At first look, Georgetown University might seem full of contradictions: it’s both the first Catholic university in America and the first one established by the government. Its ideas are strongly influenced by Jesuit teachings, yet the students come from various religious and ideological backgrounds.
The university attracts students of different faiths because of its excellent academics and reputation for producing leaders in politics, economics, and culture. Notable alumni include US Presidents Bill Clinton and Lyndon B. Johnson, as well as many other world leaders, 28 Rhodes Scholars, and a large number of US diplomats. The faculty includes government officials such as Cabinet Ministers and Supreme Court Justices.
Around 7,500 students finish their undergraduate studies from six schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Nursing, the McDonough School of Business, the School of Continuing Studies, the School of Health, and the Walsh School of Foreign Service, which is known for its excellence in international affairs.
Despite the different bachelor’s degrees offered, all students have to take certain classes in subjects like “Philosophy,” “Theology and Religious Studies,” “Writing,” “Humanities,” “Engaging Diversity,” and “Science.” Additionally, about 11,500 students complete their graduate studies in fields such as law, medicine, nursing, public and foreign policy, business, and arts and sciences.
Georgetown University started in 1789 by Jesuit priests from Annapolis, Maryland. It struggled financially at first but got better after the Civil War when President Patrick Francis Healy changed the undergraduate program and made being a university a main goal. In the late 1800s and 1900s, Georgetown added more advanced classes and achieved a lot. Now, it’s a top research university spending over $240 million each year on research. It has four campuses worldwide and its graduates have successful careers.
The university is well-known for producing political and government leaders because it’s close to Capitol Hill and the White House. Leaders often give talks at Georgetown when they’re in Washington, DC, thanks to the Georgetown Lecture Fund and Office of Communications. It’s no surprise that students here are very involved in politics. There are many groups focused on politics, social justice, and the environment on campus, and they’ve had a big impact on school policies.
On campus, students are involved in various activities aside from activism. They join things like the Mask and Bauble Dramatic Society (the oldest university theatre group in the country), Students of Georgetown, Inc. (the biggest student-owned cooperative), seven singing groups, and a well-known Model United Nations group. About 41% of students are Roman Catholic, 22% are Protestant, and 6.5% are Jewish. Only 10% of students join Greek life, and the sports teams compete in Division I. On Halloween, students gather to watch The Exorcist, which was filmed nearby.
Getting into Georgetown requires a strong application that shows a deep commitment to Jesuit values, no matter what your religion is. Out of 25,519 applicants from five colleges, Georgetown accepted only 13%. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions focuses on qualities like determination, motivation, and ambition in potential students.
They also stress that students from all backgrounds are welcome. The ideal Georgetown student is someone who cares about others, is curious, and wants to help others. Successful applicants will show how they plan to contribute to a community that values civic engagement, spirituality, and intellectual growth. If you want to be part of Georgetown but aren’t sure how to prove you’re a good fit, don’t worry! Essay Embassy can help you demonstrate that you’re the right choice to be a Hoya by writing perfect application essay.
