UWG-Newnan to offer tuition-free dual enrollment for high schoolers
By REBECCA LEFTWICH
rebecca@newnan.com
Tiffany Rogers is a senior at East Coweta High School and a freshman at the University of West Georgia.
Rogers, who took courses in astronomy, English composition and college algebra at UWG’s Newnan Center last spring, is one of many local students who are taking advantage of a cost-free opportunity to earn university credit while still in high school.
Rogers said any apprehension about beginning college quickly evaporated.
“At first, I was nervous about starting college, but with the help of the friendly administration at UWG Newnan, I have had a smooth transition,” she said. “I am glad that I decided to take this opportunity, and I hope to see more dually enrolled students in the coming semesters.”
Dual enrollment also is available through West Georgia Technical College at Central Educational Center, but Newnan Center Director Cathy Wright said the university’s program sometimes is confused with WGTC’s program.
“Most people are unaware of our program, although we do visit the high schools to share the information,” Wright said. “They think we’re one and the same.”
For students interested in dual enrollment at UWG’s Newnan Center, it’s not too late. Although the deadline for fall semester registration online has passed, Wright said students have until Aug. 2 to enroll as long as they use paper applications.
Rising Newnan High senior Sydney O’Rourke Walker recently decided to join the program. She registered for astronomy, English composition, history and college algebra courses last week at the Newnan Center.
“I think dual enrollment is a great opportunity for high school students because it’s an opportunity to get out into the work force quicker,” Walker said. “Tuition is free, and I really feel that I’m going to be learning a lot next year.”
To enter UWG’s dual enrollment program, applicants must meet the following admission criteria:
SENIORS
• GPA of 3.0 or higher in college prep courses
• SAT Critical Reading score of 530 and SAT Math score of 530, OR
• ACT English score of 23 and ACT Math score of 22
JUNIORS
• GPA of 3.5 or higher in college prep courses
• SAT Critical Reading score of 580 and SAT Math score of 530, OR
• ACT English score of 25 and ACT Math score of 22
Applicants must submit the following items to be considered for admission to UWG’s program:
• Application for admission
• $30 non-refundable application fee (on July 1st, 2012 the application fee will rise to $40.00)
• Official copy of high school transcripts
• Official copy of SAT and/or ACT Scores
• Permission Form completed by a parent or guardian (Gifted Junior Parent Form/ Senior Enrichment Parent Form)
• Permission Form completed by high school counselor or principal (Gifted Junior Counselor Form/ Senior Enrichment Counselor Form)
• Immunization documentation recorded and submitted on a UWG Certificate of Immunization Form prior to registration
For further information, contact Wright at 770-254-7280 or cwright@westga.edu .
