High School Students

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Start your college experience on a campus without boundaries in downtown Atlanta, where opportunities to jump-start your career are just blocks away.

JUNE 1
Fall 2020 Freshman Application Final Deadline
JUNE 15
Fall 2020 Freshman Final Document Deadline

College Board and ACT Information

In light of the decision made by the College Board and ACT to suspend the availability of testing at this time, prospective students newly applying for summer and fall 2020 can be admitted without an ACT or SAT score. Students will be evaluated based on their GPA.

This adjustment is for prospective students seeking admission into associate and baccalaureate programs identified in Board of Regents’ Policy 4.2.1.1, at state colleges, state universities, comprehensive universities and research universities in the USG for the summer or fall 2020 semester.

For students able to take an SAT or ACT, we highly recommend that you submit your scores to us. While your scores will not factor into the admissions decision, they are helpful for processes like course registration and determining placement testing exemptions. Admissions decisions released prior to March 23, 2020 will not be reconsidered under the new guidelines.

Prospective first year students must meet all other admission requirements, including satisfactory completion of the Required High School Curriculum and all other requested documentation.

Please reach out to admissions@gsu.edu or contact your admissions counselor with any questions. Also, please review our FAQ for more about recent changes.

Steps to Apply

1. Submit Your Application

If you’re a senior in high school or if you graduated from high school within the last two years, you’ll apply to begin your bachelor’s degree program using the Common Application.

Note: If you graduated high school at least 5 years ago and have not attended college, you are considered a non-traditional applicant. View our requirements for non-traditional applicants.

2. Pay Application Fee

You will need to pay a $60 nonrefundable application fee when you submit your application. You can use a credit card or authorize a draft from a checking account.

Application Fee Waivers

Freshman applicants may provide an approved application fee waiver from ACT, College Board or the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).

To submit an ACT waiver, speak with your high school counselor. To submit a College Board or NACAC waiver, upload a scan through your admissions Status Check or mail the original document to:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Sparks Hall, Suite 200
P.O. Box 4009
Atlanta, GA 30302-4009

Note: If you submit a fee waiver, we will not review your application until we receive your complete and approved fee waiver documentation.

3. Submit High School Transcripts

Ask your high school counselor to submit your transcript electronically through the Common Application or GAfutures.org. Schools may also send them to us electronically at electronictranscript@gsu.edu or mail them to:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 4009
Atlanta, GA 30302-4009

Schools can also send transcripts through our approved transcript companies such as Parchment, Escrip-safe, National Student Clearinghouse, Credential Solutions or Joint Services Transcript.

Tips

After you graduate, your high school needs to send us your final, official transcript as well.
We calculate your high school grade point average (GPA) based on your core academic classes only.

4. Submit a Letter of Recommendation (optional)

You have the option to invite counselors and teachers to submit letters of recommendation on your behalf.

After adding Georgia State to “My Colleges,” select the “My Colleges” tab.
Click “Recommenders and FERPA” under “Georgia State University.”
If you’ve filled out your high school information in the “Education” section of the Common Application, you’ll be able to click the “Invite Counselor” link near the bottom of the “Recommenders and FERPA” page under the “Recommenders for Georgia State University” section.

Note: You are allowed to request recommendations from one counselor and two teachers, but you are not required to submit any letters of recommendation to be considered for admission.

5. Submit Test Scores

You may submit scores for either the SAT or ACT or both. You must submit scores for at least one test.

Submit SAT scores through College Board. Use Georgia State’s SAT code: 5251.
Submit ACT scores through ACT. Use Georgia State’s ACT code: 0826.

6. Check Your Status

Want to know where you stand? Log in to the Status Check to track your progress online and ensure you meet deadlines and other requirements.

If your application has been admitted, review our Accepted Student Next Steps.

The Statement

In Unsure Times, Here’s What We’re Sure About

Step Inside Our First-Year Residence Halls

How to Prepare for College Over Winter Break

Tour Guide Advice: Make the Most of Your Campus Visit

Learn the Language of Admissions

READ OUR UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS BLOG

Deadlines & Guidelines

Deadlines

FALL SEMESTER
Admissions Application Opens: August 1

Honors and Scholarship Priority Consideration Deadline: November 15
Notification: By December 15

Final Application Deadline: June 1

Official Transcripts and Test Scores Submission Deadline: June 15

SPRING SEMESTER
Early Application Deadline: October 1
Regular Application Deadline: December 1
SUMMER SEMESTER
Early Application Deadline: February 1
Regular Application Deadline: May 1

Deadlines are subject to change.

Requirements

Who is considered a freshman?

If you have never been enrolled in a regionally accredited college or university, or if you attended a college or university only as a dual enrollment student while in high school, you are considered a freshman.

How will you evaluate my application?

We’ll calculate your admissibility using two factors: your high school grade point average (GPA) for your Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) and your official test scores for the SAT, ACT or both.

Freshman applicants must submit scores for either the SAT or ACT. If you’ve taken both tests, you may submit both scores.
You must submit your test scores electronically through the appropriate testing agency. We will not review any application based on test scores received on a high school transcript, nor will we consider paper rush reports.
Applicants must meet the minimum Board of Regents criteria to apply to a research institution: SAT scores of at least 480 (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) and 440 (Math) or ACT scores of at least 17 (English or Reading) and 17 (Math).
The SAT was redesigned in March 2016. To learn more about the new test and how to convert old scores to the new format, visit College Board.
Georgia State requires completion of the Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) course units:

SUBJECT:	UNITS:	COURSES:
ENGLISH	4	Any 4 English or language arts.
MATH	4	Algebra I, algebra II, geometry and 1 higher-level math.
NATURAL SCIENCE	4	1 life science/lab, 1 physical science/lab and 2 science electives.
SOCIAL SCIENCE	3	1 U.S. history, 1 world history and 1 social science elective.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE	2	Both units must be the same language. American Sign Language is acceptable.

How do I compare with the average admissible freshman at Georgia State?

The average ranges for admissible freshmen are as follows:

High School core GPA	3.3 – 3.8
SAT (combined)	1070 – 1260
ACT (composite)	21 – 28

Based on the middle 50% of the Fall 2019 admitted class

Home-School Applicants

Students attending a home-school program approved by any of these accreditation agencies should apply like traditional high school applicants.

Georgia (or any other state’s) Accrediting Commission
Georgia Private School Accrediting Commission
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Northwest Accreditation Commission
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Western Association of Schools and Colleges

If you were educated at a non-accredited high school or through a home-school program that hasn’t been approved by Georgia State, you’re considered a home-school applicant. Home-school applicants must also be able to demonstrate completion of the Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) requirements as mandated by the Board of Regents:

SUBJECT:	UNITS:	COURSES:
ENGLISH	4	Any 4 English or language arts.
MATH	4	Algebra I, algebra II, geometry and 1 higher-level math.
NATURAL SCIENCE	4	1 life science/lab, 1 physical science/lab and 2 science electives.
SOCIAL SCIENCE	3	1 U.S. history, 1 world history and 1 social science elective.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE	2	Both units must be the same language. American Sign Language is acceptable.

If you’re a home-school applicant who will not receive a diploma from an organization on our list of approved home-school programs, you can satisfy our RHSC requirement in one of two ways.

1. Portfolio Option
You can demonstrate RHSC competence by submitting a portfolio detailing your years of high school study if you meet the following criteria:

SAT score of at least 1230 (critical reading and math) or an ACT score of at least 23 (composite)
Board of Regents’ minimum criteria for each section:
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of at least 480 and SAT Math score of at least 440
- ACT English or Reading score of at least 17 and ACT Math score of at least 17
SAT and ACT test scores must be submitted electronically directly from the testing organization.
To satisfy the RHSC requirement, your portfolio must include the following information:
- A transcript listing subjects studied by year
- Titles of textbooks and other classroom resources
- Assignment descriptions and examples of coursework, tests and assignments
- Outline of themes covered in courses

Mail your portfolio before August 1 to:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Sparks Hall, Suite 200
33 Gilmer St. SE
Atlanta, GA 30303

2. SAT II Subject Test Option You may demonstrate RHSC competence by submitting SAT II Subject Test scores if you meet the following criteria: SAT score of at least 980 (Evidence-based Reading and Math) or an ACT score of at least 19 (composite). Our minimum acceptable scores on the SAT Subject Tests are as follows:

English Writing: 520
Literature: 530
Math Level 1C: 500 OR Math Level 2C: 570
Biology: 520
Chemistry: 540 OR Physics: 590
U.S. History: 560
World History: 540

Letter of completion. A letter from the primary teacher or program administrator certifying completion of high school and date of high school graduation.

Document Upload System. Applicants may upload many documents required for admission, except for official transcripts, test scores, or birth certificates.

Do I Qualify?

Panther Predictor

Students who wish to enter Georgia State University directly from high school will be admitted based upon the following four factors: SAT/ACT composite score, high school grade-point average, freshman index (FI), and number of high school courses completed in the core subject areas. The FI is based on a combination of SAT/ACT scores and high school grade-point average in college preparatory courses only.

This tool will help you determine the probability of freshman admission in advance of applying. The system will calculate your data and report an “unofficial admission decision” for first time freshmen only.

This tool uses the SAT two-digit test scoring structure (10-40) adopted in March 2016. If your test date was before March 2016, you will need to convert your scores to the new scoring structure. The College Board concordance provides conversion charts and other resources to see how your old scores compare to the new scores.

Note: International students should refer to the international admissions page for more information.

The SAT FI formula is: SAT FI= (500x HSGPA) + 1.06 x (SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing + SAT Math) – 74

SAT SCORES

New SAT Reading Score:

New SAT Math Score:

High School GPA:

The ACT FI formula is: ACT FI= (500 x HSGPA) + (ACT composite x 42) + 88

ACT SCORES

ACT Score:

High School GPA:

Please note: admission requirements may vary from year to year, and the requirements mentioned here are the minimum values and do not guarantee an admission to Georgia State or a scholarship.

Application Tips

Want the inside scoop on how to submit your best application? Read about our optional essays and letters of recommendation, scholarship opportunities, pointers for first-generation students and more.

Application Tips

Applying to Georgia State has never been easier, and this page walks you through two of the optional elements of our application: the essay and letter of recommendation.

You do not have to submit your letter of recommendation at the same time you submit your application. You may submit your application and essay* first, then your letter of recommendation once it is complete.

*If you’re applying through the non-freshman application, you can attach an optional essay (in Word or PDF format) in email to admissions@gsu.edu. Be sure to include your PantherID.

Topics and Tips for the Optional Essay

This essay is a window into who you are, your passions and your potential for being a good match. It is a way of getting to know you without actually meeting you. The essay is how you stand out — or how you fall flat.

It’s not easy to write about yourself – this is likely something you haven’t done in the past. Don’t overthink it. Just write what you feel most comfortable with.

Here are the essay topics from which to write a 250-650 word essay:

Some students have a background, identity, interest or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you faced a challenge, setback or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma-anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
Discuss an accomplishment, event or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt or one of your own design.

Do’s and Don’ts

Please Do…

Spend a few hours brainstorming about what you would like to include in your essay.
Try to make your essay as unique and memorable as possible. Think about yourself in relation to the rest of the world, understand how you relate and, particularly, consider what’s special about you.
Write your essay in a document editor to revise and edit. Once you have the final draft, you can cut and paste it into your online application.
Have someone else proofread your essay to avoid making common grammatical or spelling errors. Have at least three individuals other than family members review your essay and make suggestions for improvement.
Last but not least, take a few minutes to read your essay out loud.

Please Don’t…

Submit a last-minute draft. Even the best writers make the simplest mistakes.
Use clichés. Clichés say to the Admissions review committee that you did not put much thought into your essay.
Write your own question. If a topic required does not apply to you, select one that does.
Wait until the last minute to complete your essays. Get started early.
Write what you think we want to read. Write what you want to say.
Blow off the essay. We wouldn’t ask you to write it if we didn’t find it to be an important way to get to know you and what you have to bring to Georgia State.

Optional Letter of Recommendation

To simplify the optional letter of recommendation process, Georgia State has created a form for your recommender to complete and submit to the Admissions office. You can download the form here: Standard Letter of Recommendation (Fillable).

Who Can Complete Your Letter of Recommendation

High School Counselor
High School Teacher
High School Coach

Who Cannot Complete Your Letter of Recommendation

Friends
Family Members**
Employers (Current or Previous)
Pets (Real or Stuffed)

**Homeschool students may use a parent.

How Your Recommender Should Submit the Letter of Recommendation

You may give the form to your recommender to complete the form and print it out, or you may print it out and provide your recommender with a hard copy. Once completed and signed, the form should be mailed to:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
P.O. Box 4009
Atlanta, GA 30302-4009

THE STATEMENT Blog

Georgia State is here to help you make a statement as a soon-to-be college student. That’s why we created our blog. Whether you’re searching for the perfect university, choosing between majors or learning about financial aid, we want you to feel good about the decisions you make before you go to college.

Read Our Undergraduate Admissions Blog

First-Generation Students

Check out Georgia State’s Guide for First-Generation Students. The guide brings together a variety of resources to help trailblazing students who will be the first in their families to attend a four-year college or university.

Frequently Asked Questions

Applying to Georgia State

Appeals for Admissions

As a permanent resident, how do I provide proof of residency?

Before I apply, how will I know which credits transfer from my previous college?

Citizenship Verification and Lawful Presence

Georgia State University admits all academically qualified undergraduate students, regardless of immigration status.

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia requires all students applying to Georgia State University to provide verification of their lawful presence in the United States to be classified as in-state for tuition purposes.

This requirement is detailed in the following Board of Regents policies:

Policy 4.3.4 Verification of Lawful Presence

Students may be verified through one of the following options below:

Verification through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
If you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or eligible non-citizen (this does not apply to international students on a visa) who has completed and submitted a FAFSA, the U.S. Department of Education will verify your lawful presence. If you cannot be confirmed as lawfully present, the Office of Financial Aid will follow up with you for additional documentation.
Submission of one of the following documents:
Current Georgia driver’s license issued by the state of Georgia after January 1, 2008*
Current Georgia State ID Card issued by the state of Georgia after January 1, 2008*
Current U.S. passport *
An original or certified Birth Certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority, or territory of the United States bearing an official seal* (Copy can be submitted by mail or electronically. The copy must very clearly show the raised or written seal to be acceptable. Copies that are not clear or do not show the seal cannot be accepted.)
Permanent Resident Card (front and back copy)*
U.S. Certificate of Naturalization *
U.S. Certificate of Citizenship *
U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad*
Military ID (must be verified in person)
*Copies of these documents are acceptable.
Submit documents directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in person or through the document upload. Please allow 5-7 business days for the hold to be removed.
Verification through Student and Exchange Information System (SEVIS)
If you have or are applying for an F or J visa, we will verify your lawful presence through SEVIS. As this is already part of the immigration process, there are no additional steps required to have your Citizenship Verification Hold removed. Simply comply with the requirements outlined by our Office of International Student and Scholar Services before you arrive at Georgia State University.
Verification through Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE)
All nonresident alien students on some sort of visa will need to submit immigration documents verifying their lawful status to the Office of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS). Such documents may include an I-94 card, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) approval notice or receipt notice, or other documentation confirming the student is in lawful visa status.

This includes students who have been previously enrolled at Georgia State and are either returning (re-entry) to a degree program or applying for a new degree program. Transient students must also be verified.

Disciplinary and Academic Standing

View more FAQs

About Us

As a rapidly growing public research university rooted in a major city, we’re flipping the script on the conventional college experience.

EXPERIENCE THE STATE WAY

Learn About Tuition

Check out our Cost Calculator, financial aid and scholarships to get an idea of what you’ll spend to attend Georgia State.

WE'LL HELP MAKE IT EASY

Application Status

Use your Panther number to track your progress and ensure you meet deadlines and other requirements.

WHERE DO I STAND?

About Us

As a rapidly growing public research university rooted in a major city, we’re flipping the script on the conventional college experience.

EXPERIENCE THE STATE WAY

Learn About Tuition

Check out our Cost Calculator, financial aid and scholarships to get an idea of what you’ll spend to attend Georgia State.

WE'LL HELP MAKE IT EASY

Application Status

Use your Panther ID number to track your progress and ensure you meet deadlines and other requirements.

WHERE DO I STAND?

Contact Us

Our admissions counselors are here to guide you through the application and acceptance process. Connect with yours today. View our team of undergraduate admissions counselors.

Please send all electronic transcripts to electronictranscript@gsu.edu. If you have any international admissions or credential questions, please contact adminternational@gsu.edu.