The George Washington University has published its supplemental essay prompts for the 2023-2024 college admissions cycles. Applicants to GW’s Class of 2028 are offered the chance to respond to one of two essays. And while their response is optional, longtime readers of Ivy Coach‘s college admissions blog know all too well that which is optional in elite college admissions should never be considered optional. So what are this year’s essay prompts? Let’s dive in!

2023-2024 GW Essay Topics and Questions

Applicants to GW’s Class of 2028 have the choice of responding to one of the following two optional essays:

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? 

It’s all about choosing a specific topic to answer this question well. Broad topics like climate change or racism will not suffice. We encourage applicants to lean into sharing a story about their community rather than the world at large since admissions officers always prefer students acting locally while thinking globally. This essay prompt offers applicants a chance for students to teach admissions officers something about their own community and how they would hope to effectuate change.

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?

This essay prompt is a chance for students to showcase the diverse intellectual thinking they will bring to GW’s community. Admissions officers seek to admit students who will argue their opinions with zeal. Still, they also want these same students to be open to changing their views when presented with the different viewpoints of their peers and professors. So, when addressing this prompt, applicants should pick an engaging topic that showcases their passion and highlights how they’re malleable to change.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with GW Essays

If you’re a rising senior seeking assistance submitting essays that will wow GW admissions officers, fill out Ivy Coach‘s consultation form, and we’ll be in touch to outline our college counseling services.