Admitted Student FAQ

May I take a tour of GW Law?: Student-led tours for the fall have concluded but will resume in early 2024. The Spring 2024 tour schedule and instructions on how to make a reservation for a tour will be posted under the Visit tab once available. In the meantime, you may email [email protected] if you'd like to set up an individual appointment and an admissions representative would be happy to show you around campus.
Does GW Law reimburse admitted students who visit campus for travel expenses?: Reimbursement of up to $300.00 for travel-related expenses (airfare, train tickets, bus fare, car mileage) to attend a Preview Friday will be available upon matriculation in August (deadline for reimbursement requests: September 14, 2024). Please hold on to all travel-related receipts until then.
Where can I find housing resources?: Students have an array of off-campus housing options. Housing options vary throughout neighborhoods in DC, Virginia, and Maryland. By surveying GW Law students about where they live, VeryApt has created a housing guide that may be a great resource for you. The guide describes neighborhoods and specific buildings throughout the DC area. We also facilitate roommate matching in the spring.
If I am admitted, may I defer my admission to the following year?: Perhaps. We consider requests for deferral on a case-by-case basis. We will consider your reasons for seeking a deferral and let you know our decision within one or two weeks of receipt of your request. We generally grant one-year deferrals, although we will grant two-year deferrals in some special cases (e.g., individuals who are called to military duty or who choose to participate in Teach for America or the Peace Corps).
How can I connect with other admitted students?: There are a number of ways to get to know your future classmates, including attending in-person Preview Friday, joining the Fall 2024 entering class Facebook page, participating in Zoom drop-in hours with student ambassadors and fellow admitted students, and attending our regional admitted student events across the country.
Can I be put in contact with a current student and matched by interest area or background?: Yes, please reach out to [email protected] and they will match you with a current student to set up a time to talk.
When I visit the school, do you have suggestions for where to eat nearby?: The options are endless! Please check out our neighborhood dining guide for starters.
When will 1L orientation be held, and when do classes start?: 2024 Orientation information will be announced early summer. The 2024-2025 Academic Year Calendar can be found on the GW Law website.
When are 1L course schedules assigned and what is the process for purchasing textbooks?: Except for the Brandeis Inn, incoming 1Ls are randomly assigned to an Inn of Court, and your Inn assignment includes your entire 1L class schedule. Your Inn assignment generally occurs just a couple of weeks before classes begin. Course selection and specialization begin your 2L year. Over the summer, the Dean of Students will be in contact with you about the process for purchasing textbooks.
Should I be doing anything specific to prepare for my 1L year?: There is really nothing you need to do beforehand to prepare. You have already demonstrated through your application that you are well-prepared to begin your law school journey. Nonetheless, as the start of 1L classes approaches, the Dean of Students Office will be reaching out to you over the summer with optional programming to facilitate the transition into law school.
Whom should I contact if I have a disability and/or accommodation request?: For disability support services, please contact the Dean of Students Office by emailing [email protected].
How do I change my GW email address?: You will receive your GW email address during the summer, prior to orientation. If you would like to update your GW email address, please submit the Email Change Request Form.
How do I change my chosen/preferred first name in the University systems without changing my legal name?: For information, see the article: How to Change Your Chosen First Name in University Systems Without Changing Your Legal Name.