An electronic graduate admissions application is available online. This online process allows applicants to submit their graduate application and electronically request letters of recommendation.

Supporting documents including the personal statement and resume can be uploaded to the online application. Any hard copies of documents (transcripts and letters of recommendation) should be mailed to:

The George Washington University

College of Professional Studies

Office of Graduate Admissions

805 21st Street, NW, Suite 301

Washington, DC 20052

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Application Deadlines

Fall Admission - June 15

Spring Admission - November 15

Summer Admission - April 15

If you have any additional questions, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call us at 202.994.6000.

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Checklist for All Applicants

1. Bachelor's degree
   • (B.A. or B.S.) from a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or an international institution that is accredited by the country's minister of education or comparable government agency
   • GPA of 3.0 or higher (our average is a 3.4/4.0)
2. Completed online application


3. Non-refundable application fee of $75.00
   • The fee may be paid online by credit card or by either check or money order made payable to The George Washington University; please print your name on the check or money order. Cash will not be accepted.
   • The application fee is waived only for the following applicants:
     • GW alumni (those holding a GW degree or graduate certificate)
     • Current degree or graduate certificate candidates at GW
     • U.S. military personnel who have been on active duty within three years of submitting their application for admission
     • Current McNair Program Scholars (a completed Certification of McNair Program Participation and Application Fee Waiver form must be either mailed with your supporting documents or scanned and attached to your online application)
     • If you qualify to waive the application fee, indicate "check" as your method of payment.
   • Three Letters of recommendation
     • Applicants must designate three recommenders on their online application. The system will send an email to each individual with instructions on how to upload their letter of recommendation.
     • At least one letter must come from a professional reference and the other from an academic reference
     • Providing additional letters will not improve an applicant's chance of admission
   • Official or certified copies of academic records from all the colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript.
     
     Applicants with International Transcripts
     Applicants who have earned a degree outside of the United States must provide:
     
     
     1. An official transcript from the foreign institution; and
     
     
     2. A detailed official transcript evaluation from a U.S. accredited evaluating agency including all coursework and grades. The evaluation must be detailed so The George Washington University can determine whether the degree equates to an American bachelor's degree, the number of credit hours earned, and an equivalent GPA in the American system.
   
   
   • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test
     
     • Please submit GRE scores to ETS code 5246
     or
     
     
     • GRE Waiver Request Form for applicants with three or more years of substantive, professional, full-time work experience
     • Spring 2012 Applicants: Please read this important information regarding application deadlines and GRE score reporting.
     • The Law School Admission Test (LSAT).  Please contact your admissions advisor if you plan on submitting LSAT scores.
   • Personal statement
     • A 250 – 500 word essay on your purpose of undertaking graduate study at GW. Please describe your academic objectives, research interests and career plans.
   • Current resume
     
     • Any relevant political experience can only HELP an applicant; however, a lack of such experience will not diminish an applicant's chance of admission.

Writing Sample Policy: The Graduate School of Political Management does not require applicants to submit a writing sample.  Writing sample submissions are welcome, but it is NOT an essential factor in the decision process.  If one is provided, it should be relevant to the topics of practical or applied politics, elections, polling, campaigning, lobbying, public policy, legislation, etc.

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International Applicants

We recommend that international applicants submit their complete application and accompanying paperwork six months in advance of their intended start date. This provides the university with sufficient time to process financial and visa paperwork. In addition:

• International applicants must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). We also recommend that international applicants take the Test of Written English (TWE). Those with at least three years of substantive, full-time, professional work experience may apply to waive the GRE requirement.


• International applicants must comply with Federal financial aid regulations. Contact the International Services Office for additional information at 202.994.4477 or http://gwired.gwu.edu/iso.


• International applicants must also complete a financial certificate stating how they intend to pay for their education and other expenses while studying in the United States.  The form should be filled out to the best of the applicant's ability and include supporting documents, such as bank statements and sponsor letters.