How to Apply
Ready to start your application? The Graduate Admissions team is here to support you every step of the way! Below are instructions for how to apply to our programs. Please contact us if you have questions. You can reach us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 202-994-7050.
This page covers the process for applying for graduate programs. You can find more information about the Undergraduate Admissions process on the GW Office of Undergraduate Admissions website.
Application Process
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Step 1: Select a Program(s)
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Review our Master’s Programs and Graduate Certificates to find the program(s) that suits your interests and professional goals. Want more information about our programs or looking for additional guidance? Join us for an information session! (You will even receive a fee waiver after attending the session!)
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Step 2: Review Application Prerequisites and Requirements
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Review the Prerequisites and Materials for information about deadlines, prerequisites, and application materials for each program. Applicants who do not meet the prerequisites for the program they apply for will be asked to choose a different program, which can delay application processing times.
International students should also review the International Applicants section. Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language test score requirements will not be eligible for consideration.
Application fees are not refundable for students who submit an application and do not meet minimum prerequisites or requirements.
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Step 3: Gather Application Materials
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As you prepare to submit your application, gather the required materials. Reach out to potential recommenders, request transcripts from all institutions attended, coordinate English language testing or request scores (international students), update your resume, draft your statement of purpose, and gather any other necessary documents.
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Step 4: Create an Application Account and Begin Application
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Once you have reviewed the deadlines and specific prerequisites for the program(s) you would like to apply to, please create an account through the GW application portal. Note the email address and password that you use for your account. You will need to access the portal at a later time to check your application check list and status.
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Step 5: Fill Out the Application
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Upload your required supporting documents to your online application. To ensure priority consideration, upload all of your materials at the same time prior to the deadline.
Once you enter your recommender’s contact information, the online application will automatically send an email requesting the recommendation. It will be helpful to have your references in place and their current professional contact information available. Professional email addresses for your recommenders are required.
You may also send reminder emails to your recommenders through the portal after you have submitted your application. If you would like to change or add recommenders after submitting the application, please contact us at [email protected].
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Step 6: Submit Your Application
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You may submit your application when you have completed all required fields. Be sure to click the final Submit Your Application button once you’ve paid your application fee. The application is not automatically submitted upon successful payment. If you believe you may qualify for an application fee waiver, please review the Application and Admission Frequently Asked Questions.
You should submit your application before test scores and recommendations are received. A status of 100% complete does not indicate that all materials have been received, but that your application has been submitted.
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Step 7: Review Your Application Checklist
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After your application is submitted, it can take up to two weeks for your submitted materials to be processed and for your test scores, recommendations, and paper transcripts to be attached to your application. Your application will be updated and missing materials will be added to your application checklist during the processing period.
Once your application has been processed, you will receive an email communication if materials are missing. You can log on to your online application portal to view what materials are missing. We recommend that you log into your application portal periodically to review your application checklist. Please email missing documents to [email protected], as you cannot add documents to your application after it has been submitted.
Many common questions are answered on our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you have other questions, please contact [email protected].