Accepted First-Year Students

Congratulations on your admission to Georgia’s Public Liberal Arts University.

Two students sit by a fountain and talk. A group of students wearing Georgia College & State University t-shirts walk by in the background.

Georgia College & State University will extend the fall 2024 semester confirmation deposit deadline for Georgia residents from May 1 to May 15. This decision is due to the changes that were made this year to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The U.S. Department of Education has experienced a significant delay in providing financial aid data to colleges and universities. This delay has impeded Georgia College & State University's ability to provide students with financial aid packages in our typical early timeframe. It is our hope that this additional time will allow our students to make more informed decisions as they receive and review their financial aid packages.

GCSU provides our students with an experience that feels much more like a small, elite private university, so space in our freshman class is limited. Due to this, admitted students are still strongly encouraged to pay their confirmation deposit as soon as possible to secure their preferred housing option, ideal class schedule, orientation dates that fits best with their summer plans.

Steps To Becoming a Bobcat

Congratulations on your admission to Georgia College & State University! Receiving an offer of admission to the university is only the first step. To reserve your space, all admitted first-year students (and transfer students with 12 or less credit hours) wishing to reserve their seats must complete the steps below.

Students admitted for fall will need to complete the following steps no later than May 15. Students are advised to complete their next steps before this deadline to ensure they receive their preferences for housing and course schedules.

Students admitted for spring will need to complete the following steps by December 1.

To set up your account, you will need your GCID and bobcats email address. Both can be located in the top section of your application status portal or inside your acceptance folder.

Find your GCID and GC Email

Your Guide to Getting Started at Georgia College

print The NEXT steps to becoming a bobcat

1: Set up your account

Your PAWS account will allow you to pay your confirmation and housing deposits, print your schedule, find your academic advisor, access financial aid awards, pay for your classes, view course offerings and much more!

Part 1: Set Up Student Account

  1. Visit http://unify.gcsu.edu/
  2. Select the “MyPassword” tab along the top bar
  3. Select “Set Initial Password” to enroll in the system by setting up your password
  4. Refer to your acceptance packet for your GCID number and GC email address or application status portal
  5. Complete the information and select submit

Part 2: Enroll in DUO Authentication

  1. Navigate to Unify (http://unify.gcsu.edu/), but do not log in
  2. Select the “DUO Enroll” tab located near the top right of the screen.
  3.  Enter your student credentials.
  4. Follow the steps to install and enroll in DUO.
  5. When you reach the screen that verifies your successful enrollment, please press “Logout.”
     

For questions about creating your account, contact our IT Help Desk at: askit@gcsu.edu or (478) 445-7378.  

2: Submit a $200 Confirmation Deposit

To reserve your space in the freshman class, you must submit your non-refundable, $200 confirmation deposit. Once we receive your confirmation deposit, you will be able to move forward with housing and registration.

  1. Visit https://unify.gcsu.edu/ 
  2. Login using your GCSU email address and Unify password. In the new window (Duo Security), choose an authentication method. We recommend to use Duo Push: Send Me a Push option. Click on notification icon and approve the login request. Go back to the Unify page
  3. Click on the Pay Your Bill box icon on https://unify.gcsu.edu/
  4. Select Deposits tab located along the top bar ( Do not click Make Payment)
  5. Under “Select Deposit Payment”, choose “Admissions Confirmation Deposit” from the Deposit Account dropdown and click on the “Select” button
  6. Proceed to make the deposit payment by selecting “Continue”
  7. Select the credit card payment method and click on “Select”
  8. Enter credit card information and select “Continue” to submit confirmation deposit and complete payment

For questions about the confirmation deposit, contact the Office of Admissions at: admissions@gcsu.edu or (478) 445-1283.

3: POUNCE - Class Registration -Available February 1

POUNCE is our registration process for all newly admitted first-year students. Using preferences you indicate on your POUNCE form, an academic advisor will register you for classes based on those preferences, your chosen major and available courses. 

Once you have submitted the POUNCE Course Preference Form, an academic advisor in your major department will create your schedule. Approximately 10-15 business days after you submit your POUNCE Course Preference Form, you will receive an email at your Georgia College Bobcats email account to let you know that your schedule is complete. At that time, you will be able to view your schedule on line.

  1. Log into your application status pageNote: You should have previously received an email with login credentials for the status check portal, but if you cannot locate that email or do not remember your login credentials, you can reset your password or contact the Office of Admissions.

  2. Once logged in, you should be able to view your Enrollment Checklist. Scroll down until you see "POUNCE Course Registration Form." Click on that link and complete your form as directed.
  3. Follow the directions provided to complete the form.
  4. Before finalizing your preferences, review them carefully as you may POUNCE only once.

For questions about the POUNCE Course Preference Form, contact the Academic Advising Center at: advising@gcsu.edu or (478) 445-2361.

4: Submit a Housing Contract and $235 Deposit

Please allow 24 hours for confirmation deposit to clear before completing the housing contract.

  1. Visit https://unify.gcsu.edu/
  2. Enter your GC email address and Unify password
  3. Click on the “Service Apps” tab at the top of the screen
  4. Click on the “Housing Application” icon (icons are in alphabetical order)
  5. If the application does not open, you will need to allow pop-ups for the site
  6. Click the “Housing Application” link at the top of the screen
  7. Select the term that you are applying for and follow the on-screen instructions

For questions about the housing contract, the $200 deposit or $35 application fee, contact University Housing at: housing@gcsu.edu or (478) 445-5160.

5: Complete the final steps

After submitting your tuition deposit, other final steps include:

  1. Complete the FAFSA and/or GSFAPPS by July 1 (November 1 for spring admitted students)
  2. Provide Verification of Lawful Presence by July 1 (December 1 for spring admitted students)
  3. Complete your certificate of immunizationemergency contact form, and special assistance request (found in admission packet)
  4. Register for New Student Orientation
  5. Request your final high school/college transcripts be sent to Georgia College prior to July 15. Official copies should be sent to admissions@gcsu.edu or GC Office of Admissions, Campus Box 023, Milledgeville, GA 31061
6. Find Your Assigned Admissions Counselor

We know this is a challenging time for everyone. Please know that our Admissions Office is still here for you and available to answer any questions you may have. If you have any questions moving forward, please do not hesitate to call us. Our office remains open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m  – 5:00 p.m. (EST). Our Admissions Counselors are available to speak with you via phone, email, and/or a virtual Zoom meeting. Click below to find your assigned admissions counselor. 

Find your Admissions Counselor

Summer Orientation

Sign-ups for orientation are open now! See more information and register using the link below.

See our summer orientation Dates