Navigating Admissions at Georgia College & State University
Georgia College & State University (GCSU) stands as one of Georgia's most selective public universities. GCSU employs a holistic admissions review process that takes into account a variety of factors such as GPA, difficulty of courses taken in high school, your essay, resume, and letters of recommendation. This article provides a detailed overview of the admission requirements for prospective students.
Holistic Admission Review
In reviewing applications, the GCSU Office of Admissions uses a holistic admissions process. This process not only examines the students’ academic record but also takes into consideration the competencies and experiences (full spectrum) of an applicant. Admissions decisions are based on the total student portfolio and demonstrated potential for contribution to the university and probability for success in the unique environment of the GCSU community.
Application Deadlines and Options
Prospective first-year students must meet all admission requirements, including satisfactory completion of the Required High School Curriculum and all other requested documentation. Applicants have several options when applying:
- Early Action: An accelerated college application process in which students must complete their application by October 15. Early Action decisions are posted by late November.
- Rolling Decision (aka Regular Decision): Provides applicants an opportunity to be reviewed at a later date in Georgia College's holistic admissions process. The application deadline at Georgia College & State University is April 1.
Application Process
To apply to Georgia College & State University, candidates must complete several steps:
Application Form: The Undergraduate application is used to apply as a first-year student. Please submit ONLY ONE application and use ONLY that application all the way through to submission. Submitting more than one application will most certainly delay your admission decision. *The Office of Admissions has no application preference *Currently enrolled Georgia College dual enrollment students are only required to submit an Undergraduate Update Form. Please note: Dual enrollment students will go through the same freshman admission review process and must meet the admission deadlines for all required admission materials. You can apply via GAFutures Application or Common Application. Please note: You will be prompted to create an account before you can access our online application. This is a GAfutures and Common Application requirement.
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Application Fee: A $50 (non-refundable) online application fee is payable at the time of application for first-year applicants. The paper application fee is also $50 (non-refundable). Application processing fee is NOT required of: Students who registered for the SAT using a SAT fee waiver and chose the fee waiver option as their payment method after completing an application. county that was added to the FEMA Declared Disasters list."Via GA Futures: Complete the GA Futures application and submit. Select the fee waiver option found below the payment screen.
Transcripts: Applicants are required to submit official high school transcripts to the GCSU Office of Admissions. Students who attended multiple high schools may be required to submit official transcripts from all schools (particularly if not all high school courses appear on the student's current high school transcript). If admitted, dual enrollment transcripts are required if any courses were taken at an institution/college while the student attended high school. Courses from one institution that are listed on another high school and/or college transcript will not substitute for an official transcript. Prior educational experience may not be omitted from an application package.
Essay: As part of our mission to provide students with a liberal arts education, Georgia College strives to create an atmosphere that instills in students exceptional qualities of mind and character including respect for individuality. Georgia College is dedicated to extending learning beyond the classroom to foster critical thinking skills and help students develop the tools necessary to not only consume knowledge, but also produce knowledge. Our faculty create a rigorous and challenging classroom experience and prepare students to combine that experience with real-world applications. With this educational style in mind, please choose one of the two following essay topics:
- Given your own individual background and life experiences, what strengths or distinctions will you contribute to the student body at GCSU?
- Please describe the most important goal you have established for yourself regarding your future undergraduate experience and explain how a Georgia College education fits into accomplishing this goal.
Generally, essays are completed on the application. AI based writing assistance programs should be treated like any other form of assistance, whether it is a parent, counselor, or teacher. Using such resources to brainstorm and to refine ideas is appropriate. Cutting and pasting is not. Ultimately, the writing you submit on your application must be your own. The essay prompts that Georgia College & State University has chosen helps us to better understand you as a person, your goals, and what you will contribute to the GCSU community. You are the only person who can authentically communicate this information.*Currently enrolled Georgia College dual enrollment students are not required to submit essay responses. Having trouble completing the essays through CommonApp?
Self-Reported Test Scores: In an effort to expedite the application completion process, Georgia College will allow self-reported test scores for initial admission review. Additionally, GCSU cannot request scores on your behalf. If you are admitted and choose to enroll at Georgia College, you will need to submit official test scores by April 1. Discrepancies between your official score report and your self-reported scores may result in your admissions offer being rescinded.
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The middle 50% of admitted students for Fall 2024 had SAT total scores ranging from 1110 to 1250 (EBRW+M subscores only), 23 to 28 ACT Composite scores, and high school grade point averages ranging from 3.51 to 3.93 (calculated on unweighted academic courses only).
Recommendations and Resume: Other recommended items include a letter of recommendation and resume of co-curricular activities.
Academic Requirements
Successful completion of the Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) is mandatory for admission to GCSU. GPA is a very important academic factor.
GPA Range:
- 3.75+: 38.07%
- 3.50-3.74: 27.43%
- 3.25-3.49: 19.87%
- 3.00-3.24: 11.07%
- 2.50-2.99: 3.39%
- 2.00-2.49: Less than 1%
- Below 2.00: Not available
SAT/ACT Scores:
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- Half the applicants admitted to Georgia College & State University who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1070 and 1230 or an ACT score of 22 and 26. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges.
Additional Information
Georgia College & State University considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration.
Other Programs Admission Requirements
Athletic Training M.S. Admissions Requirements
Completion of a B.S. in Athletic Training degree invalidates application to the MS in Athletic Training degree as both are entry-level degrees leading to certification. If you have already completed a BS in Athletic Training degree and are a Certified Athletic Trainer, then this program is not suitable for your graduate education. The School of Health and Human Performance offers an MS in Health and Human Performance or MAT- Kinesiology/Physical Education which may be more suitable.
This is a two-year, six-semester program. It requires summer courses for both years of enrollment.
Application Process
Attach the following in either Word or PDF format to your application for admission:
- Cover Letter: Indicate your interest in Georgia College and how you would be an asset to both our student body and our program. Include why you have chosen to apply to our program specifically and how your background and experiences have prepared you for our liberal arts education.
You will be contacted regarding any additional requirement(s) that may include (but are not limited to) a statement concerning academic status; petition regarding academic dismissal/reentry; statement regarding previous academic performance; additional references, or work history.
International Applicants: Please see the International Education Center at Georgia College for information and additional requirements.
Program Admission
Once an offer of admission is made, applicants will be responsible for the following, information for which will be provided.
Admissions Requirements
- Undergraduate Requirements
- Additional Requirement
- Completion of an Undergraduate Degree from a Regionally Accredited institution (Include Accounting GPA if applicable) and submit either your GMAT or GRE scores OR Have a minimum 3.0 or higher for both cumulative GPA and Accounting Major GPA in your undergraduate course work
You will work with our Graduate Faculty Coordinator to develop an individualized plan to complete degree requirements based on thorough review of foundational coursework.
Program begins Spring, Summer or Fall according to candidate’s preference.
Creative Writing M.F.A.
Prospective students for our Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program usually apply late fall/early winter for the following fall semester. Applications must be complete by Feb.1 for students who wish to be considered for an MFA assistantship.
Application Process, Part One:
- Domestic Applicants: Submit the completed online graduate application ($50 fee) and required materials to Graduate Admissions. Contact Graduate Admissions.
- International Applicants: If you are an International Student please submit the completed International Graduate Application For Admission and required materials to the International Education Center.
Submission should indicate the genre to which you are applying: poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction.
- Submit up to 10 pages of poems (typed, single-spaced, no more than 1 poem per page); or submit up to 20 pages of prose, one or two short stories or creative nonfiction essays/memoir excerpt (typed and double- spaced).
- A statement of purpose (about 500 words, typed, double-spaced). Please address your goals as a writer. Tell us why you wish to pursue an MFA in Creative Writing with us, rather than follow another path. Surprise us. Address as well how the program's offering of tutoring opportunities in the Writing Center and teaching duties in the classroom will help you reach your goals.
- Résumé or CV.
The MFA program web pages provide program-specific information; however, you will find other important information at graduate admissions, the university registrar, financial aid and other GCSU web sites/offices. International students should contact the International Student Center for admission guidance.
Evaluation of Your Application
Your writing portfolio is the primary credential we review in evaluating your application for admission (writing samples are reviewed by a faculty committee who teach in the student’s thesis genre). Your letters of recommendation and statement of purpose are also important, since they will address your skill and accomplishment as a writer. Because our students also take required classes in Poetry & Poetics or Prose Forms, Teaching Creative Writing and non-creative writing courses in literature, criticism, linguistics or other subjects, your transcripts will also help us make our final, holistic evaluation of your application.
We begin to review applications after Feb.1. In order to maintain small classes and individual, intensive mentorship of thesis work, our admission process is competitive. Our first step is to inform students (usually early to mid-March) whether or not they’ve been admitted to our program.
For Graduate Admissions questions, call 478-445-6289.
Criminal Justice M.S.
ALL APPLICANTS
Must have completed requirements for a Bachelor’s degree from a college accredited by the proper regional accrediting association.
Submit a current resume detailing relevant work experience.
REGULAR ADMISSION
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate work.
- Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 are not required to submit exam scores.
- Applicants with an undergraduate GPA 2.75 - 2.99 must submit official scores on either the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) scores. Scores must be within the last five years.
THE APPLICANT MUST HAVE:
- GRE: A combined score of 290 (verbal and quantitative) or
- GMAT: 450 or
- MAT: 395
Applicants may make a formal request to waive these requirement only when the applicant has completed another graduate degree program and an appropriate transcript is submitted in support of the request.
NOTE: Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 - If using a paper application, please indicate in the test score area that you are requesting a test waiver based on undergraduate GPA.
All students admitted under provisional status must maintain a 3.00 or higher GPA during the probationary period.
At the completion of the provisional period of time, a decision will be made as to accepting the student as a regular admission.
To gain regular admission, a provisionally admitted student must take in that status the equivalent of a semester’s full load (9 to 12 hours) of Criminal Justice courses and maintain a 3.00 GPA in all graduate coursework).
TRANSFER CREDIT
Up to 9 hours of graduate work from other accredited institutions may be transferred. To be transferred course work from other institutions must correspond to Georgia College’s Criminal Justice curriculum. Students will need to provide course descriptions and syllabi wherever possible, and the amount of credit granted will be determined by the program director. Such course work may be no more than five years old.
The test date must be within the past five years. You do not need to submit scores from a subject achievement test.
Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction
Admission Criteria
- Primary Admission Criteria
- Application for Admission
- GPA of 3.5 or above in all graduate degree coursework (Masters and/or Specialist).
- Masters or Specialist degree completed from a regionally accredited institution.
- Two professional recommendations from colleagues in current or previous professional settings.
- Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. (Alumni from Georgia College & State University will have the GCSU transcript on file and need not send that one separately.)
- A curriculum vitae or resume describing your professional experiences and accomplishments in detail.
- A 4 - 5 page, double-spaced writing sample that includes:
- a synopsis of pivotal experiences in your career as an educator.
- your rationale for applying to the GCSU Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program.
- an articulation of your professional and personal goals as an educator.
- a discussion of how you expect this program to contribute to your ongoing professional and personal goals.
- a description of how you envision your role as a P12 curriculum leader in a content field.
- Official score report for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General or the Miller’s Analogies Test (MAT) taken within the past five years.
- Applicants who wish to seek certification in Curriculum and Instruction through the GAPSC must provide evidence of a valid, Professional, Advanced Professional, or Lead Professional teaching certificate, leadership certificate, service field certificate, or Life certificate. The Five-Year Induction Certificate holder is also eligible.
- Secondary Admission Information
- A faculty panel will evaluate all applications and make a prioritized decision on admission to each cohort. Selected applicants will be invited to campus for interviews with a faculty panel. Acceptance decisions are finalized after all interviews have been completed.
NOTE: A qualified application DOES NOT guarantee admission. Cohort admission is highly competitive.
Cohorts begin only in Maymester.
Additional Information
The degree requires 2-3 on-campus meetings per course each semester in addition to online course studies delivered using GeorgiaVIEW. Transfer of up to 9 credit hours into the program is at the discretion of the program advisor, coordinator, and department chair.
Candidates are advised to contact their school system Human Resources department to determine changes in pay following degree completion.
Elementary Education M.A.T.
Admissions Requirements
- Application for Admission
- Valid Teaching Certificate
- Transcripts from all institutions attended
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- Resume
- GPA Requirement
- Option 1: Applicants who have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 from a regionally accredited university may be considered for admission to College of Education graduate programs.
- Option 2: Applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree with an overall GPA between 2.5 and 2.74 from a regionally accredited university and hold 3 successful years of teaching experience, as documented by a letter from the current employer, may be considered for admission to a College of Education graduate program.
Education Specialist Ed.S. Admission Requirements
- Application for Admission
- Valid Teaching Certificate
- Transcripts from all institutions attended
- Two professional letters of recommendation (at least one of which is an immediate supervisor/administrator)
- Statement of professional purpose for seeking Ed.S. degree (Not to exceed 2-pages)
- Resume
- GPA Requirement:
- Option 1: Applicants who have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.2 from a regionally accredited university may be considered for admission to College of Education Ed.S. programs.
- Option 2: Applicants who have completed a graduate degree with an overall GPA between 3.0 and 3.19 from a regionally accredited university and hold 3 successful years of teaching experience , as documented by a letter from the current employer, may be considered for admission to a College of Education Ed.S. programs.
- Educational Leadership applicant must hold Tier 1 certification, Georgia PSC L or PL in Education Leadership and provide GACE test code 380 scores.
- Teacher Leadership requires 3 years of teaching and a recommendation by the school system administrator or designee.
English M.A.
Prospective students are encouraged to apply prior toJuly 1st for the Fall Semester, November 15th for Spring Semester, and April 1st for Maymester and Summer Semesters.
- APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION
- REQUIREMENTS FOR REGULAR ADMISSION
- Undergraduate major in English
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale) on all undergraduate work
- TRANSCRIPTS
- One official copy of all transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions should be submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office at the time of application.
- LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
- The application must also be supported by two letters of recommendation from referees
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Georgia College and State University is 87.8%, making it a lightly selective institution.
Resources for Prospective Students
GCSU offers several resources to help prospective students navigate the admissions process:
- Admissions Counselors: We invite prospective students to schedule a meeting with an admissions counselor to discuss the admissions process and answer any questions you have. Click the link below to find your assigned admissions counselor by Georgia county or state.
- Campus Visits: Prospective students are encouraged to visit the campus to experience the GCSU environment firsthand.
- Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: The Georgia College & State University (GCSU) Annual Security and Fire Safety Report includes crime statistics for the three previous calendar years of reported crimes that occurred on campus; in or on certain non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by GCSU; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and fire safety policies and statistics. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights.
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