Required Materials for PhD Programs

Applicants must submit the following materials in order to be considered for admission into a SEAS graduate program. All materials except test scores must be uploaded to the online application form:

1. Online Application
   
   ACCESS ONLINE APPLICATION
   
    
2. Transcripts
   • Scanned copies of unofficial transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned; the program was not completed; or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. 
   • Please ensure that all transcripts are properly scanned and attached to the online application form. Otherwise, applicants will receive notifications requesting legible transcripts, which may delay review of their application.
   • Please do not mail official transcripts unless you are instructed to do so by a SEAS admissions officer. Admissions decisions are based on unofficial transcripts.
   • For international applicants, please see additional requirements for attaching foreign transcripts to the online application.
      
3. GRE scores
   • The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants, except for those who received a bachelor's or master's degree from GW at the School of Engineering & Applied Science.
   • GRE scores must be sent to institution code 5246 through the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
   • There is no minimum score required on the GRE for admission. However, applicants are encouraged to score within the 80th percentile of the Quantitative section of the exam in order to be considered competitive. To see average GRE scores from the most recent incoming class, visit the Graduate Student Profile.
      
4. English proficiency exam scores (international applicants)
   • International applicants who did not receive a degree from an institution situated in the United States or English-speaking country must also submit scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic exams.
   • Please view the International Admissions section for information on English language exam score requirements and sending scores to GW.
      
5. Letters of Recommendation
   • A minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation is required to be submitted with the online application form.
   • At least one recommendation should be from an advisor and/or faculty member(s) at the institution from which you earned your highest degree. 
      
6. Statement of Purpose
   • Applicants must include an essay of 400-600 words that clearly states their purpose in undertaking graduate study at the George Washington University; explains their academic objectives, research interests, and career plans; and discusses related qualifications including collegiate, professional, and community activities, as well as any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned.
   • It is strongly encouraged that essays stay within the 600 word limit. While applicants are not penalized for submitting longer essays, concise essays are more effective in demonstrating an applicant's motivation.
   • The Statement of Purpose must be written by the applicant. Any essay found to have been written by anyone other than the applicant, or plagiarized from other published materials, will be withdrawn from consideration.
      
7. Résumé/CV
   • A current résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) should be uploaded with the online application form.
   • If you have published articles in peer-reviewed publications, please include them as a hyperlink.