While about 85% of UGA applicants apply before the deadline, it is that other 15%, the ones that submit right on the deadline, that at times causes me headaches. Not major migraines or anything that bad, but more of a dull ache right behind my eyes (which explains why I am seen massaging my temples during deadline week). So, for anyone who is submitting their application today (or on the last few days), here are a few suggestions to get you the days and weeks to follow:
- Make sure you check some key pieces of application information, from your name to your SSN and address, to make sure they are correct. You would be amazed at the number of people who put their first name as their last, thus causing major problems trying to match up materials!
- Check all of your materials to make sure they have been sent, and that all of them have your full name (and SSN if needed). Over the past few days, I have seen a teacher rec. for Aubrey (no last name), a transcript for Lizzie that belongs to an applicant we know of as Melissa, and a mom who swore they had sent UGA their SAT scores until she checked their score report. Check everything!
- Pay attention to your email and your status check. We give you a number of alerts of missing materials, and you are responsible for your application. We will help you, along with your HS counselor, but you are ultimately the one who needs to make sure your application is complete.
- Be patient with our office, as we will be overwhelmed over the next five days with mail. Yes, your materials are important, but so are everyone else’s documents. You would be amazed at the number of people who call in the day after something is put into the mail, wondering why it is not showing up on the status check. The status check is not instantanious, but is refreshed every night, and our timelines are based on business days (so don’t count weekends and holidays as business days).
So double check everything, monitor the status check page, and put down the phone for a few days. And remember, go Dawgs!