Georgia State Is Test-Optional for Certain Applicants for 2023
Based on newly-released University System of Georgia guidelines, Georgia State has a new admissions criteria for first-year applicants to the Atlanta campus applying for Spring, Summer or Fall 2023 semesters.
Your admission will be determined in one of two ways:
- Freshman index: The freshman index is a formula based on your GPA and submitted test scores.
- Test–optional: For applicants with a 3.4 GPA or higher (recalculated based on the 17 units of the Required High School Curriculum), we will not require test scores for an admissions decision.
Applicants with a GPA below 3.4 are encouraged to submit test scores. If you apply without test scores and are below a 3.4, you may be placed into our Summer Success Academy or Panther Excellence program or admitted to our Perimeter College (which offers associate-level degrees). Perimeter College students can transition to the Atlanta campus for a bachelor’s program once they have obtained a 2.0 Perimeter College GPA and 30 or more credit hours.
Note: test scores are still required for dual enrollment applicants.
So… Should I Take the Test?
If your expected high school GPA is less than 3.4, or if you are applying as a dual enrollment student, you should plan to submit test scores. Test scores will help us place you and may help qualify you for scholarships and other academic opportunities. Students who want to test should check the SAT and ACT websites for the most up-to-date testing information.
How Will I Be Evaluated Without Scores?
We still have a number of requirements for applicants. The first-year application process starts with the Common App, requires a high school transcript, and gives you the option to submit recommendations and essays. We still require four units of English, math, and natural science, three units of social science and two units of the same foreign language. The average GPA of our applicants is between 3.4 and 3.9 (but this is just an average, not a hard cutoff!).
Getting Ready to Apply
For qualifying applicants, the test-optional decision has hopefully eased some of the stress that comes with applying to college. We know you may still have some questions, so we hope you’ll join us for a campus tour and information session. If you need personal assistance, make an appointment with an admissions counselor! Our office is always here to help you on your journey to becoming a Panther.
