George Washington University 2025-26 Supplemental Essay Guide

The George Washington University 2025-26 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 500 words

Supplemental Essay Type: Diversity

How to Write Compelling George Washington University Supplemental Essays

Unlike many other schools, GW’s supplemental essay is entirely optional! Before you close out this page, though, remember that they are seeking “students who have the academic preparation, personal qualities, and motivation to thrive in GW’s dynamic environment.” And what’s the best way to show you meet their standards? By writing the optional essay, of course! Both options center on world issues that are important to you but approach them from different angles. Read on to learn how to write a winning GW supplemental essay! 

GW Essay Prompts Breakdown

(Optional) Every applicant can choose from one of the following two essay prompts to submit.

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? (500 words)

Admissions wants to accept ambitious students who seek to leave the world a better place than they found it. If you had the power to change the course of history, what would you do? Take some time to brainstorm and write down anything that comes to mind. Maybe if you had the power, you would make higher education more affordable and accessible to first-generation children of immigrants like yourself. Perhaps you would decriminalize drug possession and allocate more funds to rehabilitation programs across the country to help fight the opioid crisis. Let your imagination run wild and show the George Washington University admissions committee that you aren’t afraid to dream big and imagine a better world. 

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? (500 words)

Engaging others in meaningful conversations about important issues can be incredibly intimidating and challenging, and the George Washington University admissions committee knows this. Nevertheless, we have all experienced standing up for what we believe in some capacity, so scroll through your memory to identify a time when you had an uncomfortable conversation with friends, family, or even mere acquaintances. Maybe you engaged your grandparents in a conversation regarding the Black Lives Matter movement. Were you able to clearly communicate your perspective? Did they have a different understanding of the movement after speaking with you? Perhaps you learned that one of your friends was a passive supporter of an organization that you vehemently disagree with. How did you broach the subject and what was the outcome of your conversation? You don’t need to have changed someone’s mind to impress admissions here. You just need to show that you’re not afraid to speak up about important issues and engage with those who may have different opinions than you. College will present you with a plethora of opportunities to meet and interact with people who are very different from you, so show GW that you’re game to learn, listen, share, and grow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in GW Essays

We have been reading George Washington University essays for over twenty years now, so we know a thing or two about the most common mistakes students make. The most common mistakes to avoid are repeating the prompt in your essay (don’t waste your words), trying to sound like an academic (admissions wants to hear your authentic voice!), and using cliches (they’re ineffective and—let’s face it—lazy).

Why Choose College Essay Advisors for GW Essays

We at College Essay Advisors have been guiding students one-on-one through the essay writing process for the GW supplements for over twenty years. We take a holistic approach to these essays, considering each student’s application package as a whole and identifying their strengths to highlight. Our Advisors accommodate each student’s scheduling needs to virtually brainstorm, draft, and revise winning essays. It’s incredibly important to us that each student’s voice is preserved, and we pride ourselves in helping students to write successful GW supplemental essays that differentiate them from similarly qualified applicants. For more information, submit a contact form below or review our one-on-one advising services or list of student acceptances.