Tag: SAT

Test Score Deadline for 2017 RD and Deferred EA applicants

  David Graves      July 20th, 2016

It seems like everything is changing for the freshmen who will be applying for Summer/Fall of 2017. The FAFSA date is changing to take into account tax/financial information from two years prior to their entry term (some are calling this Prior-Prior Year FAFSA), the SAT has changed, the ACT essay has changed, and the Coalition Application is now a part of some college’s application system (not ours). As far as the changes to the SAT and the ACT, we have seen some changes in the timing of the release of scores. For the SAT, it might now take in between 26 and 39 days for us to get a score report. In addition, the ACT (without the essay) is now taking about 10-14 days to get to us. In light of these changes, and in trying to help out our applicants during a confusing year, we have changed the required date for taking AND requesting a test score be sent to UGA. We will take any SAT or ACT (without the essay) that is both taken AND requested to be sent to UGA by February 11th. This means that we will use the SAT that is offered on January 21 and the ACT that is offered on February 11. This does not mean wait until the last minute to send any scores though. Since we use only your best scores, and we superscore by using the best subscores within each test type (ACT, SAT 1, and SAT R). My best […]

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UGA and the New SAT

  David Graves      May 12th, 2016

As everyone probably knows, the College Board started offering the newly redesigned SAT test in March of 2016, and the Essay portion is now optional. This new SAT (which I am calling the SAT R for now), will impact freshman applicants starting in the Summer/Fall of 2017 and beyond. UGA will continue to accept both the old and the new SAT and the ACT, but with the change in the SAT R test, we will not require or use the Essay/Writing component for either the SAT or ACT for students beginning in the Summer/Fall 2017 term and beyond. UGA will continue to superscore the SAT and the ACT (we do not superscore across SAT and ACT exams though), and we will continue to use the SAT subscores for both SAT tests in the superscore calculation for each SAT type, those being the SAT I and the SAT R. In reviewing the details of the equivalency charts from the new to the old SAT, we have now determined that we will not be able to superscore between the two SAT tests. While we initially thought we might be able to superscore across the two SAT’s, we now see that this is not possible for many reasons, especially due to the difficulties in trying to compare the Critical Reading (CR) and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) sections. Based on our review of the new scores and the concordances, we do not predict this change to have any negative impact on any chances […]

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SAT Closings and Scores for Make-up Date of 2/20

  David Graves      January 22nd, 2016

A number of students will be taking the SAT on January 23, and if you take it on this date and you have already requested for the scores to be sent to UGA, we will be able to use these scores in our decision process for Fall 2016 applicants. For some students who have signed up for the January 23 SAT exam though, the weather has forced a closing of their test site and the make-up date is now set for February 20. Unfortunately, we will not be able to use these February 20 SAT scores in the review process for our Fall 2016 review. While we would like to be able to use the February 20 scores, unfortunately these scores will not get to UGA until roughly the second week of March, which is when we will be preparing to release decisions. Our decision process is a massive project, and one where we need to keep on track in order to make the process flow correctly. In order to allow students to receive decisions, work with financial aid, and make plans for the next year, we have to make sure we get decisions out in a timely fashion. As such, we will not be able to use the February 20 scores. We hope this helps you understand more about this issue and our process. Go Dawgs!

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Random Admission Thoughts-October 2016 edition

  David Graves      October 23rd, 2015

We are about a week out from the Early Action application deadline, and one day past the document deadline. As such, there are a wide range of questions that are hitting us right now. Here are a few thoughts on the issues that we are seeing most often. ACT Scores -The ACT has announced that the September ACT scores with Writing are being reviewed and sent out slower than expected, but they still project having all scores sent to colleges within 3-8 weeks of the test being taken. Our office knew this timeline going into our Early Action planning, and so we will continue to import ACT scores through the projected 8 week out delivery date. Please be patient, as we do not control the sending of the scores, only the uploading of the scores once we receive them. Our office uploads test scores on Tuesdays and Fridays, so be patient. ACT Screen Shot of Scores – While the ACT has suggested that colleges might accept a screen shot of the ACT scores, we do not want these sent to us. As I stated above, we have planned for the long timeline that ACT has in sending out scores, so we will continue to import scores for EA (and RD). Again, do not send a screen shot of your scores, as we will not use it. SAT Scores – The SAT recently modified their test score format and delivery method, so for the week of 10/19-10/23, they did not send […]

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2016 EA Deadline is Approaching

  David Graves      October 8th, 2015

The Early Action deadline is almost here, and the two weeks surrounding the deadline are similar to Atlanta during 5:00 p.m. rush hour traffic (on a Friday).  Our office typically receives 4,000+ applications within the last few days, has a drastic increase in mail, and deals with a great deal of emails and phone calls in the few days both before and after the deadline.  The best thing an applicant can do is be patient and make sure you have requested your test scores, transcript and school evaluation.  We will be working as quickly as possible to match documents with files, but we are dealing with a large number of applications and supplemental material, so things do not happen immediately. Remember, the supporting document submission deadline is October 22, so you do not need to panic if it is October 16 and your file is not complete. The fastest way to get material to us is to send it electronically.  Schools can submit transcripts online through Docufide/Parchment, through GaCollege411, or through our High School Counselor Portal transcript upload process.  The high school evaluation can be submitted online from the High School Counselor Portal or by Naviance/Parchment, and we are fine if the school submits the Secondary School Report (SSR) in place of our form. If an SSR is sent, please give us time to log it into the system, as it takes a little longer than a transcript to input. Remember, no faxes! For SAT/ACT test scores, we will accept […]

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Random Thoughts, September 2015 edition

  David Graves      September 16th, 2015

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 […]

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2016 Redesigned SAT

  David Graves      June 1st, 2015

In the Spring of 2016, the College Board will release their newly redesigned SAT test, and the Essay portion will be optional. This will not have an impact on freshmen starting in Summer/Fall of 2016 (due to our freshman deadlines), but this will impact students starting in the Summer/Fall of 2017 and beyond. As such, we can only use the old SAT for students applying for Summer/Fall 2016 and Spring 2017. UGA will continue to accept both the SAT and the ACT, but with the change in the new 2016 SAT, we will not  require the Essay/Writing component for either the SAT or ACT for students beginning in 2017 terms. UGA will continue to superscore the SAT and the ACT (we do not superscore across SAT and ACT exams though), and we will use the SAT subscores for both the current and new SAT in the superscore calculation within the respective SAT types (so we will not merge SAT 1 with SAT R scores). In our review of SAT and ACT scores, we will continue to look at all scores, but we will focus on the Critical Reading/Writing and Math Sections on the new SAT and the English and Math sections on the ACT. We also suggest that you review what steps other colleges will be taking concerning the new SAT to better understand your options. Go Dawgs!

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Before & After You Apply EA

  David Graves      October 1st, 2014

With the Early Action deadline approaching, here are a few more detailed steps to take both before and after you apply. BEFORE Get a copy of your SSN card to make sure your information is correct for both admissions and Financial Aid data. Print out a copy of your official HS transcript to help with the self-reported grades section. Update and print out a copy of your résumé for the activities/sports/volunteer/work/etc. sections. Get your payment information, and know that we can only accept credit card payments from 7 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Send in your SAT/ACT scores to UGA, and remember that we superscore and only use your highest scores, so there is no need to wait until after you apply or after you see the scores to send them. You can send updated test scores after you apply, but we suggest sending in any scores you have already received. Do not be late submitting your application, as we shut off the Early Action deadline after 10/15, and we cannot reopen it. Make sure you both complete the application and select a payment option, as both are required to apply. Do not wait until the night of the deadline to apply, as that is when your computer will decide to freeze up. AFTER Be patient as we load your application into our our system and match up test scores and supporting documents. Test scores are loaded on Tuesdays and Fridays, and are not always sent immediately by the testing agency. […]

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UGA Admissions Urban Legends

  David Graves      August 1st, 2014

There are two times every year when admissions myths hit peak numbers in the rumor mill; During August/September when a large number of seniors start planning out their college applications, and in late March when final freshman admission decisions are released. I remember receiving a number of communications from one denied applicant who was sure that one of the reasons he was not admitted was due to him being a male. While we do not use gender (along with many other high-myth factors) in the admissions review, I found it interesting that he actually thought it hurt his chances while in fact UGA would actually prefer to have a few more males in the freshman class. At UGA, we want to make sure that students and parents have the correct information about the University and admissions.  In an effort to dispel common myths, we have compiled a list of the Top 10 UGA Admissions Urban Legends.  Here are a few of the common myths we hear: “UGA admits a quota of students per year from my high school, county, zip code or state.” The most competitive applicants are admitted regardless of high school, county, zip code or state. There are no quotas assigned to these, or any other, characteristics. “UGA has different admissions standards for out-of-state applicants.” Admissions standards are exactly the same for out-of-state applicants as they are for in-state applicants. UGA does not have a cap on the number of out-of-state students that can be admitted. “If I apply […]

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A Few First Year Applicant FAQ’s

  David Graves      August 28th, 2013

It’s fall semester, and questions are beginning to flood in about UGA’s First Year admission process.  Here are answers to some of our more frequently asked ones. I plan to apply Early Action.  What is the last ACT/SAT exam date you will accept for Early Action (EA)?  We will only be able to use SAT/ACT scores for tests taken by the October 15 EA deadline.  For us to receive your scores in time, you must designate UGA as an automatic recipient when you register for the exam. Do I have to complete the essays if I am applying for Fall 2014 as a First Year student?  It depends.  Are you applying for Regular Decision, whose deadline is January 15 compared to EA’s October 15 deadline?  If so, you will complete four short essays for the 2014 application.  EA applicants who do not meet EA criteria and who are then deferred to the Regular Decision process will complete the essays.  Click here to see this year’s essay topics.  Regular Decision also requires a teacher recommendation and allows you to submit your first term senior grades.  When can I apply?  There is early, and then there is late.  The 2014 First Year application first becomes available at the beginning of September.   Please know that, while there is a HUGE penalty for missing our application and document deadlines, we give no admission benefit or prize for being among the first to submit the application.  Take your time.  (Just don’t wait until the […]

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