Hey everyone! I'm interested in applying to Georgetown University, and I'm wondering if anyone has any tips on how to stand out in the application process. What sort of extracurriculars, essays, and other factors have worked well for those who were accepted? Thanks in advance!
Hi there! Georgetown University is a competitive school, so it's wise to think about how to make your application stand out. Here are a few tips:
1. Extracurriculars: Focus on developing a "spike," or a highly-developed specialty, rather than being involved in a wide range of activities. Pursue extracurriculars that align with your interests and demonstrate leadership, passion, and commitment. Aim for Tier 1 and Tier 2 activities, which showcase exceptional achievement or leadership on a national/international or state level, respectively.
2. Essays: Georgetown has unique essay prompts, including one about your school and major choice. Make sure you do thorough research on the specific school/major you're interested in at Georgetown. Tailor your essay to show not only why you're a good fit for that program, but also how the resources at Georgetown will help you achieve your goals.
For the other essays, choose topics that are personal and unique to you. Avoid cliché subjects like sports injuries, immigrant stories, or challenging classes. Instead, focus on a specific moment or experience that demonstrates your character, values, or perspective. This will help you stand out from others who may have similar academic and extracurricular profiles.
3. Course Rigor: Georgetown values academic excellence, so challenging yourself with rigorous courses like APs, IBs, or Honors is crucial. Aim to excel in these classes to show that you're prepared for the academic demands of Georgetown.
4. Letters of Recommendation: Secure strong letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors who know you well and can speak to your strengths, work ethic, and character. Ideally, choose recommenders that have witnessed your growth and engagement inside and outside of the classroom. This will give admissions officers a more well-rounded understanding of your candidacy.
5. Demonstrated Interest: Although Georgetown doesn't explicitly track demonstrated interest, attending virtual events, connecting with current students or alumni, or reaching out to your regional admissions representative with thoughtful questions can help show your dedication to attending Georgetown. This information can be incorporated into your essays to make your case for why Georgetown is the right fit for you.
6. Optional Interview: Georgetown offers optional alumni interviews. It's recommended that you take advantage of this opportunity, as it will allow you to make a personal connection and demonstrate your eagerness to attend Georgetown. Prepare thoughtful questions and practice talking about your accomplishments and interests in a concise and engaging way.
By focusing on these six areas, you'll have a strong foundation for your Georgetown application. Good luck!
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