If you’re reading this, you’re likely wondering whether or not your child has a shot at getting into the University of Georgia. While there’s no copy-and-paste format for a successful application to the University of Georgia (or to any school, for that matter), we’re going to dive into some of the features that unite the students who gain admission to the University of Georgia. But first, let’s look at what sets Georgia apart from other schools. 

About the University of Georgia 

You’ve heard of Athens, Greece, but don’t sleep on Athens, Georgia, home to the University of Georgia. Founded in 1785, UGA is the first state‑chartered public university in the U.S. With almost 33,000 undergraduates, the University of Georgia is a large school, perfect for students who want to take advantage of a research institution’s endless resources while enjoying a big campus’s good vibes. 

The University of Georgia has gotten more selective in recent years, with a 33% acceptance rate for last year’s admitted class. This makes it what we at Ivy Coach would consider a competitive school.

University of Georgia Admissions Requirements

Obviously, GPA, standardized testing scores, and extracurricular achievements are the key components of a successful application to the University of Georgia and to any school. That being said, what do these components actually look like for UGA admits? Without further ado, let’s dive in!

What Kind of GPA Is Necessary To Get Into the University of Georgia? 

The following is the GPA breakdown of the members of the University of Georgia Class of 2029.

GPA	Percentage of University of Georgia Class of 2029
4.0	85.48%
3.75-3.99	12.5%
3.5-3.74	1.25%
3.25-3.49	0.31%
3.0-3.24	0.16%
2.5-2.99	0.21%
2.0-2.49	0%
1.0-1.99	0%

So, if you’re not a charts person, let’s talk a bit about what those numbers mean. For the University of Georgia’s Class of 2029, 85.48% of enrolled students had a perfect GPA. And almost the entire class was beyond the 3.75 GPA mark, with 96.98% of enrolled students coming in with these stellar high school records. It’s worth noting that these numbers likely reflected weighted as opposed to unweighted GPA. 

What Kind of SAT or ACT Scores Are Needed To Get Into Georgia? 

The average SAT score for the University of Georgia’s Class of 2029 was a 1300 and the average ACT score was a 29. UGA requires test scores from all applicants, so it’s a good idea to study up on those tests. 

What Classes Do Students Need to Take to Get Into the University of Georgia? 

The University of Georgia states the following about their minimum course requirements for undergraduates: “According to University System of Georgia (USG) Policy, all first-year applicants must complete the Required High School Curriculum (RHSC), which consists of 17 academic units in English (4), Mathematics (4), Science (4), Social Science (3), and Foreign Language (2).” 

Of course, we at Ivy Coach would not recommend merely three years in any core subject. Selective colleges like UGA want to see students excelling in each core subject (English, history, math, science, and foreign language) all four years of high school. In fact, they expect to see five years for foreign language since most students begin their first level of foreign language in eighth grade.

What Kinds of Extracurriculars Does the UGA Like To See?

We’re going to clear up a common misunderstanding: highly selective colleges are not looking for well-rounded students. They’re looking for a well-rounded student body comprised of students who are each singularly talented. 

In terms of extracurriculars, that means the University of Georgia is looking for depth over breadth. If you’re a member of the debate team, the robotics team, the field hockey team, and the drama department…well, then, you’re merely a member of those groups. You don’t stand out in any of these pursuits. The University of Georgia would much rather accept a nationally ranked debate champ than a kid who spent an hour or two on debate a week because he spent the rest forgetting Shakespeare lines and fumbling the ball in football practice. 

University of Georgia Application Requirements

UGA accepts the Common App. The University of Georgia does not require letters of recommendation, but they say they “highly recommend” them, and we at Ivy Coach would advise you not to take that recommendation lightly. Finally, they ask one supplemental question: 

The transition from middle to high school is a key time for students as they reach new levels of both academic and personal discovery. Please share a book (novel, non-fiction, etc.) that had a serious impact on you during this time. Please focus more on why this book made an impact on you and less on the plot/theme of the book itself (we are not looking for a book report). (200-300 words)

Who Should Students Ask For Letters of Recommendation For the University of Georgia? 

UGA applicants should ask two junior year teachers in core subjects. Obviously, the applicant should have a good relationship with the teacher or at least have performed well in their class. In addition, at least one of the recommenders’ subject area should be related to the student’s hook: if a student’s singular hook is studying fruit fly DNA, it wouldn’t make sense if their recommenders were their History and English teachers. 

Does Georgia Require an Interview? 

The University of Georgia does not require an interview, and, in fact, they don’t even offer one!

What Are the University of Georgia’s Application Deadlines? 

Early Decision applications to UGA are due October 15,  and Regular Decision applications are due January 1. 

How Ivy Coach Helps Students Get Into the University of Georgia

If you’re interested in discerning if your child has a shot of getting into the University of Georgia, we recommend setting up Ivy Coach’s Strategy Session. Not only will you find out if your child has a chance of getting into UGA, but you’ll receive a game plan of how your child can optimize their admission to the best school possible.