Frequently Asked Questions

Applying to Thrive | Georgia

Any undergraduate student who has been admitted to the University of Georgia as a first-year student is eligible to participate.
The application opens on Monday, January 23rd. 
The application closes at midnight on Friday, April 21st.

 

Financial Information

Visit our cost page for complete details.
Yes, the Zell Miller Scholarship and HOPE Scholarship awards can be applied to the tuition costs for Thrive courses. Please visit here for more details.
The University of Georgia requires admitted first-year students to indicate their intention to enroll at the University by paying a non-refundable $300.

Available scholarships are need-based (based on FAFSA data) with priority consideration for Pell-eligible scholars. You must complete both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 FAFSAs by March 21, 2023 for priority screening for Thrive scholarships.

If you are a Pell eligible, first-generation college student and/or TRiO Upward Bound or Educational Talent Search alumni, please read more about our Early Start | Early Success Program.

To apply for federal financial aid for Thrive, you must complete the 2022-23 FAFSA in addition to the 2023-24 FAFSA, which you may already have completed for Fall 2023.

Thrive takes place in the summer term which is considered part of the 2022-23 Academic Year. The 2023-24 Academic Year, for which the 2023-24 FAFSA applies, begins in Fall 2023.

Please note that the last day to submit a 2022-23 FAFSA is June 30, 2023. The U.S. Department of Education will not process any 2022-23 FAFSAs submitted after this date.

When charges are posted, they will display on your student account on Athena. You will also use this system to make payments. Information about establishing access to your student account, establishing a parent login, and payment instructions can be found at http://www.bursar.uga.edu.
The Bursar’s office handles all student accounts and payments for students at UGA. Please contact their office for assistance by emailing Student Account Services at stuacct@uga.edu or calling 706-542-2965.
The Bursar’s office handles all questions about student accounts at UGA. Please contact their office for assistance by emailing Student Account Services at stuacct@uga.edu or calling 706-542-2965.
The Thrive program fee to reserve your space in the Thrive | Georgia program is non-refundable once paid.
Students will be able to view their tuition and fees charges in Athena after they register for courses at UGA Orientation (more details forthcoming on course registration). Your payment will be due the first day of classes on Monday, July 10th. All payments will be made in Student Accounts via Athena.
  

Academics

Thrive students are required to enroll in 6 semester hours from the program’s curriculum. These 6 semester hours will consist of a 3-hour credit core academic course and 3-hour service-learning course. You are not permitted to withdraw from these courses.
You will meet with your academic advisor at UGA Orientation, and at this time, you will discuss Thrive and fall semester courses with your advisor. Once you have completed your advising session, you will be able to register for your Thrive courses, as well as your fall semester courses.
All of the core academic courses offered in the Thrive are also available throughout the academic year. Thrive classes are small and seating in each class is limited. If you do not get your first choice during the summer, you will have the opportunity to take the class in the future.
The Division of Academic Enhancement will provide a variety of support services, including tutoring for certain core classes and student success workshops, throughout the program and for as long as student remains at UGA.
Because the program’s academic term is so compressed, one day of Thrive class is the equivalent of one week of class during a regular semester. The best advice for students is to prepare to be challenged. It may feel overwhelming at times, but it is great preparation for the fall and spring semesters and a great foundation for your college experience.

 Beyond Class Requirements

Participants also participate in “Beyond Class” offerings that are designed to provide academic support to enhance student learning and success, introduce students to various campus and community resources, and provide opportunities to socialize and interact with other participants and program staff.
Attendance at particular Beyond Class offerings is required. Other events are optional based on a students’ interest. All participants are required to attend at least two Beyond Class events each week during the program.
Events will be during the week and weekends. A full schedule will be given to participants at the start of the program.

 Housing

Thrive participants will move-in to Russell Hall in July and remain there for the 2023-24 academic year.
Thrive participants must room with another Thrive participants. See more information about housing here.
Thrive students are required to live in Russell Hall, so you would not be able to live in another hall. If you plan to participate in Thrive you would need to find a student who was planning to participate in Thrive to room with.
The only exception for an Thrive student to not live in Russell is if you are planning to participate in another living learning community on campus such as Franklin Residential College, The Launchpad, the Honors Community at Meyers Hall, etc. For a list of living learning communities, please visit University Housing's webpage here.
Yes, you can still participate in the Thrive | Georgia program.

Miscellaneous

All Thrive participants must attend the in-person UGA Orientation session taking place on June 29-30.
Registration for summer orientation sessions will open in early May. Information will be sent to you from the New Student Orientation Office.
If you have a question about UGA Orientation, please contact New Student Orientation in the UGA Office of Admissions by emailing ugorient@uga.edu.