Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business has steadily become one of the most competitive undergraduate business programs in the country. McDonough draws high-achieving students who are intellectually curious, globally minded, and interested in leadership with purpose. Its location in Washington, D.C., and its connection to Georgetown’s Jesuit values add a distinct dimension: this is a business school where ethics, policy, and global impact matter just as much as profits and performance.
While Georgetown’s overall acceptance rate is around 12%, the admit rate for McDonough is significantly lower – we estimate it lands in the high single digits. As more students apply directly into business, the program’s selectivity continues to climb. This is not a fallback option, it’s a top-tier, direct-entry program with serious competition.
That said, it’s absolutely within reach, if you plan ahead. With strong academics, a focused interest in business, and a narrative that reflects both ambition and intentionality, you can build an application that stands out. Let’s walk through how to make that happen
Is McDonough your top choice? We’ve helped countless students gain admission to McDonough and other top undergrad business schools. Our counselors are ready to provide expert, personalized guidance to help you meet your goals – reach out to us today.
Get the Grades
If Georgetown McDonough is your goal, strong academics aren’t just helpful – they’re essential. Successful applicants aren’t just taking tough classes; they’re excelling in them. You should be enrolled in the most rigorous courses your school offers, whether that’s AP, IB, or honots, and especially in subjects like economics, statistics, and calculus. A transcript with mostly As in advanced coursework is the expectation, not the exception.
And unlike many peer institutions, Georgetown requires standardized test scores. Submitting the SAT or ACT is not optional, and if you’re applying to McDonough, those scores need to be strong. We recommend aiming for a 1550+ on the SAT or a 35+ on the ACT to remain competitive in a pool filled with top-tier students.
The bottom line? McDonough is looking for students who can thrive in a rigorous, fast-paced environment. Your transcript should reflect the preparation and discipline that kind of environment demands.
Build a Niche
At a school like McDonough, saying “I’m interested in business” doesn’t mean much on its own. The admissions team is looking for students who have gone beyond the basics – applicants who have already started exploring specific areas of business in meaningful ways. If your application reads like a general introduction, it’s going to blend in.
Let’s say finance catches your attention. That’s a good starting point, but what have you done with it? Maybe you’ve started following global market shifts or studying how central banks influence investment behavior. Perhaps you've explored how microfinance models work in emerging economies, or how to best utilize impact investing to make a difference. These aren’t just impressive talking points – they’re signs that you’ve moved from passive interest to active investigation.
Georgetown values precision, global awareness, and intellectual initiative. The students who stand out are the ones who connect their curiosity to action and show how their interests have evolved over time. If you want your McDonough application to rise to the top, you’ll need to build a story that reflects that kind of focus. We’ll show you how.
Courses and Reading
If you’re genuinely interested in business, you need to start exploring these interests outside of class. The most compelling applicants are the ones who take initiative on their own, seeking out ways to deepen their understanding of the field. That could mean enrolling in online courses through platforms like edX, Coursera, or Open Yale Courses to get exposure to subjects like international finance, strategic management, or business and public policy.
You also need to read. Yes, you do! Look for biographies of influential global business leaders, books on regulatory frameworks, or case studies on innovation and ethics in complex markets. And make it a habit to follow current events. Track stories from Bloomberg, Financial Times, The Economist, and Harvard Business Review to stay connected to real-world developments – this can help you figure out what it is you’re truly interested in.
What matters most isn’t how many topics you touch, but how far you’re willing to go with the ones that truly interest you. McDonough values students who approach business with curiosity, depth, and perspective. The more time and thought you invest now, the clearer your direction will be when it’s time to apply.
School Extracurriculars
If your school offers business-focused clubs, sign up, and even better, become a leader. Organizations like DECA, FBLA, or a general business or investment club can help you gain early exposure to business fundamentals and give you a space to apply what you’re learning. If your school lacks options, that’s an opportunity. Start something that aligns with your specific interests – maybe it’s a global economics club, a women in leadership group, or a microfinance initiative that partners with local entrepreneurs.
You can also consider how business can connect to other disciplines or issues that matter to you. That might look like launching a project that blends entrepreneurship with environmental impact, starting a speaker series on business and social justice, or developing a financial literacy program for younger students or underserved communities. And don’t forget: leadership experience isn’t limited to formal clubs. Managing your school’s budget as student body treasurer, coordinating the financial side of a large fundraiser, or running operations for a student-led event all show initiative and strategic thinking.
Out of School Extracurriculars
We strongly encourage students to gain work experience – whether it’s during the summer, weekends, or any available break. For future business majors, especially those applying to McDonough, having a job shows maturity, discipline, and the ability to take ownership. The role doesn’t need to be flashy. Working retail, assisting in a local office, managing a family-run operation, or even tutoring younger students, these are all ways to show that you understand what it means to be reliable in a professional setting.
It’s also smart to look into pre-college summer programs that focus on business, economics, or leadership development. Some are hosted on college campuses, including Georgetown, and offer a valuable opportunity to engage with real-world business challenges, connect with peers, and experience the college environment firsthand.
Internships can add value, too, but only when they fit your narrative. If your application emphasizes international finance, but your experience is centered around sports marketing or retail strategy, admissions officers may struggle to connect the dots. McDonough values applicants who have a clear direction. Your resume should reinforce the interests you claim in your application, creating a cohesive story about who you are and where you’re headed.
Start a Company
Let’s have a quick word with those of you planning to major in “entrepreneurship.” At McDonough, that word alone isn’t going to carry much weight. It’s a mindset, not a major – and without action to back it up, it just sounds vague and it’s a bit of a red flag (dropout to CEO pipeline, anyone?). Georgetown isn’t looking for students chasing the next headline-worthy startup idea. They’re looking for grounded, strategic thinkers who are serious about building sustainable ventures with real impact.
If entrepreneurship is something you genuinely care about, show it through action and skill development. Learn how to manage a budget, build a product, lead a team, and navigate risk. Better yet, apply those skills. Maybe you organized a student-run consulting group, launched an online business, or built a program to serve your community. It doesn’t need to be flashy, it just needs to be real.
McDonough values thoughtful execution over big talk. It’s not the word “entrepreneur” that impresses them – it’s your ability to show that you know how to solve problems, follow through, and build something that lasts. That’s what tells them you’re ready for business school.
Apply Early
Georgetown offers a Restrictive Early Action (REA) option, and if McDonough is high on your list, applying early is a smart move. While REA doesn’t come with a guaranteed statistical boost, it does signal that you’re serious about Georgetown, and when you’re applying to one of the university’s most competitive programs, that kind of demonstrated interest can matter. Additionally, submitting your application early gives you the advantage of being reviewed before the regular decision pool is filled.
Georgetown’s REA is non-binding, which means even if you’re admitted, you’re not obligated to attend. However, you may not apply to any binding Early Decision programs at other schools. You can, however, apply Early Action to any other schools, like Michigan, UNC, or UT, all of which also happen to have top business schools.
Strong McDonough applicants don’t just check academic boxes – they take the most rigorous courses available, build resumes that show initiative, and take on leadership roles that reflect real direction and drive. If you’re serious about getting in, it’s important to start early and build intentionally.
We can help you put together an application that aligns with your strengths and tells a clear, compelling story. Reach out to us today if you want to get started.
Need help strategizing for McDonough? Contact us now.