The George Washington University Interview Preparation
Master the interview process with expert tips, sample questions, and proven strategies from Dr. Karan Gupta
Interview Format
Format
Optional alumni interview offered to applicants; may also be conducted by senior admissions staff for competitive programs
Duration
30 minutes
Interviewers
Alumni volunteers, many working in government, policy, international relations, or law in the D.C. area
Interview Style & Expectations
Professional and current-events-oriented. GW interviewers expect you to be aware of what's happening in the world and to articulate how your interests connect to the D.C. ecosystem. Think of it as a policy conversation, not a college chat.
What GWU Looks For
Sample Interview Questions
Fit
GW's campus is steps from the White House, State Department, and World Bank. How would being in D.C. specifically advance your goals?
Tip: Don't just say 'internships.' Name specific organizations, think tanks, or agencies where you'd want to work. GW students start interning freshman year — show you've thought about this.
What would you do in your first semester at GW to get involved beyond the classroom?
Tip: Research specific GW organizations: the Roosevelt Institute, GW College Democrats/Republicans, Model UN, or specific research centers. Generic answers about 'clubs' won't impress.
Values
Tell me about a policy issue or global challenge you care about and what you think should be done about it.
Tip: Have a real opinion with supporting reasoning. GW is not a place for fence-sitters on policy questions. Show you can think critically, not just parrot talking points.
Character
Describe a leadership experience where you had to navigate disagreement or competing interests.
Tip: GW values political savvy and diplomacy — show you can lead through complexity, not just authority.
Preparation Strategy
Do's - Preparation Tips
- Read the news before your interview — GW interviewers will notice if you can't discuss current events intelligently.
- Know the difference between GW's schools (Elliott School of International Affairs, SMPA, Columbian College) and why you're applying to yours.
- D.C. is the selling point — make your case for why you need to be in the capital, not just at a 'good school.'
- Dress slightly more professionally than you would for other college interviews — GW's culture tilts professional.
Don'ts - Common Mistakes
- Being unable to discuss a single current policy issue with any depth
- Treating D.C. as just a cool city to live in rather than a strategic advantage for your career
- Not knowing which GW school or program you're applying to — the Elliott School, SMPA, and Columbian College are very different
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