FAQs

The programs are funded to serve students attending Gainesville High School in Gainesville, GA and Gainesville Middle School East & West in Gainesville, GA.

• Students who are currently enrolled in grades 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12
• Students whose family's taxable income is no more than 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines
• Students whose parents have not graduated from a 4-year college or university (first generation college students)
• Students who meet either or both of the above criteria will be selected for participation in the program based on their individual interests, needs, ability to benefit from the program, and availability of positions in the program

ETS staff work with students to ensure that they are prepared to successfully transition from high school to a college or university. We are committed to both the enrichment and academic enhancement of each student’s academic career. There are many advantages to full program participation, including:

• One-on-one academic advising
• Career exploration in various fields including STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) fields
• Assisting with the college application process and completion of the FAFSA
• Exposure to cultural events, academic programs, and other enrichment activities
• Ability to participate in educational field trips
• Standardized test preparation including the SAT/ACT
• Weekly tutoring and supplemental instruction during the academic and/or summer components
• Access to programming focused on both cognitive and non-cognitive skills
• Referral to other TRIO programs or resources which support the academic and personal achievement of first-generation and low-income students

1. ETS applications may be submitted electronically or in person. Find the electronic application with Forms and Resources and follow the instructions. Paper applications are available at each target school. See the ETS advisor assigned to your school to request an application.
2. Once your application has been reviewed by the UNG Educational Talent Search staff, and program eligibility requirements are determined, you and your parent(s) or guardian(s) will be contacted by phone by UNG ETS staff. If you are accepted into the UNG Educational Talent Search Program, you will be notified with an acceptance letter.

Applicants who do not receive an acceptance letter will receive notification of the status of their application within 4-6 weeks. Reasons a student may not receive an acceptance letter are:

1. The program has accepted the maximum number of students it is funded to serve. If that occurs, the student will receive a letter informing that he/she has been placed on the waitlist. Application materials for students who have been waitlisted will remain on file for 1 year.
2. The applicant does not meet the eligibility requirements and/oracademic and behavioral expectations set by the program. In this case, the applicant will be notified via a ETS program denial letter. Students who are denied program admission may reapply during the following academic year.

The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. Program services are provided at no cost to students selected for participation. Expenses for all direct student services are supported by the UNG Educational Talent Search grants. The program does not cover personal purchases (ex: souvenirs).

UNG’s Educational Talent Search program is funded to serve a total of five hundred (500) students during the academic and summer components.

Acceptance into the UNG’s Educational Talent Search program requires full personal commitment to one’s educational journey for the duration of student’s middle and high school career. ETS staff members will work to prepare each student for postsecondary success through deliberate program services. ETS participants are expected to aid in this process by adhering to the following:

• Maintain a positive attitude and behave in a respectful manner that is neither disruptive nor rude during all programming or activities.
• Actively visit and contact your assigned ETS advisor(s) at least once per week during the academic year.
• Attend all assigned and required tutoring sessions.
• Submit all requested ETS assignments and actively participate in ETS workshops and summer classes.
• Enroll in a postsecondary institution (college/university/technical school) immediately after high school graduation.
• Follow all ETS policies and procedures currently stated in the ETS Program Student/Parent handbooks.
• Communicate with your assigned ETS advisor if you will be absent or late to any ETS programming or activities.
• Seek help from ETS staff if you encounter any academic challenges.
• Accomplish the yearly academic and developmental goals you set with the help of the ETS staff.

No. Educational Talent Search will assist students with completing the FAFSA and direct students to resources that provide financial support.

Participation in UNG’s Educational Talent Search program does not guarantee admission to the university. Students interested in attending UNG must meet admission requirements and apply for admission. The Educational Talent Search program will assist all students with the application process for any institution of high education, including the University of North Georgia.