GuidesUpdated 1 November 2026
The Georgetown alumni interview: how it works and how to prepare
Georgetown expects you to complete an alumni interview when one is assigned. Interviews are run by volunteers in Georgetown's Alumni Admissions Program between September and February, in person or virtually, and your interviewer submits an evaluative report.
Unlike most colleges, Georgetown puts the next step on you: when you're emailed your interviewer's details, you contact them to set it up. Below is how it works, the topics Georgetown lists, a worked example and how to prepare.
How does the Georgetown interview work?
| Question | What Georgetown says |
|---|---|
| Who interviews you | A volunteer from the Alumni Admissions Program (AAP) |
| Is it required | Yes, when assigned: students are required to complete their interview |
| Is it evaluative | Yes. Your interviewer submits an evaluative report |
| When | Assigned between September and February, after you submit the first part of your application |
| Who makes contact | You do. You're emailed your interviewer's details and should take the initiative to reach out |
| Format | In person or virtually, with no preference between them |
| If no interviewer is available | For international students, Georgetown says there's no negative effect |
What does Georgetown ask in the interview?
Georgetown's own pages list the topics: your academic interests, extracurricular activities, summer experiences, family background, future plans and your exposure to Georgetown. That makes this one of the more predictable alumni interviews. Here's how those topics usually turn into questions:
| Georgetown's topic | How it's often asked | What a strong answer does |
|---|---|---|
| Academic interests | "Which school at Georgetown are you applying to, and why?" | Links the school to a real interest |
| Extracurricular activities | "What do you do outside class?" | Goes deep on one thing |
| Summer experiences | "How did you spend last summer?" | Says what you learned, not just what you did |
| Family background | "Tell me about your family and where you grew up." | Shows what shaped you |
| Future plans | "Where do you see yourself after college?" | Has a direction, open to change |
| Exposure to Georgetown | "How have you got to know Georgetown?" | Names visits, classes or people specifically |
A worked example: "Why this school at Georgetown?"
- Why it's asked: Georgetown applicants apply to one undergraduate school (for example the College, the Walsh School of Foreign Service or the McDonough School of Business), so the interviewer wants to hear why that one.
- What a strong answer does: names what the school offers that you'd use, and connects it to something you've done, such as a debate, a job or a family experience.
- Weak answer: "Because Georgetown is in DC and has a great reputation."
- A likely follow-up: "What would you do with being in Washington that you couldn't do elsewhere?"
Teaser of a strong opening (swap in your own): "I've spent two years [translating for my parents' immigration case], and I want to study [how those policies are made], which is exactly what [the School of Foreign Service] is built around."
How to prepare for a Georgetown interview
- Reply to the assignment email quickly. Georgetown expects you to reach out, so write to your interviewer within a day or two and offer times.
- Prepare one story per topic. Georgetown names six topics. Have a short, specific story for each.
- Know your school within Georgetown. Be able to say what you'd study and why that school, not just why Georgetown.
- Practice out loud. Aim for answers of about a minute that leave room for follow-ups.
- Bring two questions. Georgetown suggests using the interview to learn more about the university. See questions to ask your alumni interviewer.
AdmitMock is an AI mock interview app for Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL and US college alumni interviews: an AI interviewer asks the questions out loud, follows up, and shows you what to fix.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Georgetown alumni interview required?
Yes, when one is assigned. Georgetown says students are required to complete their interview when assigned.
How do I get a Georgetown interview?
Georgetown assigns interviews after you submit the first part of your application. You'll get an email with your interviewer's details, and you should contact them to arrange it.
When do Georgetown interviews happen?
Between September and February, depending on when you apply.
Is the Georgetown interview in person or online?
Either. Georgetown holds interviews in person and virtually and says it has no preference.
What if no Georgetown interviewer is available near me?
For international students, Georgetown says that if an interview can't be arranged there is no negative effect on the application.
What does Georgetown ask in the interview?
Georgetown lists academic interests, extracurricular activities, summer experiences, family background, future plans and your exposure to Georgetown.
Related guides
Sources
Checked 1 November 2026.
AdmitMock is not affiliated with Georgetown University. We use Georgetown's published guidance and common interview formats, not insider information.
