Applicants must use the application online. The application is continuously open; applicants can select the semester/year for admission (e.g., fall 2011).

If applying to more than one degree at GW (such as the MPP and MPA), separate applications must be submitted for each degree.

Applicants can submit their materials to the Columbian College prior to, or after, submitting their application online.

One transcript is required from each college and university attended. Transcripts must be received in their original sealed envelopes. If academic records are in a language other than English, a certified English translation must be provided. Translations alone will not be accepted. More on transcripts.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a grade point average of 3.0 or better.

The Transcript Request Form (part of the application) is not required for submitting transcripts.

MPA, MPP, PhD: the GRE is required. It can be waived for students with a prior, earned JD or MD. Relevant transcripts must be submitted for this exception. However, it cannot be waived for those who hold an MA or MBA.

We do not accept the GMAT, nor the LSAT, in lieu of the GRE.

Certificate: the GRE is not required.

If you include your scores in the test section of the online application, you should identify the verbal and quantitative scores; we consider the scores independently. For example: V-800, Q-800.

See our frequently asked questions about the GRE.

Information regarding the GRE is available at www.gre.org. The ETS reporting code is 5246.

All degrees: TOEFL scores are required of all applicants who are citizens of countries where English is not an official language. Exceptions may be made for applicants who hold a degree from a college or university in a country where English is the official language and the medium of instruction. Relevant transcripts must be submitted for this exception.

The recommended minimum TOEFL score for admission to The Trachtenberg School is 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test, 100 on the internet-based test.

Information regarding the TOEFL is available at www.toefl.org. TOEFL scores may not be more than two years old. The ETS reporting code is 5246.

As an alternative to the TOEFL, students may also submit scores from the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The Trachtenberg School's recommended minimum for the academic IELTS is an overall band score of  7.0, with no individual band score below 6.0. Information regarding the IELTS is available at http://www.ielts.org/.

MPA and MPP: one letter of recommendation for admission; one additional letter for assistantship consideration (total of two). Additional letters of recommendation may be submitted.

PhD: three letters of recommendations.

Certificate: one letter of recommendation

Recommendations can be submitted electronically through the online application system. Hard copies can also be submitted and these should be returned in signed, sealed envelopes. Recommendation forms are not required; traditional letters of recommendation are perfectly acceptable.

See our frequently asked questions for more on the letters of recommendation.

This is your opportunity to convey to our admissions committee whatever information about yourself – over and above the information provided elsewhere in your application (including your resume) – that you would like us to consider.

MPA, MPP, Certificate:
In an essay of 250 – 500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field. Include your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application, or resume/curriculum vita.

PhD:
In an essay of no more than 1000 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field. Indicate your desired field of concentration from among those offered within the PhD program, along with your specific research interests within that field and your career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application, or resume/curriculum vita.

Applicants should include their most recent resume or CV.

We do not conduct personal interviews as part of our admissions process. However, we are happy to talk with applicants and answer questions.

All applicants must submit the application fee. Applications submitted without the fee will not be be considered for admission.

The application fee is waived only for current GW degree candidates, GW alumni, current McNair Scholars, U.S. military personnel who have been on active duty within the past three years, and Teach for America and AmeriCorps members and alumni (see FAQ). (McNair Scholars seeking a fee waiver must submit a completed fee waiver form). You should proceed through this section as if you were paying by check.

Note for online applicants: You may pay the application fee by credit card. If you wish to pay the fee by check or money order, please follow the instructions provided in the online application process.

MPA, MPP, and PhD applicants are reviewed for Trachtenberg School funding by requesting assistantship/fellowship consideration through the online application (question #20). These merit-based awards can be offered only to full-time students.

MPA and MPP: submit one additional letter of recommendation (for a total of two letters of recommendation).

AmeriCorps and Teach For America alumni, click here.

For additional funding opportunities, please see our Financial Aid page.

Applicants to the Certificate program are not eligible for Trachtenberg School funding.