More students apply to the University of Georgia than can be accommodated in our classes and residence halls. Unfortunately, each year many students must be denied admission. There are other students that we are confident would be successful here and we would be pleased to admit if space became available. These students are offered a spot on the wait list.
The wait list helps us shape the final incoming first‑year class after we know how many admitted first-year students choose to enroll by the May 1 commitment deadline. Because our goal is to enroll a class that is approximately 80% Georgia residents and 20% non‑residents, we review deposits to see whether we need additional students in either group to meet those targets.
The wait list also allows us to manage the overall size of the entering class carefully. This is especially important so that we can honor the limited number of Transfer Pathway offers we plan to extend for the following year. By waiting until after May 1 to make decisions about the wait list, we avoid over‑enrolling and ensure the final class aligns with both our in‑state and out‑of‑state goals.
Because these factors vary from year to year, the number of students admitted from the wait list also changes and can never be guaranteed. Students who confirm their place on the wait list, especially Georgia residents, and are not admitted after May 1 often have a strong chance of receiving a Transfer Pathway offer for the next year.
If you would like to reserve a spot on the wait list, please visit your status portal and indicate your desire to be placed on the wait list. You will also need to select the term for which you would like to be considered: Fall only, or both Fall and Spring. Be sure to make your selection by May 1.
We will not know the exact number until after May 1. While each year may vary, here is some information about past wait list numbers. In 2023, 3,842 students were offered a place on the wait list and 739 were admitted for Fall and 103 for Spring. In 2024, 3,620 students were offered a place on the wait list and 157 were admitted for Fall and 1 for Spring. In 2025, 4,442 students were offered a place on the wait list and 438 were admitted for Fall and 194 for Spring.
We try to make an accurate prediction of how many students will accept our offers of admission, but we have to wait until after May 1 for the actual deposits to arrive.
No. The wait list is not numbered or ranked.
No. Your file has already been evaluated and reviewed based on the application materials and supporting documents submitted by our application materials deadline.
You should select the term(s) for which you would like to enroll. We encourage students to consider this choice carefully. If you choose ONLY to be considered for Fall, you will not be considered for any other term.
Yes. Students admitted from the wait list for Spring may enroll at any accredited institution for the preceding Fall. Georgia residents may want to consider coursework at any number of USG institutions. Students may choose not to enroll in a post-secondary institution during the Fall and instead utilize this time to work, travel or volunteer. All students admitted for Spring will receive information during the Fall regarding their transition to UGA in January.
Yes. As we are unable to predict wait list decisions, you should deposit at the institution of your choosing, by May 1, to ensure that you have secured a college home. If you are accepted off our wait list, please know that you will be asked to pay a non-refundable commitment deposit to UGA. At that time, you should also notify the institution at which you have deposited that your intentions have changed, as they also may have students on a wait list.
You will be notified via an email or letter and will be able to view any updates to your decision via your application status page.
If admitted, students who have completed the financial aid application process will receive an email with instructions on how to review an estimated award.
We expect to house all first-year students on campus, as our housing policy requires. Assignments to first-choice halls and roommates may not be possible with limited space. This policy will also apply to students admitted from the wait list for Spring.