<p>I would love to go to the University of Georgia, as would a close friend of mine. We are both in-state and are hoping to apply early in October. Because my strengths are academic rather than in leadership/community service, I feel it would be better for me since they focus on GPA, SAT/ACT, and rigor in early. However, there is the spot for leadership positions and the likes. My friend does not have such strong grades, but compensates in the other areas. He wants to apply early so he has the chance of being accepted early, but is prepared to be deferred to regular admission if necessary.
Here are our qualifications:</p>
<p>Me:
GPA - 4.0 (unweighted)
AP classes - 8 (other classes have been gifted, with the exception of 1 honors course)
SAT - 1950 (new scores coming in on Thursday, will update then)
Class rank - within top 5%, received Georgia Certificate of Merit
Community Service/ Leadership -
Volunteered for 3 years at community pool (helped coordinate events, cleaned bathrooms, etc.)</p>
<p>Him:
GPA - 3.4 (unweighted)
AP classes - 7 (other classes have been gifted, with the exception of 1 honors class)
SAT - 1820 (new scores will be received on Thursday)
Community Service/Leadership -
Eagle Scout (qualifies as both leadership and community service)
Helped box and ship gifts for Operation Christmas Child
Built birdhouses for local park
There may be more, but that’s all I know.</p>
<p>Forget EA, I think you both have a good shot at RD. UGA’s average SAT is just over 1700, so only your friend’s GPA might pose a problem - but not even, because he took 7 APs. </p>
<p>You might also be in line for some merit aid, if your top 5%</p>
<p>I think the friend should apply EA simply because there’s always a chance he gets accepted, and then he doesn’t have to bother with the essay. If deferred, he just writes the essay for RD.</p>
<p>@pch, why do you say forget EA? I don’t think OP is in line for merit aid from the university beyond HOPE because of his test scores.</p>
<p>@ gamomof - I’m not sure what his CR+M is right now, but I’ll know his updated one on Thursday, but thanks for the suggestions. I agree that he should take ACT as well because his SAT scores aren’t where he wants them.</p>
<p>@pch - I would need an additional 50 points in my CR+M score to be eligible for the two big merit based scholarships that UGA offers. I’ll see if I make the score or not in a couple days.</p>
<p>@ Knights - That’s pretty much his reasoning behind EA as well. If he gets deferred at least he knows they are somewhat interested in him and he already has half the application done.</p>
<p>I know you have your heart set on UGA, but I would shoot an app over to Alabama and see what they give you money-wise. Plus they are rolling admissions (and no essays), so you can be in college and not have to worry about anything by like the third week of September.</p>
<p>Well, I didn’t exactly mean to forget EA, but I meant you can get in without it. Of course, there is no reason not to do EA, because you obviously are applying to UGA, and EA is non-binding so go for it. </p>
<p>Also, as knights09 said, apply to UBama because their SAT scores are much lower than UGA, and you might get some nice merit based aid (but their OOS cost is around $30k with room/board)</p>
<p>Anyway, you really shouldn’t be worrying about admission to UGA; you’re almost guaranteed, and in all reality, so is your friend, as long his recommendations and essays are decent.</p>