the nerves always fade when you can cheer on your fellow swimmers. Every race, I would gather the new swimmers and the old, and I’d line everyone up along our side of the deck. Once the starting horn blared, the sounds were deafening. “SWIM! GO! KICK!! KICK!! COME ON!!” echoed throughout the natatorium, regardless of the size. I always liked to do team cheers like this, at meets or at practice. I felt it brought all of us closer together as teammates and as friends. Seeing this, after my junior year season, the coaches all met and selected me as captain of the team. I’ve never been more in love with the sport.
Waking up at 5 a.m. every morning for three months is still as hard as it was at the start, but now I’m more motivated. I even took this passion and turned it into a job. Other swimmers would tell me about their summers spent working the pools, and it sounded idyllic. Sit in the sun, watch over some kids, and get breaks every hour? What was there not to like? The second I turned 16, I sent in my application. After a few months, I received an interview. The head guards asked so many questions, but every time I gave a response, it seemed like I had given the right answer. “I have always loved swimming,” I told them. “I’ve been on the swim team for 2 years now, and I’ve been chosen as a captain. I also have aquatic lifesaving, first aid, and CPR experience through Scouting.” At the end of that interview, I was offered the job. Thanks to my time spent swimming competitively, I was in a much better position than the other guards. I remember completing the 500 meters we had to swim as a final test, looking to see who else had finished, and saw most weren’t even done with their first 250. On the last day this summer, I walked to my bike and noticed the sunset falling over the pools I had spent so much time watching but never truly observing. All I could do, faced with the positive memories of both lifeguarding and the sport that had gotten me there, was pause, sit, and watch the sunset with a smile”.
This essay portrays a transformation narrative. It shows the applicant's growth from an inexperienced swimmer to becoming a captain and lifeguard, which fits well with the prompt asking about a significant school or summer activity. The descriptions of early struggles, personal progress, and leadership roles convey their dedication and enthusiasm for swimming.
The essay connects these experiences with personal and professional growth, making it engaging and relevant to the reader. Additionally, the heartfelt reflection on watching the sunset underscores the sentimental value of these experiences.
Prompt: 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 own background, identity, skills, and talents. (approximately 1 page, single-spaced)
“I come from a mid-sized suburb of [CITY] called [SUBURB NAME]. It isn’t the most notable of birthplaces – nothing like the grandeur of big cities or the natural wonder of a rural town in Montana. In response to the dreaded, “Where are you guys from?” question, instead of explaining the nuanced differences between [CITY] and [SUBURB NAME], we simply swallow our pride and claim residence in the nearest star to home on the map. However, even these cities have points of celebration. [SUBURB NAME] has the largest concentrated population of Arab and Middle-Eastern communities outside of the Middle East. From my earliest memories, those of different backgrounds have treated one another with immense respect. Of my teachers in preschool, half wore hijabs. There was no difference in my mind between students in my elementary school playground; we were all just friends, playing the same game together. Being from [[SUBURB NAME]], I have had a unique opportunity to not only see but to participate in other cultures. Just a few months ago, I was able to attend a Ramadan festival, up late into the night eating traditional food, listening to traditional songs. I have had the opportunity to view a real Torah, to pray in a mosque, to join in a communal meal in a Sikh temple. I’ve always been outspoken about my support for diversity and equity, through protests, speeches, and other events. Within [[SUBURB NAME]], I have participated in many protests, rallies, and other political events. Four years ago, on MLK Day, I participated in a protest against racism and police brutality, marching from the local library to the city hall. Recently, I attended a protest against the banning of LGBTQIA+-centered books. I hope to continue this activism and to be an advocate for social justice into my future in college and beyond”.
This essay highlights the applicant's unique perspective and deep commitment to promoting diversity and equity. It begins with a compelling description of their hometown, emphasizing the multicultural environment, setting the stage for their passion for embracing various cultures and advocating for social justice.
Furthermore, the essay connects these personal experiences with a desire to continue their activism in college, which aligns with Georgetown's values. The writing is concise and engaging, showcasing the applicant's strong advocacy for equity and diversity, effectively conveying their values and readiness for the Georgetown community.
Look at our College Essay Example Database to read other Georgetown essays that worked.
Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions about the Georgetown supplemental essays.
Georgetown requires three general essays and one tailored to the school or program you are applying to.
College essays are a vital component of your Georgetown application. They offer a chance to influence the admissions process.
The general essays should be approximately one page each (single-spaced), while school-specific essays should also be about one page each.
Focus on your unique experiences, skills, and passions that make you a strong fit for the university. Showcase your potential contributions to the campus community and your enthusiasm for your chosen program.
Yes, you can. However, it's better to tailor each essay to the specific school or program you're applying to. Each school may have different priorities and wants to understand why you're a good fit for their offerings.
It's advisable to stick to the recommended word limits. Admissions officers appreciate concise and focused responses. Going over the word limit might not work in your favor.
Crafting compelling Georgetown supplemental essays requires self-reflection and a deep understanding of the university's values and your chosen program. Tailor each response to demonstrate your unique qualities and commitment to contributing to Georgetown's diverse community.
Be concise, stay within word limits, and research the university's resources and programs to illustrate your genuine interest. These essays are your opportunity to stand out and show how you can be an asset to Georgetown, so invest time in making them shine.
