georgia tech personal statement graduate

Graduate Education

Office of graduate and postdoctoral education, application instructions, application support.

The Application Support video playlist addresses the essential aspects of the graduate education application . Dive into these videos to learn more about:

Academic History

• Application Essay
• Graduate Admissions Test Scores
• Resumes and CVs
• Letters of Recommendation
• International Applications & English Language Proficiency
• International Credentials
• Interviews and Portfolios
• Reflection & Parallel Plans

What to Expect on the Application

Review each section prior to starting the application to ensure you are following the program and Institute-level admission requirements.

Application Type

When you start a new application, you will be asked to select the degree level that you plan to pursue. 

DACA and GDPR

In the application, confirm if you are a DACA recipient or unlawfully present in the United States. In accordance with the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents, individuals considered to be unlawfully present in the United States, including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients, are not eligible for admission to Georgia Institute of Technology, Refer to the USG policy . 

EUGDPR : If you are currently physically located in a European Union country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, review Georgia Tech’s EU GDPR Compliance Policy and indicate your consent on the application.

Personal Information

Provide your biographical information such as name, address, citizenship, and other information in the online application.

Program Selection

Confirm that you have selected the correct degree level and choose the program you intend to study as well as the campus and entry term. The degree and program you choose will impact the campus and entry term options.

Supplemental

This section will vary based on the program to which you are applying. You will be asked grad program-specific information, such as adding your research experience, writing samples, faculty selection, and more.

Here in the online application, you will be asked to list all university/post-secondary schools that you have attended. Be prepared to upload scanned copies of your original documents.

If you completed all of your schooling in the U.S., go to step three of the checklist. 

If you completed any of your schooling outside of the U.S., go to steps two and four of the checklist. 

Additional Information

Provide information (if applicable) regarding:

• Personal and family college history
• Future academic plans
• Data gathered for internal analytics

Test Scores

You may be required to submit one or more of the following test scores:

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test
• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)
• International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic)
• Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
• Georgia Tech Language Institute English Proficiency Assessment

Use the following Institute code to submit your official test scores:

• The GRE Institute code is R5248
• The GMAT Institute code for the Full-time MBA is HWK-54-37
• The GMAT Institute code for the Evening MBA is HWK-54-44

Do not provide a score if you do not plan to send your official test score results through the testing agency or if they are not required for admission. Self-reported scores will show up as "awaiting" on the application checklist until an official score report satisfies the requirement. 

Provide employment information, upload your resume or CV, and other professional development credentials in the online application.

Military Information

If you are affiliated with a military from any country, you will provide information related to specific country, branch, or agency.

Recommendations

Provide contact information for up to three recommenders in the application, depending on the program’s specific requirements. Recommendations should come from either an academic or professional reference.

Recommenders will be asked to provide information regarding:

• Acquaintance with the Applicant
• Applicant’s Characteristics and Abilities
• Overall Recommendation
• Additional Comments
• Upload Recommendation Letter (in the online application)

Citizenship and Residency (lawful presence for domestic and international applicants)

In accordance with the University System of Georgia policy, all students who are admitted to Georgia Tech and residing in the United States must verify their lawful presence prior to registering for classes.

The Office of Graduate Education recommends that you submit your lawful presence documentation along with your application for faster processing.

U.S. citizens should upload one of the following to verify your lawful presence::

• Current U.S. passport or U.S. passport card.
• Current Georgia driver’s license or Georgia ID issued after Jan. 1, 2008. We cannot accept a limited-term license.
• A current front and back copy of a REAL ID driver's license or REAL ID state-issued ID card from an approved state. We only accept a REAL ID from the U.S. states listed here:  list of eligible states and requirements (PDF) . Unless explicitly listed in our eligible states document, REAL IDs from other states will not be accepted. 
• A front and back copy of an original or certified U.S. birth certificate. The scanned copy must be clear and complete with a legible official seal on it from a U.S. state, country, municipal authority, or territory.
• U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (USCIS form N-550 or N-570). 
• U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (USCIS form N-560 or N-561). 
• U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad, issued by the Department of State (DS-1350).
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240).

If none of the documents listed above are available, please view more options on the Lawful Presence page.

U.S. Permanent Residents should upload a front and back copy of the current, valid Permanent Resident card.

Pending U.S. Permanent Residents should upload a copy of the pending I-485 receipt notice or I-797. *Please note that applicants for Permanent Residency are not exempt from the proof of English Proficiency requirement. Only USCIS approved U.S. Permanent Residents, with a valid Permanent Resident card, are exempt from the proof of English Proficiency requirement.

Non-U.S. citizens should upload one of the following:

• Current visa
• I-766 (employment authorization card)
• Unexpired foreign passport

For information on Residency/Tuition Classification , including qualifications for in-state tuition rates, please review the USG policy .

Disciplinary History

Georgia Tech is committed to providing as safe an environment for our students as possible. We consider student discipline situations on an individual basis, within the framework of the values we uphold as a university. While many situations that individuals are involved in may be resolved and accounted for, some behaviors are so egregious that the potential risk to the Georgia Tech community is too great. A previous disciplinary violation or conviction does not automatically result in the denial of an individual’s application for admission. However, failure to disclose this information can be grounds for the rescission of an offer of admission, even if this nondisclosure is discovered after a person has matriculated at the Institute.

Learn more about disciplinary history, how to report discipline, and the discipline review process . 

Payment Information

Select how you plan to pay the application fee in the online application. If you qualify for an application fee waiver, this is where you will upload the required documentation. Learn more about app fee waivers .

Application Review

This is where you will see if you missed any required questions or sections in the online application. Hard and soft warnings appear. If you are requesting an application fee waiver, stop at the “Application Review” point. There should not be any errors on this section at the point that you are requesting an app fee waiver.

Have Questions?

Here in the online application, you will find resources and contact information for if you encounter any questions throughout the application process.

Accessibility Information

Download Microsoft Products   >      Download Adobe Reader   >

Master of Science in Analytics

An interdisciplinary hybrid data science and analytics degree.

main navigation

Admission to the MS in Analytics program is highly selective. Our program receives more than 1,000 applications a year and we recruit a class of approximately 100 students each Fall.

The admissions committee is looking for exceptional students with a strong interest in data science and analytics and a high level of ability demonstrated by past performance on appropriate coursework and/or workplace experience as well as standardized testing.

Overall, we're looking for people with outstanding data science and analytics potential, regardless of background. The admissions committee evaluates each application holistically, considering all parts of your application.

During the application process, we ask all applicants to select what track they prefer: Computational Data Analytics (Data Science), Business Analytics, or Analytical Tools (Data Analytics). These selections are for our planning purposes only; students are able to switch tracks at any time or take additional coursework to satisfy multiple tracks.

*Available cohort seats are limited. Applicants who apply by the Priority deadline will receive the fullest consideration for admission.

2023 msa info session, prerequisites.

All applicants must have a four-year bachelor's degree or equivalent and should have a basic background in mathematics and computing. This includes at least one college-level course or equivalent knowledge in each of the following:

• Probability/Statistics
• Basic Linear Algebra
• A high-level programming language (Python preferred, but could be C/C++, Java, FORTRAN, etc.)

Applicants who do not have sufficient background in mathematics and computing may still be admitted, with the expectation that they either learn the necessary background material on their own before arriving, or take one or more preparatory courses such as MATH 1712 , ISYE 6739 , MATH 1553 , and/or CS 1301 when they arrive on campus.

Deadlines for Fall 2025

The application for the next admission term will be available by August 31st.

• The Priority Application Deadline for the Fall 2025 MS in Analytics Atlanta cohort is January 1st .
• The Late Deadline is March 1st .

The application deadlines are the same for both domestic and international applicants.

Required Application Materials

• GRE or GMAT Scores (we do not grant GRE/GMAT waivers; however, expired scores are accepted)
• International applicants are highly encouraged to use one of three recommended Georgia Tech-approved credential evaluation services: IEE , Educational Perspectives ), or SpanTran Pathways .
• Utilization of these credential evaluation services can significantly shorten the admission processing time should you be admitted into the program
• Statement of Purpose
• Three Letters of Recommendation - Please select recommenders that can best speak to your academic and/or professional experience, qualifications, and aptitude
• TOEFL: minimum Score: 100
• GT Language Institute: 3

Information about English Language Proficiency Requirements

Admissions Checklist

The application fee is $75 for U.S. applicants and $85 for international applicants.

Fee payment must accompany the online application.

Please select recommenders that can best speak to your academic and/or professional experience, qualifications, and aptitude. The recommendation form is a series of ratings plus an area to either type or upload a recommendation letter.

All materials must be submitted directly through the application portal. If you have any technical difficulties with the application,  please contact the Office of Graduate Studies at [email protected] .

• If you completed your education outside of the United States, we highly recommend using one of the three Georgia Tech approved credential evaluation services:  IEE ,  Educational Perspectives ,  or  SpanTran Pathways .
• Georgia Tech requires that international applicants hold the equivalent of a U.S. four-year baccalaureate degree earned from an institution authorized to award degrees by the appropriate government agency such as a Ministry of Education or the University Grants commission. 
• For more information, please visit Georgia Tech's Graduate Studies Information Page.

GRE test scores can be ordered at www.ets.org . Our school report code is 5248. No specific department designation is required. 

For complete information regarding the GMAT, go to www.mba.com/exams/gmat .  

If your primary language is not English, you must provide official scores on the TOEFL or IELTS Academic unless both of the following are true: 

• US Citizens and US Permanent Residents can submit Lawful Presence documents  

Non-immigrant visa holders can:  

Provide proof of citizenship from an approved country 

Provide a transcript from a regionally accredited university or college located in the United States reflecting a minimum of  one academic year (3 quarters or 2 semesters) of full-time enrollment 

Provide a transcript from a university or college located in one of these listed countries reflecting a minimum of one academic year (3 quarters or 2 semesters) of full-time enrollment 

Minimum English Language Proficiency Score requirements are: 

TOEFL: minimum Score: 100 

IELTS: 7.5 

GT Language Institute: 3 

Click here for more information on English Language Proficiency Requirements and approved Exemptions..

• Be sure to include your career goals after graduate school, how your academic and research background have prepared you for the MSA program, as well as how the program will help you reach your goal.
• The Statement of Purpose has a 500-word limit. It is recommended that you type your Statement in a program, such as Microsoft Word, that will provide a count. You should edit your Statement if you exceed the limit. Try to be concise and to the point

You must provide documentation of your university/post-secondary school academic record, which should include all courses you have taken, all grades received, and degrees conferred. Including any additional mark sheets, official translations, or degree certificates for international transcripts as needed. 

For US institutions, unofficial transcripts are sufficient for the initial admissions review. You will be asked for official transcripts/degree documents if you are admitted. 

Common Questions

The primary application deadline for the on-campus MSA is January 1, and late applications can be submitted through March 15 for all applicants, including international applicants. We generally review all applications after the January 1 deadline.

In the past, MSAs have held degrees in various non-technical fields including anthropology, music, philosophy, law, medicine, etc.

All applicants are expected to have basic background in mathematics (at least one college-level course or equivalent knowledge in calculus, probability/statistics, and some linear algebra) and computing (at least one college-level course or equivalent knowledge in computer programming using a high-level language like C, C++, Java, Python, FORTRAN, etc.)

If you are unsure of your background, we recommend taking one or more Georgia Tech preparatory courses such as MATH 1712, ISYE 6739, MATH 1553, and/or CS 1301 when they arrive on campus. Googling these courses, you'll see a fundamental list of topics you should learn (and in some cases, an entire course web page with course notes, homeworks, etc.).  Any course you take that includes all those topics should be acceptable; whether it's in a classroom, online, or even self-taught.

Overall, we're looking for people who have outstanding potential in data science and analytics, regardless of background. We look at many parts of your application: academic background (college/university, grades, courses, major, etc.), test scores, resume, experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement, etc.

All applicants are expected to have a basic background in mathematics and computing including as well as a four-year bachelor's degree or equivalent.

• At least one college-level course or equivalent knowledge in calculus, probability/statistics, and some linear algebra
• At least one college-level course or equivalent knowledge in computer programming using a high-level language like C, C++, Java, Python, FORTRAN, etc.
• GRE or GMAT scores
• Personal Statement
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• (Unless you qualify for one of the exemptions listed at https://grad.gatech.edu/english-proficiency you will need to take the TOEFL or IELTS).

Decisions will be released around the end of February.

The Fall 2025 Application will be available by August 31, 2024.

International Applicants

We are an official STEM program (CIP code 52.1399). International students qualify for all of the benefits associated with this designation.

If you completed your education outside of the United States, we highly recommend using one of the three Georgia Tech-approved credential evaluations:  IEE ,  Educational Perspectives ,  or  SpanTran Pathways .

Generally, GT requires a 4-year degree (or a 3-year degree, plus 1 additional year of degree study, like a BS/MS). If you need more information, you may contact GT's Office of Graduate Studies at [email protected]

Unfortunately, the program doesn't generally offer application waivers for our program. However, current US Federal TRIO program applicants, such as McNair Scholars, are eligible for an application fee waiver.

For consideration, please email a PDF of your current program participation certificate to [email protected] for guidance on how to obtain this waiver.

Yes, in most cases. Georgia Tech requires that all applicants demonstrate proof of English language proficiency at the time of application. A list of the ways that this requirement can be satisfied is available at   https://grad.gatech.edu/english-proficiency

The TOEFL/IELTS is not required of applicants who have or will have obtained an undergraduate degree entirely from an institution (or institutions) in which English is the primary language of instruction. Click HERE for a list of exempt countries.

The TOEFL/IELTS requirement will be waived automatically for an applicant who submits an application with evidence of these circumstances. 

IELTS ≥ 7.5 (minimum band score for Reading, Listening, and Speaking is 6.5; minimum band score for Writing is 5.5)

TOEFL - Institute Code: 5248 Department Code: Not required

Minimum Score Required: Internet-based: 100, with minimum section scores of 19

Admissions Process and Requirements

Anyone who is qualified is welcome to seek admission to Georgia Tech, and anyone who applies for and accepts their offer of admission can be confident that the policy and regular practice of the Institute will not discriminate against anyone based on race, religion, sex, or national origin.

Graduate programs make admission decisions from the pool of eligible candidates based on a combination of factors, including academic degrees and records, essay prompts, letters of recommendation, test scores, and relevant work experience. Graduate programs may also consider the appropriateness of the applicant's goals to the degree program in which they are interested and to the research interests of the academic unit’s faculty. In addition, consideration may be given to how the applicant's background and life experience would contribute significantly to an educationally beneficial mix of students.

Official GRE general and/or subject test scores are required by some graduate programs. Check the Graduate Education Degree Program page for test requirements in specific programs.

After the graduate program makes an admission decision, the Office of Graduate Education will need to verify and evaluate academic credentials and certify compliance with Institute admissions and enrollment policies. Upon successful completion of this process, admitted students will be eligible to enroll.

The Institute criteria used in determining an admitted applicant's eligibility for enrollment shall include:

1. Evidence of award of a bachelor's degree, its equivalent, or higher degree (prior to matriculation) from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants who attended non-U.S. institutions must hold an equivalent degree earned from an institution authorized to award degrees by the appropriate government agency such as a Ministry of Education or the University Grants Commission. Applicants should check the country-specific guidelines to determine the minimum requirements needed to be eligible for admission to a Georgia Tech graduate program.

2. For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency by submitting one of the following:

• a. satisfactory score on TOEFL iBT; IELTS Academic, or
• b. successful completion of GTLI Upper Advanced 700 Level, or
• c. transcript from a regionally accredited (or international equivalent) university or college located in an approved country reflecting full-time enrollment in coursework for a minimum of one academic year (two semesters or three quarters)

Please note that satisfying the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission since the number of eligible applicants generally exceeds the graduate program’s capacity. As a result, many well-qualified applicants will not be admitted.

This site uses cookies. Review the Privacy & Legal Notice . Email questions to [email protected]

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

Skip to content

School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences

• College of Sciences

Search form

Graduate application requirements.

The following application materials are required to be submitted by all graduate applicants. Most of these items will be submitted via the online application portal. Application Deadline: January 1.

After the application deadline, the Graduate Admission Committee will review completed applications. Most decisions are released to applicants by the Graduate Studies Office typically early March.

***The GRE is not required for our program.***

• Fee waivers
• Select " Academic History " to answer questions regarding transcript.
• Please describe any scientific, professional, or community-building skills you have developed (through courses, employment or other activities) that are relevant to your potential to succeed in the PhD/MS program in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Georgia Tech. ( 300 words )
• Describe your future educational, scientific, and career goals, and how you think the PhD/MS program in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Georgia Tech in particular will help you achieve those goals. ( 300 words )
• 3 Letters of Recommendation . Select references who know your strengths, interests, and abilities to excel in academic and professional environments. If you are currently enrolled in a graduate program, at least one of your recommendations should be from a faculty member who supervises your work
• (Optional) Application for Georgia Residence Status . You must complete this form only if you claim Georgia residency. Georgia residency implies that you have lived in Georgia for at least twelve months, with a primary purpose other than attending an educational institution in the state. The residency decision is made at the institutional level and has no bearing on your admission to the graduate program, only on the level of tuition that you would be charged as an enrolled student.

For international applicants (only), whose native language is not English:

Proof of English Proficiency information can be found on Graduate Education's website . (TOEFL, IELTS)

We recommend that you achieve acceptable scores prior to submitting your application. Scores must be no more than two years old on the day you are scheduled to begin your graduate education.

Georgia Tech Resources

• Offices & Departments
• News Center
• Campus Calendar
• Special Events
• Institute Communications
• Visitor Resources
• Campus Visits
• Directions to Campus
• Visitor Parking Information
• GTvisitor Wireless Network Information
• Georgia Tech Global Learning Center
• Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center
• Barnes & Noble at Georgia Tech
• Ferst Center for the Arts
• Robert C. Williams Paper Museum

College of Sciences Social Links

Eas related research areas.

• Astrobiology
• Atmospheric Chemistry, Aerosols & Clouds
• Biogeochemistry
• Climate, Oceanography, and Weather
• Cryospheric Science
• Paleoclimate
• Solid Earth Sciences
• Space & Planetary Science

Georgia Institute of Technology School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences 311 Ferst Drive Atlanta, GA 30332-0340 Office: 404-894-3893 Fax: 404-894-5638

Georgia Institute of Technology North Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30332 404.894.2000

• Emergency Information
• Enable Accessibility
• Legal & Privacy Information
• Human Trafficking Notice
• Title IX/Sexual Misconduct
• Hazing Public Disclosures
• Accessibility
• Accountability
• Accreditation

© Georgia Institute of Technology

Graduate Education

Graduate admission application.

For general questions regarding the application process, please refer to the  Applicant/New Student FAQs   or   contact the department   to which you are applying. Once you have submitted your application, updates regarding your application status can be found on your application status page .

If you need to   contact us   regarding technical issues with the application system, we may be reached during normal business hours.

Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. This prohibition applies to faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including affiliates, invitees, and guests.

Graduate Admissions FAQ

General Questions

Do you accept gmat/lsat scores.

We are not able to accept GMAT or LSAT scores.

Is the GRE required for admissions?

The GRE is not required but only recommended for the M.S. program. The GRE is still required for the Ph.D. application.

What are the average GRE or GPA of admitted students?

Average GPA is around a 3.4-3.5, verbal and quantitative GRE scores around 155. Applicants with  GRE scores under 145 will have a more difficult time getting admitted. Applicants with a GPA under a 3.0 will also have a more difficult time getting admitted. Georgia Tech’s GRE code is 5248. Our department code is 1901.

How long does it take for you to get my GRE after I take it?

It can take up to a month for us to get your official GRE scores after you’ve taken the test. Please make sure you have indicated our department as well as Georgia Tech so that we get the scores as quickly as possible.

Do you have a minimum TOEFL score for international students?

Yes. You must have a 100 on the IBT version on the TOEFL or the equivalent (250 CBT, 600 PBT) in order to be considered for admission. Applicants with scores below the minimum will not be considered for admission. Our TOEFL code for Georgia Tech is 5248. Our department code is 88.

Do you accept the IELTS exam instead of the TOEFL?

Yes! We require a 7.5 overall score and a 7 on each section.

What is the estimated cost of attendance?

Check out the Bursar’s webpage on that information.

Are there classes that I have to take before I can be admitted to your program?

We do have program requirements in economics and foreign language for the M.S. INTA program. However, you can meet those requirements while you are doing the M.S. INTA program. Not having those classes does not impact your admissions chances. No other programs have similar requirements. We also strongly recommend that you have taken at least basic statistics before starting any of our graduate programs.

When will I hear something from you?

We begin sending out responses beginning around Feb. 1. All admitted students have until April 15 to confirm their intent to come to Georgia Tech. If you are admitted after April 1, you will be given an appropriate amount of time to respond.

How many students do you enroll?

We aim to enroll around 20-25 students each Fall. We do not have Spring or Summer admissions.

What does the Graduate Committee consider when deciding on applications?

The Graduate Committee looks at all aspects of the application thoroughly. GPA is quite important. However, a well-written personal statement and strong letters of recommendation also really help an application. If you consider yourself weak in one area, the other parts of the application can help overcome that weakness.

Do you admit part-time students?

M.S.: Yes! We have about 20-25% of our students who are part-time students. It is not possible to do our program by only taking night classes, however. We offer some of our core classes in the evening every semester, but electives are not usually available in the evening. Due to Georgia Tech policy, part-time students are not eligible for assistantships.

Ph.D: The Ph.D. program is designed to be done on a full-time basis. However, we will consider exceptional applicants on a part-time basis. Please note that part-time students are ineligible for fellowships and/or assistantships and will have to self-fund their studies.

I did an academic program in English; do I need to take the English exam again?

Georgia Tech requires that all applicants demonstrate proof of English language proficiency at the time of application. Please refer to the Institute website for more information: https://grad.gatech.edu/english-proficiency . The Nunn School requires a minimum of 100 on the TOEFL (minimum of 20 on each section).

Where do I send my transcripts?

Transcripts will be uploaded to the online application portal after you apply. If you completed your education outside of the United States, visit the Georgia Tech Checklist for International Applications page for information on submitting your required documents.

Certificates

Can the courses count towards more than one certificate.

No, the courses can only count towards one certificates.

If I am a Georgia Tech master’s or doctoral student, can the courses used in the certificate be used to satisfy requirements in my major degree program?

Yes, it can count unless otherwise designed by the academic unit(s) offering the certificates

Are all the courses counting toward the certificate taken on a letter-grade basis?

Yes, you must obtain a grade of C or higher with a minimum GPA of 2.7 to obtain the certificate.

Assistantships

How many assistantships do you award.

Typically, we award around 3-5 assistantships to incoming M.S. students. Some Ph.D. students are offered funding with their admissions packet.

How are assistantships chosen?

For M.S.: All applications submitted by the Jan. 15 deadline are considered for assistantships. Due to the competitive nature of admissions, only those with strong undergraduate performance tend to be offered aid. In addition, a professor might be looking for someone with a particular skill set that might override the GRE/GPA factors. Typically, we award around 3-5 assistantships to incoming M.S. students.

For Ph.D.: Many full-time Ph.D. students are given full funding in their first year. After that, they must apply for funding through the school or other sources

Additional Topics

How do i arrange a visit tours meetings.

We are happy to help arrange a visit for you to come meet us. Please email [email protected] and indicate the dates and times you would be interested in coming to see us. We will then respond and work out the arrangements.

Do you offer career assistance for your students?

Yes! See our career counseling page .

Where can I get class information?

The Georgia Tech catalog and the current (as well as recent) schedule of classes are located on the OSCAR registration website . Additionally, most INTA syllabi are available on the INTA course syllabi web page .

Where can I get detailed information on the program?

The departmental website is easily the best source of information on our programs, particularly the graduate program section .

Do you offer fee waivers?

Georgia Tech offers limited fee waivers for certain populations. More information is available on the Graduate Education Fee Waivers page .

What if I have other questions about the admissions process or program not addressed here?

Feel free to email [email protected] with any further questions.

Undergraduate Admission

• Application Review Process
• Academic Preparation
• Standardized Tests
• Contribution to Community

Personal Essays

• Recommendations
• Interview for International Applicants
• Major Selection
• Institutional Fit & Residency

The purpose of the essays is to assess your writing ability and, most importantly, to learn more about you as an individual. This portion of the application helps us get to know you, assess mutual fit, and better understand what you could contribute to Georgia Tech.

Application Essay Prompts

Below are the Georgia Tech essay questions for 2024 applications. Both prompts are required of all applicants.

• Common Application Personal Essay: First-year applicants will choose one of seven essay prompts provided by Common App.
• Georgia Tech Short-Answer Question (max 300 words): Why do you want to study your chosen major, and why do you want to study that major at Georgia Tech?

Start Your Essays

What Are We Looking for in Your Essays?

Essays are evaluated for both content and writing/grammatical skills. So, before submitting your application, you should take the time to edit and review your essays thoroughly. Strong essays include traits that:

• Demonstrate authenticity & self-awareness.
• Demonstrate thoughtfulness.
• Display attention to topic, style, and grammar.
• Demonstrate a student's thoughtfulness about why Georgia Tech, specifically, is a fit for them and how their goals align with Georgia Tech’s Values . The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university established by the state of Georgia in Atlanta in 1885 and committed to developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.

Our Advice for this Portion of the Application

• Get started early. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your essays!
• Write and edit your essay in a document editor. Once you have the final draft, you can cut and paste it into your online application.
• Don’t write what you think we want to read. Write what you want to say!
• Don’t blow off the essay! We wouldn’t ask you to write it if we didn’t find it to be an important way to get to know you, and what you could bring to Georgia Tech.
• In the same way you would not copy directly from any other source you may incorporate into the writing process, you should not copy and paste directly out of any AI platform or submit work that you did not originally create. Instead, approach and consider any interaction with an AI tool as a learning experience that may help you generate ideas, provide alternative phrasing options, and organize your thoughts. Ultimately, we want to read and hear your unique and valuable writing style.

Per Georgia state law and Georgia Tech policy , all admission staff are mandatory reporters who are required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect of minors to appropriate authorities. Any statements in written materials, including anywhere in a student’s application or supporting materials, that give admission staff reasonable cause to believe abuse or neglect of someone under the age of 18 may have occurred must be reported to the Georgia Tech Police Department. Learn more about reporting requirements .

This website uses cookies. For more information, review our Privacy & Legal Notice . Questions? Please email [email protected] . OK