The Complete Transfer Guide to Universities in the Washington DC Area
As an international student attending community college you have several universities in the Washington D.C. area you can transfer to continue your studies. While they are several universities, they all have very different admission criteria for transfer students. This guide will help you understand what are the requirements you need to transfer to each of them.
George Mason University
George Mason University, located in Fairfax, Virginia (near Washington, D.C.), is a top-ranked public research university known for its innovation, diversity, and strong academic programs. It enrolls over 39,000 students from 130+ countries, offering a welcoming and globally focused campus environment.
Key Highlights for International Students:
🌎 Popular Programs: Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, Public Policy, and Economics.
GMU Admission Criteria for International Transfer Students
| Criteria | Direct Entry Transfer | Undergraduate Transfer Program |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 cumulative GPA | 2.3 high school GPA 2.0 cumulative GPA |
| Minimum Transfer Credits | 24 earned semester credit hours | 12 earned semester credit hours |
| English Composition Requirement | Equivalent to English Composition 101 and English Composition 102 | Equivalent to English Composition 101 and English Composition 102 |
| Math Requirement | College-level Math | Calculus I required for Engineering students |
| English Proficiency (if no ENGH 101 & 102) | TOEFL iBT 80+ (min 18 per section) Duolingo 110+ IELTS 6.5+ (min 6.0 per section) | TOEFL iBT 70+ Duolingo 100+ IELTS 6.0+ |
| Transfer Credit Policy | Only courses with a grade of C or higher are eligible for transfer credit. | |
| Additional Note | Students with fewer than 24 transfer credits must submit an official high school transcript. | Students with fewer than 12 transfer credits must submit an official high school transcript. |
George Mason University has a list of competitive majors with additional requirements for those students looking to transfer as a direct entry student. Please click here to see the list of majors and additional requirements. (https://www.gmu.edu/transfer/requirements/selective)
American University
American University, located in Washington, D.C., is a top-ranked private research university known for its focus on global engagement, leadership, and policy studies. It enrolls over 13,000 students from 141+ countries, offering a highly international and inclusive academic environment.
Key Highlights for International Students:
🌎 Popular Programs: International Relations, Public Policy, Business, Global Studies, Communication, and Environmental Sustainability.
Admission Criteria for International Transfer Students
| Criteria | Transfer Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 cumulative GPA |
| Minimum Transfer Credits | 12 earned semester credit hours |
| High School Transcript | Students with fewer than 24 transfer credits must submit an official high school transcript for review. |
| English Composition Requirement | Equivalent to English Composition 101 and English Composition 102 |
| Evaluation for Fewer Than 24 Credits | If students have fewer than 24 credits, admission decisions will be based on both high school and college GPA. |
| Evaluation for More Than 24 Credits | Students with more than 24 transfer credits will be evaluated solely based on their college GPA. |
| English Proficiency (without both Composition Courses) | TOEFL iBT 85+ Duolingo 120+ IELTS 6.5+ |
| Transfer Credit Policy | Only courses with a grade of C or higher are eligible for transfer credit. |
| Additional Requirements | Personal Essay and CV/Resume required. Letter of recommendation optional. |
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University, located in Richmond, Virginia , is a large public research university known for its diverse academic programs, innovation, and hands-on learning approach . With over 28,000 students from more than 100 countries , VCU offers a welcoming and globally focused environment for international learners.
Key Highlights for International Students:
🌎 Popular Programs: Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, Fine Arts, Computer Science, and Psychology.
VCU Admission Criteria for International Transfer Students
| Criteria | Transfer Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 cumulative GPA |
| Minimum Transfer Credits | 24 earned semester credit hours |
| High School Transcript | Students with fewer than 24 transfer credits must submit an official high school transcript for review. |
| English Composition Requirement | Equivalent to English Composition 101 and English Composition 102 |
| Evaluation for Fewer Than 24 Credits | If students have fewer than 24 credits, admission decisions will be based on both high school and college GPA. |
| Evaluation for More Than 24 Credits | Students with more than 24 credits will receive priority application review. |
| English Proficiency (if no Composition Courses) | TOEFL iBT 70+ Duolingo 105+ IELTS 6.0+ |
| Transfer Credit Policy | Only courses with a grade of C or higher are eligible for transfer credit. |
| Additional Requirements for Engineering Students | • GPA 2.7 or higher • Calculus I with a grade of C or higher • College credit for at least one laboratory science course (e.g., Physics or Chemistry with Lab) |
George Washington University
George Washington University, located in Washington, D.C. , is a prestigious private research university known for its strong global focus, academic excellence, and unparalleled access to international organizations, government agencies, and embassies. With students from more than 130 countries , GWU offers a vibrant, diverse, and career-oriented environment ideal for international learners.
Key Highlights for International Students:
🌎 Popular Programs: International Relations, Political Science, Business, Computer Science, Public Health, and Engineering.
GWU Admission Criteria for International Transfer Students
| Criteria | Transfer Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Minimum GPA | 3.5 cumulative GPA (competitive minimum) |
| Minimum Transfer Credits | 30 earned semester credit hours |
| High School Transcript | Students with fewer than 30 transfer credits must submit an official high school transcript for review. |
| English Composition Requirement | Equivalent to English Composition 101 and English Composition 102 at the time of application. |
| Evaluation for Fewer Than 30 Credits | If students have fewer than 30 credits, admission decisions will be based on both high school and college GPA. |
| SAT or ACT | The SAT or ACT exam are optional. |
| English Proficiency (if no Composition Courses) | TOEFL iBT 90+ Duolingo 115+ IELTS 6.5+ |
| Transfer Credit Policy | Only courses with a grade of C or higher are eligible for transfer credit. |
| Recommendation Letter | A letter of recommendation is highly recommended. |
| College Report | Required as part of the transfer application. |
| Application Deadlines | • October 1 – Spring Semester • April 1 – Fall Semester |
Georgetown University
Georgetown University, located in Washington, D.C., is one of the most prestigious private research universities in the United States, recognized globally for its excellence in academics, leadership, and international engagement. Founded in 1789, Georgetown combines world-class education with a commitment to global service, diplomacy, and ethics. With students from over 130 countries, the university offers a truly international learning environment in the heart of the U.S. capital.
Key Highlights for International Students:
🌎 Popular Programs: International Relations, Global Business, Law, Economics, Political Science, and Public Policy.
Admission Criteria for International Transfer Students
| Criteria | Transfer Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Minimum GPA | 3.8 cumulative GPA (competitive minimum) |
| Minimum Transfer Credits | 12 earned semester credit hours |
| Maximum Transfer Credits | 60 earned semester credits is the maximum number of credits allowed to transfer. |
| High School Transcripts | Official transcripts for grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 are required. |
| Application Term | Transfer students can only apply for the Fall Semester. |
| Transfer Credit Policy | Only courses with a grade of C or higher are eligible for transfer credit. |
| Letter of Recommendation | A letter of recommendation is required, preferably from a professor in your intended major of study. |
| Application Deadline | March 1 |
| Dean’s Report | Required from your current or most recent college/university, certifying good academic and disciplinary standing. |
| Secondary School Report | Must be completed by your high school counselor and include your final high school transcripts. |
| SAT or ACT | Required for transfer applicants unless the candidate graduated from high school five or more years prior to their intended start date. |
| Personal Essay | Required as part of the application. |
| Activities List | Required; applicants should include extracurricular, volunteer, and leadership activities. |
| English Proficiency | TOEFL iBT 100+ IELTS 7.5+ Duolingo 120+ |
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