Seniors, it is college application season! The early decision and early action deadlines are coming up, and many seniors are in the process of applying. The earliest deadlines of the most popular colleges in Georgia are the University of Georgia and Georgia College and State University, with the early action deadline being October 15th. Georgia State’s deadline is November 15th, and Georgia Southern is rolling admission. Don’t worry if you’re feeling behind; regular decision deadlines aren’t until January or after, and some colleges are just rolling admission. Early decision is a binding agreement, meaning if you’re accepted, you must attend that college. Early action is non-binding, allowing you to apply to multiple colleges and make your decision later. Regular decision is the most common, with a later deadline and a non-binding agreement.
The state of Georgia has many top-rated universities. Georgia Tech is number one on the list, followed by Emory University and the University of Georgia. However, some of the most popular universities to apply to in our area are Kennesaw State and Georgia Southern. Georgia also provides some great scholarship programs to help students afford college. HOPE and Zell Miller are merit-based scholarships that many students are eligible for.
Emma Mabry (12) says, “The only college in Georgia I really like is the University of Georgia, so I plan to use the HOPE scholarship if I get in.” The HOPE scholarship is a merit-based award that covers a significant portion of tuition for Georgia residents who have a 3.0 or higher HOPE GPA, calculated by Georgia Futures. The Zell Miller scholarship is a more competitive version of the HOPE scholarship, requiring a 3.7 or higher HOPE GPA, a 1200 on the SAT, or a 25 on the ACT. To apply for these scholarships, first, you need to make a Georgia Futures account, where they will calculate your HOPE GPA. Then, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Georgia Student Finance Application (GSFAPP). The deadline for this is the last day of the school year.
There are a few ways you can apply to college. These are the Common App or applying through the college’s website. The Common App is the most popular and is considered more straightforward to use than applying directly to the college. This is because you can apply virtually anywhere and only have to input your information in one place for all the colleges. Knowing these options can bring a sense of relief, making the application process seem less daunting.
Sidney Berry (12) is using the Common App and applying to five schools in Georgia with good nursing programs. She said, “The application is very long, and I can’t imagine not using the Common App because even with it, I still have to put in information so many times.” The Common App is a centralized application platform that allows you to apply to multiple colleges with one application, making the process more efficient. Most colleges will require a Common App essay, a more extensive essay (max 650 words) that can be about anything you want as long as it gives the admission officers a sense of who you are as a person. Some colleges like UGA require a second essay that is smaller and more specific to the college. Another important website for your college applications is Naviance. This is a comprehensive college and career readiness platform that Wheeler uses to request transcripts and counselor and teacher recommendations. If you need a counselor recommendation, be sure to fill out the Brag Survey under “Surveys from my School” in Naviance.
Olivia Hicks (12) is applying to Kennesaw State and Georgia Southern in search of a good teaching program. She said, “The application process is scary and overwhelming, and it can be a lot of work all at once. Be sure to start the minute applications come out, and don’t procrastinate your essay.” Starting early can help you feel more proactive and less stressed as you navigate the college application process.
College applications can be a stressful and long process, but remember, you’re not alone. There are many resources and people, including your teachers, counselors, and peers, to help you along the way. Knowing that you have this support can make the journey feel less daunting and more manageable. Get the information you need and get started early!
