Admission

General Admission Policies

The admissions policy of West Georgia is designed to admit students who will have a reasonable chance of success and who seemingly will profit from the educational program of the University. A student is considered for admission without regard to race, creed, sex, marital status, or national origin. Application forms may be obtained from the Admissions office and are available from many high school guidance counselors. An admissions application can also be found online at westga.edu/apply. For information on specific categories of admission, contact the Admissions Office at West Georgia. For additional admission requirements regarding specific majors, consult the particular department area of this catalog.

Every applicant must submit a formal application to the Admissions Office along with a $40 nonrefundable application fee. (Georgia residents 62 years of age or older are not required to pay the application fee.)

Acceptance or denial of each application is determined by the Director of Admissions and subject to the right of appeal as outlined by the University and as provided in the bylaws of the Board of Regents of the University System. Information outlining the appeals procedure may be obtained from the Admissions Office or from the Student Handbook. An applicant should contact the Office of Admissions regarding details of the appeals procedure.

Admissions files of those who apply and do not enroll are kept in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for 12 calendar months. An applicant may update the semester for which they are applying within 12 months by calling the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Applicants who apply and do not enroll may update their initial application one time. After one update, an additional application and fee will be required.

Students furnishing the University with false, incomplete, or misleading information relating to their application or academic record will be subject to rejection or dismissal.

Immunization Requirements: The policy, implementation, guidelines, and the chart of required immunizations can be found at https://www.westga.edu/student-services/health/immunization-policy.php.

Undergraduate Admissions Priority Deadlines

The Office of Admissions operates on “rolling admissions” and accepts applications throughout the year. In other words, applications are processed and students receive decisions on their applications on a revolving and continuing basis. As soon as all items required in support of a student’s application are received, the application is evaluated and students are notified of an admissions decision. All required items must be received and a decision must be processed before a student will be allowed to register. The Office of Admissions does; however, have priority deadlines for students each semester. June 1 is the fall semester priority deadline, November 15th is the spring semester priority deadline, and May 15 is the summer semester priority deadline. These deadlines have the best interest of the student to make sure we have all outstanding items prior to the student starting classes.

University Admission Standards

It is recommended that prospective applicants to West Georgia contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for specific requirements well in advance of their entrance date. Admission standards are subject to review and change.

Beginning Freshman

A freshman applicant is one who has not previously attended a regionally accredited college or university and/or has not yet graduated from high school. Freshman admission is based on standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, high school grade point average (HSGPA) in college preparatory subjects, College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC)/Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) courses only, and Freshman Index (FI).

Students must have completed CPC/RHSC requirements as outlined in the second item in the following list.

1. High school graduation with a college preparatory/required high school curriculum diploma is required for admission as a beginning freshman. Both completion of the University System’s College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC)/Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) and graduation must be from a high school accredited by (a) a regional accrediting association such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), (b) The Georgia Accrediting Commission, (c) Georgia Private School Accrediting Council, or (d) a public school regulated by a school system and state department of education. A student applying while in high school should have a transcript of work through the junior year sent to the Admissions office at the time of application.
2. The University System of Georgia requires completion of a College Preparatory Curriculum/Required High School Curriculum for admission. Freshmen and transfer freshmen applicants must complete the following coursework to be admitted to the University:

*Students graduating earlier than 2012 only need three units of science. For more details regarding the Required High School Curriculum (RHSC), visit: http://www.westga.edu/rhsc/.

3. Each freshman applicant must submit scores earned on the SAT or ACT. Information regarding these tests may be obtained from any high school guidance office or any institution in the University System of Georgia. A freshman applicant cannot be accepted until the scores are received.
4. Minimum SAT/ACT score requirements for freshman or transfer freshman admission

Please note: we will “super score” your SAT and/or your ACT scores to evaluate your highest submitted scores.  There’s not need to reapply with each set of scores submitted. SAT/ACT scores cannot be “mixed” in determining admission eligibility.

  5.   In addition to the minimum test score requirement, a minimum Freshman Index of 2040 is required for admission.  For graduating seniors in the class of 2022, students with a 3.2 recalculated GPA or or higher do not need to meet the freshman index score nor submit SAT/ACT scores for admission.

  6.   A high school senior who is earning college credit in a joint enrollment program while completing the senior year should apply to West Georgia as a beginning freshman but should indicate enrollment in a joint enrollment program on the application for admission. West Georgia will grant transfer credit for this work under the following conditions: (1) work must be earned through an accredited college, and (2) individual courses must meet the normal guidelines for acceptability (see Transfer Student section).

Transfer Student

A transfer applicant is one who has been enrolled in any regionally accredited college or university. All previous college attendance must be reported at the time of application. Those who have earned fewer than 45 quarter hours/30 semester hours of transferable work or the equivalent will be asked to comply with both freshman and transfer requirements for admission (see freshman requirements for additional details).

A transfer applicant should request the registrar of each college or university they have attended to send a transcript to the Office of Admissions. Credits from one former institution appearing on the transcript of another institution can neither be officially evaluated for admission nor accepted for credit until a transcript has been received from the institution originating the credit.

Transfer students will be considered for admission on the basis of their previous college records:

1. They must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all transferable college work attempted (nontraditional transfer students with greater than 45 quarter hours/30 semester hours of transferable work may be considered with a lower GPA on a case-by-case basis in order to determine their ability to be successful).
2. Students not meeting the minimum GPA requirement may be admitted if they hold an associate degree in a college transfer program from an accredited college and if they have not attempted any college coursework since completing the associate degree.
3. Students must be in good social and academic standing at their former institutions. Students who have been away from high school for less than five years must have completed all RHSC deficiencies and/or Learning Support requirements prior to being admissible and show both English and math proficiency through course credit. Students who have been away from high school for greater than five years may prove proficiency in English, Reading, and Math either through placement testing, valid SAT/ACT scores (less than seven years old), or completion of college coursework. Transfer students from an out-of-state institution may also prove proficiency via the placement test on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Admissions office for further policy details.
4. Admission acceptance by the Office of Admissions does not guarantee admission to a specific program or department.

Transfers from Technical College System of Georgia Colleges:

The Board of Regents and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) have entered into an articulation agreement. The agreement states that course credits for basic skills courses in English and mathematics with common course content will be transferable between schools in the University System of Georgia and COC-accredited institutions in the Technical College System of Georgia. Comparable placement and exit test results will be honored between the two systems as well. The transfer agreement is effective for students from COC-accredited Technical College System of Georgia institutions who have taken ENG 191 and/or MAT 190 or 191 since January 2002 and who meet the minimum test score requirements for exemption from developmental studies or successfully complete and meet the minimum test score requirements for exit from developmental studies English and/or mathematics. Courses other than those approved for the mini-core agreement will be evaluated on an individual basis for possible transfer credit. In order to be eligible for transfer credit, students must have earned satisfactory scores on either placement or exit tests.  Students with minimum old SAT Critical Reading 430; RSAT Reading Section 24 (ACT 17) + SAT Math 410; RSAT Math 450 (ACT 17) + high school diploma/GED and four years of college prep English, Algebra I and II, and Geometry, and a college prep math higher than Algebra II will be exempt from placement testing. Exit from Learning Support at a COC-accredited TCSG institution will be honored if the student has a record of meeting the TCSG minimum test score requirement for exit at UWG within the past year.

Students who apply for undergraduate admission and have attended a non-accredited institution will be requested to provide an official transcript from that institution. Credit will be determined by the respective academic departments.

For questions concerning transfer credit equivalency, see Transfer Credit Evaluation Policy.

Transient Student

A student who has taken work in a college or university may apply for the privilege of temporary registration. Such a student is one who expects to return to the college or university in which they were previously enrolled. The normal application procedure consists of filing an application form with a $40 nonrefundable fee for each semester of transient study. The dean or registrar of the college where the student has been enrolled must give written approval for the student to attend West Georgia.

The following policies shall govern the admission of a transient student:

An applicant will be accepted as a transient student only when it appears that the applicant’s previous academic work is of satisfactory quality. A student must not be under suspension or exclusion from the previous institution.

1. Enrollment as a transient student is limited to one semester. Exceptions may be made by special permission of the Admissions office and with special approval of the dean of the institution from which the student comes. Application for readmission as a transient student for the second semester must be submitted to the Office of Admissions by the semester application and document deadline date.
2. Transient approval for a second consecutive term will be considered only when evidence is submitted to the Office of Admissions that the applicant meets full transfer admission requirements.
3. Transient students desiring to continue as transfer students must apply through the Admissions office by the semester application and document deadline date and satisfactorily complete the transfer requirements listed above.
4. Since a university’s primary obligation is to its regularly enrolled students, West Georgia will consider the acceptance of transient students only when their acceptance will cause no hardship or inconvenience to the institution or its regularly enrolled students.
5. Transient students are not eligible for financial assistance (grants, loans, HOPE Scholarship, etc.) through the University of West Georgia. Transient students must make financial assistance arrangements with their “home” institution.
6. Transient students who are not seeking a UWG degree register on the first day of on-time/open registration.

Unclassified Student

All applicants who hold baccalaureate degrees and are seeking to take additional undergraduate courses should apply for admission through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Students accepted by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions as unclassified/post-baccalaureate are only required to show academic proof of a degree for admittance but are not eligible for financial aid consideration. Unclassified students are eligible to begin registering for courses three days prior to the start of each semester. A student admitted as Unclassified, and who wishes to seek an undergraduate degree from UWG, must reapply for transfer admission to the Undergraduate Office of Admissions and must meet University transfer admission requirements. The undergraduate transfer application and transcripts from each college attended must be received by the announced application and document deadline date.

Auditor

Auditors are students who enroll as observers or listeners only. They are regarded as official visitors and are eligible to begin registering for courses three days prior to the start of each semester. An application form must be submitted to the Office of Admissions (including a $40 non-refundable fee) prior to the application deadline date of the semester for which they plan to enroll. Auditors who do not stay continuously enrolled must reapply each term they wish to be an auditor. The minimum requirement for participation as an auditor is verification of graduation from an accredited high school or the possession of a GED certificate. Credit is not awarded for audit and no grade other than V (symbol for audit) is given. Auditors pay the regular fees for enrollment. Students are prohibited from receiving credit for courses for which they were registered as auditors unless the course is repeated for credit.

Enrollment of Persons 62 Years of Age or Older

Georgia residents 62 years of age or older may enroll as regular students in courses offered for resident credit on a space available basis without payment of fees, except for supplies, technology, laboratory, or shop fees. Space available will be determined by the institution. Students enrolled for credit that elect to participate in the campus health program, student activities program, or to use the parking facilities may be required to pay the appropriate fees. They must be residents of Georgia, 62 years of age or older at the time of registration, and they must present a birth certificate or comparable written documentation of age. A Certificate of Immunization is also required.

Such applicants must meet all University System and institutional admission requirements including high school graduation, SAT or ACT scores, and Learning Support enrollment exemption, when applicable, if they wish to enroll for credit. They will have all usual student and institutional records maintained and must meet all system, institutional, and legislated degree requirements, such as History and Constitution Instruction or Exams, if they are degree-seeking students.

Applicants who wish to enroll under this program should file an application for admission but should not pay the $40 application fee. They should write across the top of the application form Georgia resident 62 years of age or older and should submit proof of age and Georgia residency (Georgia driver’s license or other official document showing age and residency). Other requirements for admission as listed elsewhere in the Admission section of the catalog apply.

Readmission of Former UWG Student

Students who were previously enrolled, but have not been in attendance for three semesters, and students who have been academically suspended for one year or dismissed must apply for readmission with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at least three weeks before the semester for which they are applying begins. Students who have attended another college or university since last attending West Georgia must submit official transcripts from each institution attended. If the student desires to live in a university residence hall, they must submit a housing application with the required deposit to the Housing and Residence Life office.

Readmission of UWG candidates for graduation or those who have recently graduated

Student records are marked inactive for the term immediately following their scheduled graduation. Currently enrolled students who are candidates for an upcoming graduation or students who have recently graduated must complete a re-admission application to enroll in courses for the next or future terms. During the re-admission application process, the student will be given the option of selecting to return as a degree seeking (second degree) or non-degree seeking (professional development) student.

Once the re-admission application is processed, the student will need to meet with an academic advisor to be able to register for an upcoming semester. Students who are not currently enrolled will be able to register during the open registration period once they have been accepted and met with an academic advisor. See Registrar Calendar inside the Scoop for registration dates.

Admission of Homeschooled Students

Applicants Who Have Completed an Accredited Homeschool Program

Applicants completing an approved, accredited homeschool program need only meet traditional freshman admission requirements.

Applicants Who Have Not Completed an Accredited Homeschool Program

Home-educated applicants who have not completed an accredited home school program must submit the following:

• Application for Undergraduate Admission
• $40 non-refundable application processing fee
• Official SAT or ACT scores* (sent directly to UWG by the testing agency)
• Completed Homeschool Curriculum Evaluation Form, which provides satisfactory documentation of equivalent competence in each of the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC)/Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) areas
• Copy of current Declaration of Intent to Homeschool as filed with the state

**Homeschool applicants will be required to meet the same SAT/ACT score requirements as required for freshman admission.

Homeschooled Applicants Applying as Transfer Students

Transfer applicants who graduated from a non-accredited home school program, and who have earned less than 30 credit transferable, semester hours at the time of the UWG admission application, must meet freshman admission requirements, including submission of the Declaration of Intent to Utilize a Home Study Program Form or a print out of your online submission. Transfer applicants completing an approved, accredited home school program need only meet traditional Freshman requirements.

Adult, Nontraditional Applicants

Nontraditional Freshmen

Nontraditional freshmen are defined as individuals who meet all of the following criteria

1. Have been out of high school at least five years and whose high school class graduated at least five years ago
2. Hold a high school diploma from an accredited or approved high school or have satisfactorily completed the GED
3. Have earned fewer than 30 transferable semester credit hours

Nontraditional Transfer

1. Have been out of high school at least five years or whose high school class graduated at least five years ago
2. Have earned thirty (30) semester or more transferable hours of college credit

All nontraditional applicants will be evaluated to determine their placement into learning support courses.

Opportunities for Students During High School

Dual Enrollment, formerly Move On When Ready (MOWR), is Georgia’s dual enrollment program that allows high school students to earn college credit while working on their high school diploma.  The Dual Enrollment program includes provisions to help remove some of the financial barriers that may prevent students from participating in a dual enrollment program.

Admission Requirements:

11th and 12th Grade Dual Enrollment Requirements
GPA: 3.0
SAT Composite: 1050 or ACT Composite: 20
SAT EBRW: 480 or ACT English or Reading: 17
SAT Math: 440 or ACT Math: 17
Accuplacer Reading: 237, Math: 258, WritePlacer: 4

10th Grade Dual Enrollment Requirements
GPA: 3.0
SAT Composite: 1200 or ACT Composite: 26
SAT EBRW: 480 or ACT English or Reading: 17
SAT Math: 440 or ACT Math: 17

Steps to Acceptance

1. Take the SAT, ACT, or Accuplacer: Send your test scores directly to UWG. (Codes - SAT: 5900, ACT: 0878, Accuplacer: Test Score Release Form)
2. Apply to UWG: Log onto westga.edu/applynow and follow the directions to complete the application process.
3. Send required documentation: official high school transcripts, test scores, and a Dual Enrollment Participation Agreement.
4. Questions? Contact Dual Enrollment at dualenroll@westga.edu

Advanced Placement, College Level Exam Programs, Departmental Exams, Cambridge International “A” Levels, and International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is available through many high schools and enables a high school student to earn credit toward college in a variety of subjects. Usually these courses are equivalent to college freshmen/sophomore level courses such as American Government, World History, Composition, and so forth. College credit will be awarded based on standardized exams administered at the high schools in mid to late May. If you have questions, contact the Admissions Office.

High school students who earn AP exam scores of 3 or higher (on a scale of 1-5) on most exams and who submit official score reports to the University of West Georgia will automatically receive credit for coursework. Scores of 4 or higher are required to receive credit for history exams. Scores of 4 or 5 count as Honors credit.  For a list of scores accepted by UWG and the UWG course equivalents, please visit the UWG Registrar’s Office website at http://www.westga.edu/registrar.

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is offered at West Georgia by appointment and allows persons to earn college credit by achieving appropriate cutoff scores on nationally standardized exams. Exams available cover a range of courses including math, history, government, literature, and sciences.  For a list of scores accepted by UWG and the UWG course equivalents, please visit the UWG Registrar’s Office website at http://www.westga.edu/registrar. Test registration information is available through Academic Testing Services (678-839-6435).

As with AP testing, CLEP is a great way to earn college credit. Not only will a person save time by not having to take a course containing material they already know, but they will also save money by not having to pay for a college class. Thus, CLEP enables a student to move through their freshman and sophomore years at a faster pace.

International Baccalaureate (IB) scores are also reviewed for possible college credit. Credit is awarded International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level tests with a score of 5 or higher. In some areas of study, credit is awarded for scores of 4. Credit is awarded IB Standard Level tests with a score of 6 or higher if the student completes the IB diploma. Scores of 6 or 7 count as Honors credit.  Please see specific course equivalencies on the Registrar’s Office website at http://www.westga.edu/registrar/. Freshman and sophomore level credit is awarded for the Cambridge International “A” levels. Please contact the Assistant Registrar for Transfer Equivalency at http://www.westga.edu/registrar/ for more details.

Note: CLEP, AP, and IB scores for equivalent credit may be viewed on the UWG Registrar’s website at http://www.westga.edu/registrar/.

Departmental Exemptions

Several academic programs offer credit by examination, such as the English and Math programs (see requirements below). The International Languages and Cultures program also allows students to exempt certain introductory foreign language courses. Interested students should contact these programs or departments directly.

English Placement

Students whose old *SAT Critical Reading is at least 430 but less than 570 will take ENGL 1101 . Likewise, students whose ACT English is at least 17 but less than 25 will take ENGL 1101 .  *For purpose of placement credit, RSAT scores will be converted to the old SAT scoring format.

Any student who scores a minimum 570 on the old *SAT Critical Reading (ACT 25) and has at least a 3.0 academic grade point average is eligible to write the English Exemption Essay. Based on this test score, a student can exempt ENGL 1101 . ENGL 1102  may also be exempted.  *For purpose of placement credit, RSAT scores will be converted to the old SAT scoring format.

Advanced placement with credit is offered through AP English courses taught in high school and the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), for which West Georgia is a testing center. Additional information is available through the Academic Testing Services, telephone 678-839-6435.

Mathematics Placement

Students whose old *SAT Math score is at least 410 but less than 480 or whose ACT Math score is 17-19, will take MATH 1101  or MATH 1111  as appropriate to their major unless approved for a higher core impacts math course.  *For purpose of placement credit, RSAT scores will be converted to the old SAT scoring format.

Any student who scores a minimum 480 on the old *SAT Math or 20 on the ACT Math and has completed at least four years of high school mathematics, including Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and one year of Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry, may be eligible to exempt without credit MATH 1111  (College Algebra) or MATH 1113  (Precalculus). The beginning mathematics course will be determined by the student’s major and background in consultation with an advisor. For more information, see “Mathematics SAT Score for determining Course Placement and Credit” in the Undergraduate Academic Policies Section. *For purpose of placement credit, RSAT scores will be converted to the old SAT scoring format.

Advanced placement with credit in mathematics courses is offered through AP mathematics courses taught in high school and the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), for which West Georgia is a testing center. Additional information is available from Academic Testing Services, telephone 678-839-6435.

Honors College

http://www.westga.edu/honors/

The Honors College is for students who have demonstrated academic success in high school. Entering freshmen who attain high scores on the SAT or the ACT, as well as a very good high school academic record in college preparatory courses, are invited to apply to the program. For more detailed information, see the Honors College section of this catalog.

International/Permanent Resident Student

An international applicant is defined as an individual who is not a “legally domiciled resident” of the United States.  A permanent resident is an applicant from another country who has obtained permanent residency in the United States (holds a “green card”). It is recommended that international students apply four (4) to six (6) months prior to the semester of desired enrollment.

UWG supports international education and welcomes applications from all students domestic regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Please note the following requirements for international and permanent resident applicants:

International Beginning Freshman

1. All applicants whose native language is not English, regardless of immigration status, must meet English language proficiency requirements. This requirement can be fulfilled by submitting results from one of the approved English Language Proficiency options listed below.
2. Students who identify as native English speakers are exempt from having to provide an English Language Proficiency document. Native speaking students will need to submit official scores from either the SAT or ACT academic examination. Minimum SAT/ACT score requirements for freshman or transfer freshman admission are:
   RSAT scores of SAT EBRW-480 and SAT Math-450; ACT English-17, and ACT Math-17.
   It is the policy of the Office of Admissions to take a student’s best Critical Reading/English and best math score should the student take the SAT or ACT more than once; however, SAT scores and ACT scores cannot be “mixed” in determining admission eligibility.
3. The University System of Georgia requires completion of a College Preparatory Curriculum from an accredited institution for Freshman admission. A student applying while in high school should have a transcript of work through the junior year sent to the International Student Admissions and Programs (ISAP) office at the time of application. Students completing secondary school must provide official copies of their transcripts to the University of West Georgia for evaluation. If this official copy is not in English, it must be accompanied by a certified translation to English. The University of West Georgia reserves the right to request a formal Academic Credential Evaluation of transcripts/documents submitted to the University as part of a student’s application. If requested, the student must provide an evaluation of secondary school credentials from a service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE).
4. International applicants must submit a copy of their passport and any previously issued United States visas as part of the application process.
5. International applicants, who will require an F-1 or J-1 visa, must also submit sufficient financial documentation to indicate evidence of sufficient funds available for study at UWG inclusive of tuition, fees, lodging, transportation, insurance and supplies. These documents are not required to receive a decision on an application, but are required prior to issuance of any documents needed for the visa application process, namely form I-20 or form DS-2019.
6. Admission acceptance by the Office of International Student Admissions & Programs does not guarantee admission to a specific program or department.

International Transfer

1. All applicants whose native language is not English, regardless of immigration status, must meet English language proficiency requirements. This requirement can be fulfilled by submitting results from one of the approved English Language Proficiency options listed below.
2. Any international applicant who has completed a minimum of 45 quarter hours/30 semester hours of transferable work must submit an official copy of transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions. If this institution is based internationally and does not currently hold United States accreditation, an internal academic credential evaluation will be performed to determine the American equivalent of the courses/degrees earned. The University of West Georgia reserves the right to request a formal Academic Credential Evaluation of transcripts/documents submitted to the University as part of the student’s application. If requested, the student must provide a course-by-course evaluation, with a GPA conversion, of all post-secondary coursework from a service belonging to either the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). 
3. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all transferable college work attempted. Students must also be in good social and academic standing at their former institutions.
4. Admission acceptance by the Office of International Student Admissions & Programs does not guarantee admission to a specific program or department.
5. Students are eligible to apply for transfer credit based on previously completed studies. Please see the University of West Georgia’s transfer credit policy located in the “Transfer Student” section.
6. International applicants must submit a copy of their passport and any previously issued United States visas as part of the application process.
7. International applicants who require an F-1 or J-1 visa, must also submit sufficient financial documentation to indicate evidence of sufficient funds available for study at UWG inclusive of tuition, fees, lodging, transportation, insurance and supplies. These documents are not required to receive a decision on an application, but are required prior to issuance of any documents needed for the visa application process, namely form I-20 or form DS-2019.

* English language proficiency requirements (submit one of the following):

• Official test results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 193 computer-based, 523 paper-based, or 69 internet-based (www.toefl.org or 609-771-7100)
• Official test results from the “Academic” variant of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6
• Official test results from the “Academic” variant of the Pearson Test of English (PTE) with a minimum score of 53
• Official test results from the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) with a minimum score of 52
• Official test result from the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a passing score
• Official test results from the EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency (EIKEN) with a minimum score of Pre-1
• A Georgia State Test of English Proficiency (GSTEP) recommendation for full academic admission, administered by Georgia State University (404-651-3650)
• Official certificate of successful completion of an Intensive English Program (IEP) offered by a university operated by the USG
• A grade of “C” or better in a non-remedial, college level English course (ENGL 1101  equivalent or higher-level course) from an accredited college or university in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand
• Official score report from a Cambridge International Examination (CIE) or EdExcel IGCSE (“O” or “A” Level) English exam, with a minimum score of D
• Official score report from one of the five UK examination boards offering GCSE and GCE English exam, with a minimum score of C
• Three (3) years (9th, 10th, and 11th grade) of English as a second language (ESL) and a grade of “C” or higher in a College Preparatory Senior (12th grade) English at an accredited high school in the United States; four years of ESL at an accredited high school in the United States does not fulfill English language proficiency requirements
• Exemptions from the above requirements can be considered in circumstances when a student has completed their education in the English medium and upon the approval of International Student Admissions and Programs
• Waivers for formal ESL examination are available to those who have completed an approved educational program from one of the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, and the United States. Exemptions from other countries are possible and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

In order to attract international students, the University may waive all or a part of the nonresident portion of tuition for select undergraduate international applicants who meet certain academic criteria. Upon acceptance, an international student may apply for this waiver with the office of International Student Admissions and Program (ISAP). A limited number of waivers are available, and not all eligible international applicants will receive a waiver. Students awarded a waiver must maintain minimum requirements, including GPA, and apply for a renewal of the waiver for each academic year of their study.

Graduate Student Admission

 See the Graduate Catalog for details on applying for a graduate program.

Definition of a “Georgia Resident” for Purposes of Applying and Paying Fees

A student who is not a legal resident of the State of Georgia is charged out-of-state tuition. Hence, the determination of whether a student is classified in-state or out-of-state for tuition purposes is significant, and the applicant must indicate their classification on the application for admission. For more detailed information, see Regents’ Policies Governing the Classification of Students .

Additionally, in accordance with Board of Regents Policy 4.3.4, all applicants who are accepted for admission or readmission to institution for fall 2011 or any academic semester thereafter, and who seek to be classified as in-state for tuition purposes, will be required to provide validation of residency and lawful presence in both the state of Georgia and the United States.

The University System of Georgia allows students who have been admitted to the University of West Georgia as out-of-state for tuition purposes, to apply for in-state through various tuition differential waivers.  For more information, see the Registrar’s site at https://www.westga.edu/registrar/tuituition-classification.php.