Georgetown Chances

Hi, I am a senior in HS applying to Georgetown University (the College) through Restrictive Early Action. It is my top choice, so I wanted to see what others had to say about my chances and any other advice. Thank you in advance!

Stats:
No ranking at my school
GPA: 4.20 Weighted (3.75 Unweighted)
-For context, there was a huge growth trend in my GPA. I started out freshman year with a few Bs and got all As junior year (as a reference, my weighted GPA in ONLY junior year was a 4.75).
1570 SAT 1 (770 Reading and Writing, 800 Math, 20/24 Essay)
800 Math Level 2 SAT 2
800 Biology (Molecular) SAT 2
Scored a 5 on AP Biology, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP Calculus BC, AP Psychology
Scored a 4 on AP Chemistry, AP US History
This year, I am taking AP English Literature and AP US Government.

ECs:
NHS
Service Trip Abroad to Cordoba, Argentina (not a typical “vacation” service trip, I was really volunteering in the field and it was longer than a week)
Public Forum Debate (Varsity)
President of a nonprofit club at my school
-an example impact of the club: we raised over $2,000 this summer for COVID-19 relief in South America
Leadership Conference for Neuroscience and Psychology Attendee
College level coursework completed at UCLA (mostly other college seniors taking the class)-earned an A
Lots of service hours

Other:
STEM Magnet School
Strong teacher recs (one of them is coming from a teacher who I had for two years, and I showed major growth in her class)
I’ve gotten my essays reviewed by multiple sources and I have been told that they are strong? I think essays are subjective to be honest.
Applying as an economics major

Please be honest :slight_smile: I just want to see if I’m reaching for stars by keeping Georgetown as my top choice.

If not in need of substantial financial aid, then your chances seem very good.

@Publisher , thank you! I was wondering what you meant when you said substantial financial aid though; I am not in need of it, but I am curious as to why it would make difference. Georgetown is need-blind right?

I think you definitely have a shot but, as you seem to know, your GPA is relatively low for GU. Your test scores are all super strong. ECs are fine–not exceptional but solid. Here’s the thing about Georgetown–it’s probably the only school where EA is just as hard (possibly even harder) to get in than during regular admission. You may want to consider another choice for ED if you have a back-up dream school. Good luck whatever you decide!

@FlyerDad makes sense. Do you think the lowness of the GPA could be somewhat offset by the fact that I attained this GPA through progress in my grades every year? My grades started out average in freshman year but got higher in sophomore year and became all As in junior year. Also, I took many more APs in junior year than any year prior. In information sessions, admissions officers mentioned that they like to see progress.

@Publisher GU is need-blind for (non-international) applicants.

You have a good chance. Yes, your B’s in freshman year will be overlooked due to the upward trend. Make sure you can answer why Georgetown well in your essays/interview, because to me that answer does not jump off the page.

@hsstudent12345 Sorry for the slow reply. Yes, almost any school will look at grade progression and take improvement into account. I think that will distinguish you from the “typical” 3.75 student. You may want to speak with your high school counselor about how to tell that story. GT is a tough school for admissions under any circumstances, but you’re a credible candidate. Plus, the admissions office’s opinion is way more important than mine! Good luck–I hope you let us know what happens.