We are roughly three weeks out from the UGA Early Action (EA) application deadline, so here are a few suggestions/recommendations for applicants/parents:
- Please, please, please (that is 3 pleases, which means it’s important) don’t wait until near the deadline to apply. Seriously, it puts you and your counselor/teachers/parents in a challenging spot. Delaying things on your side generally means a delay in letting your counselor/teachers know to submit their information, which causes stress for them. In addition, waiting until close to the deadline adds stress to the family dynamics, which only heightens the stress of applying. I have tried to mash up a few words, such as procrastinate and angry = prangry, or cramming (like cramming for a test) and angry = crangry, but I am not sure if any of these work. Just get it in well before the deadline and don’t make anyone grumpy.
- Go ahead and have the testing agencies send in your test scores. Seriously, do it. In our review system, we only display/use the best sub-scores and best superscore, and our admission system only uses the best score. As such, there is no need to delay in sending in the scores, especially since this is the most common thing for applicants to forget or do late.
- If you are waiting for a future score, still go ahead and send in your previous scores. When new scores come in, we will automatically update your file with the next sub-scores and superscore, and this information will then be used by our office.
- You can submit your application before, after or while your additional materials are being worked on/submitted. If a transcript, recommendation, test score or any other item is sent in, our system is made to match these to the applicant or hold in your file until the application is submitted. We have been doing this for a long time, and we are very proficient in matching up items to an application.
- UGA does not look at demonstrated interest. As I have said before, if you apply, I can assume you are interested in UGA. So no need to send emails to your UGA counselor just to say hi, send in hand written notes or candy, etc. You have a lot on your plate right now, so we don’t want to add more stress to your already stressful life by making you take any actions just to let us know you are interested. Focus on having a good senior year and submitting your applications.
- Ignore any so-called admissions experts who do not work in Admissions or college counseling. Just because your neighbor had a child who went through the admissions process a few years ago does not make them an expert in admissions. It makes them knowledgeable about being a parent going through the admissions process, but not about the ins and outs of how admissions works at each college. Stick with the people who actually do admissions.
- For out-of-state applicants, the state required fourth science always gets confusing. In general, if a student has an 8th grade science class that is HS level, or if they have a fourth science from within the wide range of options given by the state on the Staying on Course document, page 3, then that is fine for a fourth science. We will also round up if you have 3.5 credits of science, and we will also use psychology as a science since it has elements of both science and social science knowledge.
- I repeat, don’t wait until the deadline to apply. I have seen too many tears, received too many sad emails, etc. about missing a deadline due to waiting too long and an issue arises that causes a problem with the application/supporting materials.
I hope these suggestions help, and Go Dawgs!