Georgetown University: School of Foreign Service in Qatar

The following is a list of helpful items to remember when completing  your application for Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar.

• DO your research! Make sure the program you are applying to is one you are interested in and have the background for.
• DO ask us if you have any questions.  E-mail (SFSQadmissions@georgetown.edu) is the best way to ask questions – that way you have a record of your request.
• DO identify yourself in your email communications (preferably via your email address itself).  Messages with names attached are more likely to receive a swift response.
• DON’T forget to check your email account regularly, and make sure it does not fill up.  Much of our communication is accomplished via email. 
•  DO consider who your target audience is. You are preparing materials for university officials. Your tone and language should reflect this, in all your communications with the university.
• DO apply to more than one university; no university has unlimited seats available, and you should also have a “back-up plan” in case you do not get in to your first choice.  
• DO take your standardized tests well in advance of the application deadline – we recommend no less than 3 months ahead of time.  The earlier you take the test(s), the more likely you will have time to re-test if necessary.  
• DO suggest to your recommenders that they write an individual and personal letter about you and your strengths and weaknesses as a student.  Form letters do not give us any real information about you.   
• DO submit your application online, if possible.  It will look neater, and cannot get lost in the mail.  
• DO fill in your application completely.  Missing information leads the reader to think you are careless or are hiding something.  
• DO be specific about your accomplishments, your background, and your interests. Avoid generalities.
• DO be sure to explain (an email or cover letter is fine) any special circumstance(s) in your educational history – for example, an especially bad grade, or a semester or a year out of school.  DON’T assume the readers will overlook it, or will ‘figure out’ the reason.  
• If you have already finished high school, DO include full information on what you have been doing since that time, such as work, or any further studies, including transcripts if available. 
• DO provide reliable contact information, especially mailing address, email address, and phone number(s).  
• DO let us know if you are also applying to Georgetown University in Washington, DC .  That way we can check there first if application information is missing here.  
• DON’T submit your application in a fancy binder (please!).  It might look nice, but it is more difficult for the reader to go through, and difficult to file. 
• DO proofread your materials before submitting them.  In particular, DON’T misspell the name of the university or the program to which you are applying.

Ready to Apply?  Use the APPLY ONLINE link to proceed directly to the online application.

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