How to Get Into Georgetown Law (2026-2027 Guide)

Moshe Indig

11 months ago

Georgetown University Law Center is the largest law school in the T14 and one of the most influential legal institutions in the country. Located in Washington, DC, steps from the Capitol, the Supreme Court, and virtually every federal agency, Georgetown offers unmatched access to government, policy, and public interest law. Known for its depth in constitutional law, international law, tax, health law, national security, and one of the most extensive clinical programs in the country, Georgetown produces graduates who shape law and policy at the highest levels. The class of ~672 students is by far the largest in the T14, and the breadth of programming, clinical offerings, and career pathways makes the scale an asset.

This guide walks you through how to get into Georgetown Law.

1. Georgetown Law Admissions Numbers and Statistics

Georgetown Law Class of 2028:

LSAT: 75th percentile: 173 | Median: 171 | 25th percentile: 166
GPA: 75th percentile: 3.98 | Median: 3.93 | 25th percentile: 3.75

Georgetown Law Class of 2027:

LSAT: 75th: 172 | Median: 171 | 25th: 166
GPA: 75th: 3.97 | Median: 3.92 | 25th: 3.72

Georgetown’s numbers were largely stable on the LSAT side, with the median holding at 171 and the 75th percentile ticking up one point to 173. GPA saw modest gains across the board: the median rose from 3.92 to 3.93, and the 75th from 3.97 to 3.98. The class grew slightly from 655 to 672. Georgetown remains the largest T14 program, and its statistical profile continues to strengthen incrementally.

If you are at or above both medians, you are competitive. The 166 at the 25th LSAT percentile gives applicants in the mid-to-high 160s a realistic path, particularly if they bring strong softs and a compelling narrative. Georgetown’s size means more seats than any other T14 school, which creates more opportunity, but the applicant pool is deep. The school values work experience, public service commitment, and demonstrated engagement with the kinds of issues Georgetown’s DC location puts at your doorstep.

For context on how medians affect your strategy, see How to Build a Smart Law School List.

2. Georgetown Law Application Essays

Georgetown offers one of the most customizable application processes in the T14, with a personal statement, an optional statement, optional 250-word responses, and an optional one-minute video. The school emphasizes that all writing must be your own work: no AI tools, no ghostwriting.

Personal Statement (required)

Georgetown does not have a minimum or maximum length, though the school recommends around two pages, double-spaced. The prompt is fully open-ended: you can write on any subject that will help the Admissions Committee get to know you.

Best Practices:

Lead with a real experience, not an abstract reflection on justice or fairness
Show, do not tell. Let the reader draw conclusions from your story
Connect your narrative to why law, but avoid generic “I want to help people” framing
If you have a strong connection to DC, policy, or government, a natural mention can reinforce fit without turning the PS into a Why X

Personal Statement Examples | Personal Statement Guide

Optional Statement (Diversity / Perspective / Experience Statement)

Georgetown invites you to share “any additional personal perspectives, reflections, or experiences, whether positive, challenging, a combination of both, or something else entirely, that have contributed to who you are as a person and as a future legal scholar and lawyer.”

This is Georgetown’s version of a diversity/perspective statement, though the school does not label it that way. It is broad on purpose. You can address identity, background, hardship, formative experiences, or anything that adds a dimension your personal statement does not capture. The key is substance: ground it in what you have done with your perspective, not just the perspective itself.

If your personal statement already covers your identity or formative experiences in depth, you may not need this. But if there is a meaningful dimension of who you are that the PS does not reach, this is the place.

Diversity Statement Examples | Diversity Statement Guide

Optional 250-Word Responses

Georgetown offers a unique set of creative prompts. You may respond to one of the following (250 words maximum):

What’s the best (or worst) piece of advice you ever received?
If you could “uninvent” one thing, what would it be?
Tell us about a moment in your life that you regret.
Describe your perfect day.
Share a top ten list with us.

You may also submit an optional one-minute video: upload it to an accessible website and provide the URL. This is separate from the 250-word responses.

These are not gimmicks. The admissions committee reads them carefully. The strongest responses are genuine, specific, and reveal something about who you are that does not come through elsewhere. Choose the prompt that resonates most naturally. Do not force humor, and do not duplicate content from your PS.

Why Georgetown (Not a Formal Prompt)

Georgetown does not have a formal Why X essay prompt. However, you can submit a brief statement (under one page) explaining your interest in Georgetown as an additional attachment. If you have specific programmatic reasons for choosing Georgetown, such as a particular clinic, the evening program, a dual-degree opportunity, or a faculty member’s research, a short Why Georgetown statement can be worthwhile. Keep it specific and substantive.

Addenda and Character & Fitness (if applicable)

If you answer “yes” to any C&F question, explain fully in a separate statement. Keep addenda (LSAT, GPA) brief and factual.

3. Georgetown Law Resume Requirements

Georgetown recommends 1-2 pages. Include work experience, extracurricular or volunteer activities, academic institutions attended, and any academic honors or awards. There is no set page limit.

Resume Examples

4. Georgetown Law Letters of Recommendation

Georgetown requires only one letter of recommendation but welcomes additional letters. If possible, include at least one from a professor who can speak to your academic work. Recommendations from employers or supervisors are also acceptable.

5. Georgetown Law Interview Process

Georgetown is one of the few T14 schools that interviews applicants, and its format is distinctive. The school conducts two types of interviews:

Group interviews, typically led by Dean Andy Cornblatt, are the stronger signal. Rather than a one-on-one conversation, you participate in a group discussion with other applicants where you act as a mock admissions committee, evaluating hypothetical application scenarios. You will introduce yourself (name, location, what you are doing, and a fun fact), then discuss 3-4 real application case studies involving issues like plagiarism, academic misconduct, or ethical gray areas. The committee is evaluating your judgment, communication skills, ability to engage with ambiguity, and how you interact with peers.

Alumni interviews are also conducted. Receiving an alumni interview rather than a group interview is a weaker signal and more commonly precedes a waitlist outcome relative to the group format.

Not all applicants are invited to interview, and not receiving an invitation does not mean rejection. If invited, take it seriously: it is a genuine evaluative component.

6. Georgetown Law Deadlines and Early Decision

Note: The deadlines below are based on the 2025-2026 admissions cycle. Applicants should verify all dates on the school’s official admissions page, as deadlines may shift slightly from year to year.

Testing Policy

All applicants must submit an LSAT, GRE, or GMAT (including GMAT Focus) score from the past five years. There are two exceptions: (1) Evening Program applicants who do not have a currently valid LSAT score may apply test-optional, and (2) Early Assurance Program applicants (Georgetown University juniors) do not need a test score. Georgetown does not currently accept JD-Next. I strongly recommend taking the LSAT regardless of what else a school accepts. LSAT vs. GRE for Law School: Why the GRE Is a Bad Choice

Early Decision Deadline: Binding. If your ED application is complete by March 2, your decision will typically be emailed within 4-6 weeks. You may apply ED after March 2, but the timeline may vary. ED applicants receive priority review. If admitted, you must commit to attend and withdraw all other applications. If deferred or waitlisted, you are released from the binding commitment.
Strongly Recommended Application Deadline: March 2 (for both Full-Time and Evening programs).
Regular Decision: Rolling admissions. Decisions typically issued 8-12 weeks after the file is complete.
Application Fee: $85.

Georgetown’s ED program is unusual: it does not have a traditional November deadline. The binding commitment applies whenever you select ED, with March 2 as the target for priority turnaround.

For a full breakdown of early decision strategy, see Should You Apply Early Decision to Law School?

7. Georgetown Law Scholarships and Financial Aid

Merit Scholarships

All admitted applicants are automatically considered. Georgetown offers a range of merit-based awards. ED applicants are eligible for merit scholarships.

Scholars Programs

Georgetown offers several named scholars programs:

Blume Public Interest Scholars: Enhanced summer funding, bar stipends, mentorship, and programming for students committed to public interest careers. Note: effective 2024, this program no longer guarantees a full-tuition scholarship.
Opportunity Scholars: Support for students who demonstrate a combination of the highest academic credentials and the most significant financial need. Georgetown does not publicly specify the exact award amount.

Georgetown also offers several competitive academic scholars programs (Global Law Scholars, Technology Law & Policy Scholars, Business Law Scholars) that provide structured programming, mentorship, and career development in their respective areas. These are not standalone scholarships but are available to admitted students who apply separately.

Need-Based Aid

Georgetown requires the FAFSA and the CSS Profile for need-based grant consideration. Admitted students must also complete Georgetown’s Yellow Financial Aid Application. Dean’s Tuition Grants have historically gone to approximately one-third of the full-time JD class.

Merit scholarships are managed by the Office of Admissions. Contact that office directly for scholarship questions.

Important for ED applicants: Early Decision admits do not receive financial-aid information before the binding admissions decision.

For more on scholarship strategy, see How to Negotiate Law School Scholarships.

8. Georgetown Law Joint and Dual Degree Programs

Georgetown Law offers one of the most extensive joint degree menus in the T14:

JD/MBA with the McDonough School of Business (four years)
JD/MPP with the McCourt School of Public Policy (four years)
JD/MSFS with the Walsh School of Foreign Service (four years)
JD/MAAS (Asian Studies), JD/MAERES (Eurasian/Russian/East European Studies), JD/MAGES (German and European Studies), JD/MA in Latin American Studies, or JD/MASSP (Security Studies) with the Walsh School
JD/LLM in select concentrations
JD/MPH with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
JD/MA or JD/PhD in Philosophy with the Department of Philosophy
JD/PhD in Government with the Department of Government

Students must apply and be admitted to each program separately. Georgetown also permits J.D. students to pursue approved Concurrent Degrees at other institutions, with up to 6 credits counting toward the J.D.

9. Georgetown Law Employment Outcomes (Class of 2024)

Georgetown Class of 2024 employment outcomes (reported to the ABA, measured 10 months after graduation):

Full-time, long-term bar-passage-required employment (ABA): 87.3%
BigLaw (firms with 100+ attorneys): 61.4%
Federal clerkships: 4.8%
Public service (including government): 15.4%

Georgetown’s D.C. location drives strong placement into government, policy, and regulatory work alongside BigLaw. The 6.1% law school funded rate is the highest in the T14. D.C. and New York are the top markets.

10. Georgetown Law Areas of Study and Specializations

Government and Regulatory Law: Georgetown’s D.C. location makes it the premier school for students pursuing careers in government, regulation, and policy. No other T14 school has comparable access to Congress, federal agencies, and the executive branch.

Tax Law: Georgetown’s Graduate Tax Program is one of the top programs in the country. JD students benefit from the depth of tax faculty and course offerings.

Health Law and Policy: The O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law is a leading center for health law scholarship and advocacy, covering everything from FDA regulation to global health governance.

National Security and Intelligence Law: Georgetown’s Center on National Security and the Law and related programming are unmatched. The proximity to the intelligence community and the Department of Defense strengthens this offering.

International and Human Rights Law: Georgetown’s international law faculty, global programs, and clinical and institutional programs (including the Center for Applied Legal Studies clinic and the Human Rights Institute) make it one of the strongest schools for international human rights work.

11. Georgetown Law Clinics and Experiential Learning

Georgetown operates one of the largest and most comprehensive clinical programs in the country, with 17 distinct clinics. Key clinics include:

Communications and Technology Law Clinic: Students handle communications law, technology policy, and civil rights litigation through the Institute for Public Representation.
Juvenile Justice Clinic: Students represent children in delinquency proceedings in DC.
Federal Legislation Clinic: Students draft and advocate for federal legislation on behalf of real clients and advocacy organizations.
Criminal Defense and Prisoner Advocacy Clinic: Defense representation and post-conviction advocacy.
Appellate Litigation Clinic: Students brief and argue cases before federal appellate courts.
Health Justice Alliance: Interdisciplinary clinic integrating legal services with healthcare to address social determinants of health.
Civil Justice Clinic: Students represent low-income clients in civil legal matters in DC courts.
Environmental Law and Justice Clinic: Environmental litigation and policy advocacy.
Social Enterprise and Nonprofit Law Clinic: Transactional legal work for nonprofits and social enterprises.

Pro Bono and Experiential Learning

DC provides the deepest market for legal externships in the country: federal courts, the DOJ, SEC, FTC, EPA, Congressional offices, the White House Counsel’s Office, the Supreme Court, and hundreds of nonprofits and international organizations. Georgetown’s Pro Bono Pledge encourages students to complete pro bono service during law school.

12. Georgetown Law Notable Faculty and Journals

Faculty

Neal Katyal: Paul and Patricia Saunders Professor of National Security Law. Former Acting Solicitor General. Constitutional law, national security, and Supreme Court practice.
Rosa Brooks: Scott K. Ginsburg Professor of Law and Policy. International law, national security, and the future of warfare.
David Cole: Honorable George J. Mitchell Professor in Law and Public Policy. Former National Legal Director of the ACLU (2017-2024). Constitutional law, national security, and civil liberties.
Julie Cohen: Mark Claster Mamolen Professor of Law and Technology. Information privacy, intellectual property, and surveillance.
Randy Barnett: Patrick Hotung Professor of Constitutional Law. Director of the Georgetown Center for the Constitution. Constitutional law, contracts, and originalism. Argued before the Supreme Court in Gonzales v. Raich.

Journals

Georgetown Law Journal: One of the most cited law reviews in the country.
Georgetown Immigration Law Journal
Georgetown Journal of International Law
Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics
Georgetown Environmental Law Review
American Criminal Law Review (published at Georgetown)

13. Georgetown Law Culture and Student Life

Georgetown’s campus sits on Capitol Hill, minutes from the Supreme Court and the Capitol. The law school’s size (~672 per class, with the evening program adding more) creates a diverse, energetic community. The culture skews policy-oriented and public service-minded, reflecting DC’s character. The Jesuit tradition influences the school’s emphasis on justice and ethical reflection.

DC is arguably the best city in the country for legal education if your interests touch government, policy, international law, or public interest. The cost of living is high but manageable relative to NYC. The city’s density of legal institutions is unmatched.

14. Tips for Your Georgetown Application

The optional 250-word responses are worth doing. Georgetown is one of the few schools that lets you show personality through short, creative prompts. A well-chosen response can humanize your application. Choose the prompt where you can be most genuine. The “top ten list” and “perfect day” prompts tend to produce the most distinctive answers when done well.

Georgetown is not just “big school in DC.” The school’s clinical breadth, policy orientation, evening program, and scholars programs are distinctive. If you submit a Why Georgetown addendum, go beyond location. Name specific clinics, centers, or faculty whose work connects to your goals.

The group interview matters. If invited, prepare by thinking about how you evaluate ambiguity. The committee is watching how you engage with complexity, not whether you arrive at the “right” answer. Be thoughtful, listen to others, and speak with conviction without being rigid.

Leverage DC, but be specific. Everyone applying to Georgetown knows it is in DC. The question is what you would do with that location. If you want to work in government, name the agency or institution. If policy is your path, reference specific Georgetown programs that connect classroom learning to DC institutions.

Georgetown’s size is a strength, not a weakness. The large class means more clinical slots, more journal positions, more student organizations, and more alumni connections. If you are comparing Georgetown to smaller T14 programs, think about what the scale enables.

Want Help Getting Into Georgetown Law?

Georgetown’s customizable application process gives you more room than most T14 schools to build a distinctive case for yourself. The challenge is making every component count.

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Note: While this guide is kept up to date, always verify deadlines, requirements, and policies at the Georgetown Law website before applying.