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 Georgia Scholar Program


​​Through the Georgia Scholar program, GaDOE identifies and honors high school seniors who have achieved excellence in school and community life. Each Georgia Scholar receives a seal for his or her diploma. Applicants should be aware that Georgia Scholar is a recognition-only program. No scholarship funds are associated with this program. Georgia Board R​ule 160-4-2-.23​

​Georgia Scholar Criteria

Please be aware that these criteria are set in state law and exceptions are not possible.

CRITERION ONE: 

The student must earn at least 22 Carnegie Units of credit for graduation and have taken:

4 Units in English Language Arts

4 Units in Mathematics, including one unit in Algebra II (or its equivalent)

3 Units in Science, including one unit in Physics or Chemistry

3 Units in Social Studies, Including Economics, Citizenship, World History, and U.S. Studies

2 Units in a single Foreign Language

1 Unit in Fine Arts, chosen from Visual Arts, Music, Dance, or Dramatic Arts (Can be waived if Fine Arts are not required by your school district)​

CRITERION TWO: 

The student must have a minimum combined score of 1360 on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) at one test sitting; OR a composite score of 31 at one test sitting on the American College Test (ACT).


​CRITERION THREE: 

A student has a non-weighted, cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.75 on a 4.0 scale, where A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, and D = 1 in core courses.

CRITERION FOUR: 

The student must be registered to vote, if a United States citizen and 18 years of age on or before the date of application.

CRITERION FIVE: 

A student must show evidence of self-esteem and concern for others in day-to-day activities.

CRITERION SIX: 

The student must have participated in at least three (3) different competitive interscholastic activities (e.g., athletics, music and literary events, fairs, and exhibits).

CRITERION SEVEN: 

The student must have been appointed by a school official, or elected to, positions of leadership in a minimum of two (2) different organizations sponsored by the school.

CRITERION EIGHT: 

A student has shown evidence of leadership in a minimum of two (2) different organizations outside the school, including being appointed by an organization sponsor or elected to a position of leadership or role of responsibility in a minimum of one (1) of these activities. Note: This does not include paid positions.​


 Contact Information

Arlecia Brooks
Excellence Recognition Specialist

Recognitions@doe.k12.ga.us​

​​

 District & School Coordinators

​​Are you a new district or school coordinator? 
Complete Our Contact Form:
Excellence Recognition Programs Coordinator​ ​


Excellence Recognition
District Coordinator's Guide​

  • ​Georgia Scholar ​
  • U.S. Presidential Scholar
  • U.S. Senate Youth ​

 Georgia Scholar Application

2024 Application Window:
January 8-March 1, 2024​

​The Georgia Scholar application closes at 5:00 p.m. on the last day
of the window.

Georgia Scholar A​pplication​ 
Available on January 8, 2024.​

Access Required Forms Here:
1. School Verification
2. Parent/Guardian Signature