What Does it Take to Get Into Georgia Tech?

Of All The Colleges In The South, The Georgia Institute Of Technology Is The Leading School For Innovation…

With top-notch programs for engineering and research, Georgia Tech produces stiff competition for other colleges, including some in the Ivy League.

Of course, in their nationally-ranked six colleges and 28 schools, Georgia Tech offers more than just technology-focused majors and minors. You can find programs in Business, Design, Computer Systems, Liberal Arts, and the Sciences. Students at Georgia Tech find a well-rounded education, complete with community service opportunities, over 400 on-campus student organizations, and an NCAA Division I athletics program.

If you want to know how to get into Georgia Tech, this college guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cater your application to their what their looking for, and bring you one step closer to becoming a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket.  

WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS COLLEGE GUIDE:

• Georgia Tech’s Ideal Student
• What You Need to Get Accepted Into Georgia Tech
• Georgia Tech’s Campus Life
• From Application to Career: Georgia Tech’s Campus Life
• Your Future at Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech's Ideal Student

Although Georgia Tech offers more areas of study than just engineering, the college has a curriculum steeped in technology and innovation. Without a doubt, Georgia Tech’s application requirements reflect their rigorous curriculum, and students interested in applying must have impressive grades and standardized testing scores.

The average GPA and SAT scores of incoming freshmen are:

• GPA: 3.9 (unweighted)
• SAT: 1295
• ACT: 32

Note: While the above numbers are Georgia Tech’s averages, the minimum GPA accepted for Computer and Engineering applicants is 3.3, and 3.0 for students intending on studying Design, Sciences, Liberal Arts, or Business.

Your scores and grades should be in the top percentile of your graduating class. Even though Georgia Tech isn’t an Ivy League school, their admission requirements are similar to that of Princeton University’s and even Harvard. After all, Georgia Tech is training up the minds of the future: they want students who can envision a better world through creativity, innovation, and courage. The best way to start that journey is working hard in classes during high school, and applying to Georgia Tech with impressive scores.

However, while scores are important, Georgia Tech admissions is still interested in their prospective student’s character as well.

SUBTLE LEADERSHIP

Georgia Tech admissions understands that a good leader isn't always front and center. They hold fast to a notion they like to call “subtle leadership”:

• Have you helped one of your classmates accomplish a goal?
• Have you inspired a friend to make a decision that would be better for their future?
• Have you written a paper in high school that challenged a certain mindset or position on an issue?

Leadership isn’t always what it seems at first glance, and Georgia Tech is looking for true leaders to join their pack. They want their students to lead their classmates, roommates, and friends, even if they aren’t in a technical leadership position.

DEDICATION TO COMMUNITY

Community service is extremely important to Georgia Tech. In fact, it’s one of the five pillars of their core values.

• Have you volunteered at a local non-profit organization that gives back to the community?
• Have you participated in an active community engagement activity like recycling, beach clean-up, or spending time with animals at an animal shelter?
• Have you seen a need in your community and taken action to meet that need?

Any component of your high school career that has to do with community service will make your Georgia Tech application shine.

INTEGRITY AND RESPECT

Georgia Tech administration has worked tirelessly to ensure that their campus is one marked by ethical standards. They prize qualities like honesty to others and self, authentic living, and a willingness to be open with others.

On your application, they will be able to see if you’re trying to be someone else. Don’t say what you think they want to hear; tell them who you really are. Be honest with yourself, because this is the place to start if you want to be truly honest with others.

In addition to integrity, Georgia Tech places a high value on respect towards others. They want to provide an environment of inclusion and fairness, so you should use your application to show them the ways you treat others with the utmost respect, regardless of who they are and what they believe.

ACCOUNTABILITY AND ADAPTABILITY

The fourth and fifth pillars of Georgia Tech’s core values stress the importance of holding yourself and others accountable and being able to adapt to your surroundings, even when faced with change.

Change, whether it’s subtle or drastic, is usually the hardest kind of situation people face. However, the cornerstone of innovation is change. Failing and having to go back to the drawing board is an unavoidable part of making something new. Since Georgia Tech is a leading school of innovation, they need students who are good at change, and can adapt to new situations quickly.

WHAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE: GEORGIA TECH’S PROGRAMS

The top academic programs at Georgia Tech are engineering-based:

• Industrial and Systems Engineering (#1 in the U.S.)
• Aerospace Engineering (#2 in the U.S.)
• Civil Engineering (#2 in the U.S.)
• Materials Engineering (#2 in the U.S.)

If you’re not interested in engineering, but you still want to go to Georgia Tech, don’t worry. They also have nationally-ranked programs in other areas of study:

• Computer and Information Sciences (#4 in the U.S.)
• Business Management (#2 in the U.S.)
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences (#4 in the U.S.)

Regardless of what field you’re interested in, Georgia Tech’s wide array of prestigious academic programs will provide you with your ideal educational experience.

IN SUMMARY: GEORGIA TECH’S IDEAL STUDENT

The ideal Georgia Tech student prizes leadership, community engagement, integrity, and respect. They also have a desire to hold themselves and others accountable to ethical standards while adapting to change. This is a lot to ask of a prospective student. The list of qualities they uphold sounds like a flawless student on the surface, but in reality, it’s exactly the opposite. No human is perfect, and what Georgia Tech is really looking for are honest students willing to reflect on both their strengths and weaknesses.

You may be thinking, “How is it possible to show all of those qualities on one application?” Believe it or not, it’s possible. Keep reading to find out what you should focus on as you begin your application.

What You Need To Get Accepted Into Georgia Tech

Every year, Georgia Tech admissions receives applications from all over the world. They know how to read an application, and know whether or not that student is their ideal student. As a result, Georgia Tech’s acceptance rate is 23%. Out of 36,926 applications last year, they accepted 3,105. Here’s what you can do to get one step closer to being one of next year’s accepted students:

THE APPLICATION

When you apply to Georgia Tech, you can use one of two application methods:

• The Common Application
• The Coalition Application

Regardless of the method you use, you’ll be automatically guided through Georgia Tech’s application process.

Much like the University of Pennsylvania, Georgia Tech is dedicated to taking a holistic approach to reviewing applications. In a holistic approach, the reviewer believes that every component of an application affects every other part. Nothing is irrelevant, and every tidbit of information provided is important.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Georgia Tech admissions is looking for students who challenged themselves during high school, and sought growth through advanced academic courses. In addition to an unofficial high school transcript, you’ll need to provide documentation of your experience in advanced classes like:

• AP (Advanced Placement)
• International Baccalaureate
• AICE Program
• Dual Enrollment (taking classes at a local community college or university in addition to high school)

You’ll also need to provide your current GPA and a school report from your guidance counselor.

Georgia Tech is a member of the University System of Georgia, and due to its academic requirements, all applicants of Georgia Tech are required to take a certain number of specific classes in order to be considered for admission:

• English - 4 units
• Math - 4 units
• Science - 4 units
• Social Science - 3 units
• Foreign Language - 2 units

In this case, “unit” means “class”. So, during your time in high school, make sure that you branch out a little bit in your class selection. This way, when you begin applying to Georgia Tech, you’ll already have your class requirements met.

If you’re close to graduating high school and you don’t have enough units yet, consider taking some short-term online classes to boost your application. Many online classes are only 8 weeks long. Alternatively, ask your guidance counselor if there’s a class that you can audit so you can fill your class requirements.

STANDARDIZED TESTING

Although they have no preference, Georgia Tech encourages its applicants to take both the SAT and the ACT. You may find that you perform better on one than the other, so it’s well worth taking both. They are also strong advocates of taking the tests as early as your junior year. This way, you have time to raise your score if needed.

CONTRIBUTION TO COMMUNITY

In this portion of the application, Georgia Tech is interested in what you’re passionate about. Don’t try to doctor your list of community service efforts in order to look better on paper: use this section to tell them something about yourself.

Most students participate in an average of 3-5 community oriented activities during their high school career. Georgia Tech encourages their applicants to not feel like they have to fill in every blank provided for them on the application. It would be far better to only use 3 or 4 spaces to show them specifically what lights your passion.

PERSONAL ESSAYS AND LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

On your Georgia Tech application, be prepared to write two essays: one long-answer, and one short-answer. Depending on which method you use for completing your application, you’ll be provided with a list of prompts:

• The Common App Essay Prompts (choose one of seven)
• The Coalition App Essay Prompts (choose one of five)

Georgia Tech admissions looks for four distinct qualities in prospective students’ essays:

• Authenticity
• Vibrancy
• Excellency in style and grammar
• Thoughtfulness

Be sure that you’re using your own voice, and don’t shy away from topics that you make you feel enthusiastic. Use what you’ve learned in English or Journalism class, and don’t be afraid to spend ample amounts of time editing your rough drafts. Finally, don’t just write whatever topic comes to mind first; put some thought into it. The more you draw your reader in, the better.

Note: Letters of recommendation are optional. If, however, you decide to submit a recommendation, only one will be allowed, and it must be from a teacher or counselor.

THE APPLICATION FEE

The non-refundable application fee is $75, and $85 for international students. Fee waivers are available to students who are eligible.

DEADLINES

• Early Action: October 15th for the application and November 15th for additional documents
• Regular Decision: January 1st for the application and February 1st for additional documents

These additional documents include transcripts, letters of recommendation, and score reports. Early Action applicants can expect a response in mid-January while Regular Decision applicants should keep a look out for a letter in mid-March.

CAN I GET INTO GEORGIA TECH?

Georgia Tech is no doubt a college with high standards. However, that should excite you! You have the unique chance to offer an application that is complete and well-thought-out in an attempt to show them that you belong there. Be sure that you pay close attention to their stringent list of academic requirements. This includes classes taken in high school, your GPA, SAT scores, and essays.

Yet, despite these strict requirements, they want to see authenticity, not a cookie-cutter application that has every box checked off. They want to see you. So, show them! Through your courage and honesty, you’ll greatly increase your chances of being accepted to Georgia Tech.

Georgia Tech's Campus Life

Georgia Tech isn’t a college that is only interested in creating the next best thing. While innovation is the cornerstone of their curriculum, diversity and inclusion is the cornerstone of their campus culture.

Georgia Tech’s campus is located right in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta is known as one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., and this contributes to Georgia Tech’s emphasis on diversity. Atlanta is the hub of creativity for the state of Georgia. Around every corner of the city is a different style of living, tucked away inside urban and eclectic neighborhoods. Atlanta’s all-around vibe directly fosters the growth and stimulation of Georgia Tech’s students.

LIVING IN ATLANTA

In just the past decade, Atlanta has become one of the country’s leading cities. Entrepreneurs, innovators, and artists have flocked to Atlanta to start their businesses and find a place to collaborate with like-minded individuals.

Downtown Atlanta is situated within walking distance of Georgia Tech’s campus, making it the perfect environment for its students to live, work, and play. This means Atlanta is full of passionate, forward-thinking people who have created start-ups in the past decade, not to mention numerous job and internship opportunities in every field you can imagine.

Atlanta’s culture thrives with museums, live music, parks, and world-renowned restaurants. In fact, Atlanta has become known as somewhat of a “foodie heaven”.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Georgia Tech boasts over 400 student organizations ranging from arts and culture to sports and recreation. They even have a thriving Greek life with over 40 sororities and fraternities.

When you live on campus, you’re sure to find multiple groups to join that involve music and the arts, competitive academics like Quizbowl, and unions for international students. Georgia Tech even offers fun clubs for students interested in astronomy, field hockey, ballroom dance, and languages like French and Spanish. With such an overwhelming amount of opportunities to feel welcome, you’ll find a place to call home at Georgia Tech.  

SPORTS

Georgia Tech offers 17 sports for both men and women. In addition to their NCAA Division I athletics program, they have opportunities for intramural and club sports, and an award-winning Campus Recreation facility. Their outdoor recreation program is also known as one of the best in the country, complete with excursions, adventurous trips, and challenging leadership courses.

HOUSING

As if Georgia Tech’s campus life weren’t satisfying enough, their housing options really tie the experience together.

On campus, Georgia Tech offers traditional, suite, and apartment style dorms. Georgia Tech’s housing program operates similarly to that of an apartment leasing company. The dorms are listed along with their various rates and amenities, and any student, regardless of year, can have their pick of housing.

In total, there are 48 housing facilities for Georgia Tech students. All of these furnished dorms have built-in wifi, laundry on site, as well as a study.

A WHIMSICAL FIRST YEAR

On your first day at Georgia Tech, you may notice a campus-wide sound that strangely resembles a steam whistle to mark the end of class periods. You would be right! Every weekday, the Georgia Tech steam whistle sounds off 5 minutes before the hour to signal the end of class.

The steam whistle is the oldest tradition on Georgia Tech’s campus, dating all the way back to 1895. Today, it’s considered a prize for campus pranksters, and is the most coveted item on campus, following the letter “T” on Georgia Tech’s tower.

From Application To Career: What You'll Experience At Georgia Tech

Before jumping into Georgia Tech’s application process, it’s important that you draw your focus to what really matters. Georgia Tech is one of the leading colleges in the U.S., after all, and if you’re serious about getting in, it’s important that you use your application to show them that you’re their ideal student.

YOUR APPLICATION

Georgia Tech uses a holistic approach to their application process, meaning they consider every facet of your application, from general information to your personal essays. Georgia Tech administrators keep their five pillars of core values in mind when reading applications, encompassing leadership, integrity, honesty, and contribution to the community.

Focus on being authentically yourself in your application. If you’re afraid of not being Georgia Tech’s ideal student, don’t try to doctor your application. Being authentic will make you their ideal student. While they have qualities they keep in mind and there are numerous factors in the admissions process, you’ll be doing yourself a favor by being your authentic self. Talk about how you give back to your community, and your dreams for the future; not just for yourself but for the rest of the world, too.

YOUR ESSAY

It’s important that you also take an honest approach to your essays. Georgia Tech wants to read an essay that’s thoughtful and intriguing. If you simply focus on being yourself and writing about what you want to write about, they will be intrigued.

Edit and polish your essays heavily as well, and be sure that your essay topics are thoughtful and intriguing.

YOUR COLLEGE YEARS

During your time at Georgia Tech, get involved with a few of their numerous activities, clubs, and student organizations. Since Georgia Tech has such a strong focus on community, don’t be afraid to join groups that will take you off campus. Become a true Atlanta citizen, and take in all the beauty, history, culture, and food that it has to offer.

Of course, there’s no need to stray from campus too much, though. While Atlanta is a wonderful city to live in, Georgia Tech’s campus will be the perfect place for you to call home. Be sure that you enjoy campus life as much as possible.  

YOUR CAREER

Georgia Tech’s leading position in the U.S. for innovation is enough to provide you with the connections and opportunities to usher you into your career. Georgia Tech is focused on grooming the leaders of tomorrow. They will take care of you when it comes time to leave college and bring what you learned into your career field.

The career center at Georgia Tech offers services for undergraduates like internship rankings and searches, tutorials on job interviews, and what to expect in specific career fields. In 2018:

• 83 percent of Georgia Tech students had a job secured at graduation
• These students had a median starting salary of $72,000
• Computer Science majors had the highest percentage of job offers at 93 percent

Your Future At Georgia Tech

Becoming a Georgia Tech yellow jacket is an honor. You’ll be joining a plethora of other students who see a better world in the future, and who want to join in the effort of making that vision come to life.

Of course, if you’re ready to start applying for Georgia Tech, reach out to one of WeAdmit’s counselors. Georgia Tech is an amazing school, but it’s also a difficult school to get accepted into. We’d love to help you build your strongest possible application so you can show off your authentic self and wow admissions officers, no matter what school you’re applying to!

After all, going to Georgia Tech would be a once in a lifetime experience, complete with a rigorous academic schedule, competitive and fun athletics, and a new home among like-minded students in the heart of Atlanta.

Don’t Wait Any Longer; Get Started On Your Georgia Tech Application!