It’s mid-September, which means we are at the tail end of our Spring 2016 transfer review process, and we are 2 weeks into the 2016 freshman application process. As such, here are a few random thoughts about the issues that have been most pressing over the past few weeks.
- Spring transfers-The end is in sight! I expect that by the end of this week, all spring transfer decisions will be done (unless there is an unusual circumstance involving your application). Anytime I can say we are down to the last 30 or so files, you know it is close.
- Freshmen-As of this morning, we had over 2,700 Early Action applications in, with 40 states (plus Washington DC) and 877 high schools represented. Not bad for two weeks in!
- Remember, your role in the application process is not done once you submit your application. You need to make sure you have sent in your official SAT/ACT scores from the testing agency and have alerted your counselor that you now need an official transcript and a school/counselor evaluation to be submitted. One business day after you apply, you will be able to log into your myStatus site and enter in your counselor’s email into a text box to alert them to send these items.
- When entering in your self-reported grades, get a copy of your transcript first! If you are relying on your memory for your grades, stop right now. Get a copy of your transcript so you can see what we will see, and then enter in the completed core area grades from your 9th grade on (no 8th grade grades, even if they are HS classes).
- We would rather have you take your time and complete your application correctly as opposed to rushing through it to get it in quickly.
- Once you submit your application, you cannot change from Early Action (EA) to Regular Decision (RD) or the reverse, so choose wisely.
- If you are unsure about whether to apply EA or RD, ask yourself one question-Are you okay with our office looking at your overall academics on October 16th, or do you need more time/want fall grades to be in/want one more SAT/ACT score? That should drive your decision.
- If the only ACT you have only sent us is an ACT without Writing, we can’t use it. We need at least one ACT Writing score in order to use your ACT scores. We are fine with one or more ACT scores without Writing if you have at least one with Writing.
- We are fine if you send in just an SAT or just an ACT (with Writing), but we need at least one.
- If your neighbor/best friend/person you met at Kroger starts sharing the latest rumor about UGA Admissions, leave the store immediately. Avoid them at all costs!
- Find a few colleges that fit you well, and don’t put all your eggs in one big UGA admissions basket.
- Stop by and say thanks to your high school counselor. They deserve it.
- Interesting statistic: If you apply within a few days of the deadline, your chances of admission decrease greatly. This is not due to any preference on our end (we treat an application sent in 9/2 the same as 1/15), but instead is an indicator of preparedness/procrastination. In other words, don’t wait until the deadline to apply! If you are a procrastinator, change your habits now.
- Give your mom and dad a hug. Before you know it, you are going to be away at college, and they will really miss you.
- Remember, senior year counts. We always have a few students where sadly, we have to rescind their offer of admission. Don’t let this happen to you!
Go Dawgs, and may the odds be in your favor!