For those of you who were deferred, please understand that this is not a denial decision, but just a situation where we wanted to look more in-depth at you as student and a person, and we want to be able to take the time to review everything in detail about you, from your short essays to activities to recommendations. Also, make sure you read the deferred student FAQ, especially before commenting on here please.
If you have questions about your specific decision, I ask that you not post them on this blog, as I truly cannot answer specific questions about individual students here (both because I generally do not have the actual student's information, and because I cannot disclose individual student information in a comment). My best suggestion is to talk with both your family and your HS counselor, review my suggestions about how to react to EA decisions, review the FAQ's that are available off your myStatus page, and if you still think you need to communicate with our office, either call or email.
Also, please be aware that I will be helping my daughter out tonight with a volunteer program, my son has a tennis tournament this weekend, I am teaching Sunday School on Sunday morning, and we have a Christmas Party on Sunday night, so I might not be able to answer every comment right away. Please be patient, as I am only one person!
Have a great weekend, and Go Dawgs!
I want to give a great deal of praise to the Admissions IT people, as they are the ones who have made this process so much easier. They have also added some great features to the myStatus page, allowing for admitted students to indicate their situation through links to Facebook and Twitter, having part II available off of the deferred decision page, etc. It was not easy getting to this point, but I am glad we finally made it to EA decision time!
ReplyDeleteI feel so discouraged as I was deferred and really banking on getting accepted. I felt as though I was a strong candidate. :(
ReplyDeleteMcDuff said. “In the past few years, we have been able to admit about half of the students who were initially deferred and then completed Part II of the application by the regular-decision deadline.”
ReplyDelete- This is from the EA press release. The word able in the above quote worries me. To me, it implies that once deferred you're chances are lower than those who apply regular decision. Can you please clarify? Example - if all of the deferred applicants are stronger than those who apply regular, will all be admitted, or will you still only take a percentage?
Thank you so much!
Anon: I would suggest that you not read so much into the statements, as there is no difference in our review or selection of deferred vs. RD applicants in the next stage. We do not just take a % of either group, we look at these applicants in one group. By "able" she means that we were able to admit a large number of students during the next stages of our process (after EA), and of those, we were able to go back and see that of the deferred students who then completed their files, about half were admitted.
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to appeal an early admissions decision? I was told that my ACT score was processed late even though it was received on time.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand. Isn't the whole purpose of applying early decision so that we can know whether or not we get in ahead of time and make other college plans. Why should I be defered and pushed back to April if I applied EARLY?
ReplyDeleteHey DGraves!
ReplyDeleteThought I would add something positive to the comment chain - I was accepted! I just wanted to thank you so much for writing this blog and answering so many of my and other people's questions. You made me and my family far more knowledgable about the admissions process.
Thanks again, and GO DAWGS! :)
Every time I try to sign into the My Status page I get an error message. Am I the only one with this problem? I can't get through on my iphone either.
ReplyDeleteDGraves! I have followed you religiously (in a non-stalkerish way) for the past four years. Thanks so much for all your advice...I got in Early!!! Go dawgs!!!
ReplyDeleteNo, I can't log on to check my status. Is the system just down because everyone is on it?
ReplyDeleteThis is awful. I just want to check my status but there must be an overflow of people trying to get on :[
ReplyDeleteHey DGraves! Thank you so much for your fantastic blog. You eased every one of my fears about early admissions, and now I'm in! GO DAWGS!
ReplyDeleteIs there any way to determine what GPA UGA calculated for us?
ReplyDeleteAnon I: You can call and talk to our office nest week about your ACT score issue, but the only appeals we take are for denied decisions, and this process would not occur until May. Is there a reason you did not notify us of this issue in November?
ReplyDeleteKat: The reason for EA is so that if admitted, you will be able to know earlier. Unfortunately, we cannot admit all of the EA applicants who apply, and thus some have been deferred so we can review you in a broader scope.
MG2015: Congrats!
Anon II and others: Be patient with the system.
Anon III: Congratulations as well!
Katie: Congrats as well!
ReplyDeleteI finally got into my Application Status page view but when I click the link "Yes, I wish to view the status of my application. Please show me my status at this time" nothing happens. The page just redraws. Help! Is there something wrong with my status?
ReplyDeleteAnon: As I said above, please be patient, as there are a great deal of people logging in right now. The best suggestion is to not open multiple browsers, and be patient as the volume will go down as we go from here.
ReplyDeleteDgraves,
ReplyDeleteMuch respect for answering all these questions.
You really made this whole admissions process easier.
Again, thank you for running this blog.
I'm in, I look forward to becoming a dawg!
this is REDICULOUS! i just want to know already?? how many times am i going to have to try to log in???
ReplyDeleteWiz K: Congrats!
ReplyDeleteAnon: Patience is a key, and remember, it was not too long ago that a decision only came by mail.
I've been trying to log in for two hours, but I am being very patient :) Thank you DGraves for all that you do :D
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if there are benefits to confirming your decision earlier than later? While waiting on college scholarships and other decisions I just don't want to miss out on possible UGA perks. Thanks so much :]
ReplyDeleteRebecca: Thanks for the patience.
ReplyDeleteMadi: No, take your time in making a good decision about where you want to go to college, as there is no benefit in sending in a deposit early (except that you now have reserved a spot in our freshman class).
I was deferred from UGA. I have only taken the SAT once and wish to take it again to better my score and increase my chances, but the next test date is January 22, and UGA's Regular Decision deadline is prior to that date. Is it not possible for me to retake the sat in that time or can my later sat score still be sent in after the deadline?
ReplyDeleteFor those who got deferred is there a way to get more information as to specifically why this was the decision
ReplyDeleteNow I can't even log in :(
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to log in for 90 minutes now without any luck. Those servers must be overloaded.
ReplyDeleteFor deferred students, is the decision on rolling basis or is decide all at once like the EA? When would be the earliest time to find out about deferred student decision?
ReplyDeleteGO DAWGS! I just wanted to thank you so much for this blog it has really helped ease emotions and has been a great source! I was accepted today and have truly never been happier in my life! All those years of hard work and preparing for the ACT are all now worth it! thanks again!
ReplyDeleteI would like to know those who were deferred, what were your SAT scores?
ReplyDeletehi, My daughter keeps getting the message that her status is currently unavailable please check back in 24 hours. Is anyone else getting this message
ReplyDeleteThanks DGraves for everything! I just have a question on my name. I got accepted, and I was looking at the checklist when I noticed it said "Congratulations *Middle Name* *Middle Name* *Last Name*" It made me laugh because I go by my middle name so I see how it got mixed up but is this something I should change? Or is it not a big deal?
ReplyDeleteFor those who are deferred and complaining, just be thankful you didn't get denied!
ReplyDeleteI was deferred, my composite SAT score was 1570.
ACT: 23
Do we have time to retake a SAT/ACT test before the regular admission deadline?
My status said its not available?
ReplyDeletewhat's going on?
As a dedicated follower for this blog, I want to say thank you. I have followed your blog since the end of my junior year, and have taken your advice throughout my entire admissions process! Today I have never been a happier person, I am officially a UGA bulldawg! Thank you and you are truly an amazing person for keeping up with this blog and answering everyone's questions :)
ReplyDeletemy status looks the the same as before. It doesn't say if i was denied, accepted, or deferred. what does this mean?
ReplyDeleteMr.DGraves, you are amazing!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer each question here. As an avid follower of your blog, I read all the posts and it was irritating for me to read the same question being asked over and over again...I can't imagine having to answer those same questions over and over again haha
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!!!! Thankful to be part of UGA Class of 2015 :)
If a student applied using GACollege 411 will they be able to create an applicantid now and see their status?
ReplyDeletedeferred with a composite score of 1750 :(
ReplyDeleteI was deferred last year with a 2010 SAT and ACT of 30. I did get accepted during regular admission and love being a Dawg. Don't lose faith. Just make sure you complete section 2 of the application and get everything sent in on time. The hardest part will be waiting til March to find out if you get accepted. Good luck!!! and GOOOOOO DAWGS!!!
ReplyDeleteI was deferred and I'm beginning part II. Will it count against me if I do not send in your fall transcripts?
ReplyDelete^yo sam, i have similar numbers with a 2010 and a 31 but my gpa is poor with a 3.5
ReplyDeletewhat are your thoughts on my chances
I was deferred. My GPA is a 3.5, my SAT composite is 1830. I am concerned because there is a possiblility that I will receive 2 C's this semester. Would you suggest that I do not send in my Fall transcripts or will it count against me if I don't send anything in at all.
ReplyDeleteMy cousin got deferred last year and he said that later he was contacted from UGA informing him that some of the accepted EA students were opting to go to another university. UGA then offered him admission... is this possible?
ReplyDeleteIf the last transcript I submitted to UGA was on September 9, and my grades have significantly improved since then, would it be beneficial to send another transcript that is more up to date even though you already have one for me?
ReplyDeleteI can not believe that I was deferred and some of the students from my school were accepted, those same students who know nothing but made a really high score on SAT or ACT. even though i made higher grades then them in every class. i guess what uga is really looking for is the score on that one test, a test that only last for a couple of hours, and they are ignoring the four years of Hard work!! i doubt that uga will accept me in regular decision.!
ReplyDeleteWell I guess it would depend on how rigorous your schedule is. They really look at that. My GPA was 3.4 (if I remember correctly). I took 13 AP classes as well as being involved in softball,swimming and band. I also got a great recommendation written for me by one of my AP teachers. If your schedule is rigorous (based on what your school offers) I think you will have a good shot. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI was deffered :( should i even bother with regular admission, my act composit is 22? but my gpa is 4.0 and i am taking 3 ap's....anybody out there who got accepted last year during regular admission?? with a low sat or act??
ReplyDeleteTo anonymous that might receive 2 C's.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I am no expert, I think you should still submit fall grades. Otherwise they might think you are covering up ever worse grades. I am deferred also and my dad is glowering at me as we speak :(
LOL - tell him not to glower - at least you didn't get denied. And yes you should submit this semester's grades at the end of the semester.
ReplyDeleteCan you confirm if the date that Regular Decision acceptances will be announced is April 1. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHaha sam, he really thought I had a good chance is all. And 13 ap's? wow looks like I am doomed
ReplyDeleteHave faith :)
ReplyDeleteI am now back from selling hot chocolate and cookies with the family to help raise money for a charity, so I will try to answer some questions.
ReplyDeleteAlex: We should be able to use the January SAT scores as long as you request them when you sign up for the exam.
Anon I: I would suggest reading all the suggested information about deferral, looking at the press release, then if needed, contact our office. But do not expect we will be able to say anything exact such as "if you had only gotten X on the SAT" or something, as we can not do this. We will just go over the process and talk about your situation.
Frustrated and Anon II: I hope that by now you were able to get into the system.
Anon III: I will quote myself from a different post: "Actually, for almost all deferred students, late March is when you will hear a decision. We have a decision date in February for RD applicants (and deferred students who have increased their academic standing) who meet the EA criteria, but most deferred students do not fall into this range. "
Anon 4: Congrats!
Anon 5: This is not a blog to swap stats. This is a blog where I will try to help students through the admission process.
Kimdawg: I would suggest accessing it again and re-reviewing the information (I cannot guess as to your situation). If you still are having problems, contact us on Monday.
ReplyDeleteCooper: This is not a problem, but you can contact our office later next week (do not contact us early for this minor of an issue) and we can correct this.
Pinkita: You can take a Dec. or January exam and get it to us in time. I am glad to see you have a good attitude.
UGA 2015: Congrats!
KLK: Read the status screen carefully, and make sure you are not skipping over things. Also see if you did not turn in a required piece of material, as it would say you are incomplete and need to get it in.
Riss: Congrats and thanks!
Shanson: If you applied using GA411, you can still use the status check, as I hope you did before we shut down the system in mid-Nov. If you have never accessed myStatus, follow the steps given.
Anon: Please remember that test scores are not the key factor in admissions.
ReplyDeleteSam: Thanks for the input coming from a 2010 applicant.
Anon: You do not have to send first sem. grades, but we do like to see them, so I would suggest sending them.
Anon Guesser: This is not a site for people to "guess" about an admissions decision.
Anon with C's: If these are the grades you have made, then we should see them. Admissions is not a game of let's hide the weaker grades, so I would send them and explain them.
Anon with cousin: What you are referring to is the wait-list, which is done after all decisions are released in March, and when, in early May, we are able to see about deposits to UGA. This does not happen after the deferral, so you must go through the next steps.
I sent my transcript twice and so when I checked my status it said that they didnt recieve it. I am upset because the transcript was out of my control. I sent it before the deadline in october, and it said it was never recieved so I had my school send it again. What do i do since that was beyond my control? Also, am i considered deferred or will they look back over my things for EA? Im not sure what to do
ReplyDeleteDeferred and disappointed: Yes, send us an updated transcript after you have completed your first semester.
ReplyDeleteSam: Thanks for the help, but please remember that this is not a guessing game, especially for people that are not in the admissions office.
Doubtful and disappointed: Deferred is not a bad thing, only a delay in the process. I cannot say what the decision will be if you do complete part II, but I can tell you right now that you will not be admitted if you do not complete it. Send in part II and let us look at you as a whole person.
Anon with Dad: Tell your Dad to support you and help you have a positive attitude, as deferral is not denial.
All: We generally release final decisions in late March, and I expect this again. For deferred students, please focus on the positive and complete part II, and continue to do well in your fall classes!
KLK: While you may not have been at fault for the transcript not arriving at UGA, this is something that you had over 30 days to take care of before we shut down the status check in mid-Nov. You would have received at least 1 email if not 3, and the status check was available 24/7. We are not able to move forward with and EA decision for incomplete students, but if you complete part II and send in a teacher rec., you will be reviewed for admission again in Feb. when we look at RD and deferred students using EA criteria.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is Valedictorian at her high school. I know that the Valedictorian is guaranteed admission to UGA, do you know if the Honor's Program gives anymore consideration to a Valedictorian for acceptance to the Honor's program? Also, I was wondering if any special consideration is given in the scholarship decision's as well.
ReplyDeleteAnon: I do not believe that Honors looks at the val/sal students any differently than any other student, and no, we do not have any special scholarship considerations for val/sals.
ReplyDeleteWhat if i did not recieve an email? I check my email on a daily basis and I never had an email from georgia stating that i was missing anything. I also sent my transcript again two weeks before the status check closed down. Sorry, but i am just extremely confused with the situation.
ReplyDeleteDGraves what do you mean when you say "as I hope you did before the system was shut down in Mid-Nov"? Today was the first time I accessed MyStatus.
ReplyDeleteDGraves: The reason I ask is that when I log in it says "you do not currently have a status available".
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for doing this blog! It's helped me so much over the past few months! Go Dawgs!!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter was deferred and then later denied last year with a 1350/1600 SAT, 28 on the ACT, and a 3.7 GPA. She had many extra curriculars, played sports and also worked during high school. Still wondering what happened there, but she only took 2 AP's, so maybe that hurt her. Just goes to show you never know!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for everything you do with this blog. It has helped me imensely through the whole application process. I am proud to be a Georgia Bulldog.
ReplyDelete-Thank you.
KLK: We have sent out emails to all incomplete applicants on a set schedule after their initial application dates, and we have the final one tagged and documented in their file in our recruitment database. It may be that the emails were caught up in your spam filter. Unfortunately, your file was not complete even well beyond the deadline, and we were thus unable to review you for EA. You still have a chance to be reviewed at a later date if you move forward with completing part II, so I would suggest that option.
ReplyDeleteShansen: Once we loaded your application into our system, you would have been able to log into myStatus at any time up until we closed it in mid-Nov. to get ready for EA decisions. The myStatus page is available so you can access information about your application, and make sure everything is correct and submitted. Is there any required materials that are missing from your application that would now cause you to not have a decision? I am guessing this is the case.
Anon: I am glad it helped.
Anon II: While I understand you want to share your daughter's story, I am guessing she is now at a college that she is happy with, and it is most likely time to move on beyond her UGA decision.
Thankful: Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteDGraves,
ReplyDeleteFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for this blog and all the effort you put into it- day in and day out. I received my status today, and I am ecstatic and thankful to be able to call myself a DAWG! I have followed this blog religiously since August 2009 and it has guided me in the right direction to get to where I am today and in no way would it be possible without your help. Your commitment to helping prosepective UGA students is outstanding and my family and I appreciate it in a way that words cannot express. I have recommended it to all my friends who are applying regular decision and they have continuously commented on how it is truly a helpful guide. Thank you for everything, and I am looking forward to moving into my beautiful dorm room in Athens next fall. Have a wonderful holiday season!
I too got in today! And thank you so much for this blog and all the information you give on it. It is a huge help.
ReplyDeleteAbout housing, I know we can register as soon as possible after admission, but is that now? I looked on the housing page and it seems that it's only open for Spring 2011. Is that right?
Officially a dawg: Congrats and Wow!
ReplyDeleteAnon: You would have to speak with Housing, although I know they are using a new system this year and it should be up very soon ( I hope by tomorrow).
No,i sent my transcript for a second time in november. I sent it the first time at the first of october before the deadline. I also check my spam because i know some get sent there and there weren't any from uga. I also know another person that this is happening to. she also sent her first transcript in october before the deadline and then had to send it again in november because it said it wasn't there. now she is in the same situation i am in and she did not receive any emails either.
ReplyDeletesorry for the persistance on this topic, but it is worrying the both of us.
KLK: He can't help you on here. Just call on Monday and deal with it then.
ReplyDeletethank you.for the tip anon. I plan on calling with my counselor. I was just trying to see if there was anything i could do.
ReplyDeleteI was under the understanding that a deferred EA applicant was put into the same pool now as RD applicants. If that is the case why are RD applicants given an earlier decision date?
ReplyDeleteKLK: In the entire pool of 10,600 EA applicants, we had about 600 incomplete students, most with missing test scores. Of the incomplete applicants, only 50 were missing only the transcript. As such, if only 50 out of 10,600 had this issue, it seems like the problem is not with UGA, but with your school. Feel free to contact our office early in the week, but understand that all incompletes were emailed, all had access to the myStatus page, and all HS counselors had access to their own status page.
ReplyDeleteI got deferred which made my life a little harder due to fact every school ive been at ive had a limited time there with very little teachers probably knowing me good enough to answer the recommendation question.. but ill try to do something I reckon
ReplyDeletedeferred still hopeful: Deferred students are now put in the same pool as RD applicants. As I have stated before on this blog, All deferred applicants (who complete part II) and all complete RD applicants are re-reviewed in mid-late Feb., and if at that time any applicants meet the EA criteria, they are then offered admission. All remaining files, both deferred EA and RD, go through the holistic read process and will hear in late March. We do not treat EA different from RD or RD from EA, and the only difference is when the original decision date occurs for EA applicants in Dec.
ReplyDeleteAnon: I would suggest a teacher that is in one of your core classes now.
For Incomplete applicants: In my discussion with our admissions counselors yesterday, I let them know that some of the most difficult calls next week would not be from deferred or denied applicants, but from Incomplete applicants, due to the fact that we could not give them a decision due to our office missing materials. While 94% of our EA applicants completed their applications, 6% did not.
ReplyDeleteWe contacted the students, made the myStatus page available, and tried our best to make sure each application was complete, but ultimately we could only do what we could do on our end. Incomplete applicants must now submit part II of the application, along with a teacher rec., and they will then move forward in the review timelines set by UGA.
I would suggest that any Incomplete applicants review a post I did last December titled Responsibility, which can be found at http://ugaadmissions.blogspot.com/2009/12/responsibility.html . While this was written last year and has last year's information, it applies to every year's applicant pool.
How do I know my application status for UGA if I applied for Early Action through gacollege411.org?
ReplyDeleteWhen will students be notified about honors if they are admitted directly to the honors program during EA?
ReplyDeleteDGraves
ReplyDeleteJust wondering if you get your essays in earlier than Jan 15 will you hear back earlier? I was deferred with a 3.75, 1900/28, and 10 AP classes. Does that make a difference on when I hear?
I have been trying to check my daughter's status but it says there is currently no status available. She applied through GeorgiaCollege411 and we have a confirmation. I complete an applicant ID on the UGA site a few days ago so that we could check the status. Any idea what might be wrong? Thanks for taking the time to do this blog.
ReplyDeleteAnon I and Anon Mom: If you applied through GA411, you should have started checking on your myStatus page in Oct./early Nov. to make sure that everything was in. Since you did not, you will want to email adm-tech@uga.edu to get the information to sign in early next week.
ReplyDeleteAnon II: Generally, Honors will start their process a week or two after we send out EA decisions.
Anon III: Deferred students will go through the holistic review process, and will generally hear at the end of March.
Anonymous and Dgraves: The same thing is happening to us and we used GACollege 411 as well. Due to using GACollege411 we were unaware of the status check until now. Our application was complete and we too have a confirmation. I find this frustrating to those of us who were encouraged to us GA411. We received no notice of missing items. Anonymous, please let me know if you are ever able to see a status and I will do the same.
ReplyDeleteDear Dgraves,
ReplyDeleteI would like to start by saying that although my son just got deferred from UGA, I am not acrimonious. I have been a teacher in the Atlanta area for 20 years and have served on several admissions committees, so I understand how difficult the process is – and I am convinced that UGA’s process is authentic and fair. I’d also like you to know that I am filled with admiration for the patience and restraint that you display in your blogposts, not to mention your thoroughness and clarity.
Although he is handling it with great dignity, my son was crestfallen when he received his deferral, and is now convinced that he isn’t going to get in during the RD cycle either. I won’t post his numbers here; suffice it to say that they are at the low end of the “Middle 50%” bracket. I would like to believe that he is still a competitive candidate, but I have a sinking feeling that he might not be. He has a drawer full of solicitations from other schools, but only has eyes for UGA. I don’t think I can convince him to apply elsewhere; he’s now saying he will apply to KSU and then apply to UGA again as a transfer student. He is fiercely independent about his decisions, and would slaughter me if he knew I was writing on this blog. I want to help mend his broken heart and at the same time help him to take heart… and to that end, I have a few questions for you:
1. My son is a dual enrollment student, taking 4 classes at KSU, two of which are sophomore level courses. His reason for enrolling at KSU was that he wanted to stretch himself higher… but now I am told that dual enrollment is not looked upon favorably by the UGA admissions board. Can you enlighten me about this?
2. The principal reason for my son’s 3.7 GPA is that he had some hiccups during his freshman year, and transferred to his current school in October, which forced him to play “catch-up” in all his classes. Would it help or hurt him to submit an explanation for his weak-ish performance as a freshman?
3. Which of the following, if any, might help his case? (a) submitting a second letter of recommendation, perhaps from a KSU professor, (b) taking some SAT II subject tests in January, (c) retaking the SAT I in January to improve his scores (his current best is 670-690 in all three areas).
I apologize for this bombardment. Please take your time, enjoy your Sunday, and answer whenever you are able.
Thanks in advance for your guidance.
TAKING A DEEP BREATH
I am trying to access part II of my application since I am deferred but I am unable to access my application. Do I have to start a new app? When I look at my status, part II shows a green checkmark as if it has already been received and the teacher rec shows red X.
ReplyDeletePlease advise...thank you!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI see others here who used Ga411 are not seeing a status on the uga site as well. Has anyone here who used GA411 been able to get a status update? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAlso, for DGraves: For future knowledge, does the University suggest that applicants NOT use GA411? Our guidance department strongly recommends it and I would like to know how the University feels about using that resource. I know students who did not use it know their decision by now. Thanks so much for your assistance.
My youngest is deferred but still determined. While I understand the SAT January 2011 will be accepted, the next available ACT is in February. Will the later ACT be considered? Also, just curious. I have one daughter who is a Senior at UGA this year--she applied RD in 2007 and was accepted earlier than March/April. Will deferred applicants be in consideration for earlier acceptance?
ReplyDeleteAre HS counselors able to see application status on whether a student is accepted, deferred or not accepted?
ReplyDeleteMy status on UGA states that I am deferred but when I click on Part II of the application to continue the app it then tells me my applicatiion is not eligible for Part 2 of the first year application. Please advise on what steps I should take.
ReplyDeleteDo you suggest retaking the ACT and SAT before resubmitting our applications? Since there is no spot to put a new score how would we show that to UGA?
ReplyDeleteAnon: Did you already submit part II at some time, as you are saying part II is already showing as in? If you did your application through GA411, part II would have already been done as these are fields on the application that could not be split out of the GA411 app.
ReplyDeleteShansen: we have around 100 or so GA411 EA apps, and it looks like only a few are having an issue accessing myStatus, and it is due to never having accessed it before. Be patient and our tech team will help you on Monday. And as to your question about HS counselors and their status, they will see if a student was deferred, or if a student had an accept/deny decision (but not the actual decision). UGA does not recommend or not recommend GA411 apps, but as you can see, it does not always make the transition easy into our system for some things).
Anon II: The Feb. ACT will not be able to be used for admission, as it comes in too late for our review process. As I have said before, we have a Feb. review for RD applicants and deferred EA students to see if they then meet the EA criteria (deferred would have improved on their SAT/ACT to then meet EA standards), but for most students, late March is the timeline.
Anon III: See my above statement about this, and if needed, contact our office next week.
Taking a Deep breath: The first thing I always say is that if a student does not complete part II, he has no chance of admission, while if he does, he is still in the running. I am glad he is handling it with dignity, and let him know that you read on this blog that deferred students still have a solid chance for admission. As for dual enrollment, we do not look down on it at all, but at time suggest AP courses if possible to stay connected to the HS, but it sounds like he had a good reason for going that route. As for suggestions, I suggest he gets in first sem. grades, we are fine with a dual enrollment prof. rec, and he can take the Dec. or Jan. SAT. I do not suggest SAT II's at this time as we really do not use them for admissions much (unless a student is homeschooled). Let him be sad for a while, and then let him know that deferral is not denial, and the only way to be admitted is to stay in the game by doing part II.
ReplyDeleteAnon: If you take a Dec. or Jan. SAT, have the scores sent in to us from the College Board, and that is how we will be able to use them.
I did my app thru GA411 but did not complete the Part II since EA did not require. Since I am now deferred how can I access the Part II?
ReplyDeleteAnon: That was my guess (that you applied through GA411). Because of the nature of a common state application like GA411, it is not possible to separate part I from part II on that application. But there is any easy solution! Go the the admissions website, and do a search for printable forms. Then print out the application pdf (it is only for review, not for submission), and look at the 4 short essay questions. Then write the 4 essay responses and attach it to an email sent to admproc@uga.edu. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteOk....thanks so much and glad I don't have to re-do the enite app! Thanks for the good luck because I really want to be a Dawg :)
ReplyDeleteDGraves: Thanks so much for taking your time with us today. It is unfortunate that some of us GA411 folks are having this issue. Unfortunately, by doing the app through their site there is no mention of myStatus and therefore not known to everyone unless I guess you went directly to the uga site and found it. GA411 should make mention of that if possible to avoid this happening to those who were told it is best to apply using their site. We are trying to be patient...hard to do when others have their decision. Thanks again, you have really helped answer important questions of the past 2 days.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI was wondering how many out of state students got accepted during the EA process. My daughter is one and just curious. Thanks and have a great weekend.
It appears that you are still online, as your last post was just a few minutes ago. I am the same parent who wrote above about the son who accepted his deferral "with dignity." However, his reaction has now changed to exasperation, aswe have just gone on his mystatus and discovered that neither his AP scores nor his SAT scores were posted. We have contacted the College Board this morning, and the scores were indeed sent on October 28th. I have perused all of the posts above, and apparently there is an issue with "incomplete" applications. You replied to several of the queries about these by saying that it was the student's responsibility to check his/her status... but my son knows at least 5 people who were accepted (some with numbers quite a bit lower than his), and not a SINGLE one of them checked their status after the initial email stating that their application had been received. My son received NO emails from the admissions office after the initial one on October 15th. We DID verify that scores were sent... so I'm wondering where the breakdown was. This is probably your LEAST favorite question, but I MUST ask it: is there a tiny ray of hope that his application can be revisited, given the fact that scores were sent but not posted?
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is that I am very frustrated right now. My daughter was deferred. She is an IB student who has a 3.8 gpa. Her SAT scores were not great, but we were told that gpa and "academic rigor" (difficulty of courses) was much more important. She has friends at our school and another school in our county that got accepted with a lower gpa and less academic rigor (were not IB students/did not take AP courses). What am I supposed to think? Apparently SAT scores mean much more than gpa/academic rigor, no matter what we are told.
ReplyDeleteWe told our daughter that if she got an IB diploma that all of the hard work would pay off and she would be able to choose her school and decide her own future. She desparately wants to go to UGA, but not we are not sure if she will be able to now.
Can someone tell me the rationale around how my daughter got deferred when other students with less academic rigor and lower GPA's got accepted?
Above comment: I am in the exact same boat. I took many AP classes and I was also told that having more rigor and a lower GPA was better than having a high GPA and no rigor. Many people at my school were accepted with no AP classes and 4.0. I am very frustrated as well because I have a 3.7 and got deffered with 8 AP classes. I also have a friend with a lower GPA than me and less AP's with a 1900 SAT who got in. I was told that test scores were the last factor that UGA looked at. Apparently not...
ReplyDeleteI was admitted during the EA process and I'm so excited! But I was wondering when UGA notifies admitted students about scholarship offers based on the received application information. I'd love to attend UGA but as an out of state student, it might be too expensive.
ReplyDeleteP.S.: Your blog is outstanding and it really helped me throughout the application process! Thank you!
First, a few comments for parents and students who are trying to figure out what kept them out of UGA – stop driving yourselves crazy! Anyone who has had to make a hiring decision knows it can be tough and not an exact science. To comment on the SAT theory mentioned above, my daughter did not get in although she had a high SAT (which disproves the theory that SAT is more important than GPA) , rigorous curriculum but unfortunately not the 3.8 required for EA. She is still the same great person and student she was yesterday and so are all of your children – help them see that. We should not be “apologizing” for GPA’s like 3.0 – 3.7 – that is awesome even though it doesn’t qualify for EA – there will be life for each of you after UGA.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, my first question since reading this blog for the past few months – if by chance my daughter does get accepted but for Spring 2012 not Fall 2011 like she hoped, (we know a few deferred students last year who were notified in May they could come in the Spring but they had made other plans) can she take courses at another GA school in the Fall that will transfer or will she then be considered a transfer student?
Thank you Mr. Graves and the admissions team for your dedication - even though you missed out on a responsible, smart, fun and well rounded young woman when you passed on my daughter ! I couldn’t resist a little humor – the tone of this blog is too solemn today.
I know that you mentioned something about some being admitted in feb. but that they had to meet the requirements for EA. What exactly are the requirements?
ReplyDeleteI know you said that EA students who are deferred if they change their academic status can hear from admissions as early as february with the RD students. Changing your academic status, does this mean sending a new transcript, january with your new GPA on it? IF it is a 3.83 or higher this would work or is it just ACT/SAt test scores that would change your academic status?? just curious.
ReplyDeleteTo optimistic mom: then maybe you can tell me why my daughter, who met the rqmts for EA, didn't get accepted when others who had similar and even lower scores did get in. I just want to understand the process, because I obviously have missed something. Maybe we can learn something to put towards the regular admissions process.
ReplyDeleteDisappointed: I agree with you. I am feeling the same way. I just want to know what to improve as well.
ReplyDeleteThe link to the press release seems to be broken, as it is giving me a HTTP 501 Not Implemented error when I try to follow it. Other than that I just wanted to thank you for all of the questions of mine you've answered here! You've been a big help to a homeschool student who is in the process of navigating a bewildering new world.
ReplyDeleteNever mind, it's not the link, it's the entire UGA website.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone get on housing...it says we have to have a UGA login and cannot get that until 1 busiess day?
ReplyDeleteHELLO! UGA has received all of my transcripts except for one which is being held for this semesters grades.
ReplyDelete1. Is transfer decisions done a rolling based or will they only tell you on a rolling base after the deadline ?
2. Do the entering freshman effect transfer decisions?
3. If I apply for summer, but decide I don't want to do summer later on, will I be "un-accepted"?
ok i know this is beating a dead horse, so to speak, but i have to add my two cents in here and agree with some of the above posters! I attend a smaller private school where most of the EA applicants are in pretty much the same classes. We have been told repeatedly by the UGA admissions recruiter that comes to our campus that GPA is the number one consideration, followed by rigor of curriculum, then SAT..I believe I have even read that here. If that is the case, please help me understand why (with that being the only three things considered for early admissions)the students in my school that were accepted had the lower GPA's and the higher SAT's, and the ones who were deferred had the higher GPA's and lower SAT's? All seven of us have pretty much the same curriculum and AP classes on our transcripts. Its all very confusing. I think the admissions recruiters should be careful telling students this when it clearly is not true.
ReplyDeleteI was the one talking about how it was hard now cause of the multiple schools ive been in.. can i get a professor to send a recommendation because im only taking college classes this year or does it have to be a HS teacher?
ReplyDeleteDGraves, I was extremely excited to see my status page yesterday say that I was accepted. I was just wondering what day next week I should expect my acceptance package in the mail because I can not wait to begin the process of transitioning from a high school student to a college student (I live in the south-eastern part of our great state of Georgia if that helps). Thank you for all of your posts throughout the admissions process because you have been a huge help to my family and I!
ReplyDeleteTHE ABOVE COMMENT BY >CONFUSED< I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU! the same thing happened to me! i have attended the same honors/AP courses with the students who were accepted from my school, they had a high SAT score but normal gpa, I on the other hand have a high GPA but low sat score, i am jjust shocked at UGA, those students accepted took AP courses that were extremely easy, ap biology and ap government at my schoool are these two classes are EASY (the teachers who teach them pratically give away the grades), those students even told me that i was stupid enough not to take them bc they were easy 100s, INSTEAD I wannted to take tougher courses like AP chem or Ap calculus my senior year, only year allowed to take, but I GET DEFERRED?! this sucks!!!!
ReplyDeleteA lot of people got their acceptance letters in the mail today, but I have not received mine yet so I checked my status page to check if I read things wrong but whew nope got the fireworks and the congrats. Just to calm my nerves down, if the status page says "you have been accepted", I'll get my acceptance letter soon in the mail right? You guys didn't make a mistake accepting me right? haha sorry for sounding really annoying but I'm really concerned that I didn't get my letter when everyone I know got theirs already
ReplyDeleteI am not back after a busy day of my son's tennis tournament, shopping for his Beta Santa project, and then cooking dinner (in other words, admissions people are real people, so remember this when you comment, call or email). I will now try to answer some questions.
ReplyDeleteAnon: I do not have the exact breakdown of out-of-state vs in-state admissions, but we may have it out next week.
ReplyDeleteTaking a deep breath: I am guessing that your son had an ACT score in, and as such he was not incomplete, thus he did not get an incomplete email (we are fine with either the ACT or SAT). I am guessing the breakdown happened (this is just a guess) if your son sent the test scores, did not include his SSN on the scores, and did not use the same name as on his application (Jon instead of Jonathan). We will not now go back and re-evaluate This may put him inline for the Feb. decision timeline I have stated for RD or deferred students who by late Feb. meet EA criteria.
Disappointed: UGA is still a long way from being done with admissions (we will admit a lot more freshman before we are done), so I suggest your daughter complete part II and move forward in the process. I also suggest you look at where I said that you really cannot compare your child against other students, as you do not know the exact details we do. UGA values grades and rigor first, but that is not an automatic admit for EA.
Anon: See above, and also note that I have repeatedly stated we are not looking at AP courses specifically, but at the overall rigor. I am also guessing that the other admitted students had other rigorous courses (dual enrollment, AP, etc., and as I have said, you do not know everything about other applicants.
Anon: Scholarship offers will begin in a few weeks, and go through early April.
ReplyDeleteOptimistic mom: As I said earlier, we are still a long way from being done with decisions (we admitted about 10,000 freshman last year), so keep the optimism! Second, we do offer a small number of people Spring admission during the April timeline, and students can attend any other colleges they want for the fall term. If she is as strong and great as you say, make sure it shows through when she completes her application part II, so when I read her file I can see it. PS, thanks for the humor!
Anon: There are no set requirements for EA, as we look at the combination of academic factors. As such, most deferred students will not hear until late March. But some students will get in new test scores that greatly improve their academic standing (like the dad from above), and thus may fit the scope we were looking for in EA.
Anon: see previous comment.
disappointed: This is a blog where I will try to answer questions, as I am the person who works in the admissions office. As I said before, you cannot compare your child to others unless you know everything about them, from the exact grades, what the grades were in, the exact courses they have taken, the specific subscores of all tests taken, etc. The best thing now is to move forward with part II.
Anon: see above, and move forward with part II.
Anon: I am not having trouble with the uga site at all.
Anon: Housing is the one that you would need to contact, so if it is not working on Monday, contact them.
ReplyDeleteAl-Dawg: I am a little tied up with freshman issues right now, but I will post about transfer students soon.
Confused: I am guessing you are not saying that all the students with strong grades were deferred, and all the students with strong test scores were admitted at your school. As well, we are very honest about grades (and I mean grades, not GPA) being most important, followed by rigor, then test scores. That does not mean that we only look at grades though. We look at a balance of the factors, and if your grades were slightly better, but their test scores were well above yours, then you need to be more realistic in your overall view of things.
Anon: yes, you can get a prof. from dual enrollment to send in a letter.
Excited: I do not control the mail, only the postal service does. Most acceptance letters were sent out on Friday.
ReplyDeleteSad and Shocked: I can only say see the above posts I have written. I understand you are sad, but it does not mean that you should tear down your classmates.
Riley: Congrats, and I am sure the letter will come soon. It is in the hands of the post office, not me. But if you saw the acceptance page and fireworks, you can go with this!
Being a deferred applicant who's sat score is at 75% percentile, and 25% percentile gpa, I am proof that they do not value sat scores over gpa. That being said, I want to ask: can you tell me what was the average gpa and sat score of those accepted after deferral?
ReplyDeleteDGraves,Thank you so much for this blog. My son applied on Ga411 and we never received information about my myStatus either and have not logged on before today. Is it still possible that he was accepted but we can not access the information? Am I correct that I need to email uga on Monday so that we can access the system?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Anon: Thank you for sharing this to give a little different view of things. I do not have he deferred to admitted data from last year, sorry!
ReplyDeleteAll: I think I have responded to all your questions as of right now, but I will continue to do so as we move forward. Remember to read the FAQ's, read the blog, and do not compare yourself against another applicant unless you know everything about them (and I mean everything!). In addition, please remember that if you contact our office, conduct yourself in a manner that shows why you (or your child) should be strongly considered for admission.
ReplyDeleteIn the past, I have handled calls from people who screamed, cursed, threatened, and lied. As you can guess, these are not the best steps to take. I am sure you will conduct yourself well if you do contact us, but I thought I would alert you to these issues. As well, review the Urban Legends/Myths web page, as I would not want you to bring up an issue that is not true.
Remember not to pay attention to rumors, as rumors are not reality. I have tried to give you insight into the UGA admissions process, and this is coming from 20 years of admissions and a great deal of experience in this process.
Lastly, know that a deferral decision is not the final decision (unless you do not complete part II), as we still have a long way to go before all decisions are made. EA decisions look at the academic side of a student, while the holistic read process looks at everything about a student. So keep hope (even though I know that deferral is not what you desired), keep strong, and finish up the Fall term strong!
Everything on uga.edu is still giving me an error page. Maybe it's an internet explorer thing. The subsites like admissions.uga.edu work fine. Is there an email for the uga webmasters? I was able to find the information from the press release on redandblack.com.
ReplyDeleteAnon: Try http://uga.edu/ for the UGA site (I just logged in with no problem) and http://www.uga.edu/news/artman/publish/101203_Early_Action.shtml for the press release. I am guessing it has something to do with your computer, as I have pulled it up on three different ones today without problem.
ReplyDeleteExtremely excited that I was accepted!!!
ReplyDeleteDGraves....thank you for all of your advice and "words of wisdom" through this post.
I am an out of state student. When can I expect to find out about out-of-state tuition waiver, honors considerations, and scholarships?
Excited: Scholarship offers will begin to go out within the next few weeks, and continue through early/mid April. Right now we will need a week or so to breathe, talk with a great deal of unhappy people, answer a lot of emails, etc., but we will start soon with the scholarship process.
ReplyDeletei wanted to know if a music teacher could write a recommendation for part II of the application and if i could mail the teacher recommendation form in?
ReplyDeleteMy daughter got accepted by EA, we both would like to thank you for this blog. You have answered so many of our questions and helped us understand the admission process. Simply put, you made it easier.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for you hard work.
I think the Higher GPA and rigorous courses but lower Sat/Act is true. I got in early, my GPA was around 3.7 (unweighted-no idea UGA weighted) and I took/am taking 9 AP classes, but my SAT was only 1970, and ACT only 31. however, someone else that I know got a 2070 SAT (did not take ACT) and had a 3.5 unweighted GPA (no idea UGA weighted) and 5 AP classes got deferred.
ReplyDelete2) Thank you Dgraves for your blog. It has helped me so much for the past couple of months. GO DAWGS!
Anon I: If you have a music teacher write the rec., also have a core teacher write one if possible, and the teacher should send it in (or do it online).
ReplyDeleteAnon II: I am glad this blog helped, and it is always nice to hear good news. Tell her congrats!
Anon III: Thanks for the support, and I am glad this blog helped!
With all due respect, my questions have not been answered. How can someone with lower scores get accepted while others get deferred? What is the standard?
ReplyDeleteDisappointed: I will try to answer your question. First, I am guessing you are saying that similar students who had lower scores were admitted over your daughter, based on your previous post and this one. Remember, we look at test scores as individual subscores, not a generic X out of 2400. We list the mid-ranges in the 1600 scale and then writing, but even the CR and Math scores are looked at individually (and as well the ACT this way).
ReplyDeleteSecond, we look at ACT and SAT scores and use the stronger test type. It could be that the other student(s) also took the ACT, as over 50% of the applicants took the ACT, with many taking both exams. While I have a long history of ACT-SAT conversion, not many people do, and it could be their scores are stronger than you think.
In addition, UGA looks at core grades, not and calculates a GPA based on these, as we do not look at a student's GPA on the transcript. Lastly, there are some red flags we look at that could cause deferral for more information, from D/F grades to misconduct.
Lastly, we look at the balance of things, not a set cut-point (there are no set cut-points in UGA admissions), so we look at the parts of the academic information together. We have some students with straight A's who were deferred, and some students with 1400+/1600 SAT scores who were deferred, all due to the entire view of their academics, not just one item.
That is the best I can do.
Creekview mom: Since we do not control the GA411 application, we are limited as to what we can do with it. But we have had the myStatus system for a number of years, and it is referenced a great deal on our site and in this blog. I would contact adm-tech@uga.edu on Monday to get access.
ReplyDeleteI was deferred, but now I am just determined to increase my SAT/ACT math scores in December and January and prove to UGA that I should be a Dawg! :)
ReplyDeleteI was confused about the teacher recommendation. What should I tell my teacher to give me? I have looked at this: https://www.admissions.uga.edu/teacherrec,
so do I just give her this link...? Is it not a true recommendation letter? I am just confused about how to go about this. Also, why is there such a low word limit on the essays? I pride myself on being an impressive writer, but after butchering 60 words out of my essay, I feel that the quality was compromised. I'm not complaining, just curious.
THANK YOU for this blog. It has given me so much information and made this process so much easier.
I apologize if I am being difficult, but I don't see how that answers my question. If my daughter has a better gpa and has more "accademic rigor" than another student who was accepted (and btw has not had any disipline problems), then I have to assume that the SAT/ACT score is more important in the overall decision than you say it is. If that is the case then just say so. I'm only trying to understand what is important so tha I can try to advise my daughter, whose only goal is to be accepted to UGA. Apparently we did not give her the correct advice when we told her that her SAT/ACT scores were not as important as her GPA and "academic rigor".
ReplyDeleteAnon: You should give the link to your teacher, and they will complete the teacher rec. form and enter in their letter or rec. This is a teacher rec., but if you would like, the teacher can mail in a teacher rec. As for the essays, we want to get more information about you, both as a person and as a writer, but we do not want overdone essays. Brevity is sometimes a good thing, and we like it when applicants cut to the chase at times. Students also at times write better admissions essays when they do not try to guess what we want to read, and instead just write them.
ReplyDeleteDisappointed: First, I cannot say what your daughter's information is like, as I would have to actually see her information on a transcript and in her file. Second, I will not comment on another student, especially since I (and you) do not have access to the above information I mentioned. You may think you know all about another student, but you do not. You might know some, but not all of it.
And again, I will restate that grades and rigor are more important than an SAT/ACT score. What you are saying is that the grades and rigor overwhelm the test scores, and that is not what UGA has ever said. UGA still uses the SAT/ACT scores, and so you cannot ignore them.
To make it easier, here are two students, D and E. D has done very well in her classes (UGA calculated her GPA as a 3.90), has a rigorous schedule, and her SAT scores are 480 CR, 520 M, and 450 W. E has also done well in her classes (3.80), has almost as rigorous a schedule, and has 650 CR, 600 M, and 700 W. In addition, her ACT scores are great, with a 34 E, a 35 M, a 34 S, a 35 R, and a 35 combined E/W.
While D has somewhat stronger grades and rigor, which count for more at UGa, E is still strong, and her top level test scores, which are well, well above D's, put her above D. Again, while grades and rigor come first, that does not mean you can ignore the test scores.
If you still will not believe me that UGA does value grades and rigor first, then there is nothing more I can say that would convince you. I hope this helps you understand, and that your daughter completes part II, but this is about it as far as I can give you on this subject. Good bye.
Thank you for your clarification. As I suspected, the SAT/ACT score does carry more significant weight than I was led to believe. I assumed that we were doing the right thing in pushing our daughter to focus more on a rigorous classs schedule by involving her in the local county IB program. I now see that that was a mistake. We should have encouraged her to get a higher GPA with less rigorous courses and then focus more on her SAT/ACT scores. Since it is now too late to do anything about that, we will just have to rely on the general "luck of the draw" in part II of the process.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say thanks to you, Mr. Graves, for providing such a great resource. I was admitted and cannot wait for the years to come. Go Dawgs! And thanks again!
ReplyDeleteDisappointed: Again you have overlooked things that I have said, and I am guessing that is how it will go. As well, the next stage is not the luck of the draw, but a detailed review of the applicants. Do a search of file reading in the labels area and you will see what I mean.
ReplyDeleteGarrett: Congrats!
Mr. Graves, Thanks for all your hard work, your blog has been a invaluable tool for us. My daughter is deferred and is starting Part II of the application and is still very hopeful that she will be a Dawg! She seems to have met the requirements for early admission in the areas of test scores and rigor of curriculum. GPA falls below the mid range accepted 3.5-3.6, and does have one of the red flags mentioned, a D in a class. Which did cause her GPA to drop some. We are wondering if this red flag is an automatic reason for deferral for more information? She did send an explanation of the grade is hoping that the second part of her application will shine, she has worked so hard through school and hopes one glitch in the road doesn't hurt her chances. Any thoughts on this from you would be great, your advice has helped so much!
ReplyDeleteI finished my application in early November but it is under RD. When will I find out? ASAP or not until March?
ReplyDeleteMr. Graves, I would like to give you a round of applause from everyone that has read your blog. As an early applicant, I thought I was stressed out with college applications; I can only imagine how crazy your position can be at times, but rewarding, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteI found out I was accepted EA by a phone call from my mother, screaming. However, I had one question. I know that I am accepted, but on the December SAT I improved my scores. Should I send these scores in for scholarship consideration, etc, or would it make a difference?
Thank you again for your dedication to the future Dawgs.
Girl With a Screaming Mother
Mr. Graves, thank you so much for your patience with everyone. I am sure that it is a trying time for you and your family. I can relate since my husband is a professor and has to deal with unhappy students sometimes. Our daughter applied for EA and was deferred. She is going to do everything that she can to make herself a stronger candidate. She is taking the SAT again, will be sending in her first semester grades and is already working on her essays. She said she is so happy that she really pushed herself academically this fall. If you do not mind, could you expand a little bit on what extra information that you look for on the RA applications? I have checked on the FAQ page and you said previously that you are looking at the whole candidate and not just the grades, I am just wondering if you can share what stands out for the admission office. Thanks so much for your time and consideration.
ReplyDeleteBoth of those links still aren't working. I'm using internet explorer on windows 7. Is there an email for the UGA webmasters? I tried the "contact us" link but that is under the uga.edu site and so takes me to another error page.
ReplyDeleteFrom a Parent who knows:
ReplyDeleteI just read some posts and I am disappointed at the tone of some comments/questions from parents.
To harass a UGA Admissions employee who is taking time to write a blog that provides a helpful glimpse into the admissions process is inexcusable. I might expect it from a senior who was just deferred from the school of their dreams, but from a parent? Really?
I am a parent of a student who was accepted early and we are thrilled and counting our blessings!
I am also the parent of a child who was denied admission years ago...and, I am a graduate of UGA.
Complaining publicly, albeit in an anonymous manner, that your child is qualified to attend UGA yet was denied because of an unfair or nebulous admission policy is not helpful to anyone, your child included.
Perhaps it is cathartic for you to post condescending comments and redundant questions but to those of us reading the blog, your posts lack merit.
Perhaps you should focus on what you can do to improve the situation. If deferred - your child still has a chance to go to the #18 ranked best public college in the nation, (US News and World Reports).
Take Action.
Read a book about college admissions.
Plan standby testing for the ACT test scheduled NEXT SATURDAY.
Start preparing for the essays and the next part of the application.
In regards to the admissions “weight” of standardized tests: did your child take both the ACT and SAT tests multiple times in an effort to get the best score possible?
Did your child take the SAT again yesterday?
Many SAT test takers yesterday had already been accepted to multiple schools and were retaking the test in an effort to increase scores from 2200+. Many had GPA’s in excess of 4.0 yet they (with guidance from their parents) were well informed regarding the competitive nature of the college admission process and they sought proactively to do what they could to be the best applicant they could be! Action is better than words!
Again, I am the parent of both an accepted admission child and a denied admission child and a proud alumnus. I hope the readers of this blog embrace a positive informed approach to the college admission process.
I would like to express my gratitude to the author of this blog for maintaining professionalism. Your posts were helpful and your service is meritorious. Thank You!
Go Dawgs!
Hope to be a Dawg: A red flag is not an automatic deferral, only an indication that we need to review this file in more detail. If she sent in an explanation (and I would also suggest first year grades to show what she did this fall), then she has done all she needs to do for this issue. She will be looked at in the holistic review process like any other student.
ReplyDeleteAnon I: Since you applied RD, a decision will go out either in Feb. if you meet EA criteria, or late March is you go through the read process.
Girl with screaming mom: Go ahead and have the Dec. SAT scores sent in, as it can not hurt your chances for scholarship consideration.
Anon mom: While I could go into detail here, a better way is to look in the bottom right of this blog under the label area for file reading, as I did a six part series on what we look at during this stage. It should give you what you are looking for and more!
Anon: The University website is working fine, so it is your computer with the issue, but the email for the UGA webmasters is www@www.uga.edu .
Thank you to "A Parent who knows".
ReplyDeleteLet me offer my sincere apologies if I offended anyone, particularly DGraves. It was not my intent to come across appear condescending or harassing. As I went back and re-read my posts, it was easy to see how you may have felt that way. I truly appreciate all of the information that you have been willing to share and you willingness to do it on your own time speaks to your dedication.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, please accept the apologies of a prospective parent that was caught up in an emotional moment. I look forward to continuing to read this blog for the greate information it has as we move into the second phase of the admissions process.
Unfortunately I was deferred. That was pretty shocking but, I have decided to complete part 2 of the application process. Anyway, I saw that there is a "teacher reccomendation form." I would prefer my teacher recs to be mailed in. What is the address I should give me teachers?
ReplyDeleteDisappointed: Apology accepted.
ReplyDeleteCan't believe this: The address is Undergraduate Admissions, Univ. of GA, Terrell Hall, Athens, GA 30602-1633.
You said earlier that around 6,100 students were accepted during the EA process. Do you have a feel for how many applicants will be accepted during the Regular Decision process?
ReplyDeleteThanks
Thanks. Hopefully I will be accepted this time around.I have already started my essays, and will have my english teacher look over them.
ReplyDeleteMy twin sister got accepted with a 3.5 (UGA GPA) and got a 27 on her ACT's. She has a great work experience and volunteer/community service stuff and she'll graduate with five AP classes and she got in early!
ReplyDeleteI, on the other hand, have a 3.7 GPA and a 1910 on my SAT and I got deferred. I don't have any work experience or volunteer stuff but I thought early action was only based on grades, rigor, and test scores. I also will graduate with five AP classes.....
I am really confused with this process. It seems so random. I honestly thought I was going to get in and she was going to get deferred or both us were gonna make it
Thomas: I do not have exact numbers, but we will probably admit another 3,600-4,000 or so.
ReplyDeleteBecky: First, I cannot guess about a decision, but remember that we are not looking at the overall scores, but the breakdown of the subscores. I do not know if you have ever reviewed the subscore translation tables before for the SAT vs. ACT, but it is not possible to look at the two composite scores and know how they match up. EA is just looking at the academics, though, we look at grades and how we calculate the GPA, and we look at overall rigor, not just the number of AP courses. So it is much more detailed than just three numbers, and it is not random.
I have followed the different admission blogs you have serviced the past 4 months. My daughter was accepted during EA and is thrilled. I can honestly say that her acceptance maps directly with what you have stated over and over in your blogs regarding EA admission.
ReplyDelete1. GPA
2. Did you take the most difficult classes offered by your school
3. SAT and/or ACT score
We prepared her for being deferred (even though she has a 4.0 and good ACT/SAT Scores), and in fact have been telling her to expect being deferred and that's why she applied to Auburn (got accepted back in October) and also to North Georgia (got accepted on 12/3/10 as well). I'm a graduate of UGA (1989) and in 2010 it is extremely competitive to get in during EA. The only advice I would offer to parents is to coach their children to apply for other schools and have backup plans during the EA process. My daughter had 2 accepts from two good schools prior to finding out about UGA.
Thanks again for your blogs and your advice. It was extremely helpful in our process...
Anon: Tell your daughter congratulations from us, and thanks for the additional advice for future students and parents.
ReplyDeleteMr. Graves,
ReplyDeleteYou have really answered lots of questions and helped me understand a little more of the app process.. my daughter was deferred. Her gpa was 3.78 which was under the average EA took. Many ap classes , though, 8 to be exact and 2 joint enrollment. I know she will be looked at again, after this semester. Her gpa after this semester will be in the EA average 3.83 or higher. would she find out her status in February, possibly, since her new transcript will reflect a change or will it be the March timeline? thanks so much
Anon: We will not be recalculating the GPA after her first semester, as we would have to do that for all of the Reg. Decision applicants, the deferred applicants, etc., and we do not have the timing to do this and get out decisions in our timeframe, much less the personnel. We will be able to import new test scores, as these are matched and processed automatically by our system (as long as the student test information matches the application information). What we will do is put the new transcript in the student's file so we can look at it during our holistic read process, and see how the progression of courses and grades has gone (along with all the other factors). So if the only new academic information is an updated transcript, she should expect a decision in March.
ReplyDeleteWhen you mention "holistic review" after the January 15 RD deadline what exactly does this mean? you look more closely at grades/ rigor/ community service, etc. Do you take into account the teacher recommendation letters and counselor letter also?
ReplyDeleteAnon: I suggest you look at the lower right section of the blog titled "labels" and select the "file reading" label. Last Feb., I wrote a six part series about how we review files in our file reading process, and this will give you some details about it.
ReplyDeleteThe UGA housing registration isn't working. When I try to sign in with my UGA id it coughs up a long list of code complaining about arrays and bad index items and so on.
ReplyDeleteThis is a rather bad omen for a computer science major...
Sorry, forgot to include the question in the last post. Where would I go to get help with the id system?
ReplyDeleteUGA++: As I have said in other places, the Housing dept. is upgrading their overall housing site and the backend program that they are using, and they are having a few minor issues. As a computer science major, I am guessing you are going to have a few of these issues yourself, so please be patient and give them a slight break as they move forward with this new system. As for the id system, I am not sure which one you are talking about. If you are talking about the UGA MyID, you would go to https://myid.uga.edu, which is what I guess you are referring to in your post.
ReplyDeleteOk, thanks! Yes, I of all people am not one to complain about computer bugs. I'll just check back tomorrow and see if it's working then. By the id system I just meant the login on the housing site.
ReplyDeleteI was just curious... I was fortunate enough to be accepted EA but my potential roommate was not. He was deferred and I'm wondering (assuming he was to be admitted later) how I should go about all the housing situation now.
ReplyDeleteThanks, any information would be helpful!
Anon: Here is some information straight from the Housing site: "The following conditions must exist before roommate preferences can be honored: (1) both students must request each other and (2) a double occupancy room must exist. When two students request each other as roommates and register at separate times, the assignment of the roommate pair will be based upon the LATEST registration date of both students."
ReplyDeleteIn other words, you can request him, and if he is later admitted, he will need to request you, and your dual request will then be processed based on the date that he registers.
Has anyone been able to log in and apply for housing?
ReplyDeleteAnon: From a few comments up: "UGA++: As I have said in other places, the Housing dept. is upgrading their overall housing site and the back-end program that they are using, and they are having a few minor issues." I expect it will be up tomorrow or Wed.
ReplyDeleteHi. I'm a huge fan of UGA and have been wanting to go since I was a freshman. I have worked very very hard, with 6 APs and a 92-93 GPA. My SAT scores are somewhat low. I got deferred from early, and I am somewhat angry. I have realized that the admissions people accepted people mostly based off their SAT score... and that is simply not right. What really bothers me is seeing the people in my school get accepted when they have taken 0-2 APs, have a B GPA, and just a high SAT score. Please read this and try to understand where I am coming from.
ReplyDeleteAs a student, I know I am very bright, diverse, and have worked hard. The SAT is just a test. We go in a room, take it, walk out, and receive a score. I have noticed that a lot of people score really high, and have lower GPAs. These people got in. I'm not saying all, but I am SHOCKED at some people who were accepted. I have spent 4 years of my life, working hard, studying, taking 6 Ap's and everything else honors, and I know I deserve to get in. Four years of my life have been spent working hard. Now, someone just goes and takes a test, gets a high score, and gets in...and they had a much more relaxed four years of high school and did take many AP's....and they got in!! I'm very disappointed and just hurt. If I knew UGA is more interested in just a high SAT score of 1250+ and not as interested in GPAs and rigor, I would have not worked so hard and taken all these AP classes and maintained an A average.
CONTINUED Anonymous ^ part 2
ReplyDeleteI do not mean any of this in a rude way. I just want to express my student, as an adult, and just let you know my place. I am reapplying for regular admission, and I really will be shocked if I get denied.
Admissions office, I am speaking for tons, please please PLEASE, do not merely focus on the SAT scores. As a student, I know how frustrating it is to work hard for all of hs, annd let someone with just a higher SAT score to take your place. Please, remember this and share this with the rest of the admissions office. SATs are just a test. High school represents how much that student has worked and put effort into their 4 years of their lives, what clases they took, if they pushed themselves, etc. Please, do not let the SATs be the only thing you look at. Some of us just suck at standardized testing. But look at my GPA. Look at my clubs. Look at my honors and APs.
Thank you.
Hi, I got deferred...I am in the EXACT same boat as anonymous from above^ (with the II part comment. I am going to take the SAT's again in January just to show I have been proactive and am trying again.
ReplyDeleteI need some honest advice. I haven't signed up for the SATs yet so I am going to wait until your response. In YOUR OPINION, would you recommend me, a student who has taken the SATS 3 times and still has a not so great grade, to retake the SATs (I have no problem with that.. even though I hate that test! But I've been improving from each one), or the ACTS? I haven't taken that.. Does it matter if we take the ACTS or dont? I just have never taken it so I don't know if I should risk sending my first score, or if I should do the SATS. What do you think
Hi! I have been deferred, will reapply for Regular, and to be honest... I'M FREAKING OUT!!!!
ReplyDeleteAll I want is to be accepted!!!!!! I love UGA so much and I have worked very hard!
I would be so thankful if you have any pointers for us who got deferred.
1]Is it true that if we got deferred, then that means we pretty much "passed" the academic criteria, and now you just want to know more and see us as not just a number? That's what I heard. Please clarify.
2]What are the key things you are looking at? The essays are somewhat broad. Is there anything in particular you look at? Could we get in with a really good Rec letter and very good essays? I just don't really know what really pushes us over the border from deferred to accepted. Since you have reviewed my transcript and SAT's, i'm guessing you saw SOMETHING in me to at least defer me. Am I right? I mean, I love how the Regular Admissions allows you all to see me as not just my grades, but as an individual.... So if I work very hard on my essays and show you guys something different, do I have a shot? I have just been a wreck lately and need something to boost me up.
Anon I: I understand your frustration, and you are fine to express it. It is okay for you to state your situation and how you feel. But I ask that you not state your opinion as fact, as based on the assumptions you have stated, it is fairly clear to me that you have not read much in my blog about how we make decisions.
ReplyDeleteA student that has only a B average (that means to me that they are a 3.0 student), has a weak curriculum, and only a high SAT, then they would not have been admitted. I cannot say what a student might say as far as a decision, or what you may or may not know about the student, but UGA focuses first on core grades, then rigor, and then test scores.
As I have also said a number of times, do not go comparing yourself to other students, as you do not have the specific details that UGA does on our applicants. And while you may not have meant your comment to be rude, the phrases "I deserve to get in" and "Now, someone just goes and takes a test, gets a high score, and gets in" are rude.
I think you really need to review the post I wrote called "Half Baked Reactions" and learn a little more about where we are in the admissions process. Now, I am glad that you have passion, and I hope you put this into your first semester classes and into part II. As well, your last statement asks that we look at your grades, your clubs and your Honors and AP. That is what the next stage does, only in even more depth than that (activities/honors/athletics were not reviewed in EA). So focus your energy on part II, and do your best. But please, read my blog, learn about what we look at (not about what you guess we look at), and focus on you, not on others.
SS: If you have taken the SAT three times, and do not have much change in your scores, I would personally not push you to take it again. As well, the only remaining ACT is this Saturday (the Feb. ACT is beyond the deadline for us to use), so you would have to go standby, but that would be better than the SAT. If you do not take the ACT, though, it is no problem, and if you send in a score that is not as strong as your SAT scores, we will only look at the SAT then.
ReplyDeleteSabet: First, we do not see you as a number. We do not know a great deal about you yet, but you are a student, an applicant, and a person.
Second, in the next stage, we will still be looking at everything about you, from grades to rigor, activities to essays, recommendations to progress, etc. There is no magic bullet to be admitted, so I cannot give you one thing. What we are looking at is you as a whole, and then looking at the overall pool of applicants. There are a lot of people who want to be in UGA, but wanting is not the key. Being a strong student and a strong person is. So make sure your activities show us who you are, review my suggestions about the essays (see my most recent post), and do well in the last few weeks of fall term and get us your grades.
I was finally able to register for housing. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to have baeen accepted to UGA! Thanks! I would also love to be considered for the Honors College. Is there anything I can do to let the Committee know of my interest?
ReplyDeleteAlso - I've been named to my All-State Soccer squad. Can I forward that information along? Would it make a difference?
Jennie
Anon: For Honors, I would be patient for a little while longer, as they generally will release their initial information within the next 1-2 weeks. Then you will know a little more about your situation, and can then contact Honors if needed. As for All-State soccer, you can always send this update (or an updated resume) to admoproc@uga.edu.
ReplyDeleteMy son took the SAT three times and raised his score from a 1170 to a 1300 (verbal and math only). He raised his total score from a 1730 to 1920. He did this by studying! Many teenagers do not study for the SAT and do not really increase their scores. Please recognize your weakness and focus on that. Buy the books in the bookstore that help you study for the SAT. It really helps.
ReplyDeleteAnon: Generally, a student will see some growth in the SAT if there is a period of time between the original exam and the last, with some of that coming from an understanding of the exam, and some of that coming from normal academic growth from year to year. But at a certain point, the SAT scores will not see much improvement, especially if taken one after another. I do suggest that everyone familiarize themselves with the exam, though, as there are certain plans the SAT and ACT suggest for taking the tests, from sleep to knowing when to guess, etc. But each student has to know their limits as well.
ReplyDeleteMy son is taking the SAT on Jan 22, I just want to make sure that UGA will accept his scores. Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteL. Raulerson: yes, we will take the Jan. SAT (the last one we can take), but make sure he puts UGA as a receiving college and that the SSN, name and birthdate match the info on his application.
ReplyDeleteHi I got into UGA through early action and I could not be more excited! I want to register for housing already but I'm hesitant as I have not received my official letter from yet (which I heard contains a lot of information regarding housing). I checked online Friday to see that I got on, but around when should I receive the official letter that tells me I got accepted and has all the information on UGA? Should it be before the end of this week or later? Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteUnsure: I would suggest you go ahead and create a UGA MyID, as that is the first step in a lot of things. I do not control the mail, so I could not say when the official letter will get to you. A number of students have begun working with housing, so it is not required that you wait until the packet gets to you.
ReplyDeleteif I already got into UGA under Early Action, does UGA still want my senior year transcript?
ReplyDeleteAnon: Unless requested (I know that students who applied to the FF/Ramsey scholarship and are invited need first semester grades), we do not want first semester grades from the admitted students. We only want a final transcript after graduation for admitted students.
ReplyDeleteis the final trascript required? and what is it used for?
ReplyDeleteAnon: A final HS transcript (generally sent in May or June) is generally required by all colleges, and it proves you graduated from your HS, finished required classes, and for a number of colleges, that you did not have a serious drop in your academics.
ReplyDeleteoh ok! so it is not used for any placement classes?
ReplyDeleteAnon: A final HS transcript is not used for placement. AP/IB scores, dual enrollment courses, SAT II exams, and departmental exams would be used for placement.
ReplyDeleteD.Graves, My son has been accepted for early action to UGA and was very happy. He has applied to other schools though, so hasn’t made a decision about UGA. A friend seemed to think from what she had read that you need to go ahead and apply for your UGA MyID even though you are still undecided. Is this correct or do you wait until you have made a decision. If this question was answered somewhere else I apologize. Thanks for all of your help!
ReplyDeleteUndecided: Tell your son congratulations, and tell him he has until May 1 to make a decision, so take his time! For admitted freshman, the next step for a lot of them is to sign up for housing, and the key login is the MyID system. If you create a MyID, this does not mean that you will attend UGA, only that you have started the process of the Next Steps towards enrolling. Your son does not "need" to do a MyID yet, but if he does it, that is fine as well (whether he attends UGA or not).
ReplyDeleteCan you clarify whether the GPA range stated in the freshman Early Decision Profile is core or overall?
ReplyDeleteAlso, is it better to encourage my son to take an AP class even if he gets a high B or to take an on level and get an A?
dsmith: The only GPA that UGA gives out is a core GPA that we calculate based on the core grades off a student's transcript. As for rigor, I always tell a student to challenge themselves to the level that they can handle, as a more challenging course is looked at with more regard by UGA, prepares them better for college courses, and for AP/IB courses, we add a .5 to the grade and the AP/IB exam results may exempt them from certain freshman courses at UGA.
ReplyDeleteI received my letter of acceptance to UGA for Fall 2011 and am very excited. I am an out of state student. Does UGA offer out-of-state tuition fee waivers so that some out-of-state students pay in-state tuition? If yes, when is that determination made?
ReplyDelete