George Washington University Supplemental Essays 2026–27

Every applicant to George Washington University chooses one of two options for a single 500-word response. This guide covers the main prompts all applicants select from, though the university may ask additional essays of applicants to particular programs.

Supplemental (Optional) Essay Every applicant can choose from one of the following two essay prompts to submit. Essay Prompt 1 At the George Washington University, our students frequently… (500 words)

Supplemental (Optional) Essay Every applicant can choose from one of the following two essay prompts to submit. Essay Prompt 1 At the George Washington University, our students frequently interact with policymakers and world leaders. These experiences and those of our alumni can shape the future of global affairs. If you had the power to change the course of history in your community or the world, what would you do and why? Essay Prompt 2 The George Washington University encourages students to think critically and to challenge the status quo. Thus, civil discourse is a key characteristic of our community. Describe a time when you engaged others in meaningful dialogue around an issue that was important to you. Did this exchange create change, new perspectives, or deeper relationships?

What this prompt is really asking: You only need to answer one of these two options. Prompt 1 tests your understanding of cause and effect by asking how a single targeted intervention could ripple out to improve your community. Prompt 2 tests your maturity by asking for proof that you can disagree respectfully and learn from an opposing viewpoint.

A strong approach:

• For Prompt 1, scale it down: Changing history does not require solving a global crisis single-handedly. Identify a specific, solvable issue in your hometown and explain the exact mechanism to fix it.
• For Prompt 1, explain your reasoning: The prompt puts equal weight on the "why." Connect the desired change back to your own background so admissions officers understand why this issue matters to you personally.
• For Prompt 2, detail the conversation: Spend most of your 500 words on the back-and-forth dialogue. Detail what the other person said, your reaction and how the exchange refined your views.
• For Prompt 2, redefine a successful argument: A strong essay rarely ends with one person entirely converting the other. Highlight the mutual respect or the deeper relationship that emerged from the disagreement.

Most common mistakes:

• Preaching instead of planning: Applicants often spend 400 words explaining why a global issue is bad. Assume admissions officers know pollution is a problem. Spend your words on your unique solution.
• Making the opponent a villain: Do not set up the other person as a cartoonish antagonist for you to defeat. A truly meaningful dialogue requires a credible, respected counterpart.

Program-Specific Essays

ONLY for the University Honors Program: With small classes and a dedicated faculty, the University Honors Program (UHP) embraces the ideals of a liberal arts education. Within the UHP, students take classes in many different academic fields (philosophy, science, history, art, social science, etc.) and hone their critical thinking skills. Explain why, as a member of the UHP, you would value the opportunity to engage with topics outside your major field(s) of study. Include a example of a time when you successfully tackled an intellectual challenge outside of your personal comfort zone. (500 words)

What this prompt is really asking: The admissions committee wants to see your intellectual curiosity in action. They need proof that you enjoy learning for its own sake and are willing to struggle with material that does not come naturally to you.

A strong approach:

• Get specific about the UHP: Name the exact interdisciplinary fields or types of seminars that appeal to you.
• Highlight the friction: Focus on the difficulty of your past intellectual challenge. Detail the exact moment you felt out of your depth and the steps taken to understand it.

Most common mistakes:

• Choosing an easy challenge: Picking a minor inconvenience makes the success feel hollow. Choose a time when you genuinely risked academic or personal failure.

ONLY for the University Honors Program: The UHP represents a community of scholars at GW. First-year UHP students live and take classes together on the Mount Vernon Campus. Upper-level UHP students remain connected to our community for the remainder of their time at GW through courses, faculty mentoring, advising, research, an optional Foggy Bottom housing opportunity, and our many co-curricular/social activities. Describe a time when you have personally benefited from being a member of a tight-knit community. How do you see yourself contributing to the UHP community inside and/or outside the classroom while at GW? (500 words)

What this prompt is really asking: This is a two-part test of your social and academic citizenship. You must demonstrate that you have thrived in close communities before and clearly outline what you will bring to the Mount Vernon Campus.

A strong approach:

• Define your community narrowly: A tight-knit group could be a four-person debate team or a dedicated shift of retail workers. Focus on how those specific people supported you.
• Project your future impact: Connect your past role to a concrete action. If you were the organizer in your previous group, explain how you will coordinate study sessions at Mount Vernon.

Most common mistakes:

• Skipping the second half: Many applicants spend 450 words on their past community and tack on a generic sentence about GW. Dedicate at least half your word count to your future on campus.