First‑Year Admissions FAQs

These questions all relate to how first-year applications are reviewed and what makes an applicant competitive for UGA Admission.

Admission Review & Competitiveness

How UGA evaluates applicants and what matters most

What is demonstrated interest and is it considered at UGA?

Demonstrated or continued interest is showing your excitement to enroll by attending events, visiting campus or contacting the admissions staff. UGA does not consider demonstrated interest in the admission review process. Because not all students have equal access to campus visits or events, demonstrated interest is not used as a factor in admission decisions.

What does a competitive applicant look like? How can I make my application stronger?

UGA practices a holistic review, meaning academic performance is important, but so are essays, leadership, extracurricular activities, and recommendations. Learn more about planning for first-year admission.

Do you consider AP scores in the application review process?

AP test scores are not used in the application review. However, AP courses are considered when evaluating the rigor of a student’s curriculum. Enrolled students may earn college credit for qualifying AP scores.

May I use artificial intelligence (AI) to help write my admissions essay?

AI tools may be used like any other general writing aid, but the essay submitted must be your own work. The goal is for UGA to learn about you in your own voice.

How can I be considered for merit-based scholarships?

By applying for first-year admission to UGA, you are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships which are awarded by the Office of Student Financial Aid. These awards are typically finalized by early April for all admitted first-year students.

How can I be considered for the Honors College?

First-year applicants who apply for Early Action are automatically considered for the Honors College. Early Action applicants who do not receive an Honors decision, as well as all Regular Decision applicants, are encouraged to submit the Honors College application by the deadline.

Testing & Scores

Standardized testing policies and deadlines

Is UGA test-optional?

No, UGA is not test-optional. There is no flexibility on this policy per the University System of Georgia guidelines.

Will you accept late test scores?

Official test scores must be requested and sent to UGA by the application deadline. Requesting scores by this date usually ensures they arrive by the materials deadline. Keep in mind that testing agencies may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to deliver scores.

Submitting Application Materials

What to submit and how to submit it

How do I submit my official high school transcript?

UGA requires an official high school transcript to be sent directly from the school. School counselors may submit transcripts through the Common App, via email, or through the UGA counselor portal.

How should the Secondary School Report be sent?

This report should be submitted by your high school counselor through the Common App, via email or through the UGA counselor portal. High school counselors may request portal access if needed.

Are students required to submit recommendation letters? How many?

Recommendation letters are not required. Applicants may choose to submit one teacher recommendation, which is encouraged. While a counselor recommendation is not required, submitting the secondary school report is a required application component.

Where can I submit additional documents for my application?

Applicants who have already submitted an application and need to make a change, are able to update select items themselves via their application status page. Applicants should not upload official documents via their application status page, such as test scores and transcripts.

Do you accept application fee waivers?

Yes. Fee waivers are available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Accepted waiver options are outlined on the UGA fee waiver page.

Deadlines and Timelines

What to expect after you apply

I requested my transcript or recommendation letter to be sent. Have you received it?

Documents may take 5–7 business days to process. If materials are still missing after that timeframe, students should contact [email protected] with identifying applicant information.

Can I submit materials after the deadline?

Materials submitted after the materials deadline may not be processed. Submitting early is strongly recommended.

When will first-year admission decisions be released?

Decision timelines depend on application volume and review progress.