georgetown education essay examples

Sample Essays

The breadth of Georgetown’s core curriculum means that students are required to write for a wide variety of academic disciplines. Below, we provide some student samples that exhibit the key features the most popular genres. When reading through these essays, we recommend paying attention to their 

1. Structure (How many paragraphs are there? Does the author use headers?) 

2. Argument (Is the author pointing out a problem, and/or proposing a solution?) 

3. Content (Does the argument principally rely on facts, theory, or logic?) and 

4. Style (Does the writer use first person? What is the relationship with the audience?)

Philosophy Paper

• Singer on the Moral Status of Animals

Theology Paper

• Problem of God
• Jewish Civilization
• Sacred Space and Time
• Phenolphthalein in Alkaline Solution

History Paper

• World History

Literature Review

Comparative Analysis 

Policy Brief

• Vaccine Manufacturing

White Paper

Critical Analysis

• Ignatius Seminar

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Georgetown Supplemental Essays 2024-25 – Prompts and Advice

June 20, 2024

The nation’s oldest Jesuit institution of higher learning is also its most selective, as Georgetown University welcomed just 12% of applicants to the Class of 2028 onto its historical and notably beautiful Washington, DC, campus. Whenever you are applying to a school of Georgetown’s caliber, where the average admitted applicant has a 1470 SAT score and is at (or near) the top of their high school class, you need to find ways to set yourself apart from the pack. Toward that aim, prospective Hoyas need to take advantage of the Georgetown supplemental essays.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Georgetown? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Georgetown: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

The goal is to write compelling, standout compositions. Your essays should showcase your exceptional writing ability and reveal more about who you are as an individual. Below are Georgetown’s essay prompts for the 2024-25 admissions cycle along with tips about how to address each one.

Georgetown Supplemental Essays – Prompt 1

Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you would like to highlight. (250 words)

The wording of this prompt changed slightly from “ Indicate any special talents or skills …” to “ Please elaborate on any special talents or skills …” This tells us that Georgetown is encouraging applicants to go into more detail about their chosen talent/skill.

If you are a world-class athlete, you are likely already in the recruitment process. If you placed high in AIME or won a National Merit Scholarship, that is already stated in the awards section. Therefore, using the prized 250 words of real estate to merely rehash the fact that you won an award for something you are good at would not be an inspiring move. Instead, use this essay as an opportunity to offer a new level of depth and understanding about your talent(s). In addition to discussing the talent you possess, describe the journey of how you developed your abilities and how they have impacted you.

A few years back, Malcolm Gladwell popularized the idea that becoming an expert at anything takes 10,000 hours of practice. Consider talking about the grind and sacrifice it took you to become great at a given skill. Describe how you see that skill becoming even more finely tuned/developed over time. If this skill fits into your future academic/career plans, all the better—share that too!

Georgetown Supplemental Essays – Prompt 2

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) 

Perhaps you are the captain of a team, the editor-in-chief of your school paper, or the president of a club. On the other hand, you may simply be a valuable contributing member. Regardless of whether you are a leading man/woman or a still-essential bit player, make sure that you use your writing ability to show the admissions officer what type of involved team member you are rather than merely telling them.

You can also discuss how you have engaged with your high school local/community. Share what you have learned from interacting with people of a different ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual identity, etc. Draw on past evidence of your commitment to being a positive force in the context of your activity/activities. Also be sure to speculate how that is likely to manifest on Georgetown’s campus. Research and cite Hoya student-run organizations, local nonprofit groups, or anything else you are drawn to. The admissions committee wants to understand precisely how you will contribute to their campus community of 7,000+ undergrads. Drawing the link between your past efforts and future aims is critical here. For example, if you’ve done work with Habitat for Humanity throughout your teens, it will be most impactful if you express your commitment to joining Georgetown’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity in the future.

Georgetown University Supplemental Essays – Prompt 3

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 one page, single-spaced)

Whether you decide to write about yourself in a way that is light, creative, humorous, personal, sincere, or vulnerable (any are perfectly fine), aim to reveal a picture of yourself that cannot be gleaned from elsewhere in your application materials.

Take note of the wide-open nature of this prompt. While there are no limits to the way in which you approach this essay, here are some angles to consider:

• A perspective you hold
• An experience you had
• A community you belong to
• Your cultural or family background
• Something you’ve had to overcome

The admissions officer looking at your essay is hoping to connect with you through your written words. So be open, humble, thoughtful, inquisitive, emotionally honest, mature, and insightful. No matter what type of story you tell, the goal is to have the reader come away saying, “I can definitely see this applicant as a contributing member of our talented and engaged student community.”

Georgetown Supplemental Essays — The School-Specific Essay

Depending on the College or School that you are applying to at Georgetown, you’ll need to write a separate school-specific essay. At their core, all of them are “Why Us” essays. As you address each prompt (see below), be sure to include Georgetown-specific offerings and opportunities that support your reasoning, interests, and future plans.

Elements of a great Georgetown “Why Us?” essay

• Cite school-specific  academic programs , professors,  research opportunities ,  internship/externship programs , and  study abroad programs .
• Reference student-run organizations at Georgetown that align with your passions.
• Describe how you take advantage of Georgetown’s immense resources both inside and outside of the classroom.
• Make sure to touch on both a) why Georgetown is the perfect fit for you and) why you are the perfect fit for Georgetown. Covering both topics is essential.

Common mistakes on a Georgetown “Why Us?” essay .

• Fawning over the picturesque Gothic-style Georgetown campus (it is quite beautiful, but they already know that).
• Georgetown is top-ranked, prestigious, and has a great reputation. Again, they know!
• Too many generic expressions of feeling (e.g., It has been my dream since I was a toddler to be a Hoya… ).
• Recycled statements from your other “Why Us?” essays that come across as stale, impersonal, or worst of all–irrelevant/inaccurate.

Georgetown College: 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 at College of Arts & Sciences. Applicants interested in the sciences, mathematics, or languages are encouraged to make specific reference to their choice of major.

Out of all the attributes they could have chosen, Georgetown chose to reference “integrated education” and “productive research” within the prompt. Accordingly, you may want to do some research on the two aforementioned traditions and think about how they’ll impact your education at Georgetown. You can also write about any other offerings, programs, professors, or opportunities within the College of Arts and Sciences that are especially interesting to you and in line with your experiences and goals. Note that Georgetown encourages certain types of applicants to make specific references to their prospective field of study.

Georgetown Supplemental Essays (Continued)

School of Nursing: Georgetown University’s 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.

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.

Since these prompts are similar, the below advice applies to both:

“A nurse is not what you do, it is who you are.”

This quote from an anonymous source captures the idea that becoming a nurse is a calling; not a profession you just stumble into. Healthcare is no different. Healthcare professionals are willing to work long shifts in the service of others, be on the frontlines of a pandemic, and deal with life’s toughest challenges (e.g., suffering and death) on a regular basis. Many applicants share stories of caring for sick relatives, experiencing a tough medical episode themselves, or observing the challenges faced by a particular community as inspiration for studying nursing or healthcare.

In addition, you’ll want to include school-specific research that demonstrates your knowledge of the school’s opportunities and resources as well as the skills Georgetown will help you build (and why they are important to you). Overall, show the admissions committee that you are a passionate and mature healthcare or nursing candidate, that this field is genuinely “who you are,” and that attending Georgetown will be the right fit for you.

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.

International service is not something every 17/18-year-old in the country is dreaming about doing as a vocation. There is likely a very interesting story surrounding what motivated you to apply to the Walsh School of Foreign Service and this essay invites you to share this very narrative. You don’t need to look any deeper than today’s headlines to identify powerful and immensely challenging global problems. Regardless of your major, you likely have a highly specific set of academic and career goals taking shape in your mind.

If you can communicate these goals and the motivations behind them while sharing a vision for how you will contribute to the betterment of humankind in one or multiple regions of the world, then you are likely to end up with an excellent Walsh essay. Moreover, discuss why Walsh in particular will be a great fit for you.

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.

Before you start writing, do some McDonough-specific research and think about why a business education from McDonough in particular will be a great fit for your interests and goals. Further, to stand out, applicants need to connect the resources they’ve chosen to experiences they’ve had, demonstrating that they have availed themselves of every opportunity to dive into the business world during their high school years. Of course, not everyone has parents who hand them money to invest in the stock market or land them an internship at Goldman Sachs in 9th grade.

Relevant experiences can include high school investing clubs, participation in activities like FBLA, summer programs/courses in business/finance/economics, running your own local small business or e-business (Etsy, landscaping, etc.), or just a regular old retail job. The important thing to highlight is what you learned from your experiences. You should also note how you’ll bring that newly acquired knowledge to the classroom at Georgetown, and how your experiences have informed & influenced what you hope to continue learning in college.

How important are the Georgetown supplemental essays?

There are a whopping 8 factors that Georgetown considers to be “very important” to the evaluation process. These are: rigor of secondary school record, character/personal qualities, class rank, GPA, standardized test scores, recommendations, extracurricular activities, and most relevant to this blog—the application essays. The essays undoubtedly play a significant role in the admissions process at Georgetown. They can help the committee decide who to admit when choosing between similarly credentialed (GPA, test scores, etc.) applicants.

Want personalized assistance with your Georgetown supplemental essays?

Interested in working with one of our experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Georgetown supplemental essays? We encourage you to get a quote  today.

Need more writing-related resources? Consider checking out the following:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• How to Start a College Essay
• How to End a College Essay
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• Best College Essay Help
• College Essay

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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College Essays

With an acceptance rate of less than 12 percent , Georgetown is ranked as an extremely competitive school . If you want to be a part of the student body, you need to impress, and one of the best opportunities you have to do that is in your Georgetown essays.

Don't let the Georgetown essay prompts intimidate you. Though they may look complicated at first—and they do ask complex questions—some foresight and planning will help you write essays that are sure to impress.

This guide will walk you through the Georgetown essays, giving you a look into the expectations and thought process behind each of the essay prompts .

Feature Image: Patrickneil /Wikimedia Commons

What Should You Know About the Georgetown Essay Prompts?

Georgetown doesn't use the Common or Coalition Application . Instead, you'll be filling out an application tailored specifically to their desires, though it may cover most of the same information.

Because of that, you'll want to pay extra close attention to what you discuss in your essays. Your essays should be tied specifically to Georgetown rather than the more general approach of the Coalition or Common Application .

The Georgetown essays include one short essay of about a half-page, single-spaced, one longer one-page essay required of all students, and a second one-page essay specifically tied to one of Georgetown's four schools: Georgetown College, the School of Nursing and Health Studies, Walsh School of Foreign Service, and the McDonough School of Business.

Students in the arts—specifically music, dance, theater, and studio art—may submit additional portfolios as part of their application, but it isn't required.

What Are the Required Georgetown Essay Prompts?

Because Georgetown's application is only for Georgetown, you'll immediately notice that they're a lot more specific than the Common or Coalition prompts. You should keep that specificity in mind as you answer the questions, thinking not just about why you want to go to a good school, but why you want to attend Georgetown specifically .

How to Answer the Georgetown Short Essay Prompt

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

This question is pretty straightforward. Though you've no doubt discussed your extracurriculars throughout your application, this question asks you to think deeper about one of them . Ask yourself why you do those activities, and what they personally mean to you.

"Why," not "what," should be the question you're answering . Flesh out your mentions of extracurriculars in your application with discussions of why you do them and what you've learned. The activity you discuss should be significant to you—not something you do purely for fun or something you do because your parents make you.

As with the first question, don't inflate things to look more impressive. If you spent most of your summer watching TV, that might be relevant if you're an aspiring screenwriter, and you can mention it—but again, answer the question of why . Why did you choose the shows you did? What did you learn from them?

That said, watching TV isn't the best choice. You'd be better off discussing how you spent your summer working on an original short film or participating in a workshop for aspiring screenwriters—but no matter what your preferred activity, there is a way to discuss why it's significant to you and what you learned from it.

This prompt gives you space to discuss your interests, particularly the things that can't be represented by numbers as grades and test scores can. It gives Georgetown a clearer picture of you, which helps in their decision.

This is also a space to expand on participation. Maybe you never became captain of the swim team and you've been worried that the lack of leadership might count against you. In this essay, you can explain that though that was your goal, you didn't quite make it—but that you learned a lot anyway.

This essay really is about what's significant to you, so there are no wrong answers—it's your execution that matters . Avoid being too general, or focusing too much on picking the most impressive thing from your roster if that thing didn't actually matter to you. Be genuine with what's significant to you and your essay will be stronger for it.

How to Answer the Georgetown Essay Prompt for All Applicants

As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you. (One page, single-spaced.)

Notice how the emphasis on this question is on you. This is called a "Why You?" style essay — though the application is for Georgetown, the admissions office wants to know why you'll be a good fit for the college and what you in particular will bring to the student body .

What this means is that Georgetown doesn't want to hear about how they have the best program or the greatest campus. They want to know about you and what makes you unique .

When answering this question, think about what makes you a good fit for Georgetown's student body. Consider their mission statement , their origin as a Catholic and Jesuit college , and what that means today.

That doesn't mean that you need to identify yourself as Catholic if you aren't (please don't do that), but that you should consider the role that faith plays in Georgetown's approach to education . How does their mission statement connect to your own life and educational goals?

Demonstrating that you understand the school's mission and how you can contribute to it as a student is one of the most important parts of this question.

But "Why You?" is only part of the question . The specific mention of diversity is important, too. Its inclusion in the question means that it's important to Georgetown, and they want you to demonstrate that it's important to you, too.

Don't get too fixated on typical meanings of "diverse." We often use the word to refer to the variety of genders, sexualities, races, socio-economic statuses, and so on that exist in the world, but diversity of thought is worthwhile, too. Of course, you should write about your gender, sexuality, race, and so on if it's relevant to what you'll bring to campus—and it often is—but don't feel like it's all you have to offer.

Think about what your experience has taught you, and how those lessons will contribute to Georgetown's diverse student body. That can mean discussing overcoming socio-economic hardship, or it can mean relating how you and your seven brothers used to squabble until you realized working together got chores done faster. Everybody has a unique story to tell, and this is Georgetown offering you space to tell yours .

Georgetown invites you to get creative here, but if you want to take a more embellished approach than a traditional essay, be sure that that creativity comes through in your writing and language rather than in the events . Don't inflate things to look more interesting or diverse than you are—this is your chance to flesh out the grades and test scores with your personality, so be sure it's your personality that the admissions office sees.

How to Answer the Georgetown College Essay Prompt

Georgetown College is the largest undergraduate school at Georgetown University, and contains many of the school's arts and sciences programs.

What does it mean to you to be educated? How might Georgetown College help you achieve this aim? (Applicants to the Sciences and Mathematics or the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics should address their chosen course of study.) (One page, single-spaced.)

This question is asking about your personal relationship with education and learning. But more than that, it's asking you why you want to attend Georgetown, making it a "Why Us?" essay .

When answering this prompt, think about your goals and how Georgetown fits into them . They don't need to hear about how they're a good school and you've always wanted to attend a competitive college—they already know that, and most other students also want to attend a good school. Why Georgetown specifically, as opposed to all the other possible schools you could apply to?

This is a good place to demonstrate familiarity with their mission and curriculum. Are there particular classes or faculty driving your decision to attend? Mention them!

Think holistically here. How will attending Georgetown enrich your education and help you reach your career goals? Keep their mission statement in mind as you write—consider the ideas of diversity, service to humanity, and community and how those fit into your goals.

Again, avoid generalities. Your essay should have enough concrete connection to Georgetown that you couldn't easily swap another school's name in and still have it make sense. Of course, there will always be some overlap with other schools, but be sure that the true spirit of Georgetown comes through in your essay.

How to Answer the Georgetown School of Nursing & Health Studies Essay Prompt

Georgetown's School of Nursing and Health Studies is exactly what it sounds like. This is where you'll be applying if you're interested in any of the health care fields, which is reflected in the prompt.

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, Human Science, or Nursing). (One page, single-spaced.)

This question isn't quite a clear-cut "Why Us?" or "Why You?" question, unlike the previous ones. Instead, it's asking "Why Health Care?"

Again, always keep in mind Georgetown's mission as a college: diversity, discussion, and the well-being of humanity. All of these things can factor into your essay in a meaningful way.

Think beyond health care being a reliable and well-paying field. Why do you want to care for people? Why the health field, specifically? Tying Georgetown's mission into this question is a great way to demonstrate your interest in the field, but also in the specific ways that this school teaches.

In this question, Georgetown wants you to demonstrate your interest in the field. If you're invested in health care, you're more likely to succeed in the program. The admissions office also wants to know what passion and interest you'll bring to the school, making you a student they want to invest in.

If you don't already know why you've chosen to pursue health care over other fields, now's the time to start thinking about it. Health care can often be thankless, difficult, and even frightening if you're working in emergency situations. What drives you to do it anyway?

Maybe you've struggled with illness yourself, and you want to commit to researching cures. Or maybe you're fascinated by the ways that disease impacts society, and you want to learn more about prevention and how to enact it on an individual basis. No matter what your career goal is, it's important that you can explain why you've chosen this field over all others.

However, be sure you can tie your interest to Georgetown specifically. Your essay will be even stronger if it explains not just what appeals to you about health care, but why Georgetown is the right college to help you achieve your goals.

How to Answer the Walsh School of Foreign Service Essay Prompt

If you're interested in international relations, Wash School of Foreign Service is likely where you'll be applying.

The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than 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? (One page, single-spaced.)

This is a perfect example of a  "Why Us?" question. Of all the schools out there, and all the programs, what led you to apply to Georgetown's school of foreign service? 

The trick to this question is being specific. Sure, the Walsh School of Foreign Service has interesting classes, great professors, and a strong track record for job placements, but so do a lot of other schools out there. What does it offer that other schools can't? In your response, be sure to mention specific courses/internship opportunities/professors who will give you opportunities unique to Georgetown.

We give more advice on how to answer this question under the next prompt, which is also a Why Us question!

How to Answer the McDonough School of Business Essay Prompt

The McDonough School of Business is exactly what it sounds like. If you're attending Georgetown with an interest in business, you'll need to answer the following prompt:

The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown. (One page, single-spaced.)

Like the Walsh School of Foreign Service, the McDonough School of Business prompt is a classic "Why Us?" question , asking you to identify not just that Georgetown is a good school, but why it's the right school for you and your interests.

To answer this question, consider the university's ethos and curriculum. Look at their course offerings and consider those as well as whatever reasons you have for applying. Think specifically, not generally— beyond it being a well-respected university, what does Georgetown have to offer you that other well-respected universities do not?

Georgetown wants to hear that you're committed to their program specifically, so answer in specifics. Identify features of their program in particular, and be sure to answer the question of why those features draw you to Georgetown.

If you have a personal anecdote about Georgetown, such as a moment on a tour, a personal connection to the campus, or admiration for a particular alumni, this essay is a good place to discuss it. If not, it's always a good idea to use concrete specifics, such as classes and extracurriculars that appeal to you. Fold those into a discussion of Georgetown's mission and your own career goals to paint a complete picture of why this is the right school for you.

What Does a Successful Georgetown Essay Look Like?

Planning an essay can be difficult as you try to weigh what the school might want against everything you could possibly cover. Thankfully, there's at least one successful Georgetown essay out there you can read in its entirety :

"Listen, girl. He's over 60 and speaks no English. There is no way we would hire him." His tone was rude, but I sadly understood why my dad wasn't hired. I faced my hopeful dad and watched his smile drop as I told him that Dave just remembered that they hired someone yesterday and that they really couldn't afford to hire anyone else. My dad was disappointed, but nonetheless he graciously shook Dave's hand and thanked him for his time. Job searching is difficult for everyone, but in a world full of Daves, it's almost impossible. Daves are people who look at my family and immediately think less of us. They think illegal, poor and uneducated. Daves never allow my dad to pass the first round of job applications. Daves watch like hawks as my brother and I enter stores. Daves inconsiderately correct my mother's grammar. Because there are Daves in the world, I have become a protector for my family. I excuse their behavior as just being a "typical American." I convince my mother that they are only staring at her lovely new purse. I convince my dad they are only shouting about store sales to us. Aside from being a protector, I am also an advocate. As an advocate, I make sure my family is never taken advantage of. I am always looking out for scams and discrepancies. I am the one asking the questions when we buy or sell a car. I make sure all details are discussed and no specifics are left unanswered.

It's not hard to see why the writer was accepted to Georgetown. This essay clearly demonstrates her experience and understanding of the world. The last paragraph is a great example of how to turn that experience into something actionable—she wants to go into public service, politics, or diplomacy because of how she's helped her parents and the bigotry she's witnessed as she's done so.

We know from reading exactly what the writer will bring to Georgetown: an understanding of the world and the way it's treated her and her family. She demonstrates her understanding of diversity clearly, which answers the first prompt—it shows what makes her unique as well as what she'll contribute.

The essay shows her personal story and how that's influenced her lifelong plans. Because the admissions office understands where she comes from and the essay finishes with where she hopes to go—as well as covering some of the obstacles she's overcome—they have a complete picture of her as a student.

One area the essay could be improved is strengthening the connection to Georgetown specifically. This essay is quite strong—she did get into Georgetown with it—but spending a little more time reflecting on how her life experience connects to Georgetown's mission would give it a little extra oomph . As it is, this could be an application essay for pretty much any school. Drawing a clear connection from your experiences to the college you're applying to demonstrates a stronger degree of interest, making your essay stand out.

Key Points of Advice for Georgetown Essays

No matter which prompts you're answering, it's a good idea to follow general advice for your Georgetown essays, too. Though the application for Georgetown is unique to the school, it still follows most of the common rules of college applications, so be sure to read up on some common tips for college applications .

#1: Read Prompts Carefully

Don't just answer the surface-level question. You have quite a bit of space to answer each of these, so read each one carefully, understand the deeper questions it might be asking, such as "Why You?" and be sure to answer those as well. Brainstorming will be a huge help here, as you can get all of your ideas out and select the ones that support your point the best.

#2: Connect Your Story to Your School

When you're writing "Why Us?" essays, think about your story—the things that have made you who you are, your ambition, your goals—and add in how Georgetown is the next step on your journey. Think beyond that it has a good reputation or that lots of impressive people have graduated from there. Draw a clear line between you and Georgetown by tying your experience in with its curriculum and mission statement. This will demonstrate that you're not just reusing the same essay for a bunch of schools, and that Georgetown is your real goal.

#3: Edit and Revise

Editing and revision are your best friends when it comes to a polished Georgetown essay. Don't just fire off a draft and call it good. Spend some time planning, writing, editing, and revising , being sure to start early so you can let your drafts rest between readings.

Spending more time will take some of the stress out of writing and let you put in more effort to get it into shape. The longer you have, the more thought you can put into it, so start early!

What's Next?

Give yourself plenty of time to get your Georgetown essay done by staying on top of all the deadlines for your application .

What else do you need to get into your dream school aside from stellar essays? This guide has all the requirements to get into Georgetown .

Even if you're not going to Georgetown, you should understand the college application process from start to finish. This helpful guide will walk you through applying to college starting from your freshman year of high school!

Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essays: Expert Tips and Prompts

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 12/18/23

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!

Georgetown Supplemental Essay Prompts 2023-2024

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)

Prompt #4 - Georgetown College

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)

Prompt #5 - School of Health

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).

Prompt #6 - School of Nursing

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major, Nursing.

Prompt #7 - Walsh School of Foreign Service

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?

Prompt #8 - McDonough School of Business

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.

How to Write Each Prompt for Georgetown

In this section, we’ll break down each prompt to help you craft compelling Georgetown University supplemental essays: 

How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essay #1 + Analysis and Tips

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.

• Highlight Your Talent : Start by discussing the talent or skill you want to highlight and why it matters. What drives your passion for it?
• Describe Your Experience : Offer concrete examples or experiences illustrating how you've applied this talent or skill. What accomplishments or projects can you point to?

How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essay #2 + Analysis and Tips

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.

• Select an Extracurricular Activity : Select an activity that genuinely matters to you. It could be an extracurricular, school club, or summer program.
• Describe Your Experience : Narrate your experience and the journey you've taken. Highlight challenges and successes to make your story engaging.
• Describe the Impact : Explain how this activity has influenced your personal growth, values, or future goals.

How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essay #3 + Analysis and Tips

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.

• Describe Your Background : Consider what aspect of your background or identity you want to highlight. How does it define you?
• Make It Captivating : Feel free to use creative elements such as storytelling, metaphors, or anecdotes to make your essay engaging.
• Highlight the Impact :   Share insights into your values, beliefs, and how your experiences have shaped them.

How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essay #4 + Analysis and Tips

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.

• Describe a New Experience : Choose an event, class, book, or other experience that significantly impacted your perspective.
• Evaluate the Outcome and Make Connections : If you're interested in a specific field, connect your response to that area of study. Highlight how this change in thinking influenced your academic interests.

How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essay #5 + Analysis and Tips

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.

• Describe Your Inspiration : Share the personal experiences or factors that sparked your interest in health care.
• Align Your Goals With Your Inspiration : Clarify why you've chosen your specific major within the School of Health and how it aligns with your goals.

How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essay #6 + Analysis and Tips

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.

• Describe Your Experience : Emphasize what draws you to nursing. Is there a specific experience that ignited this passion?
• Talk About Your Aspirations : Explain how your intended major in Nursing aligns with your career aspirations in health care.

How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essay #7 + Analysis and Tips

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.

• Show Your Aim : Describe your vision for how you want to contribute to addressing global issues.
• Outline Your Commitments : Discuss any experiences or activities that demonstrate your commitment to global service.

How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essay #8 + Analysis and Tips

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:

• Show Your Motivation : Discuss what interests you about the field of business. Is it ethical, analytical, financial, or global perspectives?
• Do Your Research : Explain why Georgetown's McDonough School of Business is the right place to pursue business studies. Make sure to be as specific as possible and demonstrate that you’ve taken the time to do your homework on all Georgetown has to offer.

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!

Examples of Georgetown Supplemental Essays That Worked

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.

Sample Essay #1

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.”

Why Essay #1 Worked

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.  

Sample Essay #2

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”.

Why Essay #2 Worked

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.  

Sample Essay #3

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”.

Why Essay #3 Worked

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.

Get More Sample Essays Here!

Look at our College Essay Example Database to read other Georgetown essays that worked.

FAQs: Georgetown Supplemental Essays

Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions about the Georgetown supplemental essays.

1. How Many Essays Does Georgetown Require?

Georgetown requires three general essays and one tailored to the school or program you are applying to.

2. How Important Are College Essays for Georgetown?

College essays are a vital component of your Georgetown application. They offer a chance to influence the admissions process.

3. How Long Should My Georgetown Essays Be?

The general essays should be approximately one page each (single-spaced), while school-specific essays should also be about one page each. 

4. What Should I Focus on in My Georgetown Essays?

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.

5. Can I Use the Same Essay for Multiple Schools Within Georgetown University?

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.

6. Can I Exceed the Recommended Word Limit for Georgetown Essays?

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.

Final Thoughts

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.

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How to Write the Georgetown University Supplemental Essays

The Georgetown University Application process is separate from the Common Application and requires a short answer and three essays: the short essay, Essay One, and Essay Two.

Please Indicate any special talents or skills that you possess.

Feel free to have fun with this question while being descriptive and genuine. Do you have a special hobby you’ve been pursuing for years? A quirky skill not many people know about? Why is it meaningful to you? Try not to stick to the obvious, like a dazzling debate club accomplishment you would write about on the first line of your activities list. Instead, be creative and take the opportunity to be introspective. Your special talent or skill doesn’t have to be large and flashy—just something special that admissions officers wouldn’t learn about from other parts of your application. Make sure to address the significance of this talent as well, such as how it relates to you as a person, or your relationship to your family, friends, and community.

Short Essay

Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (approximately ½ page, single-spaced).

Think back to the Activities List you’ve filled out for the Common Application, and carefully consider your time commitment and passion for each of those activities. Which one were you most involved in? How was your role or involvement impactful? What leadership responsibilities did you have? How have you grown through the activity and what lessons did you learn?

For the admissions officers, your involvement in activities in high school translates to the roles and responsibilities you might take on in college. They want students who will actively shape Georgetown’s culture and purposefully impact the community. Make sure to address how you hope to continue this activity with the resources available to you at Georgetown. Lastly, think about the particular skills you gained through this activity as well as how you have applied these skills to other aspects of your life. This essay is also a great opportunity to write about how the Georgetown experience will help you take those skills to the next level!

As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you. (approximately 1 page, single-spaced)

Although this question asks a somewhat broad question, remember to be as specific as possible. Avoid the clichés. Do not repeat your resume or list of extracurricular activities. This question is similar in purpose to the Personal Statement required for the Common Application: what values will you bring to Georgetown University? Bearing this in mind, choose a clear theme and be coherent in your message. Instead of telling the reader, show the reader your best characteristics. This essay should detail your thought processes, actions you’ve taken based on your curiosity, and goals you hope to achieve in the future as a means of showcasing your character and personality. During this process, remember to demonstrate maturity in thinking and avoid sounding negative.

Make sure to address the traits or mindset you possess that will allow you to thrive in the Georgetown community and beyond, and remember that this essay should ideally relate to the unique experience you will gain at Georgetown. Think about the Jesuit and Catholic values of “restless inquiry” emphasized by the school, and why you would be a good fit based on your character and personal achievements!

(Approximately 1 page, single-spaced)

The third prompt consists of school-specific questions. Applicants choose to apply to one of four Georgetown Schools: Georgetown College, School of Nursing & Health Studies, Walsh School of Foreign Service, and McDonough School of Business. Although slightly different in their wording, all questions essentially ask the question, why this school and major?

Georgetown College:

What does it mean to you to be educated how might georgetown college help you achieve this aim (applicants to the sciences and mathematics or the faculty of languages and linguistics should address their chosen course of study.).

Abstractly, you’ll want to speak to write about why Georgetown’s educational philosophy speaks to you. You might choose to write about Restless Inquiry and your curious nature. You might be drawn to Georgetown’s Jesuit foundation or traditions , such as people for others, and write about using your degree to make a positive difference in the world. You’ll want to tie this research into your answer to what it means to be educated. It’s okay to be direct here – you might begin your essay by writing; ‘To be educated means to…’

Next, you’ll want to segway into a concrete plan to achieve this educated ideal. This is the supplement in which you should directly discuss your intended plan of study and how you plan to involve yourself in the Georgetown community. If you know what you want to study, you can write about why you want to pursue your major. Are there specific classes you look forward to taking or professors you want to learn from? If you aren’t sure what you want to major in, worry not! You can write about why you think Georgetown is the school where you want to figure it out! What attracts you to their academic options? Are there a few different areas you are interested in exploring? You should also address opportunities outside of the classroom. Is there a research laboratory or institution that you can see yourself becoming involved in? Community-wise, is there a student life organization that you look forward to joining?

School of Nursing & Health Studies:

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. please specifically address your intended major (global health, health care management & policy, human science, or nursing)..

Here, the question asks about the “factors that have influenced your interest.” Be sure not to solely focus on abstract education values or future plans—instead, give concrete examples of moments, opportunities, or people in your life that have guided you in your decision to pursue your intended major.

Walsh School of Foreign Service:

The walsh school of foreign service was founded more than 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.

This question is similar to the one posed above: what factors have influenced you to commit to the Walsh School of Foreign Service? How will your pursuit of education help you to create positive change in your local, national, or international community? Write about the major you intend to pursue, and the direct impact you hope to have on specific systems or populations. Think about any gaps in your local or larger community you wish to address with your education and determination. Give detailed examples that can testify to your critical thinking skills, ability to apply what you’ve studied, and awareness of current affairs.

McDonough School of Business:

The mcdonough school of business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. please discuss your motivations for studying business at georgetown..

Provide a thorough explanation as to why you value this school’s pedagogy. Although analytical, financial, and global perspectives are important topics, make sure to think carefully about what an “ethical” perspective means to you. Recount your past experiences and describe your future endeavors with the foundation provided by the Mcdonough School in mind.

Ultimately, the most important advice is to do your research! Look for the resources that are only available at Georgetown that draw you to the particular school. Explore the school-specific programs, faculty, research, and study abroad programs that will strengthen your learning experience and enhance your academic enrichment. Think about ways you will be challenged in your area of study in Georgetown’s unique environment.

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Georgetown Essay 2023-24

Georgetown supplemental essays 2023-24.

Supplemental essays are an important part of every college application, and Georgetown is no exception. Each Georgetown essay is an opportunity for applicants to share something unique about themselves with the admissions team. Especially when applying to such a competitive university, the Georgetown supplemental essays could be a deciding factor in your application. However, don’t let the Georgetown supplemental essays stress you out! The best way to write an outstanding Georgetown essay is by preparing early and following some useful guidelines. 

In this guide to the Georgetown supplemental essays, we’ll go over how to respond to each Georgetown essay. We’ll also fill you in on some of the other Georgetown requirements you’ll encounter during the application process. And, we’ll provide some insight into just how much weight these Georgetown essays hold when it comes to admissions decisions. 

But first, let’s learn a little bit more about the university!

Georgetown Admissions: Quick Facts

Georgetown university quick facts.

• Georgetown Acceptance Rate: 12% – U.S. News ranks Georgetown University as #22 in its National Universities list.
• 1 half-page (~250 word) essay
• 1 full-page (~500 word) essay
• 1 full-page (~500 word) school-specific essay
• Georgetown Application Note: All Georgetown essays will be submitted through the university’s application portal. Georgetown applicants will not use the Common Application or Coalition Application when applying. 
• #1 Georgetown Essay Tip: Use each Georgetown essay as an opportunity to highlight a new personal trait, value, skill, or talent. Your Georgetown supplemental essays should provide new information and important context to your application narrative.

Does Georgetown have supplemental essays?

Yes! There are three required Georgetown University supplemental essays. Each of the Georgetown essay prompts allows students to further expand on a new theme. The word count for each of the Georgetown University supplemental essays varies from half a page to one full page (single-spaced). 

Later, we’ll get into the Georgetown essay prompts in more detail. For now, keep in mind that each essay should showcase why you’re a perfect fit for Georgetown. So, you’ll want to think about all the reasons why you’re interested in this university specifically. Then, you’ll want to find ways to relate them to your own unique experiences and skills. 

How many essays does Georgetown require?

As we mentioned, there are three Georgetown supplemental essays that all applicants are required to answer. Since Georgetown has its own application (they don’t use the Common App or Coalition App), students will need to write all new essays. What we mean by that is you won’t be using your personal statement from the Common App. However, that being said, there is a Georgetown essay prompt that is similar to the personal statement. So, you may be able to adjust your personal statement essay and incorporate these topics/themes into your Georgetown essay. 

The remaining two Georgetown essay prompts may seem familiar as they are similar to many other college essay prompts. One is a school-specific essay where you might draw on aspects from a “why major” or “why school” essay. Ultimately, the prompt you respond to will depend on your major of choice, as each school has a different one. 

The other Georgetown essay is similar to an extracurricular activities essay. Students will need to dive deeper into their interests, values, and goals in order to comprehensively respond to this prompt. 

Georgetown Essay Prompt – Talents & Skills

Georgetown Essay One asks you to reflect on your skills and talents, along with your background and identity. That being said, this is not the only Georgetown essay prompt where you can touch on these aspects of your personality. Thinking about your unique skills and talents and how they’ve shaped your future educational goals will be beneficial to answering all of the Georgetown supplemental essays. 

Remember, there is no personal statement in the Georgetown application, and that is simply because they don’t use the Common App. However, there is a similar prompt in which students are asked to write a personal or creative essay. Let’s take a look at the actual prompt. 

Georgetown University Essay Prompt #1

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)

This essay could be qualified as a cultural diversity essay, a talents and skills essay, and even a personal statement. There are certainly many routes applicants could take when writing this Georgetown essay—one of those is expanding upon their unique skills and talents. 

Additionally, students will need to write a school-specific Georgetown essay. Below are the Georgetown essay prompts for each of the schools.

Georgetown University Essay Prompt #2

Georgetown college:, 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.), school of health:, describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care at georgetown university. please specifically address your intended major (global health, health care management & policy, or human science)., school of nursing:, describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. please specifically address your intended major nursing., walsh school of foreign service:, the walsh school of foreign service was founded more than 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, mcdonough school of business:, the mcdonough school of business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial, and global perspectives. please discuss your motivations for studying business at georgetown..

As with Essay One, this essay will be approximately 1 page, single-spaced. When completing the school-specific Georgetown essay, you’ll want to consider your academic skills and talents. How do they apply to the major and school of your interest? Why do those unique abilities make you a perfect candidate for that school?

Next, you’ll see how the Georgetown Short Essay prompt also allows you to consider your interests, talents, and skills. 

Georgetown Essay Prompt – Summer Activity

The shortest of the Georgetown supplemental essays is the summer/extracurricular activities essay. Applicants will have approximately half a page to expand upon a school or summer activity that has played an important role in their lives. Here is the prompt: 

Georgetown University Summer Activity Essay Prompt

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

It’s important to comprehensively respond to each of the Georgetown essay prompts. For example, this Georgetown essay needs to show the meaning behind the activity in which applicants have been most involved. Basically, even though you may have had an extremely impactful experience volunteering at an elderly home one afternoon unless it’s something you consistently do, you won’t want to write about it here. 

When brainstorming, start with your biggest commitments. What activity have you been the most involved in? Why has it been so impactful to you? Think about what made you commit so much time to this particular activity. What have you gained from it? Has it shaped your future education and career goals? What skills have you acquired from taking part in the activity? 

If you’re curious, involved, and have something you’re passionate about, the challenge in writing this essay won’t be answering these questions; it will be doing so in just half a page. Keep in mind that Georgetown has a large club culture on its campus. So, they’re looking for students who are going to get involved and take advantage of the hundreds of organizations on campus. In your essay, aim to show that you’re an active participant in your particular community. 

How to write the Georgetown supplemental essays

Think of each Georgetown essay as a piece of a puzzle that when put together will complete your application narrative . A well-written Georgetown essay will provide new information while answering each of the Georgetown essay prompts in its entirety. When considering how to write the Georgetown supplemental essays, and ultimately how to get into Georgetown, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to dedicate to each of the three Georgetown essay prompts. 

Looking at Georgetown essay examples (or any college essay examples ) will also help you get inspired before writing. When reading Georgetown essay examples, you’ll note there is no singular formula for answering these prompts. You can read a Georgetown essay example here and find prompt-specific tips in our previous Georgetown University Supplemental Essays guide . 

Now, here’s some advice for how to approach each of the Georgetown Essay prompts.

Responding to the school or summer activity essay

If you have an extracurricular activity that you’ve been doing for a long time, then this may be an easy Georgetown essay for you to write. You’ll want to explain why the activity has been so meaningful to you. This means diving deep into its significance in your life. 

Have you found out that you love writing by working on the school newspaper? Or maybe you’ve been able to fuel your intellectual curiosity through having been a member of the robotics team. Perhaps you will focus on your summers spent working as a camp counselor and the leadership skills that you gained from doing so.  

Go beyond the superficial with this (and every) Georgetown essay. The impact of the extracurricular activity is much more important than the activity itself. Truly consider how it’s shaped your personality, values, skills, or goals. And, if you feel like it is central to your experience, consider touching on a challenge you’ve faced or a specific opportunity you took advantage of.

Responding to the cultural diversity or “personal statement” essay

This one-page Georgetown essay will be similar to the personal statement in the Common App. However, you won’t have multiple essay prompts to choose from. Essentially, this Georgetown essay will be a combination of a cultural diversity and personal statement essay—a sort of hybrid take on each. Let’s take a look at the prompt again: 

Consider the important aspects of you as a person that you haven’t yet had the opportunity to highlight within your application. What would you like to mention and how will it make you an even more competitive candidate? Consider your personal experiences, background, culture, identity, skills, and talents. What has had a large impact on shaping you as a person? How will you bring what you’ve learned from those experiences to the “diverse community” at Georgetown? Make sure you speak to something that has been meaningful and impactful for you. A successful Georgetown essay will exude passion—and that can’t be faked!

Rather than writing about something you think admissions wants to hear about, write about something that is truly important to you. Note that the prompt specifies you can write a “creative essay.” So, if you love writing, then let your creativity and imagination go wild here. However, don’t get so carried away that you forget to stay on topic and answer the prompt. 

Responding to the school-specific essay

These Georgetown supplemental essays are an opportunity to explain what has drawn you to a specific course of study. Again, you’ll need to answer the school-specific Georgetown essay prompt that pertains to you. However, almost all of them will want you to reference certain experiences, skills, or interests that have led you to your school of interest. 

This essay is a combination of a “why major” and “why school” essay all in one. Why do you belong in that particular school and program at Georgetown? If you know your specific major interests and career goals, feel free to mention them! 

Looking at Georgetown essay examples and tips may help you in crafting your own essay. Additionally, you might want to check out these Georgetown majors before starting this school-specific Georgetown essay.  

Does Georgetown care about essays?

So just how important are your Georgetown supplemental essays when it comes to your “how to get into Georgetown” gameplan ? Put simply—they’re very important. Georgetown admissions really does care what applicants write in their Georgetown essays. Georgetown is a top-ranking, competitive university with a low acceptance rate. Therefore, the candidate pool is full of many academically high-achieving students who can’t all be accepted. Most everyone will have impressive GPAs, rigorous course loads, ample extracurriculars, and high test scores. 

This is where each Georgetown essay can play a pivotal role in the admissions process. The Georgetown essays are opportunities to show the admissions officers just what makes you stand out from the crowd. These Georgetown supplemental essays should be uniquely yours—they shouldn’t read as though any student could have written them. This unique insight into your life helps admissions imagine the contribution you’d make on campus. Basically, with a holistic admissions process, they are an important factor in the admissions decision process. 

What is Georgetown looking for in essays?

Georgetown admissions does note that one of the most important criteria they consider is in fact academic performance. However, as we’ve mentioned, many academically high-achieving students apply. So, how can you set yourself apart from the rest?

Admissions carefully looks for students who will add to and benefit from the Georgetown campus community . They want students who care about being a part of something bigger than themselves. They place importance on traits such as motivation, resilience, and ambition when considering applicants. This is why with each Georgetown essay you’ll want to take your responses deeper than simply surface-level.

Go beyond the what of your experiences and think about the why behind them. Truly consider the meaning, significance, and impact that the experiences you choose to write about have had on you. This will help you to write impressive, passionate, and authentic Georgetown essays that can help to set your application apart.  

When is my Georgetown application due?

Even if you write incredible Georgetown supplemental essays, it won’t matter if you don’t submit your application and all of the Georgetown requirements on time. Applications have a tendency to sneak up on students, especially during a busy senior-year fall. So, when is the Georgetown application deadline? Well, that depends if you are applying early or not. 

Here are the Georgetown deadlines : 

• Early Action: November 1
• Regular Decision: January 10 

Consider that you need to complete all of the Georgetown requirements by the application deadline of your choosing. Since Georgetown has its own application portal, applicants will first submit a quick application that takes only a few minutes. Within a day of having done so, applicants will get instructions on how to submit the supplements and the rest of the application. 

Check out a full list of the requirements, deadlines, and decision result dates in order to best plan your application process. Additionally, read this article for important information about the application process at Georgetown. 

How do I make my Georgetown essays stand out?

With a 12% acceptance rate and a #22 spot on the National Universities list, you’re competing with top candidates when you apply to Georgetown. So, your essays are what will truly let your personality shine and allow admissions to envision you on campus. That is, of course, if you write some stellar Georgetown essays. 

The Georgetown University supplemental essays have distinct prompts. However, while the content may be completely different, the best Georgetown supplemental essays will accomplish similar things. So, how can you wow admissions with your Georgetown University essays?

Here are 3 tips for writing a memorable Georgetown essay:

Tips for A Memorable Georgetown University Essay

1. demonstrate skills that admissions values..

Admissions explicitly says on their website that they value students who show resilience, ambition, and motivation. Use your essays to demonstrate these qualities. Of course, don’t make up experiences or try to push yourself into a box trying to impress admissions. Draw on your personal experiences to show personal reflection, curiosity, and passion. 

2. Choose your topic carefully.

This goes for every one of the Georgetown essay prompts. It doesn’t necessarily matter what you write about, but rather what it means to you. Brainstorm ideas to come up with topics that show who you are. You’re aiming to impress admissions, but you also want to be authentic. Choose topics that excite you and display your unique qualities. 

3. Get creative.

Ideally, you’re captivating your reader right from the start. Spend time coming up with a hook or choosing an engaging anecdote to immerse the reader in your essay. The Georgetown supplemental essays shouldn’t read as an objective, academic essay. Feel free to get creative and show off your writing skills; just make sure that you fully answer the prompt!

CollegeAdvisor has plenty of resources to help you prepare for application season! Check out this webinar in order to better understand what Georgetown looks for in applicants. You’ll get helpful tips on how to complete your application from former admissions officers. 

Georgetown Essay – 5 Takeaways

In this Georgetown Essay guide, we’ve gone over the required Georgetown essay prompts that all applicants will need to complete. If you’re considering how to get into Georgetown, know that academics and the Georgetown supplemental essays play an important role in the admissions process. No matter your approach, the best way to get ahead and write a captivating Georgetown essay is by giving yourself plenty of time to do so. 

Since we’ve covered a lot of information in this Georgetown Essay guide, here are 5 Key Takeaways:

5 Key Takeaways for a Georgetown University Essay Guide

1. georgetown university has its own unique application portal..

This means that your school-specific, personal, and extracurricular activities essay will each be submitted via the university’s application portal. Make sure you submit the first part of the application as soon as possible in order to be able to set up an account and get started on your supplements!

2. There are 3 required Georgetown essays.

While all students will respond to two of the same Georgetown essay prompts, the third will vary depending on the school you’re applying to. However, you don’t need to be 100% sure of your major to write a great school-specific essay. The purpose of this Georgetown essay is mainly to learn more about your academic interests and future goals.

3. Georgetown is a competitive institution.

This means every part of your application matters! Yes, academics and extracurriculars are important, however, so are your essays. Be mindful of the topics you write about in your Georgetown supplemental essays. Each Georgetown essay should add new information to your application that complements your candidate profile. 

4. Complete all the application requirements.

No matter how wonderful your Georgetown essays are, it won’t matter if admissions never reads them. Make sure that you know all of the requirements needed to complete the application. Give yourself plenty of time to get letters of recommendation and write your Georgetown essays. 

Your Georgetown supplemental essays should reflect who you are. Be genuine when writing your essays. Show you are a self-reflective, ever-evolving, and curious human being. Of course, think carefully about what traits, values, and experiences you want to highlight in your application. Show the best parts of who you are and how you’d enrich the campus community.

Writing the Georgetown University supplemental essays can be a stressful part of the application process. But, you’re certainly not alone! CollegeAdvisor has plenty of Georgetown-specific resources such as this webinar to help you craft a competitive application. Remember that reading Georgetown essay examples will help you get inspired to write your own. Of course, when reading Georgetown essay examples, personal statement examples , or any other essay examples, don’t try to mimic stories or ideas. Simply use them as inspiration and motivation in order to tell your story.

We hope this guide has given you some helpful insights into how to craft your Georgetown supplemental essays – good luck!

This essay guide was written by Sarah Kaminski. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Georgetown University 2023-24 Essay Prompt Guide

Early Action: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 10

You Have: 

Georgetown 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words; 1 half-page essay; 2 page-long essays

Supplemental Essay Type(s):  Activity , Why, Diversity

Prompt 1: Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you would like to highlight. (250 words)

This prompt may come first on the list, but we think you should save it for last! For the other essays on the Georgetown application, we ask you to dig deep and share personal stories that showcase talents and interests. Don’t dry the well by listing all of your (many!) skills and talents too soon. Every essay should reveal something new to admissions. So once you finish polishing your other pieces, ask yourself: what’s missing? Is there some critical puzzle piece that will help connect your other three essays? Or have you been dying to get something off your chest that didn’t fit anywhere else? This essay could be the perfect outlet for you to showcase your more personal skills, interests, and quirks. If the rest of your essays showcase your drive to work in international relations, perhaps your answer to this prompt could showcase a lighter side: your love of experimental cooking (and impressive knife skills!). Or maybe explain how learning a new language helped you learn how to whistle! While you should aim to showcase genuine skills that you have put effort into cultivating, you can also have a little bit of fun. This prompt is the most open-ended one on the application, so show admissions something they won’t find anywhere else on your application.

Prompt 2: 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) 

Next up is a fun twist on the classic activity essay, which asks you to expand on an extracurricular endeavor that you care about. For starters, we’d give you basically the same advice the prompt does: focus on one of the activities “in which you have been most involved.” Although we usually urge students to write about items that haven’t appeared elsewhere on their application, the activity essay is an exception since it specifically asks you to address an item on your resume. So, pick something with meat! When have you had the opportunity to take on a leadership role? How has four years of debate club shaped the way you communicate? Was it difficult coaching pee wee soccer as a freshman, and what motivated you to stick with it?

Prompt 3: 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)

Though it seems straightforward, this may be one of the hardest prompts! (What do you mean, tell you about myself in my own words?) Don’t fret. You can treat this essay just like the Common App’s prompt #1 , which asks students to write about a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. (Even better: if you’ve already written an essay in response to the Common App’s first prompt, you can recycle that essay here since Georgetown has its own application platform!)

If you’re approaching this essay from scratch, take some time to brainstorm. What about your background, talents, or identity might be worth highlighting for an admissions officer? Don’t worry about cramming every aspect of the wonder that is you into one essay; they will naturally reveal themselves along the way as you write. Whether you want to write about a facet of your identity that few people know about or a passion you’ve been dabbling in (and telling everyone about) for years, you can’t go wrong with authentic reflection and an engaging hook!

Georgetown University School-Specific Prompts.

(each school-specific prompt should not exceed 1 page, single-spaced), georgetown college of arts and sciences: 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.).

Admissions wants to learn about a time when your mind was changed. If you’re an active reader or information seeker, you probably have a few ideas already. But if nothing comes to mind immediately, don’t panic; instead, think about the times in your life when you’ve had an “Aha!” moment that forced you to drastically re-examine one of your beliefs or understandings. Admissions wants to know that you are open to new ideas and can reflect in order to see things from a different perspective. As you tell your story, include sensory details to bring your experience to life, whether you’re sitting in the back of a classroom, head in your hands, trying to wrap your brain around the truth-bomb your teacher just dropped; or curled up in a blanket by the fireplace with your nose in a gripping book. If you’re deciding between “Aha!” moments to write about, pick the one most closely related to your intended field of study. Applicants who can articulate their thoughts and feelings while showcasing malleability and a willingness to thoughtfully consider new ideas will likely stand out as valuable additions to the Georgetown community. 

School of Health: Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care at Georgetown University. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science).

If we know anything about applying to medical programs, it is this: everyone wants to help people; everyone wants to make the world a better place; everyone wants to make a meaningful contribution. Few fields lend themselves to service-oriented clichés and platitudes as readily as medicine does, so to safely navigate the minefield of hackneyed generalizations, start with something personal! What’s one eye-opening experience that made you believe healthcare could be your calling? Perhaps it was a single moment, like accidental eye contact with a concerned mother at the ER. Or maybe it was something more long-term, such as navigating your school in a wheelchair after knee surgery and realizing you want to improve patient outcomes through researching physical therapies. Whatever the case, use your personal story as the backdrop for your argument. What did you learn? What problems do you hope to tackle? What change do you hope to help create? As we said, it’s not enough to just want these things; your job is to show admissions why medicine interests you personally. Once you’ve accomplished that, be sure to address the role Georgetown will play in your plan for the future. In other words, why do you want to study healthcare at Georgetown in particular? Do they have a research lab that’s at the forefront of innovation? A wise applicant will do some research so they can infuse their response with specific details that demonstrate meticulousness and drive.

School of Nursing: Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying your intended major, Nursing.

Well, this is about as straightforward as prompts get! Our advice is much the same as it is for students applying to the School of Health (see above). Set yourself apart from other applicants by not only discussing the factors that led you to pursuing a career in nursing, but by also connecting those experiences to your larger goals for the future. If there are elements of a Georgetown education that will support your particular interest or connect to your past experiences in some way, you should dig into that in your response, while also revealing new information to admissions about your character, motivations, and aspirations.

Walsh School of Foreign Service: The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than 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 Walsh School of Foreign Service wants to know what fuels your fire. What is driving you to dedicate your undergraduate studies (and maybe even your life!) to a path of service? Maybe you are incredibly passionate about combating climate change before it’s too late. What do you hope to achieve and how? Perhaps you’re following in the footsteps of a trailblazer you look up to—how do you hope to continue fighting the good fight in their honor? If you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself: what kind of mark would you like to leave on the world? How do you think you can positively contribute to a cause that is important to you? If you had the power to make a lasting impact in any area at all, what would it be? While building the personal connection is key, you’ll also want to leave yourself some space to spell out at least a few steps you might take to address your global issue of choice.

McDonough School of Business: The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.

If you think we’ve never seen an essay with the line, “I love money,” you would be wrong. Spoiler: this does not make a great first impression. Studying business is about so much more than dollars and cents, and the prompt offers a few other aspects of business you’ll learn about in this program including “ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives.” In order to get some perspective, we’d recommend doing your homework. Like any classic why essay, the best answers are personal and specific, so go beyond your general interest in business and try to figure out specifically why Georgetown could be the right fit for you. Is it the location? The professors? The travel opportunities? Allow yourself to follow every lead and fall down every rabbit hole as you root through the program website. Your essay should paint a picture of the kind of student you will be at Georgetown, from the classes you’ll take to the activities you’ll pursue. How will this education prepare you for your dream career?

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Georgetown Supplemental Essay Prompts

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The Georgetown University supplemental essays are an important part of the overall application. Georgetown has a 12% acceptance rate , so your very best writing is required here. Remember, you are not alone in this Georgetown supplemental essay writing process! Keep reading our guide to learn more about how to best respond to the Georgetown supplemental essays. 

Breaking down the Georgetown supplemental essays

Georgetown requires all applicants to respond to three prompts. 

Here is a breakdown of the word count for the Georgetown supplemental essays: 

• Short Essay – approximately ½ page, single spaced
• Essay 1- approximately 1 page, single spaced
• Essay 2- approximately 1 page, single spaced, response based on intended school

Georgetown Supplemental essay questions for all applicants

Short essay.

Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved (½ page, single spaced)

This is an opportunity to expand on an extracurricular activity that you are passionate about and have participated in the most. 

Some questions to help brainstorm your response could include: 

• Did you receive any leadership roles in this activity? 
• Why do you love this activity? 
• When did you become interested in this activity? 

Once you establish your main activity, write a story surrounding this event and detail a narrative! Do your best to connect back to Georgetown. Think of Georgetown clubs you want to become involved in to continue to pursue your interests. For example, if you love participating in track and field, but do not want to participate at the college level, discuss joining the Georgetown University Running Club. Additionally, try to really show not tell how significant this activity is in your life. For example, you could detail a narrative of how going for a run allows you to clear your mind and helps you cope with stress! Ultimately, this is your time to expand upon a passion you have and why you are passionate about it! 

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. (1 page, single spaced)

Although this is one of the first questions asked by Georgetown, it may be smart to save this question for the end. This is because there are a lot of prompts that Georgetown asks that reveal many of your interests and skills. 

Therefore, to ensure you are not repeating yourself in your responses, answer this question last. Every essay you are responding to should reveal something new! 

Once you are ready to answer this question, brainstorm some of the following questions: 

• What is missing from your application that you want to highlight about yourself? 
• Are there any skills you possess that have not been touched upon? 
• Is there a leadership position you were involved in that you want to detail? 
• What would you do if you had to go on stage at a talent show? 

It is important to use this question as an outlet to showcase your skills, talents, and interests. 

Some examples of some skills, talents, or interests can be: 

• Playing an instrument 
• Participating in a sport
• Speaking a different language
• Mastering a video game
• Able to do something others cannot

You should be not just stating what talents you have, but also a short narrative or story surrounding each skill. Describe how you discovered this skill or how long it took you to become the expert you are today. 

Therefore, it is important to be short and thoughtful with your word choices. Eliminate any filler words and only describe the important parts of your story.

This prompt is quite broad, which can make it challenging to respond to. It is important to try and come up with a topic for this essay that has not been discussed in your application thus far. Remember, Georgetown has most likely already read about your academic and athletic achievements. So, try to be more creative in your response!

So what should you write about? 

To help you brainstorm creative topics for this essay, think of the following questions: 

• What are you known as in your friend group? (Exp: the artsy one, the funny one…) 
• Are there any quirks you possess? 
• Do you belong to any communities? 
• What kind of background did you come from? 
• Have you ever had to overcome anything? 
• What are you passionate about? 
• Is there anything that makes you stand out from other applicants? 

If you are still having trouble coming up with a topic idea for this essay, do not fret. Remember, Georgetown does not use the Common App . This means that you could potentially use your response to the Common App as an answer to this essay.

If you are going to use your Common App essay response to answer this question make sure you are: 

• Not repeating yourself in your application
• Answering the question entirely
• Revealing a new piece of information about yourself

Essentially, Georgetown wants to be able to connect with your application and your personal and unique experiences. Therefore, be yourself and always reveal new things!

Essay #2: Georgetown school-specific essay questions

Each school-specific prompt should not exceed one-page, single-spaced. 

Georgetown College essay

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.) 

Georgetown College admissions wants to hear all about your way of thinking! Try to brainstorm a time in which your mind was changed – this can be anything from reading a book to seeing a TED Talk to having a conversation with a teacher. Whatever event, be sure you are picking one that most closely aligns to your intended major such as mathematics or public policy. Remember, you want to show, not tell! So describe this change of thinking through a story! Try to include details to bring your experience to life such as reading your book while driving through the mountains or seeing a TED talk in class and immediately having millions of ideas rushing through your brain. Additionally, it may be wise to describe your thinking prior to the event and then after the event. This will show how exactly you have changed and how much. Now, go one step further and connect back to Georgetown! Doing so will impress the admissions officers and truly demonstrate how you are a perfect fit for the Georgetown community. It’s a good idea to allude to how you will continue to take this new way of thinking to the Georgetown community. 

Questions to consider

• What is a time in which you changed your thinking on a topic? 
• What did you learn from changing your thinking? 
• How will you take what you have learned and apply it while at Georgetown? 

School of Health essay

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care at Georgetown University. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science).

This essay question should be fairly easy if you have a passion for studying health care. Ultimately, you just need to explain why you want to study health care! And specifically, why you want to study health care at Georgetown. So, write a story describing your interest in global health, healthcare management & policy or human science! After detailing this narrative, go into detail about why Georgetown is a perfect fit for you. Describe any specific classes, professors, clubs, or the location of DC to demonstrate your interest in Georgetown. The most important thing is that you are tying your response back to Georgetown! 

• Why do you want to major in your chosen major?
• What do you aspire to do with your degree?
• Why did you choose to apply to Georgetown? 

School of Nursing essay

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major Nursing. 

If you are considering the School of Nursing, then you obviously have a passion for helping people. Therefore, you should not focus on this fact in your response. Remember, these Georgetown supplemental essays are an opportunity to make yourself stand out from other applicants – so try to really think about this question. 

In order to avoid any cliches, try thinking of the following questions to help you brainstorm your response: 

• What has been an eye-opening experience you have had that has influenced your decision to apply to the School of Nursing? 
• Why the Georgetown School of Nursing? 
• Why do you want to help people? 
• Was there a specific instance in which you realized nursing was your calling? 
• Is there anyone close to you who works in the medical or nursing field? 

After brainstorming, begin your response by describing a narrative. Tell your story about why you became interested in nursing and studying in the medical field. Whatever your story may be, use that as the backbone of your response for this essay. 

Try to answer the following questions in your essay: 

• What have you learned from this passion? 
• What change do you hope to bring to your future profession? 
• What do you hope to do with this degree? 
• What will you become involved in while at Georgetown? 

The most important thing is that you are tying your response back to Georgetown. Specify how and why Georgetown’s program and resources are the best fit for you. 

See also : Top nursing scholarships

Walsh School of Foreign Service essay

The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than 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?

International service is a rather uncommon major and profession to go into. Therefore, there is most likely a story behind your decision to choose this school. 

Start by brainstorming the following questions: 

• What inspired you to pursue this major? 
• Is there someone who inspired you to pursue this particular degree? 
• What do you want to do with this degree? 

Now that you have a good idea of what you want to write about, detail exactly what degree you are intended to pursue. Communicate what your goals are for this degree. What do you hope to accomplish? 

In addition, describe how you plan to contribute to change the world for the better. 

Afterwards, connect back to Georgetown by writing about the programs, clubs, and/or opportunities you hope to take advantage of while studying there. 

McDonough School of Business essay

The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivation for studying business at Georgetown.

In order to stand out from other applicants, begin by detailing any background you may have in business. This could be anything from taking a business class in high school to creating your own brand that went viral. Once you describe your business background, connect back to the McDonough School of Business specifically. 

There are a lot of business schools out in the country, so why Georgetown? In order to accurately answer this question, you should have done adequate research on the following aspects of the McDonough School of Business: 

• Class sizes
• Travel opportunities
• Clubs and organizations

Becoming familiar with these aspects of the school allows you to write about the factors that are most important to you. Be open and honest–which factors appeal to you most,  and why? 

Final thoughts on responding to the Georgetown supplemental essays

The Georgetown supplemental essays are quite challenging, but they are completely worth the effort.  Georgetown heavily relies upon the supplemental essay responses to select applicants, so it is important that your application is well-rounded. Make sure that you are not repeating anything when writing your essays. In addition, always connect your experiences back to Georgetown by detailing what you want to become involved in on campus. 

Additional resources

Are you curious about how many colleges to apply to , how to choose a college , or when to take the SAT/ACT ? Do not worry because Scholarships360 has you covered! In addition, we have numerous resources to help you through the rest of your college essays. Check out our guides on how to write an essay about yourself , how to write a successful admissions essay , and how to write 250 or 500 word essays. Throughout your college application journey, make sure that you apply to all the scholarships you qualify for! 

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Georgetown Supplemental Essay Examples

Coming up with essays for your college application can be hard, which is why reading over several Georgetown supplemental essay examples will help you greatly in composing your own series of essays. How to write a college essay can be dreadfully tricky, even with expert college essay tips , so being able to look at the final result of the handiwork of others can boost your confidence and make your own writing and re-writing processes much more enjoyable, relaxed, and open.

This article will cover the Georgetown supplemental essays, providing examples for each before wrapping up with a short section on general tips, as well as specific essay tips for Georgetown.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

Article Contents 10 min read

The georgetown supplemental essays.

All Georgetown applicants will be required to write one short essay (1/2 page) and two additional essays (1 page each). The first two are the same for all students, but the third depends on which program you are applying to; these requirements are contained within the prompts.

All Applicants

Short essay.

Length: approximately 1/2 page, single-spaced

Prompt: “Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.”

With this prompt, Georgetown is looking for something significant that indicates why you will be an excellent addition to their school. Pick an activity that shows off several good qualities in yourself. You might have something that showcases your leadership, good nature, sense of humor, and ability to adapt, for instance. Read our sample answer for an example of how to do this.

—Sparks literally fly, igniting the kindling, and bringing us one step closer to ghost stories and s’mores – my fire is the first one lit among the cabins, and there are cheers from the kids under my supervision. I can remember being one of those young campers, watching my counsellor make a fire. Now, I get to be the fire-maker, and it’s fun and thrilling to pass on the knowledge I have because of this camp.

The camp, named Camp Karha, is set in the forest, right on a lake, and it is as secluded and majestic as a person could ever want. I spent my summers here as a boy, and now, as a teenager, it is my summer job and obsession. I can’t wait to return every year. A big part of that involves pushing myself to learn more outdoor skills and imparting that knowledge to the campers.

Woodcraft is wonderful. There’s something truly special about taking raw materials and shaping them – often with nothing more than a pocketknife – into the tools we need and want, or just woodcarving little creatures and toys. I love being able to show the campers how to safely engage in woodwork.

Length: approximately 1 page, single-spaced

Slightly longer, in this essay, Georgetown is expecting you to more fully describe yourself and what you think you can contribute to the diversity of the school, which they consider important.

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 essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you.”

I’m eight years old. I love to sit outside and watch the stars at night. Even when I cannot see them, I still look up and hope they are there, looking down on me. The universe fills me with wonder, and I wonder if I will ever go up there some day.

I’m twelve, and somebody has told me that we are all made of the same star-stuff, just specks of gold and carbon that exploded out of nova-blasts – echoes of the Big Bang and the forces of physics. I hear this, and I wonder how people can be so mean to each other. I wonder this because of what happened to me last year.

The third essay requires a response to a specific prompt related to the school at Georgetown to which you are applying. We have provided one sample response here as an example, pertaining to the prompt for Georgetown College applicants.

Prompt: “What does it mean to you to be educated? How might Georgetown College help you achieve this aim? (Applicants to the Sciences and Mathematics or the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics should address their chosen course of study).”

Length: approximately 1 page, single-spaced.

It’s impossible to be educated but necessary to try.

Education is a process, through which a person can move forward in their understanding – of other persons, of themselves, of the universe and natural world, and of life. Any one of these subjects is vast and overwhelming enough to provide a lifetime of potential learning, never reaching the fullness of understanding in any one category. “Mastery” of a subject is therefore ironic at best, if not an absurdist joke.

I don’t mean to say that a person cannot develop expertise or understanding; rather, “to be educated” is perhaps a stray goal. To “be educated” is not an achievement in the past tense, but a state of being – an active condition.

People change, as do the times we live in, as well as our total understanding of the universe. How can we truly finish learning? This is an integral part of my personal philosophy, and this philosophy is what drew me to apply to Georgetown’s Faculty of Language and Linguistics in the first place.

The FLL is described as follows: “… fostering international understanding is particularly embodied in the teaching and learning of other languages and cultures…” This is exactly what I am driving at: continuous understanding and a constant vigilance with respect to personal education are necessary. I hope to achieve that through studies with the FLL.

I hope to major in Classical Greek and make a study of the texts and ideas that shaped Western civilization. But, in keeping with the spirit of my philosophy, and the philosophy and telos of the FLL’s program, I also want to take courses in Arabic.

While these are by no means the only cultural origin points in our world, they are major centers of Eastern and Western thought, and learning about both simultaneously will help me understand more of our globe than I could with either language by itself.

I have already studied the stories of Greek and Arab cultures, albeit through translations, and I look forward to learning about these cultures in their own words. I have a job with a travel agency, and I hope to make pilgrimages to Greece and the Middle East to witness firsthand the birthplaces of so much of our modern civilization.

Ultimately, I would like to become a teacher to share my findings with students and to benefit future generations with this fusion of humanity.

Of course, I will never be educated – past tense – but I will continue to allow myself to be educated. I am being educated and will be educated by all I encounter. I believe this process is true now, as I learn from ancient texts and my teachers. I believe it will be true when I travel to other countries and learn from the land and the people of those countries. I hope it will still be true when I am a teacher, even on the verge of retirement, learning from my students how to educate myself and keep up with the times.

To be educated is impossible, but being educated is a lifelong gift.

One of the following prompts will replace the Georgetown College prompt if you are applying to one of these schools. While we have not provided examples for these, we wanted to make sure you still had access to the prompts.

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General Essay Writing Tips and Tips for Georgetown’s Essays

Use a standard essay writing format, composed of an opening paragraph, a “body” of three or four paragraphs, and a conclusion of one or two brief paragraphs. Keep in mind that Georgetown has two main essay lengths: half-page and full-page. You’ll need to shorten or lengthen each section accordingly. For example, if you’re writing your full-page essays, you can have a regular, full paragraph introduction. But, if you’re writing the half-page “short” essay, you should reduce the text to succinct and short paragraphs.

The opening, how to start a college essay , needs to set up the rest of the essay by introducing the subjects you will be writing about and providing the reader with a “hook” sentence to kick it off. This hook must be arresting, to the point where even a non-Admissions Committee member would want to keep reading. Check out college essay introduction examples for some additional help in writing your introduction.

The body of the text should consist of several paragraphs that support your main point. Stick to one or two key ideas so that you can build your essay around them. You don’t have a lot of space to talk about your points, so you should make the most of the room you do have.

Working on your Common App essay or personal statement too? Check out this video for tips:

The conclusion at the end should wrap up whatever you “promised” your reader in the opening paragraph. If you spoke about a particular struggle you had, for example, you need to “pay that off” at the end.

There is an additional section in the Georgetown application, which asks any applicant to “Please indicate any special talents or skills that you possess.” Note that this is not expected to be an essay; simply list the skills, abilities, talents, or anything else that you can do that are not apparent from your other answers, essays, and resume.

The word limit for Georgetown essays is loose. By restricting you to a half page or whole page, they are essentially telling you that you don’t need to worry precisely about how many words or characters you’ve typed up. That doesn’t mean you can ramble or go over the limit! You need to respect limits, even if they aren’t as precise as a character count.

What you should focus on is being a good writer who gets their point across efficiently. Show your readers that you don’t need 1,000 words to say something. The half page should be approximately 325 words, and the whole page should be somewhere around 650. Obviously, there is wiggle room, but respect your readers’ time and give them a polished piece.

Read up on as many expert college essay tips as you can so you can deliver the best essay you have in you.

Check out these college essay examples to help you with your own writing.

With these ideas and prompts under your belt, you’ll be able to strike off on your own essay writing journey with confidence.

This means that you don’t need to stick to a standard genre or style. You might try writing in blank verse, rhyming couplets, metaphor, or as a story. If you are going for a creative essay, feel free to explore different ways to express your thoughts. Do keep clarity in mind, however; you don’t want to run completely amok and wind up focusing so much on creative expression that you forget to include clear points to convey your message to the admissions committee.

Georgetown’s limits are given in terms of half or full pages, not words. They are to be typed and single-spaced. The instructions use the word “approximately,” which means that whether you fill a page with many shorter paragraphs or only a few longer ones, you’ll be “correct” and within the limit. The limit is flexible.

Err on the side of fewer words, because brevity is the soul of wit – so runs the received wisdom – and if you can write up a swift, effective essay, that’s better than rambling on without saying much. Although Georgetown doesn’t have a word count, they will still expect tight writing.

This might differ from school to school, but essays submitted through the Common App can be modified after submission. With Georgetown, this is done through the Application Change Form . In the case of a replacement essay, note that you need to include the prompt, and the previous essay will still be read in addition to the replacement. In other words, try to be as certain as possible before you click the “submit” button.

Very important. Your transcripts and high school resume might tell the admissions committee who you are in terms of raw numbers, but essays can tell them so much more. Essays reveal your character and show off your uniqueness. Take advantage of this opportunity and express your unique, individual self. This is invaluable, as it allows you to bring something more than pure numbers to the table.

No. They aren’t about grades; they’re about introducing yourself to the admissions committee. If you work hard and follow expert advice, these essays will show you to be the ideal candidate and somebody the committee wants to meet – but grades aren’t entering into it.

Schools often have very similar essays. A good idea is to figure out all the essays for every school you’re applying to and then see if some overlap. You can save a lot of time if you can tweak secondary essays from one school so that they will be tailor-made for another. However, if you do this, be careful to ensure that every detail is accurate for each school, including any mention of the school’s name or programs!

We encourage you to engage with at least four and up to ten schools to increase your chances and focus enough time on each application without feeling overwhelmed.

It’s better to talk about a time you learned, and grew, as a result of failure. Discussing failure alone is of no value but talking about failing and coming back from that failure stronger and with lessons demonstrably learned for the future will show you in a very positive light, indeed.

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A Guide to the Georgetown Essays 2023-2024

October 23, 2023

Georgetown University continues to hold its place as one of the country's top universities. Securing admission to this esteemed school is no easy feat, as Georgetown boasts an acceptance rate of just 12%. Whether you aspire to join their renowned undergraduate business program or envision yourself achieving the same level of success as notable  alumni Bill Clinton and Bradley Cooper, one hurdle stands in your way: the Georgetown essays 2023-2024.

Unlike many other universities, Georgetown University does not utilize the Common Application or its personal statement prompts. Instead, they provide their own unique set of essays, designed to gain insight into your character and passions. Whether you're applying to Georgetown College, the School of Nursing and Health Studies, the Walsh School of Foreign Service, or the McDonough School of Business, crafting compelling responses to the Georgetown essays 2023-2024 is essential to setting yourself apart from the competition and positioning yourself as an indispensable candidate.

Georgetown Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you would like to highlight. (250 words).

If you are really proud of one of your abilities, now is the time to show it. Georgetown wants students who bring a variety of backgrounds and interests, this essay is a good opportunity to show a new side of yourself. Your talent doesn’t have to be an external ability such as playing the piano or writing sonnets. Neither is it required that you have received an award for this talent!

You can write about an internal characteristic such as an easy facility for making friends with new people. Or it can be something quirky like being a phenomenal cartoonist. In fact, it is better if the skill you mention is unique because your Georgetown essays 2023-2024 need to establish you as a memorable candidate. For questions like this, you don’t want to answer with a typical talent, or an ambiguous characteristic. We can assure you that many of your peers are going to be talented writers, musicians, and singers. You need to bring your own exceptional spin. As for personal characteristics, asserting that a trait like kindness is your greatest asset is frankly boring and vague. Think about what differentiates you.

The main point of your essay should emphasize why this talent or skill is meaningful to you. Why are you particularly proud of this talent? Make sure you’ve addressed all parts of the prompt. Is it a natural skill, or did it take time to develop? Will you continue to use this talent in your future goals and career? What have you learned about yourself while pursuing this skill? Let the reader understand why this talent matters so much, and exactly why it’s an admirable ability.

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) 

Each year, Georgetown receives thousands of applications from students with stellar grades. By asking such a question through the Georgetown essays 2023-2024, the school is interested to know the kind of impact you’ve made in your community in order to distinguish you from the rest of the applicants. The school wants to know what part of your current high school career holds the most significance to you and how that in turn will influence the way you contribute to the Georgetown community. By asking this question, Georgetown wants to know the type of leader you are, how you collaborate with others, and what you care about the most.

To think about the activity you want to elaborate on, take a look at your activities list. A question like this should highlight one of the extracurriculars listed at or near the top of your activities list. In the activities section, you only had 150 characters, including spaces to describe what you did. But if it truly is an activity that has mattered, there’s far more to say. Reflect on what kind of leader you were while participating in the activity, if it’s an initiative that you started, why it is important to you, and the people you connected with. Half of a page is about 250 words, so really focus your answer on the impact rather than spending too much time describing what you did as part of the activity.

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)

While the previous question highlights what you’ve done and how you’ve made an impact, this question attempts to get more to the core of who you are. Alongside evaluating your academic achievements, Georgetown especially considers your “accomplishments outside of the classroom, demonstrated commitment to the broader community, and personal qualities such as resiliency, motivation and, ambition are certainly considered.” They want to see whether you possess qualities that can not only uniquely add to the Georgetown community but benefit from it as well. 

It can be difficult to figure out where to even begin brainstorming this question — you can probably name a few different points or facets of your life that you consider core to your personality and character. To write this essay, it would be wise to write about the same topic as the Common App personal statement . Since Georgetown admissions officers won’t be looking at your Common App, it’s absolutely okay to draw from your personal statement, as that essay is also about a story that is completely unique to you. This prompt provides you with a chance to tell a story that doesn’t apply to 99% of other students. Your response could also focus on a part of your background that has shaped you or it could highlight an experience that you believe distinguishes you from your peers. The prompt also says you can get creative with your essay, so don’t be afraid to think out of the box. Unlike the Common App, which isn’t school-specific, you can even add a sentence or two at the end of this prompt as you’re only submitting this response to Georgetown!

School-Specific Prompts

Applicants to georgetown college:, 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.).

In order to create a powerful and impactful response that truly captures your insatiable thirst for knowledge and unwavering eagerness to explore new ideas, it is essential to carefully select a class, book, or event that embodies these qualities. Reflect on an experience that not only challenged your preconceived beliefs and assumptions, but also compelled you to reassess your perspective and actively seek fresh approaches to problems. Use this opportunity to showcase your openness to intellectual growth and your ability to critically analyze your own viewpoints.

When reflecting on your experience, make sure to establish a strong connection between that encounter and the education you hope to receive at Georgetown's College of Arts & Sciences. Explore how this experience aligns with Georgetown's focus on nurturing critical thinking, interdisciplinary studies, and engagement with innovative ideas. Emphasize the ways in which this encounter has expanded your knowledge and enhanced your ability to think critically and creatively.

Remember to utilize vivid details and personal anecdotes to make your story compelling and unforgettable. By painting a vivid picture of your journey, you will engage the reader and allow them to connect with your transformative experience on a deeper level. Delve into how this transformative experience has impacted you as an individual. Reflect on the valuable insights you gained about yourself and how this change has influenced your goals, aspirations, or values. Express how this experience has shaped your character, broadened your perspective, and ignited a desire for personal and intellectual growth. This reflection will demonstrate your self-awareness and your ability to learn and grow from your experiences.

Georgetown highly values intellectual curiosity, a commitment to personal growth, and a desire to engage with novel ideas. Your essay should vividly demonstrate these qualities and illustrate how you would be an invaluable asset to their academic community. Showcasing your passion for learning, your ability to think critically, and your eagerness to contribute to the academic discourse will make you a standout candidate for admission.

Applicants to the School of Nursing and Health Studies:

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. please specifically address your intended major (health care management & policy, human science, global health, or nursing)..

Georgetown knows that all students applying to the School of Nursing and Health Studies have a passion for medicine, want to help people, and imagine a career for themselves in healthcare. This question asks you to dig deeper. What makes your specific interest in the field unique? The school wants to see that you have done your research on Georgetown’s nursing school specifically and understand the resources that make the college unique. 

In this essay — without overlapping with the previous question about who you are — you have to expand on a story related to your love for medicine that only applies to you. Lots of students may have been inspired by their own or their relatives’ illnesses, while others might have realized their calling for the profession through an internship junior year. Since you have about 500 words you can write in detail about how your interest in medicine originated, the ways in which you explored the interest further both academically and through extracurriculars, and then delve more into how your choice of major at Georgetown can help you reach your aspirations. Why Health Care Management & Policy, and why at Georgetown? Make sure the reader understands that you understand the school’s offerings and resources and that you’re ready to make the most of them.

Applicants to the Walsh School of Foreign Service:

The walsh school of foreign service was founded more than 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 Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown is one of the best known schools in the world for studying international affairs. Admissions officers use this prompt to understand both your personality, character, and values. The School of Foreign Service wants to see where your priorities lie, what your goals are, and how an education in one of the school’s unique majors such as Regional and Comparative Studies and International Political Economy can help you get there. The school is looking for ambitious, open-minded, and curious individuals, and using this prompt among the Georgetown essays 2023-2024 can be an effective way of doing so.

If you’ve answered the 4th prompt among the Common App personal statement essays ( Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve.) , you can write a similar response here. Remember that while this question asks for a current global issue, you’re still writing supplemental essays for your application. This prompt is less about what problem you’ve chosen, and more about getting to know what’s important to you and how you react when faced with one. Moreover, since it doesn’t have to examine a problem the world has already solved, you can use this prompt to delve deeper into your academic interests, specifically within the Walsh School. Is your desire to end climate change connected with your selection of the college’s Science, Technology & International Affairs major? Carefully choose an issue that shows your personal stake, as well as conveys you as an individual aware of the world around them.

Applicants to the McDonough School of Business:

The mcdonough school of business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. please discuss your motivations for studying business at georgetown..

As one of the top undergraduate business schools in the United States, the McDonough School wants to know how you hope to benefit from a business degree from Georgetown specifically. They want to know what you want from a business degree at this stage — how will you take advantage of Georgetown’s hands-on opportunities? What impact have you made on your community and what are you bringing to the classroom? How will you add to the diversity of your cohort?

The word limit allows you to go into details about discovering your love for not just business — but your specific interest in the discipline. Whether it’s marketing or accounting, ask yourself questions to start brainstorming exactly what motivates you. Was there one instance that catalyzed your passion and goals? How have you explored the subject of your interest since then? How has your curiosity about the topic grown? The majority of your essay should be dedicated to tying your interest in with what McDonough has to offer. Note which professor you can’t wait to learn from or a class that stands out to you on your way to becoming a future entrepreneur.

Additional Tips for Writing the Georgetown Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Now that you’ve taken a look at the prompts for the Georgetown supplemental essays , here are a few tips to help your brainstorming process: 

• Don’t underestimate the power of your extracurriculars : Admissions officers want to know what makes you tick outside the classroom. Don’t just shrug off the first essay and repeat information word for word from what you’ve already included in your activities list. They want to know about your perspective and identity. Your activities could have shifted your views in a way that you might not have even realized before sitting down to write the essay. And you won’t be able to analyze their impact properly if you don’t look at them from a more nuanced angle.
• Research both the college of your choice and the university as a whole: While you definitely have to go in-depth to understand what makes the college of your choice within Georgetown special, it’s also essential that you understand what makes Georgetown unique. This means understanding its identity and values , researching its unique opportunities, and really knowing why you think you would be a good fit. The fit automatically shines through in your writing if you’ve worked to authentically connect your research to your interest in the school.

Georgetown University is a dream school for many students. Naturally, the competition is not easy. To help admissions officers understand what you can bring to campus and how the school can help you grow and thrive, take advantage of these prompts to explain what makes you unique. With the right amount of research, the extracurriculars and grades to back it up, and passion for your field of interest, you can give yourself a fair shot at this well-esteemed university.

If you are looking for a college admissions counselor to help maximize your chances of getting into your dream school, we can help! InGenius Prep has helped more than 6,000 students around the world gain admission into the most competitive schools including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, NYU, and more. Sign up for a free strategy call today and join the 6,000+ students we've helped get accepted into their dream school.

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Georgetown Secondary Application Essay Tips & Prompts

• Cracking Med School Admissions

The Georgetown University School of Medicine secondary application reflects the school’s mission in recruiting a diverse and compassionate medical school class. The primary Georgetown secondary application essay is tough – it’s like a 1-page “ Why Georgetown ,” “ Why Medicine ,” and Autobiography all in one essay! Georgetown changed its character limit last year, so our applicants who pre-wrote this secondary had to re-work it. This year, we are advising students to pre-write this secondary because the essays + character limits have not changed for the past couple of years. The Georgetown secondary essays are also unique and difficult to finish with excellence. 

Our Cracking Med School Admissions team has a track record of helping our mentees receive acceptances to Georgetown Medical School year after year. Get started and read our Georgetown Medical School secondary application tips below. To learn more about student life, read our extensive blog post on  How to Get Into Georgetown Medical School.

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Georgetown Secondary Application Questions: 2023 – 2024

• Are you/will you be enrolled as a student at Georgetown University during the 2022-2023 academic year? (Y/N)
• The Georgetown University Academy for Research, Clinical, and Health Equity Scholarship (ARCHES)
• Pedro Arrupe S.J. Scholarship for Peace (ARRUPE)
• Gateway Exploration Program (GEP)
• Georgetown Scholars Program (GSP)
• Georgetown University School of Medicine Summer Immersion Program (GUSOM SCS)
• Cultivating Opportunity & Realizing Excellence (CORE) Leadership Program
• Graduated from Georgetown Experimental Medical Studies Program (GEMS)
• Graduated from Special Master’s Program (SMP)
• The Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSOM) strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians, with cultural humility, who embrace all dimensions of caring for the whole person. With our Jesuit values of Cura Personalis, People for Others, and Community in Diversity, we are steadfast in our commitment to racial justice and to addressing the health inequities exacerbated by the recent pandemic. Please describe how your values, life experiences, and your identity will contribute to these GUSOM priorities. (1,000 characters max)
• Is there any further information that you would like the Committee on Admissions to be aware of when reviewing your file that you were not able to notate in another section of this or the AMCAS Application? (1,000 characters max)
• Why have you chosen to apply to the Georgetown University School of Medicine and how do you think your education at Georgetown will prepare you to become a physician for the future? (3,000 characters max)

Tips to Answer Georgetown Secondaries

Georgetown Secondary Pre-Writing Guidance: Georgetown changed its character limit last year, so our applicants who pre-wrote this secondary had to re-work it. This year, we are advising students to NOT pre-write this secondary. However, because this essay is tough to perfect, make sure to start on this essay as soon as you receive the official secondary. 

Georgetown Secondary Application Tip #1: Understand the Jesuit value of “cura personalis.” You can read more about Georgetown’s philosophy / mission statement here: What is Cura Personalis – Georgetown College

Once you understand Cura Personalis, show how you have fostered your commitment to serve others in all 3 of the long essays. We advise our students to pick stories and activities that exemplify cura personalis. The Georgetown Medical School Admissions committee seeks to recruit a medical school class of compassionate physicians who are visionaries in wanting to improve healthcare. 

Georgetown Secondary Application Tip #2: For the question, “ Why have you chosen to apply to the Georgetown University School of Medicine and how do you think your education at Georgetown will prepare you to become a physician for the future? ” this is like a “Why Georgetown,” “Why do you want to be a doctor” and “Tell me about yourself” loaded in one question. Make sure to incorporate all 3 of these ideas in your response. 

Read the following resources to help you respond to this essay:

• How To Write An Autobiography For Medical School
• Why this Medical School? Secondary Essay Example

One successful technique we’ve advised our mentees through our secondary essay edits – include why you want to be going to medical school in Washington D.C. Many of our students who receive interview invites show compassion through their stories AND state that they want to engage in community health, advocacy, and public policy in Washington D.C. Don’t be afraid to write about opportunities in Washington D.C. (the opportunities you want to pursue as a medical student don’t necessarily have to be linked to Georgetown University). While it’s not wrong to write about your interest in research and biomedical scientists, we advise students to link their research to “big picture” ideas to improve healthcare.

Georgetown Secondary Application Tip #3: For the question, “ Is there any further information that you would like the Committee on Admissions to be aware of when reviewing your file that you were not able to notate in another section of this or the AMCAS Application? ” treat this like a diversity essay. You can write about your experiences in Washington D.C., any hardship you have faced, leadership experiences, global health projects, and anything else that would help you stand out.

Read our helpful blog post on Diversity Essays:  Medical School Diversity Essay Examples and Tips

Georgetown Secondary Application Tip #4: This is a tough secondary application, and medical school applicants frequently ask for our help to edit and brainstorm their Georgetown University School of Medicine secondary application essay responses. We can help you through our secondary essay packages . Have questions about how you can stand out? Contact us below.

Georgetown Secondary Application Tip   #5:  Georgetown medical students take advantage of opportunities at other Georgetown University graduate schools. For example, we’ve had mentees who take business school classes at the McDonough School of Business and public policy classes at McCourt School of Public Policy. If you discuss your interests in other Georgetown graduate schools in your Georgetown secondary application, make sure to discuss how your clinical experiences during clinical rotations, medical education, and learnings at other graduate schools will all complement each other.

[ Read more secondary essay tips: George Washington (GW) , New York University (NYU) , University of Virginia (UVA) , Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)  ]

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Georgetown Secondary Application Questions: 2022 – 2023

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Georgetown Secondary Application Questions: 2021 – 2022

• Why have you chosen to apply to the Georgetown University School of Medicine and how do you think your education at Georgetown will prepare you to become a physician for the future? (1 page, formatted at your discretion)

Georgetown University School of Medicine Secondary Application Questions: 2020 - 2021

• The Georgetown University School of Medicine strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians who embrace all dimensions of caring for the whole person. Please describe how your personal characteristics or life experiences will contribute to the Georgetown University School of Medicine community and bring educational benefits to our student body. (1,000 characters max)

Georgetown Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2019 – 2020

Georgetown medical school secondary application questions: 2018 – 2019, georgetown medical school secondary application questions: 2017 – 2018, georgetown medical school secondary application questions: 2016 – 2017, georgetown medical school secondary application questions: 2015 – 2016.

• Why have you chosen to apply to the Georgetown University School of Medicine and how do you think your education at Georgetown will prepare you to become a physician for the future? (1-2 page, formatted at your discretion)

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September 9, 2023

2023-2024 Georgetown University Supplemental Essay Prompts

Georgetown University has released its 2023-2024 admissions essays for applicants to the Class of 2028 . The Jesuit institution, which has for years bucked the trend of joining The Common Application , asks applicants to respond to three essays in addition to one essay that is school-specific within the broader university. So, what are this year’s essay prompts? Let’s dive in!

2023-2024 Georgetown Essay Topics and Questions

Essays for all georgetown applicants.

All Georgetown applicants must answer the following three essay prompts

1. Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you would like to highlight (250 words) .

Applicants should focus on a skill related to the hook they’ve showcased in the activities section of their Georgetown application. After all, Georgetown’s admissions committee doesn’t care if an applicant can juggle. Even if the skill doesn’t relate to the student’s hook, the talent must showcase intellectual curiosity or it’s a wasted opportunity.

2. 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) .

Applicants should shine a spotlight on one of their more meaningful activities. And, yes, this activity should relate to the student’s hook. If a student is interested in studying political science, the activity they write about for this essay prompt should not relate to physics. Georgetown’s admissions committee wants to see how applicants are going to make the world better in a small but meaningful way. As such, this is an opportunity to show rather than tell how they’ve done that to date through the prism of a specific extracurricular pursuit.

3. 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)

It’s unsurprising that unlike many of its peer institutions, Georgetown has made few changes to its application in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling outlawing Affirmative Action. After all, Georgetown’s longtime Dean of Admissions Charles Deacon is well known for his aversion to change. For example, it took a worldwide pandemic for the man to finally switch to notifying applicants of their decisions via the Internet rather than snail mail.

While this essay is similar to last year’s third essay prompt required of all applicants, the wording is slightly different. Unlike last year’s prompt, Georgetown has included “background” and “identity.” Last year, the prompt read, “As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you.”

Now, keep in mind that some schools, like Johns Hopkins University , included bold language that very much capitalized on the loophole Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts penned in his majority opinion outlawing Affirmative Action , allowing schools to continue to consider a candidate’s race in context: “Nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.” Georgetown, unsurprisingly, didn’t go nearly as far in its language under its reluctant-to-modernize admissions czar — but it’s a step nonetheless.

Students need not be underrepresented minorities to answer this prompt powerfully. Students can instead write about their faith, community, or experiences, but we do encourage applicants who are underrepresented minorities to subtly make it clear since Georgetown, like all highly selective universities, continues to wish to admit a diverse class of students.

Georgetown School-Specific Essays

For the school-specific essay, irrespective of the school, the essay should not exceed one page, single-spaced.

Georgetown College of Arts and Sciences

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.)

Georgetown’s admissions committee wants to understand how an applicant thinks. Through a specific anecdote or anecdotes (no matter a student’s chosen field of study) — be it via a book, event, classroom discussion, lecture, or anything — it behooves applicants to shine a light on how they are filled with conviction. Yet, they’re also malleable to change when presented with better ideas. And, of course, it wouldn’t hurt to pepper — by showing rather than telling — the importance of the Jesuit tradition and, in particular, Cura personalis, in their storytelling.

McDonough School of Business

The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.

This essay prompt presents applicants with an opportunity to share an origin story — as high schoolers rather than as children — for their interest in business. Ideally, the origin story traces to an activity featured in the student’s Georgetown activities section. And, of course, McDonough isn’t looking to admit future business titans just out for money. They want to understand how applicants will make the world better in a small but meaningful way. As such, McDonough applicants should infuse their essays with Jesuit traditions — and why they matter to them in business. And, yes, this essay should also be infused with Why McDonough and Why Georgetown specifics (and, no, name-dropping professors and listing classes don’t count as genuine specifics).

Walsh School of Foreign Service

The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than 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?

Walsh is looking to learn the origin story of an applicant’s interest in foreign service — as high schoolers rather than as children. Through a specific anecdote or anecdotes, which ideally trace back to the student’s activities so they’re showing rather than telling, applicants should highlight how they hope to leave a mark on the wall in a way that can be actualized. Stopping climate change can’t be actualized. Incentivizing countries to be greener — based on specific research and insights — is much more doable.

School of Health

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care at Georgetown University. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science).

Georgetown’s School of Health seeks to understand a student’s origin story, as a high schooler, for their interest in the disciplines under the School of Health’s umbrella. A grandparent becoming ill with breast cancer is not the way into such an essay since it’s all too common and doesn’t say enough about how a student thinks and how they wish to leave a mark on their field.

Instead, applicants should tell a small story that ideally relates to an activity they’ve participated in during high school, that showcases precisely why they want to contribute to the health field and how they hope to make a difference — and always in a small but deeply meaningful way.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Georgetown Essays

If you’re interested in submitting essays that will wow Georgetown’s admissions committee, fill out Ivy Coach ’s free consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to outline our college admissions counseling services for seniors.

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Georgetown Essay Prompts 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

Dreaming of strolling through the historic halls of Georgetown University? You’re not alone! This esteemed institution isn’t just about prestigious academics; it’s a vibrant community eager to welcome diverse voices and unique stories. And guess what? Your journey to becoming a Hoya begins with a pen and paper—or, in today’s world, a keyboard and screen.

This blog will discuss Georgetown’s essay prompts for the 2023-2024 academic year. Think of these essays as your personal spotli ght—a chance to shine, share your story, and show the admissions committee why you’re not just another applicant, but a future Georgetown star. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a nervous note-taker, we’ve got the insights and tips to help you transform your thoughts into compelling narratives that resonate with the Georgetown spirit.

Does Georgetown University Accept Common Application?

No, Georgetown University does not accept the Common Application . Instead, Georgetown has its own application system . Applicants must use the Georgetown Application , which is available on the university’s website. This unique application process allows Georgetown to tailor its application to better fit the specific needs and focus areas of the university and its various programs. As part of this application, students are required to complete Georgetown’s own set of essay prompts, which are distinct from the Common App essay prompts .

How Many Essay Prompts Does Georgetown Have?

Georgetown University has a total of three main essay prompts for all applicants in the 2023-2024 application cycle. Additionally, there are specific prompts for each of the different schools within the university, such as the Georgetown College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Health, the School of Nursing, the Walsh School of Foreign Service, and the McDonough School of Business. 

Each of these schools has its own unique prompt, tailored to the specific interests and focus areas of the programs offered. Therefore, the total number of essay prompts a student will need to respond to depends on the specific school within Georgetown to which they are applying.

What are the 2023-2024 Georgetown Essay Prompts?

Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (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 which you feel best describes you and reflects on your own background, identity, skills, and talents. (1 page, single-spaced)

School-Specific Prompts:

Georgetown College: 

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)

School of Health: 

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying healthcare. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science).

School of Nursing: 

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major Nursing.

Walsh School of Foreign Service: 

The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than 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?

McDonough School of Business: 

The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.

How to Answer the Georgetown Essay Prompts

Main prompt 1:, understanding the prompt:.

This prompt is an opportunity for applicants to showcase a significant aspect of their personal development, interests, and contributions outside of the classroom. This could include anything from a leadership position in a student organization to a personal passion project that you’ve been working on. The goal is to show the admissions committee who you are as a person and what you’re passionate about outside of academics.

Crafting Your Response:

1. Depth of Involvement and Personal Growth: The prompt asks for the activity in which the student has been “most involved,” signaling an interest in depth rather than breadth of engagement. Students should reflect on an activity in which they invested significant time and effort, explaining how this commitment shaped their character, skills, or perspectives. 

This could be a leadership role in a club, a sport they are passionate about, or a project they led during a summer program. The focus should be on how the activity contributed to their personal growth, such as developing leadership skills, learning to collaborate, or overcoming challenges.

2. Impact and Contributions: Beyond personal growth, it’s important to discuss the impact the student had through their involvement. This could include how they improved the club or team, initiated a new project or event, or made a difference in their community. For instance, if they were part of a community service project, they could detail how their efforts contributed to the community’s welfare and what they learned about social issues.

3. Passion and Interest Alignment: The essay should reflect the student’s genuine interest and passion for the activity. This is an opportunity to reveal what drives them and how their interests align with their broader goals or values. For example, if they’re involved in environmental activism, they can discuss how this reflects their commitment to sustainability and their aspiration to pursue environmental studies.

4. Lessons and Future Application: Students should consider what lessons they have learned from their involvement and how these lessons will be applicable in their future, especially in a college setting like Georgetown. This could involve discussing skills like time management, resilience, or creative problem-solving, and how these skills will help them contribute to the Georgetown community.

In crafting a response, students should aim for a narrative that is authentic and reflective, providing specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate their points. The goal is to give admissions officers a clear and compelling picture of who they are, what they care about, and how they engage with the world around them.

Main Prompt 2:

The Georgetown essay prompt for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle is an invitation for applicants to share a more personalized and comprehensive view of themselves beyond their academic achievements and extracurricular activities. The prompt asks applicants to “tell us about something that is important to you, and why.”

This could be anything from a personal passion to a deeply held belief. The goal of the prompt is to give applicants a chance to show the admissions committee who they are as a person, beyond their academic records.

1. Reflect on Your Unique Background and Identity: This prompt allows students to delve into aspects of their identity that have shaped them. Students should reflect on their cultural, familial, or community background, considering how these elements have contributed to their perspectives, values, and goals. For example, if a student grew up in a multicultural household or has been significantly involved in their cultural community, they could discuss how these experiences have enriched their understanding of diversity and shaped their worldview.

2. Highlight Personal Challenges and Growth: Applicants can use this opportunity to discuss personal challenges they’ve faced and how they’ve grown from these experiences. This might include overcoming personal adversity, dealing with a significant life event, or managing a unique challenge that isn’t apparent in other parts of their application. The key is to focus on the learning and growth that came from these experiences, showing resilience, maturity, and self-awareness.

3. Showcase Creative Talents or Unique Skills: If the student has a particular creative talent or skill, this is the place to share it. This could be anything from writing, art, music, to less conventional skills like coding games, robotics, or even a unique hobby. The goal is to illustrate passion and dedication, perhaps by describing the process of developing this talent or skill, and how it reflects their personality or has impacted their life.

4. Discuss Impactful Experiences or Moments of Realization: Students might choose to focus on a specific event or experience that had a profound impact on their life. This could be a volunteering experience, a significant project, travel, or an encounter that changed their perspective. They should aim to describe why this experience was meaningful and how it has influenced their aspirations or approach to life.

5. Connect to Georgetown’s Values and Community: While the essay is about the student, subtly relating their experiences and values to those of Georgetown University can be effective. If aspects of their identity, experiences, or aspirations align with Georgetown’s commitment to diversity, service, or intellectual exploration, making this connection can help illustrate why they are a good fit for the university.

In all of these points, the key for students is to be authentic and introspective. The essay should give the admissions committee a window into who they are as an individual, beyond just their academic and extracurricular profile. It’s about painting a picture of a well-rounded, thoughtful individual who would contribute meaningfully to the Georgetown community.

Georgetown College Prompt

This prompt is designed to explore a student’s openness to new ideas and their ability to engage critically with different concepts and perspectives. It’s an opportunity for applicants to demonstrate how their thinking has evolved through exposure to new experiences or knowledge.

1. Identify a Transformative Experience: The prompt asks for a class, book, event, or similar experience that changed your thinking. Students should reflect on moments in their academic or personal life where they encountered a new idea or perspective that significantly altered their understanding of a subject, concept, or the world. This could be a novel that challenged their worldview, a class that introduced a new way of thinking, or an event that shifted their perspective on an important issue.

2. Detail the Initial Perspective: To effectively convey the transformation, it’s important to describe the initial thoughts or beliefs the student held before the encounter. This sets the stage for understanding the change. If it was a class or book, what did they initially think about the subject? If it was an event, what were their preconceived notions about the topic or issue involved?

3. Describe the Process of Change: The crux of the essay should focus on how the experience led to a change in thinking. This involves detailing the specific aspects of the experience that were impactful. Was it a particular argument, piece of evidence, or narrative that caused the shift? How did the student grapple with this new information or perspective? This part should also reflect a journey of intellectual or personal growth, showing how the student engaged with the challenging ideas.

4. Reflect on the Impact and Future Application: Finally, students should reflect on how this change in thinking has impacted them. Have their actions, choices, or aspirations changed as a result? How do they apply this new perspective in their daily life or future plans? Particularly for applicants to fields like sciences, mathematics, public policy, or languages, linking this new understanding to their intended field of study can be powerful, showing how their transformed perspective will enrich their contributions to their chosen field.

Students should aim to be genuine and introspective, offering a narrative that is uniquely theirs and that showcases their ability to evolve intellectually and personally. This essay is not just about the change itself, but also about the student’s capacity for growth and adaptation, essential qualities for a successful liberal arts education.

School of Health Prompt

This prompt seeks to understand the motivations and influences behind a student’s decision to pursue a career in health care. Specifically, it asks the student to reflect on the factors that have driven their interest in a particular major within the healthcare field, such as Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science.

1. Personal Experiences or Anecdotes: The student should begin by recounting any personal experiences that sparked their interest in health care. This could be a family member’s health challenge, a volunteer experience, or an inspiring interaction with a healthcare professional. The key is to narrate this experience in a way that clearly connects to their chosen major. For instance, if applying for Health Care Management & Policy, they might discuss how witnessing inefficiencies in a healthcare system inspired them to want to improve healthcare policies.

2. Academic and Extracurricular Interests: Linking academic subjects and extracurricular activities to their chosen major can demonstrate a sustained interest in the field. For example, if they are interested in Global Health, they might discuss how subjects like biology and global studies have shaped their understanding of health on a global scale, or how being part of a Model United Nations club deepened their understanding of international health policies.

3. Impact and Aspirations: The student should articulate what they hope to achieve in their chosen field. This could involve specific goals like contributing to groundbreaking health policy reforms, working in global health initiatives, or conducting research in human science to advance medical knowledge. This part of the essay should convey a sense of purpose and ambition.

4. Connection to Georgetown’s Program: It’s crucial to demonstrate why Georgetown University, in particular, is the right fit for their aspirations. This could involve mentioning specific courses, professors, research opportunities, or the overall philosophy of the program that aligns with their interests and goals. For instance, if interested in Human Science, they could talk about how Georgetown’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning will help them explore the human body from both a scientific and societal perspective.

5. Reflection on Skills and Qualities: Finally, students should reflect on their personal qualities and skills, and how these will help them succeed in their chosen field and contribute to the Georgetown community. For example, qualities like empathy, a collaborative spirit, or analytical thinking are highly relevant in healthcare fields and should be linked to personal experiences or achievements.

In answering this prompt, the student should aim to weave these elements together into a cohesive narrative that not only highlights their passion and suitability for the field of health care but also underscores their unique perspective and what they can bring to Georgetown University.

School of Nursing Prompt

The prompt is seeking to understand the applicant’s motivations and experiences that have led them to pursue a career in nursing. It’s an opportunity for students to demonstrate their passion for the field, their understanding of what nursing entails, and how their personal experiences align with their career aspirations.

1. Personal Experiences and Influences: Reflect on any personal experiences that have influenced your decision to pursue nursing. This could be a personal health experience, an encounter with a nurse who made a significant impact, or witnessing the role of nurses in the healthcare system. 

Describe how these experiences gave you insights into the nursing profession and inspired your interest. Be specific about what aspects of these experiences resonated with you and how they align with your desire to become a nurse.

2. Understanding of the Nursing Role: Demonstrate your understanding of what nurses do, the challenges they face, and the essential qualities required to be successful in the field. You could discuss how your skills, qualities, or experiences (such as empathy, communication skills, resilience, or teamwork) align with the demands of the profession. This shows that your interest in nursing is informed and well-considered.

3. Educational and Professional Goals: Articulate your long-term goals in the field of nursing. What specific areas of nursing are you interested in? Are there particular populations or health issues you are passionate about addressing? Discuss how studying nursing at Georgetown will help you achieve these goals. Mention any particular programs, courses, or opportunities at Georgetown that align with your interests.

4. Contribution to the Field and Community: Reflect on how you envision contributing to the field of nursing and the broader community. Nursing is often about service to others; consider discussing your desire to impact patient care, healthcare policy, community health, or global health issues. This can include your views on advocacy, healthcare equity, and innovation in nursing.

When answering, it’s crucial to be authentic and personal. Admissions committees are looking for genuine passion and a clear understanding of the nursing profession. Your response should be a blend of personal narrative and professional insight, showing that your interest in nursing is both deeply personal and thoughtfully considered.

Walsh School of Foreign Service Prompt

The prompt from the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University reflects their commitment to fostering a deep understanding of their applicants’ motivations and aspirations. It demonstrates the school’s emphasis on selecting candidates who are genuinely dedicated to a career in global service.

By asking students to articulate their motivations, the institution aims to identify individuals who have a clear sense of purpose and a strong commitment to making a positive impact on the world. This approach ensures that the school can attract and nurture future leaders who will contribute significantly to international affairs and global diplomacy. In essence, this prompt serves as a gateway for the school to identify and cultivate the next generation of global changemakers.

1. Personal Experiences or Inspirations: Students should reflect on personal experiences or inspirations that have shaped their interest in global affairs. This could include specific events, people (such as a family member or public figure), or experiences (like travel, volunteering, or living in different cultures) that sparked their passion for international relations. Detailing how these experiences influenced their worldview and the desire to work in service to the world helps to create a personal and compelling narrative.

2. Understanding of Global Issues: Demonstrating awareness and understanding of current global challenges is crucial. Students should identify specific issues (like climate change, human rights, international diplomacy, or global health) that they are passionate about. They should explain why these issues matter to them personally and how they hope to contribute to solutions in the future. This showcases not only their awareness but also their commitment to specific causes.

3. Career Aspirations and Goals: Applicants should articulate their long-term career goals and how these align with the mission of the Walsh School of Foreign Service. Whether they aspire to work in international diplomacy, non-governmental organizations, global policy-making, or another related field, they should clearly connect these aspirations to their motivation for choosing this path of study. This demonstrates a forward-looking and goal-oriented mindset.

4. Understanding of the Walsh School’s Offerings: Showing knowledge about what the Walsh School of Foreign Service specifically offers and how it aligns with their goals is essential. This might involve mentioning specific programs, courses, professors, extracurricular activities, or resources at Georgetown that they find appealing and relevant to their interests. This indicates that the student has done their research and is genuinely interested in what the school uniquely provides.

5. Personal Qualities and Skills: Reflect on personal qualities and skills that will help the student succeed in this field. This can include traits like resilience, adaptability, empathy, cross-cultural communication skills, or a knack for problem-solving. Explaining how these qualities have been developed over time and how they will be beneficial in a career dedicated to global service can s trengthen the essay.

In crafting their response, students should aim for authenticity, clarity, and specificity. Each point should contribute to painting a comprehensive picture of their motivations, understanding, and aspirations, making a compelling case for why they are a strong fit for the Walsh School of Foreign Service.

McDonough School of Business Prompt

The prompt for the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University seeks to understand a candidate’s specific reasons for wanting to study business at this prestigious institution. It emphasizes the unique aspects of their program – ethical, analytical, financial, and global perspectives. A thoughtful response to this prompt should articulate a clear, personal connection to these aspects.

1. Personal Connection to Business Studies: The applicant should reflect on their personal journey and experiences that sparked their interest in business. This could be a pivotal moment, a long-standing interest, or experiences in their family or community. For instance, if a family business inspired them, they can discuss how witnessing its operations piqued their interest in business principles.

2. Interest in Ethical Business Practices: Georgetown’s emphasis on ethical perspectives in business is unique. Applicants should consider how their values align with this approach. They might discuss their views on corporate social responsibility, sustainable business practices, or ethical dilemmas in the business world. For example, if a student is passionate about environmental sustainability, they can talk about their desire to learn how to integrate sustainable practices into business models.

3. Global Business Aspirations: Given the global focus of the McDonough School, students should explore their interests in international business. This could involve discussing aspirations to work in multinational corporations, interest in specific global markets, or understanding the global economic landscape. For instance, a student might be intrigued by the challenges of doing business in emerging markets and want to learn strategies to navigate these complexities.

4. Analytical and Financial Skills Development: Applicants should address how they plan to develop or utilize analytical and financial skills through the program. They could talk about their interest in areas like data analysis, financial modeling, or market research. For example, a student with a knack for numbers might express enthusiasm for deepening their understanding of financial analytics to aid decision-making in business.

5. Connection to Georgetown’s Unique Offerings: It’s crucial to link these interests and aspirations specifically to what Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business offers. This could be particular courses, professors, extracurricular opportunities, or the school’s network and location. Researching the school’s curriculum, talking to alumni, or attending informational sessions can provide valuable insights. For instance, an applicant might be drawn to a specific professor’s research in international trade or the opportunity to participate in business competitions organized by the school.

Students should integrate these elements in a cohesive narrative, demonstrating a clear understanding of what makes the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown unique and how it aligns perfectly with their career goals and personal values.

Structuring Your Georgetown Essays

The structure of an essay is akin to the skeleton of a building; it provides the necessary framework to organize thoughts, present ideas logically, and ensure that the message is conveyed effectively and coherently. When tackling the Georgetown essay prompts for 2023-2024, a well-structured essay can be the difference between a compelling, memorable application and one that fails to make an impact. Here are three key points on structuring these essays:

Introduction: Establishing a Personal Connection

For the Georgetown essay prompts 2023-2024, the introduction should serve as more than just a beginning. It needs to immediately establish a personal connection with the reader. Begin with a captivating hook – a vivid anecdote, a surprising fact, or an intriguing question. This hook should naturally lead to a thesis statement that succinctly presents the main theme or point of your essay. For example, if the prompt is about your motivation for studying business, start with a brief story or moment that ignited your passion for business. This sets the stage for the reader to understand the depth of your interest and the personal journey that led you to apply to Georgetown.

Body: Detailing Experiences and Reflections

The body of your essay for the Georgetown prompts should be a balanced mix of narrative and reflection. Each paragraph should start with a clear topic sentence that relates back to your thesis. Use specific examples and experiences to illustrate your points – whether it’s a significant project, a personal challenge you overcame, or an inspiring encounter. Be sure to integrate how these experiences align with the values and offerings of Georgetown University.

It’s crucial to show not just what you did, but also to reflect on how these experiences shaped you and how they tie into your decision to apply to Georgetown. This part of the essay is where you get to showcase your analytical thinking, self-awareness, and the ability to make connections between your experiences and your future goals at Georgetown.

Conclusion: Looking Forward and Reflecting Back

A powerful conclusion is essential in structuring your Georgetown essay. It should do more than simply summarize the essay; it should bring your narrative full circle and point toward the future. Reflect on what your experiences and aspirations say about you as a potential member of the Georgetown community. Consider tying back to your introduction in a way that shows growth or deepened understanding.

For instance, if you began with a personal anecdote, you might conclude by reflecting on how that experience now informs your future aspirations at Georgetown. The goal is to leave the admissions committee with a clear sense of your unique character, your fit with Georgetown, and the contribution you intend to make to their community.

By meticulously structuring your essay, you ensure that your narrative is clear, your arguments are well-developed, and your fit with Georgetown University is unmistakably articulated. Remember, each part of the essay serves a purpose in painting a holistic picture of you as a candidate. The structure is your guide to making sure every word counts and every paragraph moves you closer to your goal of impressing the Georgetown admissions committee.

How to Effectively Revise and Proofread Your Georgetown Essays

Revising and proofreading are critical steps in the process of crafting a compelling essay response to the Georgetown essay prompts 2023-2024. They transform a good essay into a great one by ensuring clarity, coherence, and correctness. Here are key strategies for applicants to effectively revise and proofread their essays:

1. Distance Yourself Before Revising: After writing the initial draft in response to the 2023-2024 Georgetown essay prompts, take a step back for a day or two. Distance allows you to return to your essay with a fresh perspective, making it easier to spot areas that need improvement. When you revisit your essay, read it as if you were a member of the admissions committee. 

Ask yourself: Does this essay capture my interest? Does it effectively communicate my message? Is my enthusiasm for Georgetown evident? This perspective can help you see the big picture and evaluate the overall effectiveness of your essay.

2. Read Aloud for Flow and Clarity: Reading your essay out loud is a surprisingly effective way to catch errors and awkward phrasings that you might miss while reading silently. As you read, pay attention to the rhythm and flow of your sentences. Do they sound natural? Are there any jarring transitions or cumbersome sentences? For the 2023-2024 Georgetown essay prompts, ensure that each paragraph smoothly transitions to the next, maintaining a coherent narrative that clearly articulates your motivations and aspirations.

3. Seek Feedback from Trusted Sources: It’s invaluable to have a second (or third) set of eyes on your essay. Choose individuals who know you well and can provide honest, constructive feedback. This could be a teacher, a guidance counselor, or a mentor. Ask them to review your essay with the Georgetown prompts in mind and provide feedback on content, clarity, and tone. They can help identify areas where your personality and passion for Georgetown aren’t shining through as strongly as they could.

4. Focus on Precision and Conciseness: When revising, scrutinize every word and sentence. Ensure each sentence serves a purpose and contributes to your overall message. Eliminate redundant phrases, replace vague words with more precise ones, and cut unnecessary filler. The goal is to convey your thoughts in the most effective and efficient way possible, especially considering the word limit constraints of the 2023-2024 Georgetown essay prompts.

5. Final Proofreading: Attention to Detail: After revising the content, the final step is thorough proofreading. Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Small mistakes can distract from the quality of your writing and may inadvertently give an impression of carelessness. Tools like grammar checkers can be helpful, but they’re not infallible. A meticulous manual review is essential. Additionally, ensure that your essay adheres to the specified format guidelines (such as font size, margins, and spacing) set by Georgetown University.

By diligently revising and proofreading, applicants ensure their essays are not only free of errors but also compellingly articulate their fit and desire to be part of Georgetown University. This process transforms their initial drafts into polished pieces that stand out in the competitive admissions landscape.

Why Choose Georgetown University

Choosing to study at Georgetown University is a decision that aligns with both academic excellence and a commitment to global and ethical perspectives. This prestigious university is not just a place for acquiring knowledge; it’s a hub for nurturing future leaders equipped to address global challenges.

Georgetown University boasts an exceptional academic reputation, evidenced by its rankings in several key areas. According to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report, Georgetown is ranked #22 among national universities in the United States, and #39 in the Best Value Schools category.

These rankings underscore Georgetown’s commitment to providing comprehensive and high-quality education, benchmarked against over 1,800 colleges and universities across the country. Furthermore, on a global scale, Georgetown stands impressively at #314 out of 1740 institutions, reflecting its esteemed status worldwide.

The university also excels in specialized fields. It ranks first in both Best Colleges for Political Science and Best Colleges for International Relations in America, according to Niche rankings. This distinction highlights the strength of its programs in these critical areas, offering students unparalleled opportunities in these fields. The Business program is another area of excellence, ranking #16 in the USA and #22 globally. Such high rankings in specialized streams make Georgetown an attractive destination for students aspiring to lead in these sectors.

Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., Georgetown University offers a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world experience. Its position in the epicenter of political and international affairs provides students with unmatched opportunities for internships, networking, and exposure to global issues.

This enriching environment fosters a diverse and inclusive community where students from various backgrounds converge, share perspectives, and prepare for global careers. The university’s global outlook is further emphasized by its World University Ranking for 2024, where it stands at an impressive 32nd position.

Georgetown’s identity as a leading Catholic college in America adds another dimension to its educational approach. Ranked #1 among Catholic colleges, Georgetown integrates strong ethical values into its curriculum, focusing on the holistic development of students. This approach ensures that graduates are well-rounded individuals equipped to make meaningful contributions in their professional and personal lives.

Lastly, being a part of Georgetown’s alumni network opens doors to a world of opportunities. The university’s reputation and connections provide a solid foundation for its graduates, enabling them to excel in various fields, including government, international relations, business, law, and beyond.

The Importance of College Essays

Essays play a crucial role in shaping a student’s prospects of getting admitted to prestigious institutions like Georgetown University. When tackling the Georgetown essay prompts 2023-2024, it’s essential to understand the multifaceted importance of this aspect of the application.

One of the most significant roles essays play is in showcasing the applicant’s personal identity and voice. These narratives allow students to transcend beyond the quantitative aspects of their application, like GPAs and test scores, offering a glimpse into their individual experiences, thoughts, and aspirations.

When responding to Georgetown’s essay prompts, applicants have the opportunity to narrate their unique journeys, share transformative experiences, and articulate future goals. This humanizes the application, allowing the admissions committee to see the person behind the numbers, which can be a decisive factor in the admissions process.

Furthermore, essays serve as a medium for applicants to demonstrate their alignment with the university’s culture and values. Georgetown, known for its distinctive ethos focusing on global engagement and ethical leadership, seeks students who not only excel academically but also resonate with its values.

Through the essay prompts, applicants can illustrate how their personal values, goals, and interests align with those of Georgetown. This involves not just understanding what Georgetown stands for but also articulating how one’s aspirations and experiences intersect with the university’s ethos, thereby demonstrating a mutual fit.

Another critical aspect of the essay is its ability to showcase an applicant’s writing and critical thinking skills. Essays provide a canvas for students to demonstrate their ability to construct coherent narratives, articulate ideas clearly, and analyze complex topics. For Georgetown essay prompts 2023-2024, it’s essential that students present well-structured, thoughtfully developed essays. This showcases not just proficiency in language but also an ability to engage with ideas at a deeper level, reflecting a readiness for the rigors of college-level academics.

Lastly, in the increasingly competitive landscape of college admissions, essays are a powerful tool for differentiation. For institutions like Georgetown, where many applicants boast strong academic credentials, a compelling, uniquely written essay can make all the difference. It’s about presenting common experiences in an uncommon light, offering unique perspectives, and captivating the admissions committee with one’s narrative. A distinctive essay elevates an application, setting it apart in a pool of similarly qualified candidates and enhancing the chances of admission .

Overall, the essay component, especially in response to the Georgetown essay prompts 2023-2024, is more than just a formality in the college application process. It’s a strategic element that allows applicants to express their unique identity, align with the university’s ethos, demonstrate intellectual capabilities, and distinguish themselves in a highly competitive applicant pool. Mastery in crafting these essays can significantly tip the scales in favor of admission to prestigious institutions like Georgetown University.

How Do Georgetown University’s Essay Prompts Compare to Other Universities?

The Georgetown essay prompts for 2023-2024 offer a distinctive approach to the college application process, especially when compared to other top universities. These prompts are tailored to not only gauge the academic capabilities of applicants but also to deeply understand their personal narratives and alignment with Georgetown’s unique ethos.

Unlike some other prestigious institutions, such as Harvard or Stanford , which tend to have broader, more open-ended essay questions, Georgetown’s prompts are more specific and reflective of the university’s identity. For instance, Harvard’s application might include a prompt inviting students to write about a topic of their choice, or Stanford’s renowned “What matters to you, and why?” essay. These prompts allow for a wide range of responses and encourage creative thinking.

In contrast, Georgetown’s prompts, especially those specific to its various schools, such as the McDonough School of Business or the Walsh School of Foreign Service, are more targeted. They ask students to reflect on their specific interests, experiences, and aspirations that align with the particular values and academic focus of these schools.

This specificity in Georgetown’s prompts demands a more focused and tailored response, which not only challenges students to be introspective but also to research and understand the unique aspects of Georgetown’s academic programs and community.

Furthermore, Georgetown’s essay prompts place a significant emphasis on personal and ethical dimensions, reflecting the university’s Jesuit heritage. This is somewhat different from the essay prompts of schools like MIT or Caltech, which tend to emphasize technical prowess and problem-solving skills. Georgetown’s prompts encourage students to delve into their personal experiences, ethical values, and societal contributions.

For instance, a prompt asking students to discuss a significant school or summer activity in which they have been most involved not only seeks to understand the student’s interests but also how they have applied themselves in these contexts, potentially highlighting leadership, commitment, and community involvement. This is indicative of Georgetown’s holistic approach to education, which values both intellectual rigor and the formation of character.

Overall, the Georgetown essay prompts for 2023-2024 stand out in their specificity and alignment with the university’s ethos compared to other top universities. While schools like Harvard and Stanford offer broader, more open-ended prompts, Georgetown’s prompts require a more focused approach, reflecting its particular academic and ethical values. This difference underscores the importance for applicants to tailor their essays to the unique character and expectations of each university, demonstrating not just their academic abilities but also their fit with the institution’s culture and values.

In summary, tackling the 2023-2024 Georgetown essay prompts is your chance to shine and show what makes you unique. Remember, these essays are not just about impressing the admissions committee; they’re about sharing your story, your dreams, and your aspirations. Be honest, be creative, and most importantly, be yourself. 

Each word you write is a step towards the college of your dreams. So take a deep breath, gather your thoughts, and let your personality and passion flow onto the page. Georgetown is looking for students like you – individuals with stories, talents, and the drive to make a difference. Now, go ahead and tell them your story – the world is waiting to hear it!

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Consult with AdmissionSight and find out how we can help you get into the school of your choice by ensuring that you are fully informed and prepared for the application process. We will work with you to develop a personalized plan that meets your specific needs and goals. We will also provide you with access to our team of experts who can help you with everything from choosing the right schools to writing your essays .

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Home — Application Essay — National Universities — Georgetown: My Perfect College

Georgetown: My Perfect College

• University: Georgetown University

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Words: 647 |

Published: Feb 15, 2024

Words: 647 | Pages: 1 | 4 min read

Georgetown University has always held a special place in my heart. From the moment I first set foot on campus, I knew that this was where I belonged. The rich history, the vibrant community, and the incredible academic opportunities all combine to make Georgetown the ideal institution for me.

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One aspect of Georgetown that truly sets it apart is its commitment to social justice. As a college student, I have become increasingly aware of the social and political issues that our world faces. I want to be part of the solution, and Georgetown's emphasis on service and activism aligns perfectly with my own values. Whether it's through volunteering in the local community or participating in campus organizations dedicated to making a difference, I know that Georgetown will provide me with the resources and support I need to make a meaningful impact.

Another aspect of Georgetown that I find particularly appealing is its international focus. With its renowned School of Foreign Service and various study abroad programs, Georgetown offers students a global perspective that is essential in today's interconnected world. As someone who is passionate about exploring different cultures and learning from diverse perspectives, Georgetown's global opportunities greatly appeal to me. I am excited about the possibility of studying abroad and immersing myself in a different culture while continuing to receive a top-notch education.

Furthermore, the academic rigor at Georgetown is something that I am both excited and prepared for. I have always been a driven and motivated student, constantly seeking out new challenges and opportunities for growth. Georgetown's challenging curriculum and esteemed faculty would both push and inspire me to reach my full potential. From its renowned programs in government and international relations to its strong liberal arts education, Georgetown offers a wide range of academic possibilities that align perfectly with my intellectual interests.

Georgetown's location in the heart of Washington, D.C., is also a major draw for me. The city's rich history and vibrant culture provide an ideal backdrop for a college experience like no other. The opportunities for internships, networking, and professional development are unparalleled in this setting. Whether it's through an internship on Capitol Hill or a research position at one of the city's renowned think tanks, Georgetown's location would allow me to engage with the real-world applications of my studies and prepare me for a successful career after graduation.

Lastly, I am drawn to Georgetown's strong sense of community. The tight-knit student body and supportive faculty create an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally. The small class sizes and emphasis on collaboration and discussion would allow me to form meaningful connections with my peers and foster a sense of belonging. Additionally, the university's commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that all students feel welcomed and valued, regardless of their background or identity. I know that at Georgetown, I would not only receive an excellent education but also be part of a community that would support and challenge me to grow as an individual.

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In conclusion, Georgetown University represents the perfect blend of academic excellence, social justice, global perspective, and community that I am seeking in a college. Its commitment to service and activism, its international focus, its academic rigor, its location, and its strong sense of community all make Georgetown the ideal institution for me. I am confident that with the opportunities and resources offered at Georgetown, I will be able to make a meaningful impact in the world and reach my full potential as a student and as an individual.

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How to Write Georgetown’s “School or Summer Activity” Essay

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Alexander Oddo in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info. 

What’s Covered:

Choosing your activity, consider your “why”, discuss how the activity has impacted you, structuring your essay.

Georgetown’s second supplemental essay asks applicants to respond to the following prompt:

Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.

For this essay, students have approximately half of a page, single-spaced, to craft their response. In this article, we will discuss how to choose your topic, structuring your response, and tips to avoid common pitfalls.

When brainstorming topics for this essay, it is critical to pick an activity that you have had a lot of involvement in and that is really significant to you. Consider activities that you have spent a lot of, if not the most time on, as well as activities that you are highly interested in and passionate about. 

Keep in mind, however, that passion trumps the amount of time invested. Often, students may have an extracurricular in mind for this essay that they have not been doing for very long, but really love. These activities, even when the student has not been involved for an extended period of time, typically are more impressive than an extracurricular that a student has been in for longer, but that they are not as passionate about.

Don’t Just Restate Your Resume

This essay should not be a restatement of your resume; it should instead emphasize the significance of the activity to you.

While including details can definitely have a place, such as in providing context about an uncommon activity, like curling for example, that portion of your essay should be limited to create room for reflection. 

To avoid being too detail-heavy, focus instead on making your essay story-based and include anecdotes. Writing in this way does a great job of showing who you are rather than telling, which allows your essay to be more creative and engaging rather than too professional or resume-like.

As you plan your essay, consider your “why,” or why you enjoy participating in the activity that you have chosen. Including your “why” allows you to demonstrate your authentic interest in the activity and make your essay truly stand out.

This is a crucial component of this essay, but it is unfortunately common for students to underplay this aspect in their essay. 

For example, there are a lot of common activities that many students participate in, such as Mock Trial or Model United Nations. If one student does Model UN just because it’s a fun activity, that might not lead to the best essay. 

Instead, if their “why” is that their participation in Model UN prepared them to achieve a specific career goal, helped them build community, or led to a formative life story, then that could contribute to some more interesting anecdotes and a better essay overall.

In addition to your “why,” it is also important to reflect on how participation in this activity has impacted you. A strong essay will demonstrate to the admissions reader how this activity has made you who you are today.

Consider the following questions as you brainstorm: How has the activity has catalyzed your development of key personal traits? How has participating in this activity shaped your values? How has this activity helped you develop important friendships and professional relationships? If possible, try to tie the answers to these questions into your response. Specifically, you want to show Georgetown who you are and what is important to you, so it is important to take the time and reflect before writing this essay.

As you structure your essay, try to include “I statements.” These statements typically lend themselves to personal reflection and can ensure that your essay is focused on the significance of your activity to you. 

Additionally, when including anecdotes, you can leverage anecdotes from your childhood in this essay. These types of anecdotes can make for great introductions to an essay , or can help explain a lifelong interest. That said, in your essay you will still explain who you are right now, since that is what admissions officers are most interested in.

Looking for advice on how to write the other essays for Georgetown? Check out this article on CollegeVine!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

More From Forbes

Harvard business school announces 3 new application essays.

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Harvard Business School.

Harvard Business School announced a surprising departure from its single, open-ended application essay to three short essays with specific prompts. The HBS website sums up the kind of applicant the school is seeking: “We are looking for future leaders who are passionate about business, leadership, and growth.”

The prompts for the class that will begin in fall 2025 instruct applicants to address each topic in turn.

• Business-Minded Essay : Please reflect on how your experiences have influenced your career choices and aspirations and the impact you will have on the businesses, organizations, and communities you plan to serve. (up to 300 words)
• Leadership-Focused Essay : What experiences have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what kind of leader you want to become? (up to 250 words)
• Growth-Oriented Essay : Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Please share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth. (up to 250 words)

The prompts ask applicants to go beyond simply asserting their allegiance to the ideals of business, leadership and growth. Each of the three questions asks for evidence: “experiences,” “experiences” and “an example,” respectively.

The prompts do not expect a straightforward list of what happened in the past. Rather, they encourage reflection on how these experiences affected present realities and future goals.

Applicants are asked to reflect on past, present and future as an ongoing process of becoming who they are now and who they wish to become. Even the “Business-Minded Essay” is about past choices and future impact; it also assumes you “plan to serve.” The “Leadership-Focused Essay” does not ask applicants to recite a list of titles, but to discuss who they are and how they relate to others; not what title they aspire to, but “what kind of leader you wish to become.”

Perhaps the most surprising essay prompt is No. 3, which asks about curiosity. It opens the door for applicants to discuss a more personal aspect of their candidacies. The prompt asks not about end result, but about the process of change. Once again, the emphasis is on “growth.”

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In short, the prompts ask about person and process.

How The 3 New Prompts Differ From Last Year’s Single Question

This year’s prompts give applicants more direction than the previous open-ended instruction, which was: “As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program?”

Applicants may find it easier to follow these more detailed instructions and to stay on topic. They no longer need to face an open question and a blank page.

Another aid is the shorter word limit. The essay on being business-minded has a limit of 300 words, and the essays on leadership and growth through curiosity are limited to 250 words each.

A third difference is the specific inquiry about business. Last year’s prompt allowed candidates to choose anything they thought would be important for HBS to consider. Some applicants struggled to decide whether to focus on business or something beyond work. While the “Business-Minded Essay” is still personal, it does ask applicants to reflect on their careers.

One might also speculate that the new, more directive prompts makes it easier for the admissions committee to compare essays across applications, while still leaving room for considerable variation in how applicants choose to address the essay prompts.

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Essay on Nepotism in 850 Words in English for Students

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• Jul 2, 2024

Essay on Nepotism: What is nepotism? Why is it bad? What is the relationship between nepotism and favouritism? According to the Oxford Dictionary, Nepotism is the practice of using your power or influence to favour your family, friends, or relatives in an occupation or field. In 2023, The Archies was released by Zoya Akhtar, starring Agastya Nanda, Suhana Khan, and Khushi Kapoor. You might be wondering what’s the problem with these names. There was none until a debate sparked on social media about all of these being star kids. Critics called it a ‘Nepo Kid Fest’, a sign of rotten Bollywood. Supporters, on the other hand, say it is a storm in a teacup, and marketing experts say it will only help the film industry. Today, we bring to light the reality of nepotism, why it is bad and unethical, and what its consequences are. 

Table of Contents

• 1.1 How did Nepotism Emerge?
• 1.2 Why is Nepotism Bad?
• 1.3 Consequences of Nepotism
• 1.4 Conclusion
• 2 Nepotism Examples

Essay on Nepotism in 850 Words

Nepotism is the practice of using one’s power or influence for the benefit of their family or friends. A successful movie star, politician, or businessman is more likely to support his or her child by using their influence in the industry. The most popular example of nepotism is seen in the film industry, where actors launch their children for new movie roles, giving them an edge over others. 

The charge and practice of nepotism have been around for a while now. Critics say it’s favouritism towards your loved ones. Today, the hate for nepotism has become an industry itself. One of the top hashtags on social media is #boycottnepotism and the New York magazine called the year 2022 the ‘Year of Nepo Baby’, and even had a cover published featuring Nepo kids from Hollywood. 

How did Nepotism Emerge?

Nepotism finds its roots in the Catholic church. In Latin, ‘Nepos’ means ‘nephews’ . Popes would appoint their nephews to cardinal positions. They did not have their own children so nephews were the best option. It was considered the best option to continue the ‘Papal Dynasty’. 

History books tell us the story of Aristotle and Plato, the Ancient Greek Philosophers. Some historians claim that Aristotle may have been a victim of nepotism. His teacher, Plato, had a leadership position in the academy, and Aristotle thought he was a prodigy and that he was the right candidate. But Plato gave it to his nephew instead.  

Charles Darwin, the man who told us how we evolved, was himself a product of nepotism. A man named Erasmus Darwin wrote a theory on evolution. Even Charlie Chaplin, the man who made the whole world laugh, was too nepotistical. His parents, Hannah & Charles Chaplin Sr., were famous British comic performers. Nepotism is as old as time and is widely practiced, starting with Kings and Queens.

John F. Kennedy, the 35th American President, appointed his brother Robert F. Kennedy as the US Attorney General. His brother-in-law, Sargent Shriver, became the First Director of the US Peace Corps. By 1967, nepotism had become so prevalent that American lawmakers had to come up with a law banning federal officials from hiring close relatives. It was called the Bobby-Kennedy Law. 

What’s shocking is that nepotism thrives in democracies like India as well. In India, democracy came with dynasty politics. The Gandhi-Nehru family is the prime example of nepotism in politics. They have a monopoly over one of the main political parties in India. India has more than 34 prominent political dynasties across parties, religious lines, and states. 

Why is Nepotism Bad?

Nepotism is rampant in courtrooms, boardrooms, and the hallowed halls of the legislature and judiciary. Data released by an American agency stated that by age 30, about 22% of American sons will be working for the same employer as their fathers and they will be doing so at the same time as their fathers. 

• Nepotism Undermines Meritocracy : Nepotism often places unqualified individuals in positions of power, sidelining talented, skilled, and deserving candidates.
• Affects Organisational Growth: Favouritism can suppress innovation and creativity as positions are filled based on relationships rather than fresh ideas and perspectives.
• Creates Unfair Work Environment: It creates an unfair work environment, leading to resentment and low morale among employees not part of the favored circle.
• Damages Reputation and Erodes Trust: Organisations favouring nepotism may suffer from a damaged reputation, affecting their ability to attract top talent and customers.
• Nepotism‘s Gender Problem: It has a gender imbalance, where men tend to benefit more from it. 
• Long-Term Consequences: It jeopardizes the long-term sustainability of organisations by undermining the foundations of merit and competency.

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Consequences of Nepotism

Those practicing nepotism are more likely to enjoy positive consequences, but that’s not the case with those who are victims of it. Nepotism can have negative consequences for employee morale, organizational performance, and public perception. 

• Nepotism Reduces Employee Morale and Motivation: Employees who see others advance based on personal connections rather than merit can become demoralized.
• Affects Productivity and Efficiency: Nepotism can lead to less competent individuals being placed in important roles, resulting in inefficiencies and mistakes.
• Erodes Trust and Loyalty: Trust among employees and between staff and management can erode, leading to a toxic work environment.
• Nepotism Destroys Organisational Leadership: The damaging practice of nepotism frequently results in unqualified individuals being placed in leadership or expert roles. 

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Nepotism is not a new practice and it will exist in the future as well. Everyone wants to favour their loved ones over others, whom they consider strangers The question is not about who is qualified or not, because when it comes it nepotism, everybody wants better positions or roles just because they have connections. These connections are not good for society, as those who deserve them feel cheated. 

So what do we do? Raising awareness and highlighting its negative consequences can be a good option. Then there are stringent laws, which can at least reduce the practice of favouritism. Every individual deserves an opportunity based on his or her skills and qualifications, not on connections. 

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Nepotism Examples

Here are some common examples of nepotism. Beware of these examples, you might have practiced any of them.

• Education: Children of wealthy and influential parents are admitted to elite schools or educational institutions, also known as ‘Legacy Admissions’.
• Workplace: Donald Trump appointed his daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner to senior advisory roles in the White House during his presidency, despite their lack of traditional political experience.
• Entertainment Industry: Bollywood actors Alia Bhatt, Janvi Kapoor, Tiger Shroff, Varun Dhawan, Ranbir Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, Salman Khan, Sara Ali Khan, Ananya Pandey, Shraddha Kapoor, etc. are all examples of nepotism in the entertainment industry.
• Political Arena: The Kennedy family in the United States, the Bhutto family in Pakistan, and the Gandhi-Nehru family in India are all examples of nepotism in politics.

Ans: Start by describing what nepotism is and add factual information or questions to hook the reader. Take for example, ‘Nepotism, which is the practice of using one’s power or influence for the benefit of their family or friends. A successful movie star, politician, or businessman is more likely to support his or her child by using their influence in the industry. The most popular example of nepotism is seen in the film industry, where actors launch their children for new movie roles, giving them an edge over others.

Ans: Nepotism is rampant in courtrooms, boardrooms, and the hallowed halls of the legislature and judiciary. Nepotism undermines meritocracy, affects organisational growth, creates an unfair work environment, damages the reputation and erodes trust, causes nepotism‘s gender problem, and has other long-term consequences.

Ans: Star kids in Bollywood and Hollywood, like Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kaia Gerber, etc. are all examples of nepotism in the entertainment industry. Donald Trump appointed his daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner to senior advisory roles in the White House during his presidency, despite their lack of traditional political experience.  The Kennedy family in the United States, the Bhutto family in Pakistan, and the Gandhi-Nehru family in India are all examples of nepotism in politics.

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Shiva Tyagi

With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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