University of Georgia

UGA students are very well-prepared. The Class of 2026 posted an average high school GPA of 4.12, an average ACT score of 32, and an average SAT score of 1384. Often such high-achieving students have never experienced any kind of failure. But the demanding pace of a research institution like UGA often poses significant and unexpected challenges for our students. Our Academic Coaching program provides direct, differentiated assistance for students as they navigate college, overcome whatever challenges they encounter, achieve academic success, and ultimately graduate.

We know that approximately 60% of UGA students change their major at least once. We also know that if that change happens after their first 60-hours, it impacts their time to graduation. To address this issue, we have established six focus areas that cluster our 140+ majors into groups with significant overlap in core classes. The meta-majors reflect broad conceptions of post-UGA aspirations, are aligned to specific programs of study, and reflect the Holland Interest Inventory (which incoming students take as part of the Orientation Intake Survey).

UGA is creating holistic “maps” for all programs of study. They will touch on almost every component of the USG Momentum approach by providing students with a holistic, longitudinal view of their chosen major. Each map will address attainable, appropriate action items across all aspects of the college experience: academics, experiential learning, community engagement, global competencies, wellbeing, and career preparation. Charting a course through these milestones will deepen the purposeful choice process and outline clear pathways through a major toward graduation.

The Orientation Intake Survey results in a better advising appointment during Orientation and prompts students to assess confidence in their intended major such that they receive guidance on making a purposeful choice before they even register for classes.