Does The University Of Georgia Defer Overqualified Applicants?

The University of Georgia (UGA) does not publicly state that they defer overqualified students. However, they do have a multi-stage admissions process, and it is possible for students to be deferred if the admissions office requires additional information to make a final decision. This could include information about a student's talents outside the classroom, extracurricular activities, and service. UGA also states that they have a limited number of places available, and so not all qualified applicants can be admitted.

The University of Georgia's deferral process

The University of Georgia (UGA) has a three-answer system for applicants: accept, deny, and defer. When an applicant is deferred, it means that the admissions team needs additional information to make a final decision. A deferral is not a denial, and applicants are encouraged to see it as a positive opportunity to strengthen their application.

Reasons for Deferral

UGA may defer an application if the admissions team wants to know more about the student than simply their grades, classes, and standardised test scores. The university is asking for an application that showcases the student's talents outside the classroom, their accomplishments, and their involvement in extracurriculars and service.

What to Do if Deferred

UGA requires deferred applicants to complete Part II of their application, which includes four short essays to help the admissions team gain a better understanding of the applicant. Deferred students are also required to submit a teacher recommendation and their fall semester grades. Additionally, students can choose to take an additional SAT or ACT.

Chances of Acceptance After Deferral

Last year, 50% of students who were deferred in Early Action and completed Part II of the application were later admitted to UGA. On the other hand, 0% of students who chose not to complete Part II of the application were accepted. According to the university, about 15% of deferred applicants gain admission in the Regular Decision round.

Timeline for Final Decision

UGA treats Early Action (EA) and Regular Decision (RD) applicants the same, and they follow the same timeline for decisions. Final decisions for everyone are released in mid-March.

What to do if your application is deferred

Being deferred can be confusing and upsetting, but it is important to remember that it is not a rejection. If your application has been deferred, it means that the college wants to review your application again with the regular decision pool of applicants. This gives you time to strengthen your application.

Read the letter carefully

Many schools give important information about what steps you should take next and what you shouldn't do. Some schools may ask you to send updated grades, confirm your intention to be considered in the regular decision round, or ask you to not send more information. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully to show that you are motivated and can follow directions.

Re-evaluate your application

Most colleges allow deferred applicants to submit an update to their application. Focus on things that have happened since you submitted your original application. You could also retake standardized tests, such as the ACT or SAT, to try and get a higher score. Remember to have your test scores sent directly to the college.

Look over your list of schools again

Take a look at what drew you to the school. Was it the geographic location? A specific academic program? Pinpoint some of the most desirable qualities and look for them at other schools that may be a better fit for you. Redirect your focus to schools you were accepted to, or have a high chance of acceptance at.

Follow up with the admissions office

Keep communications positive, upbeat, and hopeful. If you are sure that you would attend the college if accepted, let them know. You can also send an update on your mid-term accomplishments, such as grades showing an upward swing, awards, or new projects and activities.

Ask for letters of recommendation

You can also arrange for another letter of recommendation to strengthen your application.

Focus on your backup plan

Finish and submit applications to other schools on your list. Get excited about your other options and try to remain positive – you might discover a college that's a better fit for you than your first choice.

The difference between deferral and waitlisting

Being deferred and being waitlisted are two different things, but they do have some similarities. Both outcomes mean that the applicant will have to wait longer to find out if they have been admitted. However, a deferral is generally considered preferable to being waitlisted.

When a college defers an application, it means they are delaying making a decision. They want more information before they review the application again. This usually means they will reconsider the application with the regular decision pool of applicants. Being deferred is not the same as being rejected—it is an indication that the college wants to give the application further consideration.

Being waitlisted means the college has finished reviewing an application and has decided not to accept the applicant. However, if spaces remain after other applicants have accepted their offers, the college may then offer a place to someone on the waitlist. Being waitlisted does not automatically mean an applicant will be considered again—they may have to respond to confirm they want to remain on the waitlist.

If an applicant is deferred or waitlisted, it is a good idea to find out more about the college's policy on deferrals and waitlists. It is also a good time to assess how the application could be strengthened. This might include improving grades or test scores, or sending in a letter of continued interest to express commitment to the college.

Improving your application after deferral

Being deferred is not a decision of denial at the University of Georgia (UGA). The admissions office may simply need more information about you than just your grades, classes, and standardized test scores. This is an opportunity to strengthen your application by showcasing your talents outside the classroom, your accomplishments, and your involvement in extracurriculars and service.

• Complete Part II of the application: This includes four short essays that give the admissions office a better understanding of how you think and who you are. Last year, 50% of deferred students who completed Part II of the application were later admitted to UGA, while 0% of those who did not complete it were accepted.
• Submit a teacher recommendation: This is another opportunity for someone to speak highly of you and showcase your strengths.
• Send in your fall semester grades: Strong fall semester grades can demonstrate your academic ability and work ethic.
• Take additional standardized tests: Consider taking the SAT or ACT again to improve your scores and showcase your academic abilities.
• Solicit another letter of recommendation: An additional letter of recommendation can provide more insight into your character and strengths.
• Demonstrate interest: Show that you are still very interested in attending UGA and provide updates on your recent activities and achievements.

Remember, a deferral is not a final decision, and you now have the opportunity to highlight your strengths and what you have accomplished during your senior year.

The University of Georgia's admissions criteria

The University of Georgia (UGA) has an acceptance rate of 37% and a highly competitive admissions process. The university states that the most important factor in determining a student's competitiveness for admission is their high school grades. UGA recalculates a GPA for each first-year applicant based on their academic courses in five core areas: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language. Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses are also considered, with each grade in these courses weighted higher.

While UGA does not consider high school class rank or letters of recommendation, they do require applicants to submit a secondary school report and recommend an additional letter of recommendation from a teacher. The university encourages students to take the most rigorous courses available and pursue an honours or advanced-level curriculum. In recent years, 98% of admitted first-year students had taken an honours or advanced-level curriculum track.

Standardised test scores, such as the SAT and ACT, are also important. UGA requires applicants to submit SAT and/or ACT scores electronically and does not accept scores appearing on high school transcripts or paper reports. The middle 50% of applicants admitted to UGA have SAT scores between 1220 and 1420 or ACT scores between 27 and 32. However, UGA does not have a preference between the SAT and ACT and recommends that students attempt both tests.

In addition to academic factors, UGA is committed to access and inclusion, dedicated to seeing each student as an individual. The university considers the overall strength of an applicant's profile, including their personal characteristics and achievements.

Frequently asked questions