November is Georgia Apply to College Month

     November is Georgia Apply to College Month, and Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) is helping students take advantage of the resources available to them. GCPS high schools are hosting special events like “Apply to College Day”, “Instant Decision Day,” and “College and Career Week,” where students can learn about postsecondary educational opportunities.

     At Lanier High School, College and Career Week features themed days designed to encourage students to engage in college and career planning. “Military Monday” features representatives from various branches of the military, who interact with students and answer their questions. On Thursday, students are encouraged to “dress for success” when meeting college representatives and applying to college using codes that waive application fees for many Georgia colleges and universities. Throughout the week, Lanier will host representatives from several colleges and universities, including Georgia Gwinnett College, the University of North Georgia, Georgia State University, and Gwinnett Technical College.

     Teachers are also invited to share where they went to college or how they chose their career. They will display an "Ask Me About My College" sign featuring their alma mater’s logo to spark conversations with students. Additionally, Lanier High will guide 9th graders in creating a Georgia Futures account as part of the Top State for Talent Act, helping them begin to think about their future and explore information about the HOPE Scholarship, dual enrollment, and more. Juniors will complete College Super Match activities and create college searches in their SchooLinks account.

     “Our hope is that students from all grade levels will become aware of college and career opportunities in Georgia and beyond,” says Lanier High College and Career Specialist Joanna Key.

     Central Gwinnett High School will host five Instant Decision Days for seniors, where students will receive a decision within 5-10 minutes. Featured schools include Georgia State University, the University of West Georgia, Kennesaw State University, and Columbus State University. The school will also host essay writing and scholarship workshops, along with an “Apply To College Day Celebration,” a large event in the media center encouraging seniors to submit unlimited applications.

     “Action, access, and opportunity are the main important factors that surround Apply to College Month for our students,” adds Central Gwinnett High College and Career Specialist Tomeeka Kimbro. “The key to success is preparing their physical and mental mindset for their next level of success.”

   At Shiloh High School, Apply to College Month activities focus on helping students create a solid plan, build confidence and understanding of the application process, and learn about the opportunities available to them. Students will gain a clear understanding of the steps involved in applying to college, including application requirements, financial aid applications (FAFSA), and scholarship opportunities. They will also learn about in-state opportunities at two-year, four-year, and technical colleges that align with their academic record and future goals.

     Most importantly, these activities aim to foster a supportive environment where students feel encouraged by peers, mentors, and the broader community to pursue postsecondary education, reinforcing that college is an achievable goal.

     “Apply to College Month is important because it helps high school students navigate and complete the college application process, increasing access to higher education, especially for first-generation and underrepresented students,” says Shiloh High College and Career Specialist, Valerie Houston Moss.

     During Georgia Apply to College Month, application fees are waived. Visit the Georgia Student Finance Commission and GAfutures to find November Application Fee Waivers and important information about the application process.