Congratulations on earning your Georgetown interview. Let's make sure you're ready for it.

Georgetown undergraduate admission · 2026-27 first-year applicants

Your Georgetown interview

Georgetown aims to give every applicant an alumni interview, a conversation with a Georgetown graduate who lives near you or meets you on a video call. Applicants describe it as relaxed and friendly, more like a chat than a test.

Sources (4)

Georgetown: Application Requirements and Forms · Georgetown: Alumni Interview · Reddit: How do I prepare for an alumni interview? : r/georgetown (2026) · Reddit: What is a Georgetown alumni interview like ? (2021)

9 in 10of first-year applicants are assigned an alumni interview through the Alumni Admissions Program, according to Georgetown's admissions office in its 2020-21 interviewer handbook. Scribd

Congratulations again: at Georgetown an interview is a normal part of applying, since the admissions office has said about 9 in 10 first-year applicants are assigned one, so your invitation means your application is moving along as expected. Georgetown's 2025-26 Common Data Set rates the interview as "Important" in admission decisions, which is more weight than many peer schools give it. One caveat: the 90% figure comes from a 2020-21 handbook and may have changed, and these pages do not say why some applicants are not assigned one or how that is treated.

Sources (4)

Scribd: Georgetown AAP Interviewer Handbook 2020-21 (2020) · collegedata.fyi: Georgetown University Common Data Set 2025-26 (2025) · College Statistics: Compare University Data - College Statistics (2024) · College Transitions: Georgetown University: Inside the Numbers - College Transitions (2026)

WhoA volunteer alum from the Alumni Admissions Program (more than 7,500 interviewers), matched by a local committee chair Georgetown · Georgetown

How longGeorgetown doesn't say; applicants report about 30 minutes to 1 hour Reddit · Reddit · Reddit · Reddit · Reddit

WhereIn person (a school, library, coffee shop or the interviewer's office) or virtually; Georgetown has no preference Georgetown · Georgetown

WhenInterviews are assigned September to February, after you submit the first part of your application Georgetown · Georgetown · Georgetown

4 more: who reaches out, does it count, not offered one, after

Who reaches outYou do. You and the interviewer both get an email, and it's your job to contact them Georgetown · Georgetown

Does it countYes. The interviewer submits an evaluative report that goes into your admissions file Georgetown · Georgetown

Not offered oneSome international applicants aren't assigned one due to too few volunteers; that won't hurt them Georgetown · Georgetown

AfterEarly Action decisions by December 15; Regular Decision by April 1 Georgetown · Georgetown

How you get an interview

You don't have to ask. Georgetown aims to interview every applicant, and interviews are assigned as applications come in, from September to February. Submitting the first part of your application starts the process: Georgetown's portion of the Common App (without the writing supplement), or Part 1 if you use the Georgetown Application. Your interview can even happen before you send the writing supplement.

Watch your email. You and your interviewer each get an email when you're matched, with their contact details.
You make the first move. Georgetown says it is your responsibility to contact your interviewer and set a time and place.
Once assigned, it's required. Georgetown lists the interview as a required part of the application if you're given one.
Not assigned? Some international applicants are not assigned one because there aren't enough alumni nearby. Georgetown says this does not hurt their chances. Georgetown accepts InitialView interviews, but they are not required and don't count toward the alumni interview.

On timing, applicants report (2025) that Early Action applicants are matched first, through October, while Regular Decision applicants may not be matched until November or later. One applicant (2024) waited about two months. Georgetown notes that applying early gives you more time to schedule.

Sources: Georgetown: Application Requirements and Forms · Georgetown: Alumni Admissions Program · Georgetown: The Alumni Admissions Program · Georgetown: International Admissions · Georgetown: Alumni Interview · Georgetown: First Year Applicants · Georgetown: Counselors · Reddit: Georgetown Interview Debrief (2024) · Reddit: I have a question about the interview for Georgetown (2025)

What they're looking for

Georgetown says the interview helps it learn about your high school experience, your college goals and your interest in Georgetown. It's your chance to share your story, add to what's in your application, and point out key things for the Admissions Committee.

Topics Georgetown lists: academic interests, activities, summer experiences, family background, future plans and your exposure to Georgetown.

Fit and real interest. Raheel Masood, a former Georgetown associate director of admissions, says interviewers look for genuine commitment to Georgetown and strong knowledge of it. He calls the alumni "already in your corner" and says "this is not a test".
The person behind the file. Applicants report that interviewers often know little beyond your name, contact details and school (2018, 2020), so this is a chance to show personality, not repeat your grades.
Passion, not a list. A former interviewer of over a decade (2023) says to show real enthusiasm for your hobbies, books or activities rather than reciting clubs, and to give specific reasons for Georgetown.

Sources: Georgetown: Alumni Interview · Georgetown: First Year Applicants · YouTube: Raheel Masood, former Georgetown associate director of admissions, on the alumni interview · Reddit: I just had my Georgetown interview, here's some thoughts (and AMA too) (2018) · Reddit: georgetown interview- interview perspective (2020) · Reddit: Former Georgetown Interviewer-here are my tips (2023) · College Confidential: I just had my Georgetown University interview today, how do you think I did? (2010)

The day itself: what applicants report

Length. Most report 30 minutes to an hour. A few were shorter (15-20 minutes) or longer (one ran 90 minutes, applicants report 2017). One scheduled for an hour ended after about 40 minutes, which posters said is normal.
Format. Many are on Zoom or Google Meet. In person, it's often a coffee shop such as a Starbucks. One applicant (2025) notes meeting at your home is not allowed.
Feel. Most describe a friendly, back-and-forth conversation. The interviewer often talks a lot about their own Georgetown years.
Common questions. Tell me about yourself; why Georgetown; why your major; your activities; how you heard about Georgetown; what you look for in a community; what you did over the summer. Some were asked where else they're applying.
Your turn. Several report the last 10-15 minutes were for their own questions, plus a chance to add anything else.

Sources: Reddit: How do I prepare for an alumni interview? : r/georgetown (2026) · Reddit: Alumni Interviews - Advice (Georgetown) (2025) · Reddit: I just had my Georgetown interview, here's some thoughts (and AMA too) (2018) · Reddit: 2025 Georgetown University Interview FULL INFO (2024) · Reddit: Georgetown Interview Recap (2025) · Reddit: How Important is the Georgetown Interview? (2024) · College Confidential Forums: Georgetown Interview (2017) · Reddit: my georgetown interview: a saga (2023) · Reddit: Georgetown Interview (2026) · Reddit: georgetown interview tips? (2021) · Reddit: georgetown interview- interview perspective (2020)

How much it matters

Georgetown calls the alumni interview an important and key part of the first-year application, and the report goes into your file. It doesn't publish how much weight it gets.

Applicants' guesses are low: posters estimate about 1% to 5% of the decision (2021-2026), and one parent (2024) called it mostly a check for red flags that moves things only at the margins. Several report being admitted after awkward interviews. One applicant (2026) said her interviewer described a 1-9 scale where under 7 means rejection, but other posters disputed this. A former interviewer (2023) noted that very few of the applicants he met were accepted, since nearly everyone is strong on paper, so a good interview alone won't carry you.

Sources: Georgetown: Application Requirements and Forms · Georgetown: First Year Applicants · Reddit: Alumni Interviews - Advice (Georgetown) (2025) · Reddit: georgetown interview tips? (2021) · Reddit: How Important is the Georgetown Interview? (2024) · Reddit: Georgetown Interview (2026) · Reddit: Georgetown Uni Interview (2026) · Reddit: Former Georgetown Interviewer-here are my tips (2023)

How to prepare

Know your why Georgetown. Be specific: the school you're applying to, particular programs, organizations or traditions. Reread your Why Us essay.
Prepare a few stories. Have real examples ready for why Georgetown, why your major, and one experience that shows how you learn or contribute.
Think about community. Applicants are asked what they look for in one; think about what you'd add at Georgetown.
Follow the news if it fits. A former interviewer says to be ready for current events, especially for the School of Foreign Service or if you've shown interest in politics.
Email promptly and politely. Reach out by email (not text) soon after you're assigned, with correct names, and reply quickly.
Have good questions. Ask about their Georgetown experience, not things the website answers.
Dress neatly and be early. Applicants suggest presentable or smart casual clothes; test your tech if it's virtual.
Résumé: optional. Some applicants offered one or asked if the interviewer wanted it; others say don't just recite it.

Sources: YouTube: Raheel Masood, former Georgetown associate director of admissions, on the alumni interview · Reddit: How do I prepare for an alumni interview? : r/georgetown (2026) · Reddit: Alumni Interviews - Advice (Georgetown) (2025) · Reddit: georgetown interview tips? (2021) · Reddit: 2025 Georgetown University Interview FULL INFO (2024) · Reddit: Georgetown Interview Recap (2025) · Reddit: Georgetown Interview Debrief (2024) · College Confidential Forums: Georgetown Alumni Interview (2014) · Reddit: What is a Georgetown alumni interview like ? (2021) · College Confidential Forums: Georgetown Interview (2017) · Reddit: Former Georgetown Interviewer-here are my tips (2023) · YouTube: Kevin Zhen, co-founder of the counseling service ElevatEd School, with Georgetown interview tips · Reddit: I just had my Georgetown interview, here's some thoughts (and AMA too) (2018)

If something goes wrong

Interviewers are volunteers, not admissions staff, and most applicants describe them as kind. A few report problems: one interviewer showed up 10 minutes late at the wrong cafe (2023), and some posters say they were asked for their GPA and SAT scores (2020, 2026). One applicant (2026) described a rude, unprofessional interviewer.

Report bad behavior. Applicants suggest telling the Alumni Admissions Program office or your regional alumni coordinator, now or after your decision. Your school counselor can help.
Don't panic. Posters say a short or awkward interview is common and doesn't sink an application.

Sources: Reddit: my georgetown interview: a saga (2023) · Reddit: Georgetown interview gone very wrong (2026) · Reddit: georgetown interview- interview perspective (2020) · Reddit: Georgetown Interview (2026) · Georgetown: Alumni Admissions Program

After the interview

Your interviewer writes a report of the conversation, which joins your file for the Admissions Committee. The interview doesn't lead to any instant decision.

Send a thank-you email. Applicants recommend one, within a day and mentioning something specific they said.
Then wait. Early Action decisions come by December 15 and Regular Decision by April 1. Early Action is non-binding, so you have until May 1 to choose.
Don't read too much into it. One interviewer told an applicant (2026) that Georgetown doesn't give interviewers much feedback.

Sources: Georgetown: Alumni Interview · Reddit: I just had my Georgetown interview, here's some thoughts (and AMA too) (2018) · Reddit: Alumni Interviews - Advice (Georgetown) (2025) · YouTube: Kevin Zhen, co-founder of the counseling service ElevatEd School, with Georgetown interview tips · Georgetown: First Year Applicants · Reddit: Georgetown Interview (2026)

Your interviewer

Maureen Delacroix Fictional interviewer

Get a briefing on your own interviewer

Know who's interviewing you? Their LinkedIn profile is the best source.

Use a computer if you can. Open their LinkedIn profile in a web browser, click More (or ⋯) under their name, then Save to PDF.
On a phone: the LinkedIn app can't save a profile. Open linkedin.com in your phone's browser instead, switch to the desktop site, and use More → Save to PDF.
Upload the PDF here, or paste what you know about them (a bio, a profile page).

See the sample briefing

Supply chain VP in Erie, PA; 1998 SFS grad (International Economics); has interviewed Georgetown applicants in northwest Pennsylvania since 2008.

Maureen is a very experienced volunteer interviewer. By her own count she has had roughly 120 conversations over 18 years, so she has heard every stock answer. She studied at the School of Foreign Service, wrote for The Hoya (the student newspaper) and studied abroad in Lyon, France. She now runs freight logistics, meaning how goods move by rail, truck and ship, for a company in Erie. She says outright what she likes: students who are curious about their own town, and time for their questions. Expect a relaxed chat. Because she has met so many applicants, plain answers and a list of clubs will likely blend together for her. Specific, real detail will stand out.

Their path

Georgetown University, Walsh School of Foreign Service: B.S. in Foreign Service, International Economics, graduated 1998. Wrote for The Hoya and studied abroad in Lyon.
1998–2005: Customs compliance analyst at a customs brokerage in Buffalo, NY. Her About section says her first job involved translating customs paperwork.
2004: MBA from Penn State Behrend, taken in an evening program while she was working.
2005–2017: Logistics manager, then director of procurement (buying materials) at an industrial supplier in Pittsburgh.
2008–present: Georgetown alumni interviewer in northwest Pennsylvania, about 18 years.
2017–present: VP of Supply Chain Operations at Bayfront Freight Partners in Erie. She leads 60 people and rebuilt the company's cross-border customs process with Canada after the 2025 tariff changes.

What it means for your conversation

She told you what she values: curiosity about your own town. Think ahead of time about one thing in your community you have actually noticed, wondered about or gotten involved in. It could be a local business, a change, a person or a problem.
She 'always leaves time' for your questions. Arrive with two or three real ones about her Georgetown experience.
After about 120 interviews she can spot a rehearsed answer. Talk naturally and use specific examples.
Her career went sideways, from a foreign-service degree into logistics. She will likely be relaxed if you are unsure about your future plans. Honest uncertainty is fine.
As an SFS grad who works on trade and tariffs, she may bring up current events, especially if you are applying to SFS or have shown interest in politics. Skim the news, but don't fake expertise.
She works full-time as an executive and volunteers on the side. Be on time, email promptly and keep scheduling easy for her.

Questions they may lean toward

What's something about your town or region you find interesting, or would change? Her profile directly says she likes students who are curious about their own town.
Why Georgetown, and why this specific school? It is a standard question. She graduated from SFS, so she will likely notice whether you know the differences between Georgetown's schools.
How do you deal with something unexpected, or a plan that changed? This is an inference: her own career path was unplanned, so she may value adaptability. Have one real story ready.
A current events or global question, especially if you're applying to SFS A former interviewer says SFS interviewers often ask these. Her work also deals with tariffs and trade.
What do you look for in a community, and what would you add? Applicants commonly report being asked this.

Honest common ground

If you live in northwest Pennsylvania, you share a region, and she likes hearing local perspectives.
If you write for your school newspaper, she wrote for The Hoya.
If you study French or have lived or traveled abroad, she studied in Lyon and works in French. Only mention this if it's true for you.
If you actually follow Georgetown basketball or the Erie SeaWolves, it's a light topic. Don't bring it up just to connect.

Questions to ask them

What was writing for The Hoya like, and what did it teach you? It's a specific, real part of her Georgetown experience and isn't something the website answers.
How did your semester in Lyon shape your time at Georgetown or after? It invites a personal story instead of facts you could look up.
Having talked with so many applicants, what do you think Georgetown students have in common? After about 120 interviews she has a real perspective to share. Don't ask her to compare you to other applicants.
Did anything from SFS end up mattering in a career you didn't expect? Her path took a turn, so this is a genuine question. Ask only if you're curious.

Avoid

Don't recite her resume or pretend to be interested in logistics or supply chains.
Don't read off a list of clubs. Pick one or two things and go deep.
Don't ask questions the Georgetown website answers.
Don't take strong political stances on tariffs or trade to impress her. Being thoughtful and curious works better.
Don't bring up her refugee board work or nephews unless she mentions them first.
Don't contact her by text, and don't suggest meeting at your home.

A sample, to show what the briefing looks like: Maureen Delacroix and their employers are invented.

Based on: The sample interviewer's profile (fictional) · Georgetown: Application Requirements and Forms · Georgetown: Alumni Interview · Reddit: How do I prepare for an alumni interview? : r/georgetown (2026) · Reddit: What is a Georgetown alumni interview like ? (2021)

All sources · 37 plus 15 applicant threads

Applicant threads are linked under each question.