College Essay Prompts 2026-27

Georgetown Supplemental Essay Prompts 2026-27

Georgetown University's published supplemental essay prompts for first-year applicants in the 2026-27 application year, quoted from the college's own website, with the limit for each and whether it is required.

Application: Common App or own application: Georgetown Application
Status: 2026-27 prompts published
What to write: All first-year applicants answer 3 common prompts. Depending on the school, program or application you use, you may also have that set's prompts (7 sets, listed below).
Last checked: September 26, 2026
Official source: Georgetown Undergraduate Admissions: Application Requirements and Forms (First Year)

The 2026-27 prompts

Quoted word for word from Georgetown University. Limits are as the college states them. These are the first-year prompts the college publishes; transfer essays and questions that appear only inside the application portal are not listed.

Georgetown requires submission of two short essays and two long essays:

Required of all applicants

01

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

250 wordsActivity
02

In all our lives, we interact with people who hold different viewpoints than our own. Describe such an event you experienced. What did you learn from the experience?

250 wordsCommunity
03

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 personal background and individual experiences, skills, and talents.

650 wordsBackground and identity

Required for College of Arts & Sciences applicants

Essay 2: School Specific Essay Prompt (500 Words)

04

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

500 wordsWhy us

Required for McCourt School of Public Policy applicants

Essay 2: School Specific Essay Prompt (500 Words)

05

For nearly 50 years, Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy has equipped leaders and changemakers with the interdisciplinary skills to address local, national and global policy problems. Undergraduate public policy students at Georgetown will have the unique opportunity to live and study on two campuses, spending their first two years immersed on the Hilltop, before completing the second half of their time at Georgetown on the Capitol Campus, immersed in the policy world. Describe your primary motivations for studying public policy at Georgetown University and dedicating your undergraduate studies toward a future related to public service.

500 wordsWhy us

Required for Earth Commons Institute (joint program with the College of Arts & Sciences) applicants

Essay 2: School Specific Essay Prompt (500 Words)

06

Through this joint program between the College of Arts & Sciences and the Earth Commons Institute, you’ll explore theories and practical skills in the classroom, in the field, and around the world, and put it all together to make a difference. Describe your primary motivations for studying environment and sustainability at Georgetown University to effect positive change in the world.

500 wordsWhy us

Required for Berkley School of Nursing applicants

Essay 2: School Specific Essay Prompt (500 Words)

07

Georgetown University’s Berkley 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.

500 wordsWhy us

Required for School of Health applicants

Essay 2: School Specific Essay Prompt (500 Words)

08

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.

500 wordsWhy us

Required for Walsh School of Foreign Service applicants

Essay 2: School Specific Essay Prompt (500 Words)

09

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.

500 wordsWhy us

Required for McDonough School of Business applicants

Essay 2: School Specific Essay Prompt (500 Words)

10

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.

500 wordsWhy us

What these prompts are really asking

One line per prompt type, from our supplemental essay guide.

Why us: Have you done real research, and can you connect it to your actual path?
Community: How do you define community, and how will you behave in ours?
Activity: What values, problems or responsibilities sit behind the activity list?
Background and identity: What lived detail shapes your perspective, choices or contribution?

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Common Questions

How many supplemental essays does Georgetown University require for 2026-27?

All first-year applicants answer 3 common prompts. Depending on the school, program or application you use, you may also have that set's prompts (7 sets, listed below). This page lists 10 prompts in all, including choices and optional prompts.

What are the word limits for Georgetown's supplemental essays?

250 words, 650 words, 500 words. Each prompt above shows its own limit as the college states it.

Which application does Georgetown University use?

Common App or own application: Georgetown Application.

Where are these prompts from?

We copied them word for word from Georgetown Undergraduate Admissions: Application Requirements and Forms (First Year) and last checked on September 26, 2026. The prompts inside your application portal are the final word.

Sources, last checked September 26, 2026

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