
Georgetown University is among the most selective universities in the United States. In the latest admission cycle (for the Class of 2028), Georgetown received roughly 27,000 applications and offered admission to only about 3,240 students—an acceptance rate near 12%. That means just around 12 in 100 applicants earn a spot, underscoring Georgetown's exceptionally high standards and intense competition year after year.
About 64% of applicants submit an SAT score and 38% an ACT score.
Georgetown's Early Action program is non-binding, allowing students to signal Georgetown as their top choice without commitment. This gives applicants flexibility while still demonstrating strong interest. Accepted students have until May 1 to decide, providing time to compare financial aid packages and other offers.
Testing policy has evolved. Georgetown was test-optional in recent years, but for the 2025–26 admissions cycle (for fall 2026 entry), Georgetown will require SAT or ACT scores again (with hardship exceptions). In other words, applicants next year must submit test results. Even before this change, nearly all successful applicants who reported scores were at the very top of the national scale, reflecting Georgetown's rigorous academic profile.
For Georgetown's average SAT scores, admitted students' middle-50% composite SAT range is roughly 1410–1550. This elite band mirrors Georgetown's high academic expectations and means admitted students typically score near the top of the national distribution.
For section detail: the SAT Reading and Writing component (formerly called Evidence-Based Reading & Writing) for Georgetown's admitted students falls around 700–770 for the middle 50%. These scores reflect the critical reading, writing, and analytical skills Georgetown expects across all majors.
On the Math portion, Georgetown's middle-50% range is about 710–780. This upper-tier performance signals comfort with advanced algebra, data analysis, and precalculus—skills that Georgetown seeks in both STEM and quantitatively rigorous social science applicants.
If you're wondering about a Georgetown average SAT, aim for the mid-1500s. Georgetown evaluates applications holistically, so scores below 1410 don't automatically disqualify you. But in such a competitive pool, you'll need compensating strengths (like outstanding coursework, unique talents, or leadership impact) to remain viable.
Policy note: Georgetown superscores the SAT. They consider your highest Reading and Writing and Math section scores from all test dates. In practice, this means a weak section can be improved with a retake, boosting how your Georgetown SAT scores are evaluated.
Looking at Georgetown's ACT range, the middle 50% of composite scores is about 32–35. This implies most admitted students are scoring at or near the top percentile nationally. In other words, Georgetown ACT results cluster in the mid-30s, reflecting the school's competitive applicant pool.
By section, admitted students tend to excel in English (ACT Reading and Writing). The middle 50% for ACT English is approximately 34–36, meaning the average admitted student often scores a 34 or above on this section. These scores demonstrate the strong critical reading and communication skills Georgetown expects.
ACT Math scores at Georgetown are similarly high: the middle 50% falls around 30–35. While there's a bit more spread than English, competitive applicants still show very strong quantitative fluency. Many engineering or economics hopefuls, for example, hit scores in the mid-30s on ACT Math.
Georgetown superscores the ACT just as it does the SAT, taking the highest section scores across multiple test dates. The optional writing section is not required, but applicants may submit it if it strengthens their profile. Using superscoring, you can focus on improving any weaker sections in additional attempts.
If you're estimating a Georgetown average ACT, plan around 35. Given Georgetown's low admit rate, even moving from a 32 to 35 can enhance your profile. Pair high test scores with rigorous coursework, standout essays, and meaningful extracurriculars to maximize your chances.
Here's the reality: Georgetown's admit rate is only about 12%, with roughly 27,000 applications for about 3,240 spots (around 1,600 students actually enroll). That's why understanding the Georgetown average SAT and Georgetown average ACT benchmarks matters—they align with the profile of those admitted. If your scores fall near or above Georgetown's 75th percentile (around a 1550 SAT or 35 ACT), you're in stronger territory.
That said, Georgetown emphasizes holistic review. Admissions officers weigh coursework rigor, grades, essays, recommendations, and personal qualities. In a pool full of near-perfect transcripts, however, top-tier SAT/ACT scores help confirm to Georgetown that you're ready for the academic rigor. In short, scores aren't everything, but they remain a key part of the competitive signal.
Strategy snapshot: If Georgetown is your clear first choice, applying Early Action could improve your odds by signaling commitment. Take advantage of superscoring by retaking tests to shore up any weak section. Also balance test prep with maintaining strong senior-year classes and crafting compelling essays. Meet Georgetown's testing bar (target near the top of the Georgetown SAT and ACT ranges) and then win the admissions read with the rest of your profile.
Weighing your options? These schools have comparable selectivity: