GEORGIA MATCH shows students college options

During the Oct. 5 inaugural Governor's Workforce Summit, Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced the launch of GEORGIA MATCH, one of the largest state-run direct admissions initiatives in the nation.

The culmination of multiple state agencies working together to ease the process of connecting students with higher education opportunities, this program will engage all learners and households, including those who do not typically consider postsecondary education pathways. No other state in the country currently has a direct admissions initiative of this scope and scale.

"GEORGIA MATCH is a great example of the historic success we can achieve when stakeholders across the education spectrum work together," Kemp said. "This program will ensure that every high school student in our state knows they have options to learn and succeed here in the No. 1 state for business."

GEORGIA MATCH is an innovative education and workforce initiative developed in collaboration with the Governor's Office, Governor's Office of Planning & Budget, Georgia Student Finance Commission, Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), Governor's Office of Student Achievement, Georgia Department of Education, and University System of Georgia (USG).

The number of schools listed on a GEORGIA MATCH letter is determined by the individual student's 11th grade HOPE GPA and freshman index score. All students will receive a letter of academic eligibility for admission to the 22 TCSG institutions. Students with higher GPAs will also see up to 23 USG institutions. UNG is one of the participating universities. The three USG institutions not participating in the GEORGIA MATCH program utilize a different holistic admissions process.

Beginning next week, over 120,000 high school seniors in Georgia will receive a personalized letter from Gov. Kemp listing the public technical institutions, colleges and universities that are holding a spot for them in the fall 2024 semester, based on academic eligibility. The letters will provide information on next steps to claim a spot at a college on the student's individual list.

"GEORGIA MATCH helps students see they have earned a spot in many colleges. They can 'claim their spot' at UNG through GEORGIA MATCH or by applying directly to UNG through GA Futures," Dr. Brett Morris, UNG associate vice president for Strategic Enrollment Management, said. "Our admission team is standing by to help students get their application on the fast track to a decision."

All GEORGIA MATCH participating institutions will waive application fees for students during November 2023 for students who apply through GEORGIA MATCH. Students may view their personalized MATCH list, request more information, and claim their spot at gafutures.org/GEORGIAMATCH beginning next week.