How GU Community is Embracing the University’s Move to Join the Common App: Reactions and Insights

Georgetown University recently announced it will join the Common Application starting in August 2026. This decision marks a significant shift from its previous practice of using its own admissions application. Many top colleges already use the Common App, which is available to over 1,100 U.S. institutions.

Reactions among Georgetown students are mixed. Some see this as a positive step toward making it easier for more students to apply. Ethan Henshaw, president of the Georgetown University Student Association, believes the Common App will broaden Georgetown’s reach. “More students will see it,” he said. He hopes this change will help diversify the applicant pool, especially since recent admissions data showed a decrease in students of color.

In June 2023, the Supreme Court’s decision to eliminate race-based affirmative action affected Georgetown’s enrollment. The university had fewer students of color in the Class of 2028 compared to previous years—49% versus 53% in the Class of 2027. This shift raises questions about how admissions strategies can adapt to foster diversity without the previous affirmative actions in place.

Asher Maxwell, a member of the student group Hoyas Against Legacy Admissions, echoed Henshaw’s sentiments. He said joining the Common App will make Georgetown more accessible to students from various backgrounds, not just those with wealth and privilege.

For current students like Chloe Treanor, director of the campus tour group Blue and Gray Society, the Common App’s centralized process simplifies the application journey. “It’s easier for students who may struggle with navigating the application process alone,” she noted.

However, not everyone is on board with the change. Some students worry that the streamlined application may attract applicants who apply out of convenience rather than passion for Georgetown. George LeMieux, a GUSA senator, expressed concern that applicants may prioritize Georgetown merely as a prestigious name rather than engaging with its Jesuit values. He argued that genuine interest in the university’s unique qualities is crucial.

John DiPierri, another GUSA senator, cautioned that this shift might alter student engagement. He highlighted how passionate students currently are about their choice to attend Georgetown, tying this enthusiasm to the existing application process that encourages thoughtful applicants.

Erik Olmen, a tour coordinator, raised practical concerns about the increased applicant pool. He fears this could impact the personal touch of alumni interviews, which provide applicants insight into Georgetown’s culture and community.

In the last application cycle, about 26,800 students applied to Georgetown, with only around 12% receiving acceptance. The university is ranked 24th in the U.S. News & World Report rankings. As student Raghav Akula pointed out, joining the Common App may lead to a rise in applications, thus lowering the acceptance rate and potentially improving the university’s ranking.

Despite differing opinions on the impact of this change, it’s clear that Georgetown’s decision to adopt the Common Application is a significant moment in its admissions history. As the university considers how this adjustment will reshape its identity, the dialogue continues among students about what it means for the future of the campus community and its values.

For further details on the Common App, visit their official page.

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