Do I have a shot at the UGA honors program? (worried)

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Georgia
1

<p>Hello there (first post; I'm new here)</p>

<p>As my senior year approaches, I've been rushing to find an ideal university to work towards and, after a bit of research, have fallen in love with the UGA Honors program, particularly the heightened rigor and smaller class sizes, but am a bit worried after reviewing the first-year student profile; do I stand a chance at such a competitive program? Essentially, I'd like to know where I stand as far as admission, viable alternatives in case things don't work out, and suggestions to make me a more appealing candidate.</p>

<p>My biggest fears are my SAT test scores:
Reading
680
Math
630
Writing
620</p>

<p>I will be taking the ACT for the first time on June 9th with fingers crossed for a 30+ (I've taken an ACT prep class and manage to score 29-32 on my practice tests.)</p>

<p>I have a 4.0 unweighted GPA and qualify for HOPE
I've taken all offered gifted/honors classes since my school offers no AP until 11th grade. I took 2 APs my Junior year and will be taking 2 more in the upcoming year (My school allows only 3 APs each year due to stress-inducing rigor). I am currently ranked 6/348</p>

<p>My EC's aren't too shabby: (I've been in these since freshman year unless otherwise listed)</p>

<p>-Beta Club (Though I was kicked out because I missed 2 meeting due to ill-scheduled doctor appointments; should I still include this in my ECs?)
-National Honor Society member (inducted as junior)
- Spanish honor society(" ")
-Literature magazine assistant editor
-Creative Writing Club
-Mock Trial (2010-2011; the club was canceled because we couldn't find a teacher sponsor)
-Spanish Club
-A moderate amount of community service from Beta Club/ NHS/ Spanish honor society
-Book Club (regular member: 2009-2011, Treasurer 2011- )
-Multicultural Club (will be president next year)
- Guitar
- Thespian Society
- Job at Marble Slab Creamery (May 2012- )
- Internship at local law firm (Summer 2011)
-NSLC Law and Advocacy program (Summer 2010)</p>

<p>Honors/ Awards:
-Academic Letter (2010, 2011, 2012)
-Junior Marshal
-2 Best Attorney Awards (Mock Trial: 2010-2011)
-Gifted/AP English student of the year (2010, 2011, 2012)
- Spanish student of the year (2010, 2011)
- Gifted History student of the year (2011)
-Clemson Declamation Contest Gold winner (2010, 2011)
-FLAG Spanish Speaking Contest, 2nd place (2011)
- FLAG Spanish Composition Contest winner (2011: Superior, 2012: Excellent)
- National Spanish Exam Silver winner (2010, 2011, 2012)
-Perfect Attendance (Every year of my life)
-University of Georgia Merit Scholar</p>

<p>So do I have a shot at UGA honors? Suggestions, comments, and recommendations would make my day.</p>

2

<p>Greypoet your GPA and EC’s are fantastic. I agree your SAT scores are on the low end for the honors program:</p>

<p>Average First-Year SAT 1473*
Middle-Range SAT 1430 – 1490</p>

<p>Are you planning on taking them again? May be worth investing in some tutoring to get those scores higher especially if this is your dream program. You have plenty of time to improve.</p>

<p>Good luck in the ACT tomorrow. Some students test better on the ACT. Wishing you a 30+ score!</p>

3

<p>Write a good essay, and you will get in, no doubts about it.</p>

4

<p>I got in with a slightly higher SAT. I would say my essay was a personal best, so put much thought into it. Best of luck! Try not to worry about it – I stressed all year and assumed I wasn’t good enough, but to my surprise got in!</p>

5

<p>^What was your SAT score, if you don’t mind me asking? I’m in the same position as the OP with similar stats</p>

6

<p>I made a 1950, which is considered to be truly outstanding at my rural high school (to add some perspective). My HS offered only two AP classes, so I took several classes at the local college. </p>

<p>I am certain that the program looked at my entire application, especially what I did with what was offered at my HS. Otherwise, there would have been no competing with the metro area students.</p>

7

<p>thanks for the help guys! I got my scores back today-- I got exactly a 30…(not too sure how I feel about that…) I’m still debating whether to retake or not because I know that 60% of students that retake the ACTs actually end up doing worse; the last thing I want to do is waste more time and money. Is a 30 still reasonable for the honors program?</p>

8

<p>A 30, while extremely competitive for regular admission, is relatively low for admission into the honors program, which weights standardized testing very heavily. I’d recommend taking it again if you have your heart set on the honors program. Congrats and keep working</p>

9

<p>I don’t personally know enough about their honors admission standards to say one way or the other but I just wanted to comment on how it’s definitely still possible to get in once you’re at UGA, if not originally admitted. I know there are certain core classes you have to take freshman year, then you just apply & as long as your grades are solid you’ll pretty much definitely get in.</p>

<p>Whether you get into the honors program or not, UGA is a great school with many opportunities for every type of student & you shouldn’t take it off your list if you start out not in honors. I’ve yet to talk to a friend going there that does not love it.</p>

10

<p>It may be a little too late for you, but if anyone else reading has this issue, I just wanted to let them know that it is super easy to get into the honors program once you’re in school. I had a 680 reading and a 710 math and was not admitted, but I got in after my first semester no problem. You just have to take 15 hours, make a 3.75 GPA, and apply. I think everyone who applied my year and met the requirements got in. You just won’t be able to live in Myers or take the first year honors seminar classes.</p>