Quick summary: To have the best chance of getting into the Georgetown MBA program, you should aim for a GMAT score of 700+ or a GRE score of 320+, with a GPA of 3.3 or higher. You should have 5 years of relevant work experience, preferably with a background in tech, finance, or consulting.

Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business offers a highly-regarded MBA program that prepares students to be leaders in the business world. The program is designed to provide students with a rigorous academic foundation and real-world experience, and admission to the program is highly competitive. If you’re considering applying to Georgetown’s MBA program, it’s important to understand the admissions requirements and what the school is looking for in potential candidates.

In this blog post, I’ll explore the admissions requirements for Georgetown’s MBA program and provide tips on how to make your application stand out.

Salient Features of Georgetown MBA program

• Georgetown MBA consistently ranks among the top 25 MBA programs in the U.S.
• The average two-year cost of attending Georgetown MBA program is $200,000, including living expenses.
• Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to its students. The average fellowship amount is around $32,000 per year, and approximately 40% of students receive scholarship or fellowship support.
• The average starting salary for Georgetown MBA graduates is $138,000, with an average signing bonus of $36,000 and an average guaranteed bonus of $15,000.
• The acceptance rate for Georgetown MBA program is around 17%. Every year, approximately 1,500 candidates apply to the program, and around 250 are admitted.
• The job offer rate for Georgetown MBA graduates is high, with over 95% of graduates receiving job offers within three months of graduation.
• Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business does not offer a STEM-designated MBA program. However, they do offer a variety of coursework focused on quantitative analysis and management science, allowing students to complete a STEM-designated management science major.
• Georgetown MBA has a diverse student body, with students representing over 50 countries.
• Georgetown MBA accepts both the GMAT and GRE for its MBA program. They do not have a preference for one test over.
• Georgetown MBA emphasizes ethical leadership and social responsibility, and offers a variety of opportunities for students to engage in social impact initiatives and community service.
• Georgetown MBA offers experiential learning opportunities, such as consulting projects, internships, and global consulting trips, that provide hands-on experience in real-world business environments.

The acceptance rate for Georgetown MBA program is around 16%. Every year, approximately 1500 candidates apply to the program, and around 250 are admitted. This means that only 1 in 6 applicants makes it, which makes Georgetown extremely selective.

To get an idea of the competition, here are the acceptance rates of a few of the top MBA programs.

Stanford: 6-7%

Wharton: 10-12%

Booth: 10-12%

Harvard: 10%

Columbia: 19%

Acceptance rates give you an idea about how tough it is to get in.

After submitting the initial application, selected candidates are invited to participate in an interview. The interview is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get to know the candidate better and to assess their fit with the program.

Although Georgetown does not officially disclose the percentage of applicants who are invited to interview, it is believed that around 30% to 40% of applicants are invited to interview. If you are invited to interview, it means that the admissions committee is interested in learning more about you and sees potential in your application.

Overall, getting invited to an interview at Georgetown is a positive sign, as it means that you have already made it through the initial application review process. 

If you perform well in the interview and have a strong application overall, you have a 70-75% chance of being accepted into the MBA program.

Georgetown MBA Admission Requirements

Georgetown University McDonough School of Business seeks to attract a diverse and accomplished group of students who demonstrate strong academic potential, leadership skills, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Here are some of the key factors that Georgetown MBA looks for in its candidates:

Academic Achievement

Georgetown McDonough looks for applicants who have a strong academic record. To showcase this, you can do the following:

• Submit a strong undergraduate transcript with high grades and rigorous coursework
• Aim for a high score on the GMAT or GRE standardized tests
• Include any additional academic achievements such as awards, honors, or publications

Professional Experience and Leadership Potential

The school also values candidates with professional experience, especially those who have demonstrated leadership potential. They look for applicants who have taken on challenging roles, made an impact in their organizations, and have shown the ability to lead and collaborate with others. To showcase this, you can do the following:

• Highlight your professional experience and achievements in your resume and essays
• Provide specific examples of times when you took on a leadership role or made a significant impact in your organization
• Highlight any relevant extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or community involvement that demonstrate leadership potential

Commitment to Social Responsibility

Georgetown McDonough has a strong focus on social responsibility, and they look for applicants who share this commitment. They seek individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities, and who have demonstrated a willingness to engage in socially responsible business practices. To showcase social responsibility, you can do the following:

• Explain how your personal values align with Georgetown McDonough’s focus on social responsibility
• Provide examples of how you have engaged in socially responsible activities in your personal or professional life
• Describe your future goals and how they align with Georgetown McDonough’s mission to create positive change in society

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Finally, the school looks for applicants who have strong communication and interpersonal skills. This includes the ability to articulate their goals and aspirations, to work effectively with others, and to engage in thoughtful and respectful dialogue with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. To showcase this, do the following:

• Write clear, concise, and well-organized essays that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively
• Participate in interviews with confidence and professionalism, showcasing your ability to engage in thoughtful and respectful dialogue with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives
• Provide examples of times when you worked collaboratively with others, resolved conflicts, or demonstrated strong interpersonal skills in your personal or professional life.

Overall, Georgetown MBA seeks to admit a diverse and talented group of students who will contribute to the school’s rich academic and professional community. The admissions process is highly competitive, and candidates should strive to showcase their strengths, accomplishments, and potential throughout their application.

Georgetown MBA GPA Requirements

Georgetown McDonough School of Business considers a candidate’s undergraduate academic performance as one of several factors in its MBA admissions process. There is no minimum GPA requirement, but the average GPA of admitted applicants is 3.3, and over 80% of the candidates have a GPA between 2.8 and 3.8.

Georgetown McDonough values candidates who demonstrate academic excellence, with a focus on analytical and quantitative skills, regardless of their major. Applicants are also evaluated on their work experience, leadership potential, and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.

While a high GPA can enhance an applicant’s profile, the admissions committee also considers the rigor of the undergraduate institution and the competitiveness of the major. Candidates with strong academic credentials from highly selective universities and challenging majors may have an advantage.

In addition to academic qualifications, Georgetown McDonough values candidates who demonstrate leadership potential through their professional and personal experiences. This may include involvement in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and entrepreneurial pursuits.

If your GPA falls below the average of admitted applicants, there are several ways to strengthen your overall profile. Consider taking additional courses or pursuing a graduate degree to demonstrate your academic ability. You may also want to emphasize your work experience, leadership roles, and community involvement in your application.

In summary, Georgetown McDonough considers undergraduate academic performance as part of a holistic evaluation of candidates, but other factors such as work experience, leadership potential, and community impact are equally important. A high GPA from a rigorous undergraduate program can be an advantage, but candidates who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive impact can also be competitive.

GMAT & GRE Requirements at Georgetown MBA

Georgetown accepts both GMAT and GRE scores, and has no preference for one over the other. You can take either test before the application deadline to complete your application.

Georgetown MBA Average GMAT score & Analysis

Georgetown MBA has no minimum or cutoff GMAT score, but a high score is necessary for admission.

Mean GMAT at Georgetown MBA: 700

GMAT Scores of middle 80%: 640-740

This score range makes Georgetown MBA extremely competitive for GMAT test scores.

Only 12% of the global GMAT test-takers score 700+ on the GMAT.

It usually takes 4-5 months of rigorous preparation to score above 700 on the GMAT. 

Here’s the breakdown of Georgetown MBA GMAT scores by section:

Mean Verbal at Georgetown MBA: 38

Only 15% of all test-takers score a 38+ on GMAT verbal.

Mean Quantitative at Georgetown MBA: 48

33% of all test-takers score a 48+ on GMAT quantitative.

Georgetown MBA does not consider at the Integrated Reasoning (IR) and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) portion of the GMAT exam.

Georgetown MBA GRE Score & Analysis

Georgetown also accepts GRE scores, and there is no preference for GMAT or GRE. You can take either exam before the application deadline to complete your application.

Mean GRE Score at Georgetown MBA: 317

GRE Scores of middle 80%: 307-327

Georgetown is competitive for GRE scores, with only 24% of all test-takers scoring 317 or above on the GRE.

It typically takes 2-3 months of rigorous preparation to score above 317 on the GRE. 

Here is the breakdown of Georgetown MBA GRE scores by section:

Mean Verbal at Georgetown MBA: 157

25% of all test-takers score a 157 or above on GRE verbal.

Mean Quantitative at Georgetown MBA: 160

24% of all test-takers score a 60 or above on GRE quantitative.

Georgetown does not look at the analytical writing (AWA) portion of the GRE.

Multiple GMAT or GRE Attempts

Multiple GMAT or GRE attempts are also common among MBA applicants. The competition for admission is fierce, so many applicants don’t achieve a top-notch score on their first attempt.

Therefore, it’s recommended that you consult the best prep material to ace the GMAT or GRE.

Georgetown has no bias against applicants who take the GMAT or GRE multiple times. In fact, multiple attempts can demonstrate your persistence and ambition to improve every aspect of your application.

Suppose you have taken the GRE, for example, seven times, and you haven’t achieved a score of 329 or above yet. In that case, you can choose to take the GMAT, which is a different test format, on the next attempt. This will show Georgetown admissions board that you are committed to achieving your goals and improving your application.

However, note that Georgetown does not super-score your standardized test scores. This means that you cannot send section-specific scores from different attempts. Instead, you can only send scores from a single attempt in their entirety.

In conclusion, a high GMAT or GRE score is essential for admission to top MBA programs like Georgetown. The competition is intense, and the average scores of admitted students are high. However, if you don’t achieve a top score on your first attempt, don’t give up. Use the feedback you receive from your first attempt to identify areas of improvement and then continue to prepare and take the test again. Persistence and dedication can make a difference in your MBA application.

Work Experience

Georgetown values applicants who have gained significant professional experience before applying to the MBA program. The average work experience for admitted students is around 5.7 years with an average age of 29 years.

Georgetown MBA values work experience in Consulting, Finance, and Tech with over 40% of all admitted students from these backgrounds.

However, it’s important to note that the quality of work experience is more important than the quantity. Georgetown looks for applicants who have demonstrated leadership potential, made significant contributions to their organizations, and have had opportunities to work on challenging projects or initiatives.

While a background in consulting, finance, or marketing is common among Georgetown students, the admissions committee values diverse experiences and backgrounds that can bring unique perspectives to the classroom.

Undergraduate Major

Georgetown does not have a preference for any particular undergraduate major, and students with diverse academic backgrounds are represented in the MBA program. However, applicants with a strong quantitative background and proficiency in math tend to perform well in the program.

Georgetown MBA values students coming from Business, Economics, and Engineering background with around 70% of admitted students coming from these areas. 

Additionally, applicants with a background in STEM have an advantage. That being said, students from a variety of backgrounds and majors can thrive in the Georgetown MBA program if they have the necessary skills and experience. 

Letters of Recommendation

Georgetown only requires one recommendation for their MBA application. 

The school is looking for someone who can objectively evaluate your professional performance, managerial skills, and leadership potential.

Letters from university faculty and family members are discouraged.

It is strongly preferred that your current supervisor writes your recommendation letter. It is essential to choose a recommender who can speak to your strengths and potential as a future business leader. Select someone who knows you well and can provide specific examples of your skills and accomplishments. 

What is the importance of each part of your Georgetown MBA application?

Here is a breakdown of the importance of each component of the Georgetown MBA application, based on data collected from prominent MBA admissions consulting firms:

Academic Performance: 25%

• Undergraduate GPA
• GMAT/GRE score

Professional Experience: 30%

• Quality and progression of work experience
• Career achievements and impact
• Demonstrated leadership potential

Personal Characteristics: 20%

• Essays
• Letters of recommendation
• Interview
• Interpersonal skills and teamwork ability
• Communication skills
• Self-awareness and personal values

Georgetown Fit: 20%

• Interest in the program’s curriculum and resources
• Understanding of the Georgetown McDonough community and values
• Alignment with the school’s mission and goals

Diversity: 5%

• Work or life experiences that contribute to diversity and inclusion
• Unique background and perspective

Academic performance is a significant component of the Georgetown MBA application, making up 25% of the overall admission weight. Professional experience, including career achievements and leadership potential, holds a slightly higher weight in the Georgetown application, comprising 30% of the overall admission weight.

Personal characteristics, such as interpersonal skills, communication skills, and self-awareness, are also highly valued, comprising 20% of the overall admission weight. Applicants should showcase their personal attributes and how they align with the values of the Georgetown McDonough community through their essays, letters of recommendation, and interview.

Fit with the Georgetown McDonough program is also important, comprising 20% of the overall admission weight. Applicants should demonstrate their interest in the school’s curriculum and resources, as well as their understanding of the Georgetown McDonough community and values.

Finally, diversity plays a smaller but still important role in the Georgetown MBA application, comprising 5% of the overall admission weight. Applicants should highlight their unique backgrounds and experiences that contribute to diversity and inclusion.

Overall, applicants should prioritize their academic performance and professional experience while showcasing their personal characteristics and fit with the Georgetown McDonough program. Obtaining strong letters of recommendation and demonstrating a commitment to the values of the McDonough community can also increase the likelihood of admission to the program.

What is an Ideal applicant for an MBA at Georgetown?

Admission to the Georgetown MBA program is a comprehensive process, and admission decisions are based on various criteria, including academic performance, work experience, leadership potential, personal characteristics, and more. Based on the past profiles of admitted applicants, here are some key factors that may increase your chances of being accepted to the Georgetown MBA program:

Ideal GMAT Score for MBA at Georgetown: 700+

Ideal GPA for MBA at Georgetown: 3.3+

Undergraduate Majors: Business, economics, engineering (or any other STEM major)

Years of Work Experience: 5-6 years at the time of application

Type of Experience: Tech, Finance, Consulting

Ideal GRE Score for MBA at Georgetown: 320+

To have the best chance of getting into the Georgetown MBA program, you should aim for a GMAT score of 700+ or a GRE score of 320+, with a GPA of 3.3 or higher. You should have 5 years of relevant work experience, preferably with a background in tech, finance, or consulting.

Georgetown values diversity in all forms, including academic, cultural, and geographic backgrounds. The admissions committee is actively seeking candidates who can bring a unique perspective to the classroom and add to the vibrant Georgetown community.

In addition to diversity, Georgetown Business School values leadership potential and a drive to succeed. Successful applicants have a record of excellence in their academic pursuits or professional endeavors. They have a strong desire to make a positive impact in the world, and they are passionate about achieving their goals.

Collaborative problem-solving is also highly valued at Georgetown Business School. Students are encouraged to work together to tackle complex business challenges. Successful applicants should be able to demonstrate their ability to work well with others and contribute to a collaborative learning environment.

Overall, Georgetown Business School is looking for candidates who are not only intellectually driven, but also bring diverse perspectives, leadership potential, and the ability to work in teams. If you’re interested in pursuing an MBA at Georgetown Business School, consider showcasing these qualities in your application to increase your chances of admission.

Application Requirements for Georgetown MBA

Georgetown’s MBA program requires an online application that can be found here.