Academically, UGA has a lot to offer. Although most classes you will take in the beginning are prerequisite classes before getting into your major, they are for the most part interesting and challenging. If you want to learn, you will most definitely be able to.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
There is also a lot outside of academics to be found at UGA! I am in a few organizations here that are totally awesome. Greek life is a great way to make some really close friends, but you can do that easily even if you aren't involved in Greek life. There are so many different clubs, organizations, and things to do that you are bound to find somewhere you belong. Athens has a great college-town vibe and as far as the number one party school thing goes, if you are looking for parties, they are to be found. But there is so much to do that doesn't include partying if it's not your thing. People aren't going to judge you if you don't drink. It is so easy to make friends here because there are tons of different people around and there is always something to do. And can I just say one word: FOOTBALL!!!!!! Saturdays in Athens are truly an amazing time. You will quickly pick up on all the traditions and really understand why everyone makes a big deal about it here. Other sporting events are really great too, and most are free for students or really cheap. There are also great organizations like BCM [I go to BCM and LOVE IT!] and Wesley if you are a Christian and are looking for somewhere to stay strong in your faith. Athens becomes your home very quickly, and you will love it.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
If you are a Georgia resident and have HOPE, this is definitely the school for you. Even if you are out of state, it is still worth it for sure. As far as money goes, I can pretty much go without spending it if I don't want to. Meal plan is awesome because you can each as much as you want whenever you want whenever you want and it's already paid for throughout the year. Living on campus and paying for books is kind of expensive, but that is pretty much how it is at any college you go to. Dorms are pretty nice for what you pay for them. As far as other things go, your student activities fee covers a lot of great stuff on campus! Free movies are shown all the time and we had a free carnival during homecoming week-cool things like that happen often. I got to see Ludacris in concert for free! Also, I definitely don't mind paying only $8 for every home football game I go to ;) Almost every other sporting event is free. College is expensive no matter where you go, but it is totally worth it at UGA because you get so much out of it.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
-If you're wanting to get in-
Apply early! If you are admitted through early admission you will probably get the housing you want, and the application isn't as much work. Take as many AP/Honors classes as you can handle. Try your best in them, but don't stress about not having a GPA of 4.0 or above. Same goes with the ACT and SAT. Try to do really good and take them multiple times if you can. UGA wants to see that you are challenging yourself. Get involved with stuff going on at your high school and outside school, especially with leadership positions. UGA is interested in that kind of stuff too.
-Once you are here-
GET INVOLVED! As I've said, there really is something for everyone and so many ways to make good friends. When you are involved in something, the school seems a lot smaller and the more people you know, the smaller it gets. Don't be intimidated by the size.
Find out where your classes are before the first day. Life is a lot easier that way. Learning your way around isn't that bad. Get a bus map and learn those routes too. It takes a little more work, but the buses are free and convenient when you have a class that is far out of the way. Don't be afraid to ask an upperclassman. I've done it several times before and trust me, you will survive.
Don't forget to study! Definitely take advantage of all UGA has to offer because campus life is great and Athens is an amazing city, but academics are important too. Cramming the night before an exam is not going to cut it like it did in high school. You will probably have some weed out classes that will challenge you big time, but if you work hard enough you can do well.
Move out of your comfort zone and don't be worried about starting college! Use every opportunity to meet new people, including in your classes and on your hall. Sit with someone sitting by themselves in the dining hall and you could for real make a new friend. It's normal to be a little bit nervous about starting college [tho...
Which types of students will excel at your college?
UGA really is great for all types of people. Because it is a big school, you are bound to find something academic and social wise that is perfect for you. Speaking of size, don’t be intimidated by the size. When you know your way around and know people, it seems a lot smaller. If you are wanting a different experience from what is going on at your town back home, come to UGA! It is a whole new experience. If you want a place that offers strong academics and plenty of good times, UGA is for you. Being here gives you great connections for the future and prepares you for whatever you want to do in life. I mean, I’m here to become a marine biologist if that tells you anything about the variety in majors. :) There is so much here for everyone.
Academically, UGA has a lot to offer. Although most classes you will take in the beginning are prerequisite classes before getting into your major, they are for the most part interesting and challenging. If you want to learn, you will most definitely be able to.
There is also a lot outside of academics to be found at UGA! I am in a few organizations here that are totally awesome. Greek life is a great way to make some really close friends, but you can do that easily even if you aren't involved in Greek life. There are so many different clubs, organizations, and things to do that you are bound to find somewhere you belong. Athens has a great college-town vibe and as far as the number one party school thing goes, if you are looking for parties, they are to be found. But there is so much to do that doesn't include partying if it's not your thing. People aren't going to judge you if you don't drink. It is so easy to make friends here because there are tons of different people around and there is always something to do. And can I just say one word: FOOTBALL!!!!!! Saturdays in Athens are truly an amazing time. You will quickly pick up on all the traditions and really understand why everyone makes a big deal about it here. Other sporting events are really great too, and most are free for students or really cheap. There are also great organizations like BCM [I go to BCM and LOVE IT!] and Wesley if you are a Christian and are looking for somewhere to stay strong in your faith. Athens becomes your home very quickly, and you will love it.
If you are a Georgia resident and have HOPE, this is definitely the school for you. Even if you are out of state, it is still worth it for sure. As far as money goes, I can pretty much go without spending it if I don't want to. Meal plan is awesome because you can each as much as you want whenever you want whenever you want and it's already paid for throughout the year. Living on campus and paying for books is kind of expensive, but that is pretty much how it is at any college you go to. Dorms are pretty nice for what you pay for them. As far as other things go, your student activities fee covers a lot of great stuff on campus! Free movies are shown all the time and we had a free carnival during homecoming week-cool things like that happen often. I got to see Ludacris in concert for free! Also, I definitely don't mind paying only $8 for every home football game I go to ;) Almost every other sporting event is free. College is expensive no matter where you go, but it is totally worth it at UGA because you get so much out of it.
-If you're wanting to get in- Apply early! If you are admitted through early admission you will probably get the housing you want, and the application isn't as much work. Take as many AP/Honors classes as you can handle. Try your best in them, but don't stress about not having a GPA of 4.0 or above. Same goes with the ACT and SAT. Try to do really good and take them multiple times if you can. UGA wants to see that you are challenging yourself. Get involved with stuff going on at your high school and outside school, especially with leadership positions. UGA is interested in that kind of stuff too. -Once you are here- GET INVOLVED! As I've said, there really is something for everyone and so many ways to make good friends. When you are involved in something, the school seems a lot smaller and the more people you know, the smaller it gets. Don't be intimidated by the size. Find out where your classes are before the first day. Life is a lot easier that way. Learning your way around isn't that bad. Get a bus map and learn those routes too. It takes a little more work, but the buses are free and convenient when you have a class that is far out of the way. Don't be afraid to ask an upperclassman. I've done it several times before and trust me, you will survive. Don't forget to study! Definitely take advantage of all UGA has to offer because campus life is great and Athens is an amazing city, but academics are important too. Cramming the night before an exam is not going to cut it like it did in high school. You will probably have some weed out classes that will challenge you big time, but if you work hard enough you can do well. Move out of your comfort zone and don't be worried about starting college! Use every opportunity to meet new people, including in your classes and on your hall. Sit with someone sitting by themselves in the dining hall and you could for real make a new friend. It's normal to be a little bit nervous about starting college [tho...
UGA really is great for all types of people. Because it is a big school, you are bound to find something academic and social wise that is perfect for you. Speaking of size, don’t be intimidated by the size. When you know your way around and know people, it seems a lot smaller. If you are wanting a different experience from what is going on at your town back home, come to UGA! It is a whole new experience. If you want a place that offers strong academics and plenty of good times, UGA is for you. Being here gives you great connections for the future and prepares you for whatever you want to do in life. I mean, I’m here to become a marine biologist if that tells you anything about the variety in majors. :) There is so much here for everyone.