Deferred Applicant FAQ

Early Action applicants who have received notice that their application has been deferred often have questions about the decision and what steps are necessary to continue being considered for admission. We have put together the following FAQ to address those concerns.

I have been deferred. Is that the same thing as being denied?

NO! Early Action Applicants who have been deferred have been identified by UGA as being academically competitive and will still be considered for admission for Summer/Fall. Your commendable academic credentials have been reviewed and, at this time, we are deferring the decision about your admission so that we may consider a more comprehensive overview of your accomplishments and achievements.

Should I apply again or submit another application fee in order to be considered for Regular Decision?

No. Applicants who have been deferred should not reapply for admission and no additional application fee is necessary. Your application should be complete, but you may provide new information through the Application Update Form located on your status page  through January 31. You may also send an optional teacher recommendation, your current fall semester grades and/or additional test scores. Self-reported mid-year grades can be entered on the Application Update Form or sent by your school by mid-January and ACT or SAT scores must be sent to UGA electronically from the respective testing agencies by January 15.

Will UGA accept December SAT or ACT scores if I choose to retake either of those tests?

Yes. UGA will accept December SAT and ACT scores as long as they are sent electronically from the respective testing agencies by January 15.

I was deferred but another student at my high school with a lower GPA or lower standardized test scores than I have was admitted. Why?

The primary academic factors in admission are:

  • Grades through the end of junior year
  • Rigor of a student’s curriculum relative to the curriculum offered at his/her high school
  • SAT or ACT scores from exams taken AND requested by October 15

In addition, secondary consideration is given to the following factors in our whole student review:

  • Intellectual Pursuits
  • Creative Endeavors and Intercultural Experiences
  • Public Service
  • Co-curricular Activities
  • Community Involvement
  • Leadership and Family Commitments
  • Integrity and Personal Maturity

Therefore, a specific GPA or test score does not determine whether or not a student will be admitted Early Action.

I still want to be considered for admission to UGA. What is my next step?

Your application should be considered complete for Summer/Fall unless your application status page indicates that we are still awaiting materials.  If you have new information you may provide it through the Application Update Form located on your status page.  You may also send an optional teacher recommendation, your current fall semester grades and/or additional test scores. Self-reported mid-year grades can be entered on the Application Update Form or sent by your school by mid-January and ACT or SAT scores must be sent to UGA electronically from the respective testing agencies by January 15.

In addition to the Optional Teacher Recommendation, should I submit additional letters of recommendation?

No. In reviewing your application for admission, UGA will place the most value in a letter of recommendation from an academic teacher.

When will I receive my final decision?

Applicants from the Early Action pool, as well as Regular Decision applicants will receive final decisions in March.

Am I at any disadvantage by being deferred?

No. In recent years, a large number of students who were deferred Early Action were eventually offered admission to UGA.