This year, many Lambert seniors faced a surprising and disappointing turn of events as they received the results of their early college applications. For many, the news came from Georgia’s two highest-ranked public universities: the University of Georgia (UGA) and the Georgia Institute of Technology (GT). These popular Georgia schools now appear much more elusive, leaving many students wondering what changed in the college application landscape.
Both UGA and GT saw record-breaking application numbers this year, continuing the trend of increasing selectivity in the competitive landscape for Georgia’s top universities. As the demand for spots at these prestigious schools continues to surge, acceptance rates have dropped, leaving many hopeful applicants feeling uncertain. Many students, both at Lambert and across the state, are experiencing the results of this trend..
Georgia’s flagship university, UGA, saw over 43,000 applicants in 2024, compared to only 28,523 applicants in 2020, marking a massive increase from previous years. The acceptance rate has tapered from 56% ten years ago to a comparatively low 37% this year. Now, more than ever, UGA is becoming an increasingly selective and competitive school.
“UGA has been really attractive to a lot of people,” Lambert senior Logan Byron said. “You can see why it’s so popular. It’s a beautiful campus, and they provide great educational opportunities. The [HOPE and Zell Miller] scholarships are also a huge help.”
UGA’s record-breaking application numbers, the factor behind it’s competitiveness, can be attributed to several things. One of the most prominent is the university’s rise in prominence due to its athletic success. The school’s football program in particular has seen a wave of positive press in recent years, which has only added to UGA’s appeal. The Bulldogs’ back-to-back national championships in 2020 and 2021 helped put the university on the map for sports fans nationwide. The recent victory over the Texas Longhorns at the 2024 SEC Championship has cemented UGA as a football powerhouse. For many prospective students, a university’s athletics can be a major draw. High-performing sports teams often enhance a school’s national profile and create a sense of pride to be a student there. Thus, with UGA’s athletic performance, it’s no surprise that they are highly sought after.
Their impressive athletics coincide with equally impressive academic accolades. UGA’s Morehead Honors College brings opportunities for research grants and internships to high-achieving students. The school has risen to become one of US News’s top 50 schools in the nation and is ranked second among Georgia’s public universities. Many Lambert students look to the Morehead Honors College for its prestige and competitive edge.
The title of the highest ranked public university in Georgia goes to Georgia Tech, however. GT is highly regarded for its prestigious science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.
“Georgia Tech is popular for a reason,” Byron said, “It’s focused on teaching people what they need for the modern era, like computer science.”
The institute’s renowned STEM programs are a major draw for students across the nation. GT consistently ranks among the top schools for engineering, computer science and other technical disciplines because of its cutting-edge instructional programs and unique research opportunities. In fact, GT is sometimes considered an “Ivy League of the South”, along with schools like Vanderbilt, Davidson and Duke. For Lambert students passionate about STEM, GT is often seen as the ultimate goal.
Adding to its appeal, GT is located in the beating heart of Atlanta’s midtown. This offers students an incredible social and professional environment for both business opportunities and things to do. Nearby attractions, like the Fox Theatre make the city itself an exciting place to live and learn.
Another factor bringing students across Georgia to these schools is the notable scholarships available to in-state residents. The HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships, funded by the Georgia Lottery, provide substantial financial assistance to students attending in-state universities, which make significant contributions to covering the tuition of Georgia universities. For many families, these scholarships make attending UGA or GT far more affordable than comparable out-of-state or private institutions.
For in-state students, these scholarships can be life-changing, significantly reducing the financial burden of a college education and allowing many to graduate with little to no debt. This affordability, combined with the prestige of these schools, makes UGA and GT particularly attractive to Georgia residents.
However, UGA and GT also draw a significant number of out-of-state applicants each year. For these students, the appeal lies in the schools’ academic excellence, unique programs and strong national reputations.
For students still hoping to apply to UGA and GT, both universities are transparent about what they seek in applicants and offer resources to help students strengthen their applications. Admissions offices at both schools emphasize the importance of a well-rounded profile, combining strong academic performance with extracurricular involvement, leadership roles and personal character.
UGA places particular value on academic rigor, encouraging students to take challenging AP or IB courses, while GT looks for a demonstrated interest in STEM through course load and competitions. Students can find detailed information on what makes a competitive applicant on UGA and GT’s official websites. Rising competition makes stress to be the perfect applicant even more severe, especially among Lambert students. It’s important to remember to pursue a balance between academics, extracurriculars, service and hobbies.
With competition rising, it’s clear that the path to Georgia’s flagship universities is more demanding than ever. In order to stay competitive in today’s world of colleges, Lambert students should prioritize demonstrating passion and resilience by balancing a solid academic resume with passions and contributions to their community. These qualities not only help students stand out in applications but also prepare them to thrive in the rigorous and rewarding environments that UGA and GT offer.
