Georgia Apply to College Month

Nicholas Miller, LPC., EdS., NCSC.

Georgia Apply to College Month

• Your Future Starts Here!

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• Celebrate your next step toward college during Georgia Apply to College Month.

What Is Apply to College Month?

• Annual statewide event in November
• Encourages every Georgia senior to apply to college
• Over 60+ Georgia colleges waive application fees
• Supported by GAfutures and the Georgia Student Finance Commission

Why It Matters

• Expands college access
• Removes application fees
• Connects you with counselors and support
• Builds momentum toward your goals

College Application Checklist

Purpose: Step-by-step guide for students.

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Step 1 – Preparation: Identify colleges, apply directly on the participating colleges website or create GAfutures account, check the fee waivers list

–https://www.gafutures.org/college-planning/apply-to-college/2025-participating-schools/

Step 2 – Gather Materials: Transcript, test scores, essay, letters, FAFSA/HOPE info

Step 3 – Complete Applications

Step 4 – Follow-Up: Confirmations, test scores, scholarships

Step 5- Celebrate: Track, reflect, share success

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Who Can Participate?

• All Georgia seniors
• Juniors can start preparing now!
• Especially helpful for first-generation college students

Georgia MATCH Program

• Direct admissions to Georgia colleges
• See your personalized eligibility list in GAfutures
• Apply directly through GAfutures

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• Visit: www.gafutures.org/match/

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GAfutures: Your College Planning Hub

• Apply to Georgia colleges
• Track HOPE GPA
• Search for scholarships
• Explore careers and majors

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• Visit: www.gafutures.org

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Fee-Free Colleges During November

• 60+ Georgia colleges waive application fees
• University System of Georgia schools
• Technical College System of Georgia schools
• Private Georgia colleges

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• Visit: www.gsfc.georgia.gov

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What You’ll Need As You Apply

Checklist:

• Transcript
• Test scores (SAT/ACT)
• Resume or activities list
• Essay or personal statement
• Parent/guardian info
• FAFSA and HOPE details

Step 3:

College Research Worksheet — 'Exploring My College Options'

Purpose: Help students compare colleges and plan applications.

• College Name
• Identify 3-5 Colleges of Interest
• Location / Type
• Admission Deadline
• GPA / Test Requirements
• Application Fee / Fee Waived
• Programs of Interest
• Notes

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Extension Activity:

• Why I might want to attend this college…
• What college excites you most?
• What challenges do you face in applying?
• Who can help you overcome them?

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FAFSA and State Aid

• FAFSA opens October 1: studentaid.gov
• HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships:

https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/

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Step 4: Reflection & Planning Sheet

Purpose: Encourage reflection and planning.

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Questions:

1. What college(s) did you apply to or plan to apply to?

2. What was the most challenging part?

3. Who supported you?

4. How did you feel after applying?

5. What’s your next step (FAFSA, scholarship, visit)?

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Optional: Letter to your future self about goals.

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Application Day!

It’s time to apply!

• Double-check all info
• Ask for help if needed
• Celebrate your progress!

Next Steps After You Apply

• Watch for confirmation emails
• Log in to your college portals
• Send test scores if needed
• Apply for housing and financial aid (if needed)

Step 5: Celebrate Your Future!

• 🎓 Every application is a step closer to your dreams.
• Take a photo, share your success, and be proud of yourself!