We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available today, March 6th, at 4 pm ET. For some students, you will be offered a place on our wait list. Every year our office has to predict approximately Read More >
Posts Tagged ‘freshman admission’
March 6, 2026 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available today, March 6th at 4 pm ET. We received roughly 51,600+ applicants, thus making decisions very challenging this year. Unfortunately, we are not able to admit a number of Read More >
February 9, 2026 |
2026 First Year and Transfer Final Decision Dates
Let’s make this short and sweet! Currently, we are finishing up our review season, where we are looking at both our First Year applicants for Final Decisions and our Transfer applicants for Summer/Fall 2026. The good news is that we Read More >
February 2, 2026 |
The applications are all in for the 2026 UGA Regular Decision group of students, so here is some detailed information on the total UGA freshman applicant pool for Fall 2026 (EA and RD). Admissions decisions can be overwhelming and confusing, Read More >
December 12, 2025 |
2026 EA Totals and Out-of-State/International Decisions
Out-of-State and International Early Action decisions will be released at 4 pm EST today, so here are some details about this EA applicant and admitted groups. When you log into your status page, you will see a “View Update” link Read More >
November 3, 2025 |
The applications are all in for the 2026 UGA Early Action group of students, so here is some detailed information on this group. Admissions data and decisions can be overwhelming and confusing, and at times people hear unusual theories, sometimes Read More >
August 21, 2025 |
Hitting the Admissions Sweet Spot
Hitting the Sweet Spot. This phrase has links to sports, advertising, business, and more, and it is generally defined as achieving the optimal outcome by locating the best possible condition for a situation. In baseball, it’s about hitting the ball Read More >
July 11, 2025 |
The UGA 2026 First Year application will be opening up on August 1 on the Common App, so here are a few things to know prior to it going live: Should a student apply Early Action (EA) or Regular Read More >
May 29, 2025 |
For First Year students applying to UGA for Fall 2026, we will keep the same longer personal essay (250-650 words) as before, using the essay prompts from the Common App. The shorter UGA specific essay (200-300 words suggested) topic Read More >
April 21, 2025 |
After my daughter enrolled as a UGA freshman several years ago, my wife joined several social media groups for UGA parents. She was more of an observer/reader than an active participant, as she knew our last name might trigger someone Read More >
April 7, 2025 |
Since the ACT is making some changes to their exam, I thought it best to give some updates on the ACT and redo a previous post about how UGA looks at the ACT. Starting in April 2025 (for the digital Read More >
March 14, 2025 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available today, March 14th, at 4 PM ET. For those of you who have been admitted to UGA, here is a post for you and a chance to comment. Please Read More >
March 7, 2025 |
Enrollment Management, Space and Weddings
This has been the year of weddings for me. My son got married in November down in Florida, and we will be attending four weddings in the next 3 months. I even had to go buy an additional suit so Read More >
October 25, 2024 |
UGA 2025 EA Numbers and Information
UGA Overall EA Admissions Over the last decade, the UGA applicant pool has grown at a substantial rate. If you look at the number of applicants over the past 10 years, you will see tremendous growth in our applicant pool Read More >
September 3, 2024 |
My wife and my daughter are big fans of the Bachelor/Bachelorette shows, so much so that even though my daughter has moved to Arizona, there is a pact between them to not communicate about the show until they Read More >
July 29, 2024 |
Senior year of high school is about to start, and UGA is on the list of schools you are considering. But what now? How do you make sure you are giving us the information we want, and how will UGA Read More >
June 7, 2024 |
When I was six weeks old, my mother passed away due to complications from a blood clot. Several years later my family grew, mirroring the 70’s sitcom of the Brady Bunch, with two widowed parents with three children each finding Read More >
May 22, 2024 |
For First Year students applying to UGA for Fall 2025, we will keep the same longer personal essay (250-650 words) as before, using the essay prompts from the Common App. The shorter UGA specific essay (200-300 words suggested) topic will Read More >
March 15, 2024 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available today, March 15th, at 4 pm ET. For some students, you will be offered a place on our wait list. Every year our office has to predict approximately Read More >
February 12, 2024 |
Every year, Georgia has a cold snap, where the temperature gets below 30 degrees, the stores run out of milk and bread (no, I don’t know why), and everyone huddles under a blanket. This year winter really hit in mid-January, Read More >
December 15, 2023 |
2024 UGA Overall EA Admissions
Out-of-State Early Action decisions will be released at 4 pm EST today, so here are some details about the overall EA applicant and admitted groups. When you log into your status page, you will see a “View Update” link Read More >
November 27, 2023 |
Parents – I have been where you are. I have survived the late night feedings, the endless soccer/swimming/dance/whatever else events, the lengthy “discussions” about cleaning their rooms, and teaching them how to drive a car. Don’t even get me started Read More >
November 17, 2023 |
2024 UGA In-State EA Decisions
In-State Early Action decisions will be released at 4 pm EST today, so here are some details about the In-State EA applicant and admitted groups. When you log into your status page, you will see a “View Update” link under Read More >
November 1, 2023 |
UGA Overall EA Admissions Over the last decade, the UGA applicant pool has grown at a substantial rate. If you look at the number of applicants over the past 10 years, you will see tremendous growth in our applicant pool Read More >
October 9, 2023 |
For UGA Admissions, early October brings out a wide range of questions about the UGA Early Action process, so here is an FAQ on the most prevalent questions out there at this time. Should I apply Early Action or Regular Read More >
March 17, 2023 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available today, March 17th, at 4 PM EST. For those of you who have been admitted to UGA, here is a post for you and a chance to comment. Please Read More >
March 17, 2023 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available today, March 17th, at 4 pm EST. For some students, you will be offered a place on our wait list. Every year our office has to predict approximately Read More >
March 17, 2023 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available today, March 17th at 4 pm EST. We received roughly 43,700 applicants, thus making decisions very challenging this year. Unfortunately, we are not able to admit a number of Read More >
February 6, 2023 |
UGA 2023 Freshman Applicant Pool
The applications are all in for the UGA Regular Decision group of students, so here is some information on the total UGA freshman applicant pool for Fall 2023. The total application numbers (EA and RD) are roughly 43,600, which is Read More >
November 18, 2022 |
Early Action decisions will be released later this afternoon, so here are some details about the EA applicant and admitted groups. I will also add a comment to the top of this post when decisions go live (4 pm EST), Read More >
October 3, 2022 |
2023 EA Applicants – Random Q&A
Every year prior to the Early Action (EA) deadline of October 15, students and parents have a lot of questions concerning the process, timelines, and materials, among other things. As such, here is an FAQ for many of those questions. Read More >
August 8, 2022 |
When people start talking about college admissions and numbers, a wide range of different ideas start to bubble up in the conversation. You have test score numbers and GPA’s, admit percentages and yield data, and a wide range of other Read More >
July 19, 2022 |
Fulton County Students & New Material
As a part of the admissions review at UGA, our team recalculates a GPA for all freshman applicants using core course grades and any additional AP/IB non-core grades. We do this in large part because every school or school district Read More >
June 3, 2022 |
For the Fall 2023 class, UGA will be keeping the same essay questions as have had for the past few years. UGA will require two essays, a longer personal essay (250-650 words) and a shorter essay (200-300 words). In addition, Read More >
May 25, 2022 |
Every year in the second week of May, the SEC Enrollment/Admissions leaders meet at one of the member University’s campuses to talk about the year, plan out any group events and commiserate over the challenges that each of us have Read More >
March 18, 2022 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available today, March 18th, in the late afternoon time frame. For those of you who have been admitted to UGA, here is a post for you and a chance Read More >
March 18, 2022 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available today, March 18th, in the late afternoon timeframe. For some students, you will be offered a place on our wait list. Every year our office has to predict Read More >
March 18, 2022 |
2022 Freshman Denial Decisions
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available today, March 18th in the late afternoon time frame. We received almost 40,000 applicants, thus making decisions very challenging this year. Unfortunately, we are not able to admit a Read More >
January 26, 2022 |
UGA 2022 Freshman Application Details
The applications are all in for the UGA Regular Decision group of students, so here is some information on the total UGA freshman applicant pool for Fall 2022. The total application numbers (EA and RD) are roughly 39,700, which is Read More >
November 16, 2021 |
2022 EA Applicant Pool Information
As we stated earlier this month, UGA is planning on releasing the EA decisions on the Status page on Friday, November 19 in the late afternoon unless some serious problem arises, which I do not expect. If this changes, we Read More >
May 27, 2021 |
Haircuts, Admissions Offers, and Careful Cutting
Roughly fifteen months ago, as most everyone transitioned to COVID-19 regulations and limiting their time at places outside their home, I bought a Wahl clipper hair cutting kit and my wife started her in-house barber shop with one client, me. Read More >
March 24, 2021 |
While this year in admissions and higher education has been unusual, we are slowly transitioning to some on campus admissions actions. This is a transition time as more vaccinations are occurring, and the CDC guidelines are being updated for different Read More >
March 19, 2021 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available today, March 19th, in the late afternoon time frame. For those of you who have been admitted to UGA, here is a post for you and a chance to Read More >
March 19, 2021 |
2021 Freshman Wait List Decisions
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available today, March 19th, in the late afternoon timeframe. For some students, you will be offered a place on our wait list. Every year our office has to predict Read More >
March 19, 2021 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available today, March 19th in the late afternoon time frame. We received almost 40,000 applicants, thus making decisions even more challenging this year. Unfortunately, we are not able to admit Read More >
March 5, 2021 |
Admissions Causation and Correlation
Fifteen plus years ago, I did a presentation at a local library just north of Atlanta for a parent group, talking about admissions in general but also going into detail about the UGA admissions process. The room was full of Read More >
January 25, 2021 |
The final two decision dates for UGA freshman applicants are now set (unless some major issue impacts our office), with the smaller February wave of decisions will be released on Friday, February 12, while the final decisions in March will Read More >
January 21, 2021 |
January 2021 Admission Thoughts
January in Admissions means two things: Exhausted admission counselors reading files, and nervous applicants waiting for a decision. I can’t do much about the first one (especially with almost 40,000 applications), but I can try to help with the second Read More >
January 5, 2021 |
2021 Freshman Application Information
We have now closed the 2021 Fall Freshman application, and we will be very busy over the next few months. We have a large number of materials and test scores to connect with applications, transcripts to review and files to Read More >
November 16, 2020 |
2021 EA Decisions & Suggestions
As we stated earlier this month, UGA is planning on releasing the EA decisions on the Status page on Friday, November 20 in the late afternoon unless some serious problem arises, which I do not expect. If this changes, we Read More >
November 2, 2020 |
This morning the UGA Admissions Office announced that our Early Action decision release date would be Friday, November 20 in the late afternoon. If you have been following my blog for a while, you will know not to ask when Read More >
September 4, 2020 |
The UGA Freshman application opened up on September 1, and in the first 4 days, thousands of students started an application. We generally have a small spike of students start the application right away, but only about 200 have actually Read More >
June 19, 2020 |
“Everything’s been said, but it needs saying again.” Ernest Gaines Everything in college admissions seems cyclical, with each new year seeming to be an updated version of the year before (except of course when Covid-19 throws a wrench into the Read More >
May 7, 2020 |
Information on the UGA 2021 Application
Big News!! For the UGA Freshman 2021 application, the UGA Admissions Office will accept the Common Application as an option for prospective student applicants. Okay, now that you have recovered from your shock (it only took us 10+ years to Read More >
March 13, 2020 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available today, March 13th, in the late afternoon timeframe. For some students, you will be offered a place on our wait list. Every year our office has to predict Read More >
March 13, 2020 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available today, March 13th in the late afternoon time frame. Unfortunately, we are not able to admit a number of strong applicants as we are limited in the size of Read More >
December 4, 2019 |
December 2019 Admission Thoughts
It is early December, and as such we are about two weeks removed from the Early Action decision releases. At this point in time, we are getting a wide range of questions from admitted freshmen, deferred EA applicants, Regular Decision Read More >
September 25, 2019 |
I am not sure what this says about me, but I think traffic lights are awesome. Maybe I just played Red Light/Green Light a little too much as a kid. But traffic lights bring order to what could be chaos, Read More >
September 5, 2019 |
So The Application Is Open, Now What
The UGA Freshman application opened up on September 1, and in the first 4 days, roughly 7,000 students started an application. We generally have a small spike of students start the application right away, but only about 200 have actually Read More >
August 8, 2019 |
Hoosiers There are a few movies everyone has where, if it appears on-screen when you are channel surfing, you have to stop and watch at least a few scenes. Hoosiers, where an underdog basketball team from the small town of Read More >
July 9, 2019 |
Last week, I volunteered for my 23rd year as a cabin counselor at Camp Sunshine, a camp for children with cancer. The campers during my week range from 7-12 years of age, and there is a wide range of situations Read More >
May 30, 2019 |
Every year, our office reviews the freshman application for changes that we would like to see for the next year. During this review, we also look at the short essay questions that are required for First Year applicants. Based on Read More >
May 21, 2019 |
This past weekend, I was driving my father to the Atlanta airport, and as is usual, the topic of college admissions came up. There was a recent opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal which discussed the SAT. In one Read More >
March 15, 2019 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available today, March 15th, in the late afternoon time frame. For those of you who have been admitted to UGA, here is a post for you and a chance to Read More >
March 15, 2019 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available today, March 15th in the late afternoon time frame. Unfortunately, we are not able to admit a number of strong applicants as we are limited in the size of Read More >
February 28, 2019 |
Admissions, Baseball and the Land of Statistics
When I was growing up in Connecticut, baseball was my passion. My sister was a NY Yankees fan, so naturally I became a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan. I lived and died (mostly died) with the Red Sox, and my Read More >
December 19, 2018 |
It is mid-December, so most of the US is in full holiday mode. My favorite radio station has been taken over by holiday music, the houses in my neighborhood are full of lights and inflatable animals, and the tracking of Read More >
September 18, 2018 |
Changes. They happen all the time in all areas of life. David Bowie even has a song about it. It is a fact of life, an Admissions Offices are no different. Every year we look at what has happened over Read More >
September 6, 2018 |
My daughter, who is a sophomore International Affairs major at UGA, probably thinks she can hold her own in a hospital operating room. Why? Because being a Grey’s Anatomy fangirl has taught her all the medical lingo she would ever Read More >
August 22, 2018 |
I will tell you right now, I love the podcast for NPR’s “Hidden Brain” by Shankar Vedantam. I hope that one day I might be a part of a story about college admissions on this podcast (I know, keep dreaming). Read More >
August 10, 2018 |
What should I take? – Course rigor and a balanced life
In College Admissions, there is an ongoing struggle with trying to relay information concerning a high school applicant’s course selection. How do you relay the idea to students that colleges want you to challenge yourself in preparation for college classes, Read More >
August 3, 2018 |
It is that time of year again, when K-12 schools are starting back, students (and teachers) groan and parents quietly celebrate. Colleges are beginning to open their applications for the Class of 2023 (UGA’s app will open on September 1), Read More >
July 6, 2018 |
About a month ago, I wrote a blog post about how students should be able to handle the application process on their own, with a limited amount of guidance from parents/counselors friends. This month, the focus is on how parents Read More >
June 14, 2018 |
Spring 2019 Transfer Admission Update
This week, our office started reviewing Spring 2019 transfer applications. This is earlier than I expected, but we are progressing well with Summer/Fall transfer updates and final HS transcript reviews for freshmen. The 8/15 application deadline for spring has not Read More >
June 5, 2018 |
For the last few weeks, my shower has suddenly started to drip water, even with the handle set at full off. I could live with a tiny leak, but this was becoming a steady leak, leading to other issues. So Read More >
May 9, 2018 |
Starting this past Monday (5/7) and ending in the late afternoon today, we will finalize our decisions for all students on the Wait List. Due to the fact that our deposit numbers are slightly above the level that we predicted Read More >
April 9, 2018 |
Freshman Denies – A Post Mortem
My wife loves Grey’s Anatomy. She is a nurse, and can handle seeing blood spurt out, people impaled on poles, and limbs sticking out at seriously wrong angles. Me, I can’t even handle the site of the scalpel cutting into Read More >
March 23, 2018 |
I will admit it, I have never used an online dating app. I am old. But there has always been one constant in the world of dating: Accentuate your strengths and de-emphasize your weaknesses. Athletic? Show some pictures of you Read More >
March 16, 2018 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available today, March 16th, in the late afternoon timeframe. For those of you who have been admitted to UGA, here is a post for you and a chance to comment. Read More >
September 22, 2017 |
Sharks are terrifying. They are big, they have huge pointy teeth, and and they like to eat. But the chances of you dying from a shark attack are pretty small. I mean one in eight million or so small. So Read More >
August 8, 2017 |
The Coalition Application and Pizza
For those of you who don’t know (or who have not read many of my blog posts), I am a great believer in analogies. I find that most times, the easiest way to explain the sometimes complicated world of admissions Read More >
July 6, 2017 |
Summer is a time for vacations, part-time jobs, and relaxation. But for rising HS seniors, it is also time to prepare for the college application process. I am not suggesting you have everything ready to submit an application on opening Read More >
June 13, 2017 |
Our Admissions Office receives a number of calls each day, with questions that range from the traditional (“When does your transfer application open up this year?”) to the unconventional (“What are the tinted window laws in Athens, GA?”). Recently, one Read More >
May 22, 2017 |
2018 Freshman Application Changes
With each new year of admissions comes changes to the application and/or application process so that we can make better decisions every year, and also make sure that we are able to release decisions in time frame that works for Read More >
March 21, 2017 |
Admissions and Forrest Gump’s Box of Chocolates
As Forrest Gump says, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you will get.” Undergraduate Admissions, especially during decision time, has some real connections to this this quote. Our post-decision interactions (mostly with denied students and Read More >
March 17, 2017 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available late afternoon on March 17th. For those of you who have been admitted to UGA, here is a post for you and a chance to comment. Please remember that Read More >
March 17, 2017 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available late afternoon on March 17th. For some students, you will be offered a place on our wait list. Every year our office has to predict approximately how many Read More >
March 17, 2017 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available late afternoon on March 17th. Unfortunately, we were not able to admit a number of strong applicants as we are limited in the size of our freshman class. Read More >
March 13, 2017 |
Yes, the question that all freshmen applicants (and their parents) have been asking again and again can finally be answered. Final decisions for freshman applicants are scheduled to be released on Friday, March 17 (unless something catastrophic occurs). Decisions will Read More >
February 17, 2017 |
2017 February Freshman Admit Group
The February freshman admission offers will be available late afternoon on Friday, February 17.. UGA will offer admission to a group of roughly 1,600 freshman applicants. This group of decisions is made up of only offers of admission, and if Read More >
January 31, 2017 |
For the last fifteen years or so, my family has made an intentional decision to try and have birthday events and gifts be focused on an activity. We have planned scavenger hunts, rafter down several Tennessee rivers, hit the ski Read More >
June 21, 2016 |
Unofficial/Rough 2016 UGA Freshman Data
When you look at a college’s Admission page, most of the time you will see a profile of the entering freshman class from the year prior. Many times, this data will have enrollment numbers, mid-50% ranges for GPA’s and test Read More >
March 18, 2016 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available late afternoon today, March 18th. For those of you who have been admitted to UGA, here is a post for you and a chance to comment. Please remember that Read More >
March 18, 2016 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available late afternoon today, March 18th. For some students, you will be offered a place on our wait list. Every year our office has to predict approximately how many Read More >
March 18, 2016 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available late afternoon today, March 18th. Unfortunately, we were not able to admit a number of strong applicants as we are limited in the size of our freshman class. Read More >
March 14, 2016 |
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 18 (unless something catastrophic occurs). We will Read More >
February 27, 2016 |
The February freshman admission offers are now available on the myStatus page. This afternoon, UGA offered admission to a group of roughly 1,600 freshman applicants. This group of decisions is made up of only offers of admission, and if you Read More >
February 22, 2016 |
Late afternoon on Friday, February 26, we will be releasing a small wave of First Year admission offers. These admitted students, who are primarily Regular Decision (RD) applicants, are applicants who meet the criteria that UGA admissions used for Early Read More >
September 2, 2015 |
2016 Freshman Application is Open
The 2016 Freshman application is now open! Here are a few key steps about what to do after you submit an application. A day or so after you apply, we will load your application into our system. You will then Read More >
August 21, 2015 |
Suggestions for Freshmen Applicants
Yesterday, I posted some advice on what questions most admissions officers will not answer, at least not in the way that most prospective families are looking for in a response. Today I am going to focus on our suggestions for Read More >
August 20, 2015 |
Said No Admission Counselor Ever-2016 Version
In the UGA Admissions Office, there are some things we will never say no matter what. Some people will ask questions hoping for one of these answers, but you will not hear us give an answer (at least not the Read More >
May 18, 2015 |
Writing Great Short Response Essays
As most college students and HS seniors can attest to, one of the most stressful times of the admission process is writing admissions essays. While UGA’s “essays” are actually short responses, we still see a great deal of angst and Read More >
May 8, 2015 |
Today we offered admission to about 90 or so students from the Wait List. We admitted a small number of students for Fall admission, but the majority of students admitted off the Wait List were offered admission for the Spring Read More >
April 29, 2015 |
For the next few weeks, the group that will be the most anxious about our process will be the students who are on the Wait List. Right now, we cannot give out any specific information, as we will not know Read More >
March 25, 2015 |
Unofficial 2015 Admitted Freshman Stats
UGA once again attracted an exceptionally strong applicant pool this year. Competition for admission was stronger than ever. Over 22,200 applications made for an increase over last year’s numbers, and our target goal for the freshman class is 5,200 students. Read More >
March 21, 2015 |
2015 Final Freshman Decisions are Now Available
Final freshman decisions are now available online. We had a very strong applicant pool this year! We had just over 22,200 applications, which was our largest applicant pool ever. Here are a few notes about decisions: Please do not have Read More >
March 20, 2015 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available by no earlier than 7:30 PM EST today, March 20th. For those of you who have been admitted to UGA, here is a post for you and a chance Read More >
March 20, 2015 |
2015 Wait Listed Freshman Post
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available by no later than 7:30 PM EST today, March 20th. For some students, you will be offered a place on our wait list. Every year our office has Read More >
March 20, 2015 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available by no earlier than 7:30 PM EST today, March 20th. Unfortunately, we were not able to admit a number of strong applicants as we are limited in the Read More >
March 16, 2015 |
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 20 (unless something catastrophic occurs). We will Read More >
February 28, 2015 |
2015 February Admits are Available
The February freshman admission offers are now available on the myStatus page! This afternoon, UGA offered admission to a group of freshman applicants. In the past, this group has been approximately 1,800- 2,000 admits, and while I do not have Read More >
February 25, 2015 |
Late afternoon on Friday, February 27, we will be releasing a small wave of First Year admission offers. These admitted students, who are primarily Regular Decision (RD) applicants, are applicants who meet the criteria that UGA admissions used for Early Read More >
February 12, 2015 |
Random Admission Thoughts, February 2015
It is February, and we are deep into reading Freshman files, and just about to start reviewing transfer applications. As such, here are some thoughts about issues that usually pop up about now. Freshmen: At this time, our counselors are Read More >
December 18, 2014 |
Withdraw/Cancel your Application
A number of colleges have just released their EA/ED decisions, and now comes the time when some of our applicants decide that another university is a better match for their needs as a college student. This is just fine, as Read More >
October 1, 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 Read More >
September 23, 2014 |
Random Admission Thoughts-Sept 2014 Edition
The application has been open for about three weeks, so the flow of documents, test scores and applications is starting to increase. As such, here are a few thoughts to remember both before and after you apply. For Early Action, Read More >
September 18, 2014 |
Where is the Effin Waffle House?
About 11 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 >
September 9, 2014 |
Every year we try to open a post aimed at answering questions from parents. We want to educate parents about the UGA admissions process and dispel myths and rumors that may be floating around high schools, neighborhoods and communities. We Read More >
August 13, 2014 |
Said No UGA Admissions Counselor Ever
In the UGA Admissions Office, there are some things we will never say no matter what. Some people will ask questions hoping for one of these answers, but you will not hear us give an answer (at least not the Read More >
August 2, 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 Read More >
July 12, 2014 |
It’s mid summer, 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 Read More >
July 2, 2014 |
Every Spring, our office reviews the freshman application for changes that we would like to see for the next year. During this review, we also look at the short essay questions that are required for First Year applicants who apply Read More >
June 16, 2014 |
As everyone most likely knows, UGA implemented a new student system this year, and one of the things we have been waiting on is the method for enrolling students (and current students) to be able to change their major. This Read More >
June 11, 2014 |
Random Admission Thoughts June 2014
We have successfully made it through Year 1 of our new student system, and we have a great class of freshman coming in for orientation, and our Fall transfer decisions are at the end of the process. We just finished Read More >
March 31, 2014 |
2014 Accepted Class Statistics
UGA once again attracted an exceptionally strong applicant pool this year. Competition for admission was stronger than ever. Over 21,000 applications made for a slight increase over last year’s numbers, and our target goal for the freshman class is 5,200 Read More >
March 29, 2014 |
Freshman Decisions are Available
Final freshman decisions are now available online. We had a very strong applicant pool this year! We had just over 21,000 applications, which was our largest applicant pool ever. Here are a few notes about decisions: Please do not have Read More >
March 28, 2014 |
2014 Admitted Freshman Information
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available by 5 PM today, March 28th. For those of you who have been admitted to UGA, here is a post for you and a chance to comment. Please remember Read More >
March 28, 2014 |
2014 Wait List Freshman Information
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available by 5 PM today, March 28th. For some students, you will be offered a place on our wait list. Every year our office has to predict approximately how Read More >
March 28, 2014 |
2014 Denied Freshman Information
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available by 5 PM today, March 28th. Unfortunately, we were not able to admit a number of strong applicants as we are limited in the size of our freshman Read More >
March 24, 2014 |
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 28 (unless something catastrophic occurs). As is Read More >
February 28, 2014 |
This afternoon, UGA offered admission to a group of freshman applicants. In the past, this group has been approximately 2,000 or so admits, and while I do not have an exact number, it is fairly close to this average. Our Read More >
February 15, 2014 |
2013 February First Year Admits
In late February, we will be releasing a small wave of First Year admission offers. I do not have a specific date at this time, so please do not ask for one (we will post it here when decisions are Read More >
January 22, 2014 |
From January 1 through January 22 we have received approximately 5,200 applications, 4,400 documents from Parchment/Docufide, 2,800 transcripts from GAcollege411 and 8,500 teacher recommendations and high school evaluations from our online forms. That’s almost 16,000 documents in 22 days! Read More >
December 4, 2013 |
Random Admissions Thoughts December 2013 Edition
We have made it past the Early Action decisions, and we are now at the next stages of the admission cycle. With that in mind, here are a few thoughts about what happens in Admissions and UGA from December to Read More >
November 23, 2013 |
EA Decisions are now on myStatus
Early Action decisions are now available online! You can view the press release with some statistics about EA students who were admitted here. For students who were deferred, please understand that this is not a denial decision. We want to Read More >
November 19, 2013 |
During every admissions cycle, the question of how UGA calculates a high school GPA arises. I have seen so many GPA’s thrown out on college “discussion forums” that I start to cringe when I see these three letters. Because there Read More >
November 6, 2013 |
Are We There Yet? – Early Action Edition
“Are we there yet?” Admit it, you have said this phrase to your parents before-everybody has. If you are on a long car ride, the first thing you want to know is when you will arrive. And while the wonderful Read More >
October 30, 2013 |
Random Admissions Thoughts-October 2013 Edition
The Early Action deadline is in the rear view mirror now, and we are deep into reviewing files, cleaning up missing documents, and getting prepared for our first admission decisions in our new system. As such, here are a few Read More >
October 11, 2013 |
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, a drastic increase in mail, and a Read More >
October 2, 2013 |
Early Action Deadline Approaching
The Early Action deadline is approaching, so here are a few suggestions as we approach the deadline: Don’t wait until the last minute. Even though the deadline is October 15, you should not wait until the last minute to submit Read More >
September 27, 2013 |
Random Thoughts for September 2013
It is the end of September, which means a number of things in the world of College Admissions. Applications are rolling in for next fall, the sound of luggage rolling down the office hallway as counselors pack up for their Read More >
September 3, 2013 |
The 2014 First Year Application is Now Available
We have now opened the Fall 2014 First Year Application. This does not mean we are encouraging you to submit an application immediately. Your deadline to apply for First Year admission for Early Action is October 15. The Regular Decision Read More >
August 28, 2013 |
A Few First Year Applicant FAQ’s
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 Read More >
August 23, 2013 |
Admissions Myths and Urban Legends
Whether we are giving information sessions, visiting high schools, attending college fairs, or meeting with prospective students and families, we are often asked questions about how to apply to and get admitted to UGA. At times we hear misconceptions and Read More >
August 1, 2013 |
Especially if you have an older sibling who’s been through this before or maybe your parent happens to be a school counselor, your first question for August 1 might be, are there any changes to UGA freshman admission this year? Read More >
June 13, 2013 |
Essay Questions for the 2014 First Year Application
As promised, here are the essay questions for the 2014 First Year application. 1. Choose an intellectual or creative opportunity (for example, community involvement, a summer program, a unique project, travel abroad, etc.) from your high school years that you Read More >
May 17, 2013 |
With the school year almost over and summer nearly here, here are a few suggestions for things you can do over the break. Send your test scores to UGA. You’re not on our radar until you have contacted us in Read More >
May 16, 2013 |
Final Wait List Decisions Are Made
Based on the large number of “Yes” responses we have received from wait listed students to whom we offered admission last week, we have determined that we cannot offer admission to any additional students. Built into our decision is the Read More >
May 7, 2013 |
Wait will be over next week, hopefully sooner
Starting today, we begin offering admission to almost 100 students who had accepted our offer to be on our Wait List. Since we have filled our Fall class from those admitted and who paid their deposit, the few offered admission Read More >
April 30, 2013 |
First Year Decisions, May 1 and Mid-May
As the Wednesday, May 1 national commitment deadline for accepted First Year students approaches, we are receiving a flood of questions from UGA applicants who had agreed to join our Wait List. Our advice to all is to remember the Read More >
March 30, 2013 |
A First Look at 2013 Admitted Freshmen Credentials
UGA once again attracted an exceptionally strong applicant pool this year. Competition for admission was stronger than ever. Our 21,000 applications were a significant increase over last year, but it was unfortunately not balanced with an equivalent increase in the Read More >
March 22, 2013 |
2013 Freshman Decisions are Available
Final freshman decisions are now available online. We had a very strong applicant pool this year! We had about 21,000 applications which was our largest applicant pool ever. Here are a few notes about decisions: Please do not have multiple Read More >
March 22, 2013 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available by 6PM today. 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 Read More >
March 22, 2013 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available by 6PM today. For some students, you will be offered a place on our wait list. Every year our office has to predict approximately how many students we Read More >
March 22, 2013 |
We plan to make the final wave of freshman decisions available by 6PM today. Unfortunately, we were not able to admit a number of strong applicants as we are limited in the size of our freshman class. We know Read More >
March 21, 2013 |
The Elephant Parable, 2013 Edition
As the end of March approaches, First Year decisions will soon be available. Every year after these decisions, there are a wave of unhappy comments about specific decisions. For the past several years we have had a post about the Read More >
February 23, 2013 |
A Small Wave of February Freshman Admission
We have just offered admission to a small wave of freshman applicants. These few Regular Decision applicants met the stringent academic criteria of Early Action admission that we had used with our much larger wave of December admission. Do not Read More >
February 12, 2013 |
Very soon we are going to stop accepting material for First Year applicants. This means if you are missing something, you need to have it sent to us as soon as possible! If you have had something sent more than Read More >
February 1, 2013 |
Incomplete Email for First Year Applicants
We will be sending out an email later today to First Year applicants with incomplete files. If you receive this email, please log in to your myStatus to see what you are missing. Remember, we are going to accept the Read More >
January 24, 2013 |
From January 1 through January 22 we have received approximately 4,100 documents from Parchment/Docufide, 2,400 transcripts from GAcollege411 and 8,000 teacher recommendations and high school evaluations from our online forms. That’s 14,500 documents in 22 days! This does not Read More >
January 24, 2013 |
It is now quiet time in our office. The main desk will still be taking phone calls and answering emails and we will still be conducting Information Sessions. However, admissions counselors are no longer able to take phone calls Read More >
January 18, 2013 |
We are now a couple of days past the First Year application deadline, so here are a few updates on where we are in the process. Over the few days leading up to the deadline we had about 3,000 applications Read More >
January 11, 2013 |
First Year Application Reminders
The January 15 Regular Decision deadline is quickly approaching. This is a busy time in our office as we are receiving thousands of documents, both online and in the mail. Here are a few suggestions for you as the deadline Read More >
December 24, 2012 |
December Random Thoughts and Suggestions
Here are a few random thoughts and suggestions about UGA Admissions for December: When you are applying, please be sure you include the correct information in your application. Items are matched by name, social, date of birth, high school code, Read More >
December 8, 2012 |
High School Evaluations and Teacher Recommendations
We often get questions from First Year applicants regarding the counselor evaluation and teacher recommendation. These questions range from where to find these forms to how we are using this information in the file review process. Both forms are important Read More >
November 29, 2012 |
We are now loading documents into our system following the release of Early Action decisions. Because electronic documents are received and processed much more quickly than paper, we are up-to-date with documents sent through GACollege411 and Docufide. If you have Read More >
November 17, 2012 |
2013 EA Decisions Now Available!
Early Action decisions are now available online! You can view the press release with some statistics about EA students who were admitted here. For students who were deferred, please understand that this is not a denial decision. We want to Read More >
November 9, 2012 |
We will be shutting down our Status Check until Early Action decisions are ready to be released. This will affect the Status Check for all applicants, Early Action and Regular Decision first year applicants, transfers, etc. We apologize for any Read More >
October 12, 2012 |
The Early Action Deadline is Approaching
The Early Action deadline is almost here! Our office typically receives 4,000+ applications, a drastic increase in mail, emails and phone calls in the few days preceding the deadline. The best thing an applicant can do right now is be patient. We Read More >
September 20, 2012 |
Yesterday you filled out your application, paid with a credit card and hit SEND. Today you look over your application one more time, and “Oops!!” You forgot to mention being basketball team captain. You miscalculated your A’s and B’s. Your Read More >
September 8, 2012 |
Common Questions – September Edition
Below are some of the questions that we have been getting on the phones, by email and on the blog lately: I applied as a transfer student for Spring, when will I have a decision? We cannot guess when an applicant Read More >
August 13, 2012 |
The 2013 Application for First Year Admission is now open!
This does not mean you should submit an application immediately. Your deadline to apply for First Year admission to 2013 Fall and Summer Semesters for the “Early Action” is October 15. The “Regular Decision” application deadline for Fall and Summer Read More >
July 7, 2012 |
UGA Admissions Urban Legends Videos
Over the past three years, I have tried my best to shoot down as many myths or urban legends as possible concerning UGA Admissions. As such, I have created the following two videos to try and add a little humor Read More >
June 1, 2012 |
I hope everyone is having a great start to their summer! Hi, I’m Lindsey Whittaker, Assistant Director of Admissions, and I will be handling the blog for the next 1.5+ years. While I have been with this office for five years, Read More >
May 11, 2012 |
A recent National Admissions meeting brought up the issue that admissions offices have some words that are unique to our specific profession, and that an admissions dictionary might be needed. In fact, one of the presenters is Carey Clinton, a Read More >
May 7, 2012 |
I am happy to announce that we will begin making a limited number of offers from the wait list for the Fall 2012 term starting later today! Over 700 students have requested to stay on the Wait List (out of Read More >
April 27, 2012 |
Question about Essay Questions
At this time of year, we start looking at the freshman application, and what need need to tweak/alter for following years. We often debate back and forth about our four short essay questions (150-200 words), and what we could ask Read More >
April 19, 2012 |
April 2012 Updates for Freshman and Transfers
It is mid-April, and life is still fairly hectic in our office. Freshman decisions are out, but we are still in the thick of reviewing transfer files, monitoring commitment deposits for the freshman class, traveling, hosting accepted student events on Read More >
April 9, 2012 |
2012 Admitted Freshman Statistics
As I promised last week, here are the statistics on the Admitted Class of 2016. I do not have the stats for the wait-list group ( just over 1100 were offered wait-list) at this time as we do not know Read More >
April 5, 2012 |
Random Admission Thoughts, April 2012 Edition
We have finished up the freshman decisions (except for the wait list decisions that we will not know about for a while), summer transfer decisions are almost completely done, and fall transfers are in mid-stream. As such, here are a Read More >
March 30, 2012 |
2012 Freshman Decisions are Available
Final freshman decisions are now available online, and the applicant pool this year was very strong! We had roughly 19,000 applicants, which was our largest applicant pool ever. Here are a few notes about the decisions. Please do no have Read More >
March 30, 2012 |
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 30, 2012 |
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 30, 2012 |
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 23, 2012 |
The Elephant Parable, 2012 edition
Every year after decisions, there are a wave of unhappy comments about specific decisions and comparisons to other applicants, and so several years ago I decided to write a post about the importance of knowing everything about a situation before Read More >
March 21, 2012 |
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 30 (unless something catastrophic occurs). As normal, Read More >
March 16, 2012 |
This past weekend, I drove a 15 seat bus down to Saint Simons Island (and then back to Athens) with a group of teenagers. I am guessing that over the course of the 7 hour drive, I was asked at Read More >
March 13, 2012 |
Silent Suggestions for HS juniors (and below)
While a number of admissions offices (including UGA) are using videos more and more in their recruitment of students, here is a different take on the standard “admissions suggestions” videos (and our tribute to the Oscar winning film “The Artist”). Read More >
March 9, 2012 |
Interesting Items from the 2012 File Reading
We are still deep into reading freshman files, but here are a few interesting items about some of our applicants that we have learned from their files: Second place winner in a national texting tournament (over 500,000 participants), and was Read More >
March 8, 2012 |
While we are still in full swing reading freshman files, I thought I would share a few essay examples from this year that I think are impressive. Please understand that while some people believe that great essays should have as Read More >
February 18, 2012 |
February 2012 Freshman Decisions
In the late afternoon today (Friday, February 17), we will be releasing the February wave of admission offers. As I stated in earlier comments, these admitted students, who are primarily Regular Decision (RD) applicants, are applicants who meet the criteria Read More >
February 9, 2012 |
Random Admission Thoughts February 2012 Edition
First, I will be out of the office for the next five days, so please hold off on any questions, or if you do submit them, be patient, as I will not be able to review any emails/blog comments until Read More >
January 31, 2012 |
Our office is at the point where we have caught up with the mail, the electronic documents, and the checking of our holding files for other matching materials. Over the next week or so, we will continue to match up Read More >
January 23, 2012 |
It is now quiet time in our office, a practice that we have done for about 6 years. The main desk will still be taking calls and answering emails, but the admissions counselors will be focused on freshman file reading, Read More >
January 19, 2012 |
January Freshman Admission Update
We are a few days out from the admissions deadlines, so I will try to give you an update on what is happening and where we are right now in the process. Over the long weekend, approximately 2,200 freshman applications Read More >
January 13, 2012 |
During both the week before and the week after a deadline, life gets fairly crazy in our office. We are receiving tens of thousands of documents, both online and through the mail, and we have a number of people trying Read More >
January 12, 2012 |
Since the deadline is fast approaching (because 1/15 falls on a Sunday, and the next day is a holiday, the actual deadline is 1/17), here are my thoughts on why not to apply right on the deadline. This is in 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 >
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 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 >
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 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 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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 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 >
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 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 >
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 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 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 >
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 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 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 1, 1970 |
Updates about the 2013 Wait List
Starting today, we will be offering about 100 students admission off the wait list. A small handful (less than 5) are being offered admission for the Fall term, while the rest are being offered admission for the Spring term. Students Read More >
January 1, 1970 |
When my five year old son stepped off the bus after his first day of kindergarten(many years ago), he had a broad smile on his face and said to my wife, “Mom, I have met the girl I am going Read More >