Public Policy, MPP

All applicants to the George Washington University must demonstrate English language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. 

Graduate applicants who have not completed a post-secondary degree from a regionally accredited US institution are required to submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) or PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic) scores. Please check with your admissions office for minimum score requirements. Applicants applying to graduate programs may have their English language proficiency requirement waived if they have earned (or will earn before matriculation) a post-secondary degree from an institution located in a country where English is the sole language of instruction. Applicants who wish to be considered for an English Proficiency waiver may be asked to complete an English for Academic Purposes course, which may increase the length and cost of their studies.

English language test scores may not be more than two years old. To ensure TOEFL scores are sent to GW, use institutional code 5246. An institutional code is not required to send IELTS or PTE scores to GW.

Congratulations on deciding to apply to a graduate program at the George Washington University. We’re confident that your experiences here will positively impact your career and help you take the next step. Through our varied schools, colleges and programs you will find different application requirements, deadlines and steps to apply. This general overview of the application process will help you prepare.

 

Select Your Program of Interest

The most important step in the process is to choose a program that is right for you. Use our Graduate Program Finder to sort through the variety that we offer. Whether you want to study art history, electrical engineering, international affairs, law, medicine, speech language pathology or something else, we have the programs that will help you meet your goals.

Assemble Your Supporting Documents

The specific documents you are required to submit depend on the program you are applying to but you can review a general list of application requirements. The number of recommendations or topic for your statement of purpose for example, may vary by program. Once you find and understand what your program requires, collect what is applicable to make the application process a little easier.

All programs require you to submit unofficial transcripts. These must be uploaded to your online account before you submit your application. Once you submit your application, you can no longer upload documents to your account.

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and answer “yes” on the application to the question on if you are planning to apply for a Federal Stafford Loan, Perkins Loan, or work-study position, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and have the results sent to GW. Our code is 001444. To be considered for Federal loans, you must also provide your Social Security number on the application for admission.

Submit Your Completed Application

Once you’ve completed the application and uploaded all supporting documentation, submit your application through the Graduate Application Center International applicants should also upload their visa request form and supporting financial certification.  

When you submit, you also have to pay the non-refundable $80 application fee either online (credit cards are accepted), by check or by money order. If you pay by check or money order, include your name. Cash is not acceptable.

Some applicants may have their fee waived:

• GW alumni (those holding a GW degree or graduate certificate).
• Current degree or graduate certificate candidates at GW.
• U.S. military personnel who have been on active duty within three years of submitting their application for admission.
• Current McNair Program Scholars, a completed Certification of McNair Program Participation and Application Fee Waiver form must be scanned and attached to your online application or submitted directly to the school to which you are applying).
• Students participating in the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program can find more information on the LSAMP website .

International applicants must pay the fee in U.S. dollars by credit card (online only), international money order or check. Cash, international postal money orders or Eurochecks are not accepted.

Review Your Admission Status

You can check the status of your application at any time through the Graduate Application Center . Most of our programs use a rolling admissions process and evaluate applications as soon as they are complete. Applications to some programs are reviewed collectively after the admission deadline. Processing applications usually takes four to six weeks.

Offers of admission are valid for the semester stated in the admission letter. Anyone wishing to postpone enrolling in graduate school must notify the appropriate admissions office, in writing, of this intent. The policies regarding deferment of attendance vary by school.