Georgetown University Top Questions

At Georgetown, there exists this notion of a "Jack and Jane Hoya". This image of a stereotypical Georgetown student typically includes past education at an elite prep school, Northeastern roots, and a general affinity for all things salmon-colored or whale-embroidered. Even upon visting Georgetown's campus, it might appear that most students slip easily into this prep stereotype, strolling around sporting Ralph Lauren polos while typing away on their Blackberries. Once one actually becomes a student at Georgetown, however, this stereotypical veneer typically melts away, revealing that while Jack and Jane Hoyas do exist at Georgetown, so do many other varieties of Hoyas. Georgetown gets a reputation for having a largely white, affluent student body, but this narrow definition hardly reflects reality. In fact, some of the most active groups on campus are also the most culturally and religiously diverse.

Georgetown is often misunderstood as being a sports centered school because of the success of its famous HOYAS in basketball, however, this couldn't be further from the case. Georgetown is a world-class liberal arts school, that attracts the most cutting edge researchers, professors, and scholars.

When people think of Georgetown, they immediately think of a bunch of smart, preppy, rich kids. They think of nerds studying all day every day in the library (Lau) and the parties as non-existent because everyone is too busy studying. They envision girls in Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, J.Crew, Banana Republic, Vineyard Vines, etc. and the guys dressed equally as preppy and expensive. And sure, there are some of those students at Georgetown, but there are also some of those students at every other college and university in the country. Georgetown is one of the most expensive and prestigious universities so of course there needs to be people who can afford to pay the tuition every month, but there's also great financial aid so there's definitely a lot of diversity. Is everyone smart? Well, yes, for the most part. Sure there are those token kids that make you wonder if they only got in because of their parents, but overall, Georgetown is filled with ambitious, intelligent young people. Yes, there are slackers and procrastinators, but in the end, almost everyone here knows how to get their stuff done. But don't be fooled by our intelligence because we also know how to party. We don't have real frats or sororities, but that doesn't stop us from going hard Wednesday thru Saturday and the occasional Sunday Funday. Smart kids can party too.

Georgetown students are often stereotyped as smart, privileged, or even snobby; as a top university, we're seen as smart. But, thanks to the pricey tuition and cost of living coupled with the near Ivy League feel, we're also often seen as rich, spoiled, and preppy. Truth be told, the smart part is right on; if you're used to being the smartest one in the classroom, get ready for a change at GU--here, everyone is that smart kid. The classes are challenging but rewarding and while you don't have the comfort of skating by, you'll be better for it come graduation. Now the spoiled rich kid part... sure, you'll see 19 year old girls in brand new Rangerovers and the pricey shops on M Street aren't just for tourists. But, overall there a lot of normal people here that don't meet that stereotype at all. And for the ones that are, thats part of the game at top private institution--chalk it up another aspect of the distinctive Hoya feel.

I've read variations of this in guidebooks and heard it from DC folks when I tell them I went to Georgetown. To be honest, it's true! You know those kids that bolt the door and study all day, sit hunched over their laptops at lunch, and spend away hours playing video games by themselves? These are a staple on college campuses, and there are just not very many of them at Georgetown. Georgetown students tend to be extroverted. Sure they study hard, may spend a weekend hunched a laptop when need be, but for the most part, they feel that college is not just about academics. They tend to be go-getters, with many taking the GUTS shuttle into the city a few days a week to intern, exploring their interests out in the real world. Most Georgetown students are able to carry on a conversation with just about anyone. If you get to Georgetown not knowing how to do this, you will learn fast. People here are open and outspoken about their interests. Most are genuinely interested in getting to know their classmates. Georgetown doesn't have a Greek system, but its students are hyper-social, whether it be going out, studying in groups, or just lounging around, talking with friends for way too many hours.

Because Georgetown values both legacy and international diversity, the common stereotype is that the campus consists of trust fund preps and foreigners. While one walk around campus will confirm that many students dress up (think Polo, J Crew, etc) and that there's a plethora of diversity, you'll find that just about everyone is surprisingly down-to-earth. I attribute the lack of egotism to the fact that there's no legitimate greek life, which goes a long way in uniting the school rather than dividing it.

Because Georgetown values both legacy and international diversity, the common stereotype is that the campus consists of trust fund preps and foreigners. While one walk around campus will confirm that many students dress up (think Polo, J Crew, etc) and that there's a plethora of diversity, you'll find that just about everyone is surprisingly down-to-earth. I attribute the lack of egotism to the fact that there's no legitimate greek life, which goes a long way in uniting the school rather than dividing it.

...is exactly what you will hear on campus. A majority of students follow certain fashion trends that mark them as "typical" Georgetown students. This would include Sperrys, leather boots, leggings, collared shirts, sunglasses, and anything off of a J. Crew rack. Not your scene? Many people--like me--also do their own thing and fit in just fine. We all agree, though, that nothing beats wearing Hoya Blue and supporting our school.

Georgetown University is known for having the typical Jack and Jane Hoya. Jack Hoya wears his collar popped and is probably from New Jersey. Jane Hoya wears the latest fashions and both come from really wealthy families. While that is the general stereotype for Georgetown students, I find it to be unrepresentative of the students. Sure, there are plenty who fit that stereotype, but the thing I love most about Georgetown is that there is a place for everybody, and largely everyone is accepted into the Georgetown Community. That's not to say, Georgetown doesn't face the same issues that every other school faces, but I've always found it to be a place full of supportive people. A stereotype that is reflective of Georgetown is that students work hard and party hard. While definitely not a cut-throat environment, there is a pressure to do well at everything. A majority of the students study hard, hit the gym regularly, are involved in tons of organizations, and still find time to cheer on their Hoyas at basketball games. For those who don't fit that mold, it can be a little overwhelming at times, but totally worth it.

Georgetown University is known for having the typical Jack and Jane Hoya. Jack Hoya wears his collar popped and is probably from New Jersey. Jane Hoya wears the latest fashions and both come from really wealthy families. While that is the general stereotype for Georgetown students, I find it to be unrepresentative of the students. Sure, there are plenty who fit that stereotype, but the thing I love most about Georgetown is that there is a place for everybody, and largely everyone is accepted into the Georgetown Community. That's not to say, Georgetown doesn't face the same issues that every other school faces, but I've always found it to be a place full of supportive people. A stereotype that is reflective of Georgetown is that students work hard and party hard. While definitely not a cut-throat environment, there is a pressure to do well at everything. A majority of the students study hard, hit the gym regularly, are involved in tons of organizations, and still find time to cheer on their Hoyas at basketball games. For those who don't fit that mold, it can be a little overwhelming at times, but totally worth it.