The George Washington University (GW), located in Washington, D.C., is known for its strong academic programs and career outcomes. This article breaks down the GW ACT scores and requirements, and you can also check out our posts on GW’s SAT statistics and requirements!
What is the average ACT score at George Washington?
GW’s average composite ACT score is around 32, which is significantly higher than the national average of about 21. The 25th percentile score is 31. In addition, the 75th percentile score is 34.
These statistics show that the lowest 25% of scorers achieved a 31 or below. Meanwhile, the highest 25% of admitted students scored a 34 or above. These figures reflect the competitive nature of George Washington admissions, but also show that there is no single score applicants must achieve for admission.
What is the average ACT English score at George Washington?
The ACT composite score is the average of the scores from the four test sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The average ACT English score at GW is 34. Furthermore, the 25th percentile sits at 32 and the 75th percentile at 35. This indicates that a majority of George Washington students excel in the English section of the ACT.
To be specific, 25% of admitted students achieved up to a 32 on their ACT English section. In addition, the top 25% of admitted students scored at or above 35 on their ACT, likely with many perfect scorers among them. Although these scores are quite high, there is no expectation to hit a perfect score in order to be admitted to GW.
What is the average ACT Math score at George Washington?
The average ACT Math score at GW is 29. Additionally, the 25th percentile sits at 27. Further, the 75th percentile reaches a strong 32. These statistics mean that 25% of GW admits scored at or below a 29 on their ACT Math section. The top 25% of admitted students, meanwhile, exceeded 32 on their ACT Math section.
Although these scores are lower than the English section scores, they are still well above the national average. There is still no strict expectation that your exam results will be near-perfect in order to be admitted to GW. Nevertheless, the expectations are fairly high, as seen in their average ACT scores.
What are George Washington’s ACT requirements?
GW maintains a test-optional policy for most applicants. This means that most applicants can omit test scores their applications to George Washington without penalty. The exceptions to this policy are members of the following groups:
- Applicants to the accelerated seven-year B.A./M.D. program
- Homeschooled applicants
- Applicants from schools with only narrative evaluations
- Recruited NCAA Division I athletes
If you belong to one or more of the groups listed above, then you must submit SAT and/or ACT scores in order to be considered for admission to George Washington.
Note that GW does not allow applicants to self-report their test scores. In other words, you must send your scores directly from the testing agency to The George Washington University.
Additionally, GW neither requires nor considers the ACT Writing section.
More information can be found on GW’s Undergraduate Admissions webpage.
What percentage of George Washington applicants submit the ACT?
Among George Washington’s admitted applicants, 15% submitted ACT scores. An additional 31% of these students opted to submit SAT scores. The remaining approximate 54% omitted standardized test scores.
These statistics show that more than twice as many successful applicants chose to submit ACT scores over SAT scores. Moreover, the most popular choice among applicants is to go test-optional. That said, there is no advantage to submitting one test over the other. There is also no disadvantage to go test-optional. Instead, the choice depends on the applicant’s strengths and preferences.
Should I go test-optional?
Submitting a high SAT or ACT score can increase your chances for admission to a competitive school like GW. We recommend that students take the SAT or ACT if possible, as a competitive score will boost the application. If the score is not strong, it can be omitted without penalty.
If your ACT scores fall within or above GW’s 25th to 75th percentile ranges, they may be worth submitting. Ultimately, whether to submit scores is a personal decision.
Does George Washington superscore the ACT?
GW does superscore the ACT. This means that if you submit multiple ACT scores to George Washington, the admissions team will focus on your highest section scores across different test dates. That said, unlike many other universities, GW will not create a new score out of those highest section scores.
For more information, visit GW’s Test Optional webpage.
What’s a good ACT score for George Washington?
While George Washington does not have specific ACT score cutoffs, aiming for scores within the middle 50% range can be advantageous. The average composite score is around 1410, so targeting a score close to this average or higher is a good strategy.
Remember, a “good” score for GW will be quite high when compared to the national averages. Statistically, the average US high school student will score around a 21 composite on their ACT. Thus, the average ACT score of 32 at GW can be a challenging mark to strive for. Ideally, your score will fall at or above the 25th to 75th percentile range for George Washington.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 31 | 32 | 34 |
| English | 32 | 34 | 35 |
| Math | 27 | 29 | 32 |
Can I get into George Washington with a low ACT score?
Admission to George Washington with a low ACT score is possible, especially given its test-optional policy. “Low” is relative; a score below GW’s average is still competitive when stacked against the national averages.
In addition, a strong academic record and extracurricular achievements can compensate for a lower score. GW reviews applications holistically, considering personal qualities, extracurricular activities, and essays. Thus, if your ACT score is lower than you had hoped, you can focus on other elements of your application, and, if it feel right to you, go test-optional.
When should I take the ACT for George Washington?
The optimal time to take the ACT for GW is during the junior spring semester. That said, it’s most important that you take your exams early enough that you meet all required application deadlines. For Early Decision I applicants, scores must be submitted by November 1. The Early Decision II and Regular Decision deadlines are January 5. The Seven-Year B.A./M.D. deadline is November 15, and the Spring Admission deadline is October 1.
Because it can take weeks for your scores to process and send to schools, it’s advisable to take your last ACT no later than 4-8 weeks before the appropriate application deadline.
What is George Washington’s ACT code?
GW’s ACT code for submitting official test scores is 0664.
While GW no longer requires applicants to submit standardized test scores, submitting a high ACT score can strengthen your application. However, opting not to submit scores will not disadvantage you. Ultimately, the decision to take and submit test scores should be based on your individual strengths, goals, and circumstances. If you’re also considering the SAT, be sure to check out our GW SAT Breakdown!
