The GA early entry package is a way for high school students to get an early start on their college education at the University of Georgia. The program allows students to enroll in college courses and earn college credit while still in high school. There are several key things to know about the GA early entry program:
Who is eligible for GA early entry?
The GA early entry program is open to high school juniors and seniors in the state of Georgia. To be eligible, students must meet the following requirements:
- Be on track to complete the University of Georgia admission requirements
- Have a minimum 3.2 high school GPA
- Obtain recommendation from a high school counselor
- Obtain approval from parent or guardian
Meeting these requirements makes a student eligible to apply for the program, but acceptance is not guaranteed. The University of Georgia reviews all applications and makes acceptance decisions based on the overall strength of the applicant’s profile.
When can students enroll in GA early entry?
Students can enroll in GA early entry during the fall and spring semesters of their junior and senior years of high school. The program is not offered in the summer. Here is a timeline of when students can participate:
- Spring semester of junior year
- Fall semester of senior year
- Spring semester of senior year
Juniors can take up to 12 credit hours per semester, while seniors have no limit on the number of credits they can take. Keep in mind that the coursework is college-level and taking too heavy of a course load can be challenging for some students.
What are the benefits of GA early entry?
There are many excellent benefits students can gain from participating in GA early entry:
- Earn college credit in high school – By getting a head start on college courses, students can potentially earn up to 30 credits by the time they graduate high school.
- Save money on college tuition – Since early entry students are still enrolled in high school, they receive a substantial discount on college tuition and fees.
- Get familiar with college academics – Taking actual college courses helps prepare students for the rigor of college academics.
- Enroll at UGA as a sophomore – With up to 30 credits completed, early entry students can enter as second year students after high school graduation.
- Explore UGA before committing – The program gives students a chance to experience UGA before making a final enrollment decision.
In addition to these benefits, GA early entry can provide a real boost to students’ college applications by demonstrating they are ready for advanced coursework.
What are the GA early entry program requirements?
While enrolled in the GA early entry program, students must meet the following requirements:
- Maintain a 3.2 college GPA while taking UGA courses
- Obtain a C or better in each UGA course
- Enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester (juniors only)
- Complete the ACCEL application each semester they participate
- Cover a portion of the reduced college tuition and fees
Falling below a 3.2 college GPA or scoring below a C in a course will result in dismissal from the program. Students are required to retake any courses in which they earned a D or F grade.
How much does GA early entry cost?
GA early entry students receive a substantial discount on college tuition and fees. Here are the current costs per credit hour:
Student Type | Cost Per Credit Hour |
---|---|
Junior | $50 |
Senior | $50 |
On top of the per credit hour costs, students also pay mandatory fees each semester. So for a full 12 credit course load, a junior would pay around $750 and a senior around $850 per semester.
While discounted, these costs may still be prohibitive for some families. It’s recommended that students apply for ACCEL funding, which can cover a portion or even all of the early entry costs based on financial need.
What courses can students take?
GA early entry students can enroll in most freshman-level courses at UGA. Some popular courses include:
- English 1101 – Composition I
- English 1102 – Composition II
- Psychology 1101 – Introduction to Psychology
- Biology 1103 – Plants and People
- Math 1101 – Mathematical Modeling
- Theater 2100 – Introduction to Theater
Students cannot take upper level courses reserved for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Courses with lab requirements may also be restricted. It’s recommended students meet with an academic advisor to pick appropriate courses.
Are courses taken at UGA or the high school?
All GA early entry courses are taken directly on the University of Georgia campus alongside regular UGA students. Early entry students should expect a true college environment and workload. The courses are not taught at the high school.
How do GA early entry courses fit into high school schedule?
Fitting college courses into a high school schedule requires some planning. Here are some options:
- Take courses in the evening – Many UGA classes for freshmen are offered in the late afternoon or evening. These can be taken after the high school classes end for the day.
- Use free periods – Free periods in a high school schedule can be used to take GA early entry courses.
- Take online classes – Some UGA freshman courses are offered fully online, which offers flexibility in scheduling.
- Replace high school courses – In some cases, students can substitute UGA courses for high school requirements.
Talking with both high school and college academic advisors is key to mapping out a schedule that incorporates GA early entry. Flexibility and time management are musts!
Conclusion
The GA early entry program provides high-achieving Georgia high school students an excellent opportunity to get a head start on their college education. Not only does it allow students to earn up to 30 credits at reduced tuition, but it gives them valuable experience with college-level academics and campus life. Students interested in the program must plan ahead and be prepared to balance their high school and college course loads. Overall, early entry can give Georgia students a major advantage when starting their college careers.