First-year Admission

FIRST-YEAR ADMISSION

Applicants for first-year admission to summer or fall semester must apply by the appropriate deadline (see the Admissions Web site, www.admissions.uga.edu). The University of Georgia admits first-year applicants whose high school curriculum, grades earned, and college admissions test scores indicate they can be successful at the university level. The admissions standards are primarily a combination of these academic factors and the competition for a limited number of class openings by a growing number of highly qualified applicants. For first-year admissions, the University calculates an academic index based upon academic credentials and the actual performance of recently enrolled first-year students. Historically, the most heavily weighted factor in the University's admissions process has been the grades earned in core college preparatory subjects. The University may also request and use qualitative information to determine a student's potential for success at and contribution to the University.

Required High School Curriculum

Prospective first-year students are encouraged to take a full schedule of college preparatory subjects in high school. Only grades earned in high school courses in English, mathematics, science, social studies, and foreign language are used to calculate the academic grade point average for use in the admissions process. However, a student's transcript is reviewed for evidence of intellectual curiosity in all subject areas.

It is recommended that high school students take the most rigorous curriculum available to be prepared for college work. Certain high school courses are recommended for particular college majors. For instance, trigonometry, geometry, chemistry, and physics are advised for anyone pursuing any Bachelor of Science degree.

Students graduating from high school who plan to enroll in a University System of Georgia research university in a program leading to the baccalaureate degree must present a minimum of 16 units, distributed as outlined below.

College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC)

Courses and Instructional Emphasis:

English (4 units)
- Grammar and usage
- Literature (American, English, and World)
- Advanced composition skills
Mathematics (4 units)
- Algebra I, II, and Geometry, and a fourth course with the three listed courses as prerequisites
Science (3 units)
- At least one laboratory course from the life sciences
- At least one laboratory course from the physical sciences
Social Science (3 units)
- United States Studies
- World Studies
- One additional unit
Foreign Language (2 units)
- Two courses in one language emphasizing speaking, listening, reading, and writing

Completing the Application

Please refer to the Admissions Web site (www.admissions.uga.edu) to determine all the components necessary to complete the application.

Test Requirements

An "official" (sent electronically by the testing agency directly to UGA) report on the College Board's Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT Assessment) is required of all first-year applicants. Students taking only the ACT must also submit the writing assessment score. Paper "rush reports" will not be considered. The University's school code number for the SAT is 5813; our code for the ACT is 0872. To expedite processing of your application, please include your correct Social Security Number and birth date when taking the SAT or ACT. Applicants whose high school class graduated five or more years ago may be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. These non-traditional applicants may be asked to submit results of the COMPASS Exam which may be taken through the University's Testing Services (706-542-3183).

It is highly recommended that applicants also submit two or three SAT-II test scores (English, Math, and a foreign language). Students who have had at least two years of foreign language in high school should take the College Board SAT-II Subject Exam in that language if they plan to continue studying it. Optional but strongly recommended SAT-II or Advanced Placement tests include English, chemistry, biology, physics, American or European history, mathematics, art, computer science, political science, economics, music, and psychology. Further information on the University's advanced placement policies may be obtained from the Honors Program office or at www.uga.edu/honors. Information about the College Board SAT-II or Advanced Placement tests may be obtained from the high school counselor, or directly from Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 592, Princeton, New Jersey 08540.

First-year applicants who attend non-accredited high schools or are home educated must submit SAT I or ACT scores at or above the first-year average for the class entering the preceding fall semester. Additionally, these applicants must present evidence of satisfactory academic work in the five College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) subjects. Specific criteria may be found on our Web site (www.admissions.uga.edu).