Georgetown University Review

Georgetown University Overview

Georgetown University, the country's oldest Roman Catholic university, was founded in 1789 after a period of Catholic suppression by British Royalists, which only ended with the American Revolution. Although the university struggled in its early years, today GU is ranked 23rd on U.S. News & World Report's list of Best Colleges 2010. The university had an enrollment of over 15,000 students in 2008.

Georgetown University maintains its Catholic identity and association with the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Its undergraduate, graduate and professional schools incorporate a liberal arts education with a strong adherence to Catholic roots, requiring all students to take at least two courses in philosophy and theology. Among GU's most popular majors are English language and literature, political science and government and international relations and affairs. The university's graduate programs in economics, medicine and law are ranked among the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report.

Admissions and Enrollment Overview

In addition to regular admission, Georgetown University has three early admissions programs (Early Action, Early Decision and Single-Choice Early Decision). Students interested in early enrollment should review their choices carefully, as Early Decision requires that students attend GU if accepted, and Single-Choice Early Decision prohibits students from applying to early programs at any other schools. International students apply under the same admissions procedures for regular and early admission, while transfer students are required to provide specific information, such as grade point average, from their current institutions.

Campus Learning Environment and Facilities

Georgetown University is comprised of the main campus and medical center, which are located near the Potomac River, and the law center in the Capital Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The university is home to seven libraries, with main campus libraries housing over 1.6 million books. This includes almost 100,000 rare books and 700 manuscript collections, as well as a large collection of posters, prints and other artwork. In addition, with over 70% of undergraduates living on campus, Georgetown University has 13 residence halls and apartment buildings, some of which have been designated historic sites by the Georgetown Historical Society.

The student-to-faculty ratio at Georgetown University is about 11:1, with smaller ratios for graduate studies. GU is a student-centered research university, with undergraduates, graduate students and faculty engaging in research programs. Ranked by the Carnegie Institute as an institution with 'high research activity,' the university sponsors numerous research centers, such as the Joseph P. and Rose F. Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Prince Alawaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, and Center for Trauma and Community.

Georgetown University's Colleges and Schools

• Georgetown College
• School of Continuing Studies
• School of Nursing and Health Studies
• Walsh School of Foreign Service
• McDonough School of Business
• Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
• School of Medicine
• Law Center

Contact Information

• Address: 37th and O Streets NW, Washington, D.C. 20057
• Phone: (202) 687-0100