How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in applying for graduate study at George Washington University School of Business. We understand this is a major step in achieving your academic and professional goals. This resource is designed to help guide you through the application process.

Application Steps

1. Prepare your application for submission using the application requirements checklist.

2. Review the additional admissions requirements specific to your graduate program of interest. This is an important step because your program of interest will have specific requirements.

3. Familiarize yourself with the international student requirements, if applicable.

4. Prepare to take required examinations at least one month prior to your program's application deadline. Request that test results be sent to George Washington University.

5. Obtain copies of transcripts from all schools attended. You will need to upload these to your application.

6. Begin your application on our admissions portal.

Application Requirements Checklist

1. Application Form
   
   Our application process for designated degree and certificate programs is through a secure, electronic submission process. The application and uploaded electronic documents will be submitted directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions via a secure, online process. Submission of the electronic application form will activate your application. Please do not mail hard copies of documents during the application process. Documents not uploaded can be emailed to [email protected].
   
   Begin Your Application
    
2. Current Resume
   
   Please list your entire work history including start and stop dates. You can upload the resume in the Employment History section of the online application form.
    
3. Statement of Purpose/Essay
   
   A Statement of Purpose is required for your application. Be sure to check your academic program of interest for any specific requirements regarding the statement. If there are no specific program requirements, your statement of approximately 500 words should address your interests, academic and professional objectives, and proposed topic(s) of graduate study.
   
   Please review the academic program pages for any additional guidelines for the statement of purpose.
    

4. Transcripts
    

   Applicants are required to upload and submit copies of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended, whether or not the program was completed or the credit appears as a transfer credit on another transcript.
   
   We consider these uploaded transcripts to be “unofficial” as they are submitted by the applicant. Applicants who receive an offer of admission will be required at that time of enrollment to submit official final transcripts.
   
   Step 1: Request a copy of your transcript from your institution.
   
   Step 2: Upload the transcript to your application.
   
   An acceptable transcript is a copy of an official transcript produced by the institution. We do not accept screenshots or photos, and we do not accept downloads of the “student’s view” from your institution’s website.
   
   For Study Abroad and/or Transfer Coursework: For the 2022 application cycle, if your undergraduate transcripts contain study abroad courses and/or transfer credits showing an Indigenous Grade Letter (excluding “P” Pass or “T” Transfer grades) earned and does not exceed 12 credits, you do NOT need to list these institutions separately or upload transcripts. If courses are not listed on your primary institution’s transcript or the transfer courses do not show course grades, please list the institution(s) separately and upload the transcript(s). Coursework exceeding 12 credits from an institution outside of the United States will require a credential evaluation. Please reference the International Student Requirements section on this page, under Submitting Foreign transcripts for requirements information.
   
   If submitting in foreign transcripts, please reference the International Student Requirements section of this page for detailed information on requirements.

5. Letters of Recommendation
   
   One official letter of recommendation is required by the GW School of Business unless your specific program mandates two or more. The recommendation(s) must be from an individual in a position to appraise the applicant’s potential for graduate study (i.e. Manager, Professor, Mentor or etc.). Some programs have specific requirements for recommendation providers.
   
   The School of Business requires the use of the online recommendation system, which utilizes a secure online recommendation system that will:
   
   -Email your recommendation providers with instructions for online submission of the recommendation.
   -Allow applicants to track recommendations received or not received and follow up with recommenders who still need to submit their appraisals.
   -Expedite the processing of the recommendations, which will be included in the online application once submitted.
    
6. Official Test Results
   
   The GRE or GMAT test is not required for Specialized Master’s, MBA, or graduate certificate programs — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. GRE or GMAT scores are a requirement for the doctoral program at GWSB. Please refer to your academic program for examination requirements and waiver information.
   
   Submitting Test Scores
   -GMAT code: QK4-4F-40
   -GRE code: 5246
    
7. English Proficiency
   
   All applicants are required to demonstrate a level of proficiency in the English language sufficient to meet the admission requirement of the School of Business. Please reference our International Student Requirements for more details.
    
8. Supplemental Application Data
   
   Some departments and programs require the completion of supplemental data or submission of materials such as certificates or writing samples. Review the application requirements of your program of interest to determine if supplemental questions and/or materials are required.
    
9. Application Fee and Submission
   
   The $80 application must be submitted with a non-refundable application fee. You can pay this fee online (credit cards are accepted). Cash is not acceptable.
   
   Graduate Admissions will waive the application fee for students who are alumni or current members of the following programs:
   
   -GW alumni (those holding a GW degree or graduate certificate)
   -Current degree or graduate certificate candidates at GW
   -U.S. military personnel
   -Current McNair Program Scholars
   -AmeriCorps
   -Kaplan Test Prep
   -City Year
   -Education Pioneers
   -Forte and Forte MBA Launch
   -Teach for America
   -Peace Corps
   -Posse Foundation
    
10. Check Receipt of Your Materials and Application Status
    
    When you apply online, you have convenient access to an application status portal. The status page is available after you submit your application and is updated as materials are received.
    
    Please note that your online checklist is a tool for you to see what has been received. Please wait two business days after application submission for an updated status. Our admissions team will review all documents for readability and completeness. Your checklist items will be updated to reflect any items missing, along with a personalized note from our admissions team.
    
    Online recommendations are automatically updated to a status of “received” when submitted by the recommender.
    
    Our admissions team may send you an email to follow-up on any missing documents.

Additional Admissions Requirements for Your Graduate Program

• MBA Programs
• Specialized Master's Programs
• 4+1 Programs
• Graduate and Professional Certificates
• Executive Education
• Doctoral Programs

International Student Requirements

Applicants who require a visa to study in the United States must also fulfill additional requirements in order to be considered for admission to a graduate program at the School of Business.

Admission Deadlines

International students must follow the same graduate admissions process as all other applicants but must also submit additional materials.

International students must submit their complete visa request and financial certification paperwork by the following deadlines to allow the university sufficient time to process I-20 or DS-2019 requests. If you have any questions, please contact us via email at [email protected].

Fall Admission Deadlines

• May 1 (Initial - Outside US)
• July 1 (Transfer - Inside US)

Spring Admission Deadlines

• October 15 (Initial - Outside US)
• November 1 (Transfer - Inside US)

English Language Exam Requirements

Applicants who have not completed a post-secondary degree from a U.S. institution are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or the Duolingo English Test scores to be considered for admission. Scores may not be more than two years old. To ensure TOEFL scores are sent to GW, use institutional code 5246. An institutional code is not required to send IELTS or PTE scores to GW. 

Minimum Score Requirements

• IELTS: Score of 6.0 overall with no individual score below 5.0.
• TOEFL: Score of 80 on the Internet exam (iBT) or 550 on the paper exam
• Duolingo English Test: Score of 110 or higher on the Duolingo English Test. Scores should be sent to GW School of Business. (Please note: the Duolingo English Test is not accepted by doctoral programs.)
• PTE Academic: Score of 53 or higher on the PTE Academic Test. (Please note: the PTE Academic Test is not accepted by Doctoral programs.)

Please note: If you achieve the following scores, you are also exempt from taking EAP courses:

• An official TOEFL score of at least 100 (internet-based test) or 600 (paper-based test)
• An official IELTS score of 7.0 with no individual band score below 6.0
• A PTE Academic Score of at least 68. The test date must be within the past two years.
• An official Duolingo score of 125 with no individual band score below 110

Exceptions

Exceptions are granted to applicants who:

• Hold the United States Permanent Resident/Green Card or a citizen of one of the following countries.
• Hold (or will earn before matriculation) a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an institution where English is the official language of the country in which the university is located AND is the language of instruction for the entire degree.
• Hold (or will earn before matriculation) a combined bachelor’s degree where a minimum of 2 years (60 Consecutive credits) was completed at an institution in which English is the language of instruction AND the official language of the country in which the university is located.
• Hold (or will earn before matriculation) a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an institution where English is the official primary language of the country in which the university is located OR the institution is accredited by a U.S. regional accrediting agency.
• Have lived and worked in an English-speaking country for the past two or more years.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for an exception, please contact us at [email protected].

Sending Test Scores to GW 

• For IELTS: GW now accepts electronic test score submissions. Please follow the instructions on the IELTS website to send score reports to us. Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected] with a PDF of your unofficial test taker score report.

• For TOEFL: Please follow the instructions outlined by ETS. Use institution code 5246 when sending scores to GW. 

• For PTE Academic: Please follow the instructions outlined by Pearson to send scores reports to GW. No institution code is required.

• For Duolingo English Test: Please follow the instructions outlined by Duolingo. Select "The George Washington University School of Business" when sending scores to GW.

Submitting Foreign Transcripts

A course-by-course credential evaluation is required for applicants who have attended institutions outside of the United States to consider your application complete. Evaluation services that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) will be accepted. Many students submit evaluations from the following evaluation agencies based upon their individualized needs: (ECE, IEE, JS&A, Spantran, and WES). If the evaluation does not include a copy of the transcripts that were evaluated, applicants must upload both the transcripts from the institution and the credential evaluation as one document to the application.

• For transcripts from institutions in India: please scan individual mark sheets demonstrating the grade received in each course for each semester.

• For transcripts not in English: Applicants who attended and/or received a degree from a foreign institution must submit transcripts in English as well as the original language. Documents should also be accompanied by a credential evaluation.

Applicants who have attended institutions outside of the United States should combine and save their English translated transcripts and course-by-course credential evaluation into a single PDF document before uploading to the online application form. If you are unable to provide these documents at the time of application submission, you will need to email it to [email protected] at your earliest convenience. Your application will not be reviewed for decision until this document is received and approved. Please do not mail hard copies of transcripts during the application process.

Visa Request Documents 

It is not mandatory to submit the visa request form or other visa-related documents as part of the application package.

Although there is a section on the application where you can upload these documents, it is not necessary to do so. You will only be required to provide these documents once you have received admission to the School of Business and accepted your admissions offer. Providing or not providing these documents does not penalize or delay your application's review in any way.

GMAT/GRE Test-Optional Information

What standardized tests do the MBA or Specialized Master’s degree programs accept?

We accept both the GMAT and GRE standardized tests. GWSB's test-optional admissions policy provides candidates the option to apply without a standardized test score.

Does GWSB have a test preference?

We do not have a preference between the GMAT or GRE. In our review process, we consider a number of factors to determine your ability to handle the academic rigors of the program, achieve success in the career development process, and contribute actively and positively to our community. Test scores are just one piece of information considered in the review process.

If I have already reported a test score to GWU, will you use it in the admissions process?

Yes, we will review and consider any test scores that have been sent to George Washington University.

Can you use an expired score in the evaluation of my application?

GMAT and GRE scores are valid for five years, and will not be considered past the expiration date.

Are there any circumstances in which it might be helpful to submit test scores?

Yes, there are several reasons to submit a test score. If you had a weaker performance as an undergrad, a strong test score may help demonstrate quantitative aptitude. A strong standardized test score can strengthen your qualification for fellowships.

GMBA candidates: If you are a Global MBA applicant, we strongly recommend submitting a test score to strengthen your competitiveness for admission and funding awards.

Who should consider applying without a test score? What factors make a candidate well-suited to submit an application without a test score?

Candidates who meet several of the criteria below could consider applying without a test score:

• Demonstration of success and strong record in undergraduate coursework and degree
• Three or more years of professional work experience
• Quantitative or analytical educational and/or professional experience
• Professional certifications (CPA, CFA, PE)
• Advanced degree (Graduate, master's, or professional degrees)
• GWU undergrad with a strong academic record

These criteria will be considered along with other factors (transcripts, resume, interview) when assessing a candidate for admission.

GMBA candidates: If you are a Global MBA applicant, we strongly recommend submitting a test score to strengthen your competitiveness for admission and funding awards.

How do I apply without a test score?

Utilize your Statement of Purpose, highlight evidence supporting your academic preparedness without a test score. Also, include any quantitative experience in your professional and academic history that you believe has equipped you to succeed academically in the program. No additional steps are required.

Are there any implications if I don’t submit a GMAT or GRE score?

There are potential implications should you choose not to provide a GMAT or GRE score as part of your admissions portfolio.

In the application review process, our admissions committee seeks confirmation that you can be successful in a rigorous program. Often, a strong GMAT or GRE score can instill confidence in our committee when extending admission invitations.

Additionally, a test score can strongly influence committee decisions on merit-based funding via fellowships and graduate assistantship awards.

GMBA candidates: If you are a Global MBA applicant, we strongly recommend submitting a test score to strengthen your competitiveness for admission and funding awards.

When will I hear about my application moving forward without a test score?

If you submit your application without a test score, an admissions officer will contact you if we require more information from you to evaluate your application.

Mailing Address

Hardcopy official transcripts or supporting documents that cannot be submitted online can be mailed to: 

The George Washington University
School of Business, Graduate Admissions Office
2025 F St NW L-101
Washington, D.C. 20052