As some of you may have noticed, there is an issue with the myStatus page displaying transcripts as received. I have communicated with the head of our technology team, and for some reason, the transcript database for the myStatus page Read More >
Archive for 2011
December 24, 2011 |
Our office will be closed for the Holiday break, and we will not return until early January. As such, any emails, mailings, phone calls, etc. will not be acted upon until after the holiday break. As well, I will only Read More >
December 22, 2011 |
What has been great with other colleges?
Throughout the year, while we read files, attend college fairs, match documents, review transcripts, visit schools, answer emails and phone calls, and generally just work with students and parents, we also look around and see what other college admissions offices Read More >
December 20, 2011 |
For a majority of students, the first semester is coming to an end, and with it comes the arrival of the dreaded disease known as senioritis. Hopefully, this video will shed a little more light on how UGA Admissions looks Read More >
December 13, 2011 |
As we get further into December, here are a few reminders concerning UGA Admissions: Please, please, please do not wait until the last minute to send in your application and materials! Please! We have about 13,500 students who have applied Read More >
December 6, 2011 |
Essays and Jokes, and How they are Similar
A number of you are now starting to write the four short essays for UGA, either because your decision was deferred or because you are finishing up your Regular Decision application. As such, here is some advice on good essays, Read More >
December 1, 2011 |
We receive a number of questions at this time of year about teacher recommendations, so here is my (limited) advice on the subject. First, when figuring out who you should ask to write a letter of recommendation, try to find Read More >
November 29, 2011 |
If you have not noticed yet (see the right hand side of the blog), I am now officially on twitter! I have absolutely no idea how I will use this within the UGA Admissions role, but I have a few Read More >
November 23, 2011 |
Like most people, I will be out of the office through the Thanksgiving holiday. As such, I will not be responding to blog questions until my return late Sunday/early Monday at the earliest. My suggestion is to put aside any Read More >
November 22, 2011 |
In the wake of Early Action decisions going out, we generally have a number of questions about why a decision was made, and a great deal of confusion surrounds the concept of GPA. Most of the disappointed comments and email Read More >
November 18, 2011 |
2012 EA Decisions are Now Available!
Due to between 40,000-50,000 individuals trying to access the site, we are having server problems, so we suggest checking back later this evening when we have the server working correctly and the traffic is not as heavy. In addition, do Read More >
November 17, 2011 |
2012 Early Action Decision Reactions
Since Early Action decisions will be going out in the late afternoon on Friday, November 18, here are a few suggestions on how to react to the four different decisions: Admit: Celebrate with family, buy a lot of UGA gear Read More >
November 15, 2011 |
Half-Baked Reactions, 2012 Edition
Last year, I wrote a post shortly after the EA decisions were released, and I thought it would be a good post to revamp and have out prior to the 2012 EA decisions going out. Here it is: Last night, Read More >
November 12, 2011 |
2012 Early Action Decision Release Date
For all of you who are waiting anxiously by your computer/mailbox, nervous about your Early Action decision, here is some good news. UGA is planning on releasing the EA decisions on the myStatus page on Friday, November 18 in the Read More >
November 8, 2011 |
Over the past 8-10 years, UGA has had a huge jump in the number of students submitting ACT scores. UGA treats the ACT in the same way that we do the SAT (neither one is better or worse, easier or Read More >
November 4, 2011 |
Sometime late last night/early this morning, a prospective student (most parents are asleep before 2 a.m.) viewed a page of the blog, and the UGA Admissions blog officially had its 1 millionth pageview!! No, I cannot track down this visitor, Read More >
November 1, 2011 |
Early Action Update, November Version
We have made it to November 1, and we are finally able to see the light at the end of the tunnel as far as matching up recommendations, test scores, transcripts, etc. for Early Action. We are importing the last Read More >
October 24, 2011 |
For the next few days, I will be out of the office while attending a College Board meeting in NYC (my wife is very jealous!). If you have questions, please be patient, as I may or may not be able Read More >
October 20, 2011 |
Since we are now a few days beyond the Early Action deadline, I thought I would give everyone a few updates about the process: 2012 Early Action Applications: Approximately 10,800 Complete Early Action Applications: Approximately 6,600 Number of EA applicants Read More >
October 11, 2011 |
Admissions Thoughts – October EA Deadline Edition
As the Early Action 10/15 deadline approaches (we are less than a week away!), here are a few thoughts about the Freshman Admission process. Please, please, please do not wait until the last minute to take care of things! If Read More >
October 7, 2011 |
October Update on 2012 Spring Applicants
At this point in time, we are finished with Spring transfer decisions, and with much celebration by both the applicants and our office. We actually still have about 20 files that are being held and reviewed by our faculty, and Read More >
September 30, 2011 |
Self-Reported Grades Walk Through
This is the second year that we have asked freshman applicants to complete the self-reported grades section on our application, and for the most part, things are going well. Most everyone who has applied has understood the process, and almost Read More >
September 27, 2011 |
We are now about three weeks from the Early Action deadline, so I thought I should give out some suggestions about the application process: Make sure you review the application before submitting it! We receive about 20 emails a day Read More >
September 22, 2011 |
Last week, I wrote a post about the dedication of the statue of Abraham Baldwin, the founder and first President of the University of Georgia. One of the key people in getting this statue from an idea to reality is Read More >
September 20, 2011 |
Every year, UGA’s Admissions Office works with a large number of prospective students (about 60,000 and growing for 2012), sending them materials, emailing them information, inviting them to campus events, and alerting them about our travel. A majority of these Read More >
September 16, 2011 |
A little over 14 years ago, my wife and I celebrated the birth of our first child. That initial year was tough, as for all parents, with the lack of sleep, late night feedings, tons (and believe me, it felt Read More >
September 12, 2011 |
Mid-September is the time of year when the questions really start coming in concerning Early Action, so here is a quick post covering some of the highlights. Required materials for Early Action applicants – Deadline October 15 Submit the online Read More >
September 9, 2011 |
For the past two days, the UGA Admissions Office (along with the Registrar and Financial Aid) has been going through a software upgrade for our Imaging System.We expect to be up and running on either Monday or Tuesday, but please Read More >
September 6, 2011 |
Admissions Thoughts – September Edition
It is September, which means a number of things in the world of College Admissions. The start of the applications rolling in for next fall, the sound of luggage rolling down the office hallway as counselors get ready for fall Read More >
August 31, 2011 |
The deadline for Spring is one day away (Spetember 1), so I thought all of the transfer applicants would like an update on the progress of our review. Please remember, we are evaluating transfer files daily, but it takes a Read More >
August 22, 2011 |
The end of August means one thing in the world of college admissions: The start of Fall travel! Every fall, droves of college admissions counselors depart from their campuses like flocks of migrating birds, heading out to college fairs, college Read More >
August 18, 2011 |
My wife Cathy and I have taken enough trips in our life together to know that before we do any packing for a vacation, we need to have a check list for the trip. We have had more than enough Read More >
August 15, 2011 |
The Freshman Application is Now Open!
We have now opened up the Summer/Fall 2012 Freshman Application! As I have stated in previous posts, this does not mean you should stop whatever you are doing and submit the application as quickly as possible. Please do not do Read More >
August 9, 2011 |
Just a quick post to direct everyone to the updated and newly designed UGA website! There is a great deal of new information, but also a great deal of standard information with a new look (check out the calendar and Read More >
August 5, 2011 |
I have previously written about the changes that occurred to the GA HOPE program this year, but I wanted to give everyone a link to the Office of Student Financial Aid’s HOPE changes page so everyone can see the specifics Read More >
July 27, 2011 |
Every year, the University of Georgia has a huge series of events during the first week back on campus. This year, there will be a huge freshman gathering at Sanford Stadium, an outdoor movie at Legion Field, live performances at Read More >
July 20, 2011 |
Random Admission Thoughts – July Edition
As we move forward with recruiting the freshman who will be applying for the Summer/Fall 2012 term, here are a few random thoughts about the admissions process and where you are at now in the admission cycle. Go out and Read More >
July 15, 2011 |
Do’s and Don’ts from Admissions
We are right near the end of the cycle for one group of students (the Fall semester starts on August 15), and we will open up the 2012 Freshman application on the same day. As such, here is a list Read More >
July 13, 2011 |
Spring 2012 Transfer Decisions
In early July, the UGA Admissions office began reviewing Spring 2012 transfer applications and making admission decisions on files that were complete. We are still working with incoming freshman concerning final HS transcripts, and we are still posting updated transfer Read More >
July 11, 2011 |
For the last few years, I have opened up a post specifically to answer questions from parents, and I thought I would revisit this theme earlier this year. While I love working with and answering questions from students, parents seem Read More >
July 1, 2011 |
It is that time of year again, when I will be away from the blog for a week while I volunteer at Camp Sunshine, a camp for children with cancer. This will be my 17th year volunteering for the summer Read More >
June 14, 2011 |
Rising Senior Suggestions from the Director!
David Graves has asked that I share some pearls of wisdom with our blog readers as rising seniors begin to plan their college application process. I have served on many panels of Admission Deans and Directors who present this type Read More >
June 10, 2011 |
2012 Freshman Application and Essay Questions
In mid-August, UGA will open up the Freshman application for the Summer/Fall 2012 terms. Some students are eager to start the application now, and we understand that, but we have to make sure we enroll the 2011 class before we Read More >
June 9, 2011 |
I am happy to announce the newest program on campus for all First-Year students starting in Fall of 2011 (and beyond), the First-Year Odyssey program! This seminar program is designed for all new freshmen, and is geared towards connecting freshmen Read More >
June 1, 2011 |
Now that most of the incoming freshmen and transfers are done with their Spring terms (or at least about to be done), it is time for a few reminders about a few last items before you enroll. All incoming freshmen Read More >
May 25, 2011 |
Hines Ward, UGA Graduate and Dance Champion
While this is for the most part an Admissions blog for the University of Georgia, I would be remiss if I did not mention the latest Dancing with the Stars winner and UGA Graduate, Hines Ward! While I am not Read More >
May 22, 2011 |
It is the end of the school year (or at least close to it for most everyone), and this time of year always brings up the discussion about rising juniors and seniors and the college search process. As such, here Read More >
May 20, 2011 |
Every once in a while, when I have to give out tough information on this blog, there are the expected negative comments. Yesterday, after I alerted students about the wait-list situation, there were a few readers whose comments became offensive Read More >
May 19, 2011 |
Based on the overwhelming response of accepted freshmen submitting commitment deposits for the Summer/Fall terms of 2011, UGA will only be able to admit a very small number of freshman off the wait-list. It is expected that it will be Read More >
May 13, 2011 |
Nashville bound to the SEC meeting
For the last five years or so, I have spent a few days each May meeting with Admissions personnel from the other SEC schools to share ideas, talk about different issues, laugh, cry (okay, not too much crying), and share Read More >
May 9, 2011 |
UGA’s Orientation website is now available for all admitted freshmen and transfer applicants! Please make sure to have the email that you used to apply for admission (and the accompanying password) in order to sign into the Orientation site. Here Read More >
May 3, 2011 |
Here is a quick update straight from the Orientation Website: First-year Summer Term & all Transfer Orientation Registration is now available. First-year Fall Term Orientation Registration will be available on the afternoon of May 9, 2011. If you have questions Read More >
April 27, 2011 |
Commitment Deposit Do’s and Don’ts
It is almost May 1, which in the college admission world means it is time for admitted students to indicate what college they will be attending. I have always loved the “Commitment” image to the left, as it is an Read More >
April 22, 2011 |
It is that time of year when I start to transition from entering UGA freshman and current transfer applicants to the next group of students, those who will be looking at UGA for 2012. And as I normally do at Read More >
April 18, 2011 |
Random Admission Thoughts – April Edition
April in Admissions is in some respects a very busy/hectic time, but it is also a much more peaceful time in some areas of the office. Our office has a number of student programs over the next two weeks, both Read More >
April 14, 2011 |
Let’s say you have two applicants…
During the course of a year, every admissions office is bombarded with a number of similar questions, with one being the most prevalent and challenging, and it always starts with “Let’s say you have two applicants …”. There are six Read More >
April 13, 2011 |
Spring is the time for HS juniors to begin their college search process in earnest, and so begins the season of doubt. “Should I send my SAT/ACT to UGA now, or wait until I see how I did?” Fear not, Read More >
April 8, 2011 |
Over the past few months, a number of national programs have named their scholarship recipients, from the Goldwater Scholars to the new Rangel Graduate Fellowship. As such, here is a partial list of the UGA students who were named as Read More >
April 7, 2011 |
I am back from time at the beach, and ready to dive into more admissions issues! The first question that comes up on most phone calls and emails is “When am I going to hear about my fall transfer decision?” Read More >
March 30, 2011 |
Online Committment Deposit now Available!
After years (and years and years) of only being able to submit the $200 Freshman Commitment Deposit by mail, I am proud to announce that admitted freshman can now submit the deposit online! While this may seem minor in some Read More >
March 29, 2011 |
Yesterday, a recently admitted student and her parents visited the Admissions Office, and they asked to speak to me. It turned out that she was one of the students that I had mentioned in a previous post concerning the strength Read More >
March 28, 2011 |
As I promised over the weekend, here are the statistics on the Admitted Class of 2015. I do not have the stats for the wait-list group ( just under 900 were offered wait-list) at this time as we do not Read More >
March 26, 2011 |
A quick thank you to all of you who have responded about your admissions decisions, as you have had great attitudes (only one post deleted!), have told some great stories, have made some great plan B’s, and overall have made Read More >
March 25, 2011 |
Later today, we will be making decisions available to students. For those of you who have been admitted to UGA, here is a post for you, and a chance to comment. Please remember that this is not a blog where Read More >
March 25, 2011 |
Later today, we will be making decisions available to students. For those of you who have been denied by UGA, here is a post for you and a chance to comment. Please remember that this is not a blog where Read More >
March 25, 2011 |
2011 Freshman Wait-list Applicants
Later today, we will be making decisions available to students. For those of you who have been wait-listed by UGA, here is a post for you and a chance to comment. Please remember that this is not a blog where Read More >
March 25, 2011 |
Yes, today is the day that final decisions are available to freshman applicants. My estimation is that the myStatus page will be open sometime around 4:30 pm EST today, but I will be out of the office this afternoon and Read More >
March 24, 2011 |
The Elephant Parable, 2011 version
After decisions last year, there were a wave of unhappy comments about specific decisions and comparisons to other applicants, and I decided to write a post about the importance of knowing everything about a situation before judging it. I thought Read More >
March 23, 2011 |
Yes, the question that all freshmen applicants (and their parents) have been asking again and again can finally be answered. Final decisions for freshmen applicants are scheduled to be released on Friday, March 25 (unless something catastrophic occurs). As normal, Read More >
March 17, 2011 |
We are finally at the finish line for Summer Transfers! While we have about 15 or so left, generally extremely challenging files with a great deal of coursework from colleges we have not worked with before, we are now starting Read More >
March 14, 2011 |
While a large number of college students are headed to the beach, the open seas, or some other vacation destination, over 350 UGA students are traveling throughout the country to participate in Alternative Spring Break. They will be helping to Read More >
March 11, 2011 |
In preparation for the Freshmen decisions that will be sent out in late March, the myStatus page will be temporarily closed to allow our office to begin the final stages of the decision process. We will still be making transfer Read More >
March 8, 2011 |
I am able to do a lot things easily; I can juggle with one hand or two, I can read admissions files like nobody’s business, I can make a great meatloaf (the secret is in the sour cream and dijon Read More >
March 4, 2011 |
An academic advisor has made a request that I write a post about majors, and I think it is a great idea! I have dealt with the issue of academic majors before and how they relate to admissions in comments, Read More >
March 1, 2011 |
Since 2002, there has been one constant in my household; From January through March, two nights a week, my family will be watching American Idol while I read admissions files. The judges have changed, the contestants are younger, there are Read More >
February 25, 2011 |
While this is our “Quiet Time” in the office, with our counselors tied to their desks (figuratively, not literally), I thought you might appreciate a little insight into some interesting things we are seeing in the applicants we are Read More >
February 22, 2011 |
Updating the Blog – Please be Patient
During this time of year, things get a little quieter than normal, as everyone on our side of things are hidden away in their offices, reading files. On the applicant side, everyone is waiting patiently (or not so patiently) for Read More >
February 19, 2011 |
February Freshman Admits now available on myStatus
The status check is now updated and the wave of freshman February admit decisions (roughly 1,800) that I discussed earlier are now showing up on the site. Please remember that this is a small group of admits who meet the Read More >
February 17, 2011 |
In the late afternoon of Friday, February 18, we will be releasing the February wave of admission offers (please do not ask me what late afternoon is, as I put it as late afternoon instead of a specific time for Read More >
February 11, 2011 |
Summer/Fall Transfer Decisions
Our evaluation team is finally at the end of checking high school transcripts (no, this does not mean we are done with freshman reviews, only the HS transcript reviews), so starting next week, we will be able to begin the Read More >
February 9, 2011 |
After about a year and a half of managing the UGA Admissions blog, I think it is about time to make a few modifications to the site. I will be making changes slowly over the next few months, with some Read More >
February 7, 2011 |
Dual Enrollment and Challenging Coursework
Every once in a while, the topic of dual enrollment (taking college classes while in high school) comes up on this blog. Every year, well over 1,500 of our freshman applicants will have some form of dual enrollment work, and Read More >
February 4, 2011 |
Later this month, we will be releasing acceptance letters for a small group of freshman applicants. These admits, who are primarily Regular Decision (RD) applicants, are students who meet the criteria that UGA admissions used for Early Action (EA) admits. Read More >
February 2, 2011 |
Almost through with matching materials
At this point in time, we are caught up with the mail, and we are entering in materials as they come in to the office. As well, we have checked the entire holding file of unmatched materials (well over 5,000 Read More >
January 26, 2011 |
Random Notes from the Week After
After a few days of opening mail, reading files late into the night, scanning documents, and answering emails, here are a few quick and random thoughts from me (take these with a grain of salt): To the teacher that decided Read More >
January 24, 2011 |
It is now quiet time in our office, a practice that we have done for about 5 years. We will still be taking calls and answering emails, but the admissions counselors will be focused on freshman file reading, and thus Read More >
January 22, 2011 |
Deadlines, myStatus and Materials – The Cliff Notes
At this point in the the Admissions process, everyone (my office included) is somewhat worn out, exhausted, but glad that we have survived the deadline. Here are a few random thoughts about the process over the next few weeks. The Read More >
January 19, 2011 |
Now that the Freshman application deadline is in the past, and as all of the supporting documents roll in, here are a few of the things that will be going on in the Admissions Office over the next few months. Read More >
January 13, 2011 |
File Completion Deadline Extended to January 21
Due to the school closings throughout the Southeast, UGA has (as previously stated) extended the application deadline to January 18, and we are now extending the File Completion deadline to Friday, January 21. This means that the materials that are Read More >
January 10, 2011 |
Due to the severe weather issues surrounding UGA, Atlanta and the Southeast, the freshman Regular Decision application deadline and file completion deadline of January 15 has been extended to January 18 at 5 p.m. EST. Please remember that we will Read More >
January 7, 2011 |
Incomplete Emails and Incoming Materials
At this time of year, we send out a number of emails to freshman applicants letting them know that their files are incomplete. This is a standard email that is sent out roughly 10-15 days after a student has applied, Read More >
January 5, 2011 |
Where’s the Effin Waffle House?- A Story of Misunderstanding
About 7 years ago, my wife and I were driving home after picking up our six year old son at my in-laws house, with him firmly strapped into his car seat in the back. As six year olds are prone Read More >
January 4, 2011 |
Timeline Leading Up To (and Beyond) January 15
Between now and January 15 (and even a little while after that!), the UGA Admissions Office will be receiving a huge volume of materials, both electronically and in the mail. Since it has been less than two hours since we Read More >
April 1, 2011 | By: David Graves
Out of the Office
I will be out of the office for the next five days or so (Spring Break!), so I will not be responding to any questions or comments on the blog during this time. As such, I would suggest holding your Read More >
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