Submitting Admissions Documents

Use the information below to learn more about all of your required application documents and the best way to submit them.

Applications are considered complete when the online application and all required documents have been submitted. All materials must be submitted by the appropriate deadline for consideration. It may take up to two weeks for your recently submitted materials to be listed as received on your Check Admissions Status. It is your responsibility to confirm receipt of all materials.

Applications

All applicant types can submit an online application for admission through GAFutures.
All applications must be completed online. GHC does NOT offer a paper application.
All applicants types are also required to pay the $30 non-refundable application fee (paid at the end of the online application), except for dual enrollment students.

Home School Academic Portfolio

Students who completed an unaccredited home school program are required to submit a comprehensive portfolio of work in order to document equivalent competence in each of the five academic areas (English, Mathematics, Natural (lab) Science, Social Science and Foreign Language) at the college preparatory level. Learn more on the Home School – How to Apply Checklist.
The portfolio must include a detailed description of course work completed in each academic subject area and Home School CPC Evaluation Form.

How to submit
- Email your documentation to: admitme@highlands.edu
- Be sure to include your GHC Student ID number, which can be found on your Check Admissions Status.

Immunization Records

Certificate of Immunization is not required for an admissions decision but must be received during a student’s first semester at GHC.
This hold on your record will prevent registration for your second semester at GHC.

How to submit
- Email your documentation to: imhold@highlands.edu
  - Be sure to include your GHC Student ID number, which can be found on your Check Admissions Status.

International Student Forms

International Students require specific forms for admission to GHC. Learn more on the International Applicants – How to Apply Checklist.
Some international documents must be official (original and notarized), so they cannot be faxed or emailed. It is important if you are an F-1 applicant that you know which documents can be emailed. Please reach out to admitme@highlands.edu for additional guidance.

How to submit
- Email your documentation to: admitme@highlands.edu
  - Be sure to include your GHC Student ID number, which can be found on your Check Admissions Status.

Non-Residents Seeking In-State Tuition (Waiver Request Forms)

Non-residents of Georgia seeking to pay in-state tuition rates should review the Waiver Request Forms to determine eligibility for in-state tuition rates.
- Please note that the number of Superior Out-of-State Waivers and International Student Waivers are limited and are awarded in the order they are received. All waivers must be submitted prior to the start of classes.
More information can be found on Tuition Classification and Waivers.

How to submit
- Email your documentation to: residency@highlands.edu
  - Be sure to include your GHC Student ID number, which can be found on your Check Admissions Status.
  - The deadline for submitting all residency documents is the last day of registration for the term in which you are requesting a residency change. Documents submitted after deadline will not be considered.

Petition for Georgia Residency (and In-State Tuition Classification)

Each institution in the University System of Georgia is required to determine the appropriate tuition classification for all enrolled students in accordance with federal and state guidelines. The tuition classification rates at Georgia Highlands College include in-state tuition and out-of-state tuition.
Students who are listed as a non-resident of Georgia and feel this is in error may submit a Petition for Georgia Residency form in order to request their residency status be reviewed. Highlighted documents on page two of the petition should be included with the completed petition.
Residency petitions and documentation must be submitted prior to the last day of registration for the term you plan to enroll.
More information can be found on Tuition Classification and Waivers.

How to submit
- Petitions and supporting documentation can be submitted at any campus location, faxed to 706.295.6341, or sent as an attachment via email to residency@highlands.edu.
  - Be sure to include your GHC Student ID number, which can be found on your Check Admissions Status.
  - The deadline for submitting all residency documents is the last day of registration for the term in which you are requesting a residency change. Documents submitted after deadline will not be considered.

Standardized Test Scores

Official standardized test scores (including the ACT, SAT, Accuplacer, IELTS, and TOEFL) must be sent to us directly (electronically or mailed) by the test administrator.
- Ensure test scores are sent to Georgia Highlands College (Rome).
- GHC’s ACT code is: 0879
- GHC’s SAT code is: 5237
You are encouraged to list GHC as a recipient of your scores when you initially register for your standardized tests, so we can receive them as quickly as possible.

Transcripts

Official copies of your transcripts must be sent directly by your school/institution using one of the following methods:
1. High School Transcripts
  - We accept official electronic transcripts (sent through a parchment service).
  - Georgia High School transcripts can be sent electronically from GAFutures
  - We accept official transcripts mailed directly to GHC:
    - Georgia Highlands College
      Office of Admissions
      3175 Cedartown Hwy
      Rome, GA 30161
  - We DO NOT ALLOW:
    - Faxed transcripts
    - Unofficial PDF copies
    - Hand delivered transcripts that are not sealed – sealed transcripts may only be opened by a GHC employee
2. College Transcripts
  - College transcripts can be sent electronically through Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse
  - We accept official transcripts mailed directly to GHC:
    - Georgia Highlands College
      Office of Admissions
      3175 Cedartown Hwy
      Rome, GA 30161
  - We DO NOT ALLOW:
    - Faxed transcripts
    - Unofficial PDF copies
    - Hand delivered transcripts that are not sealed – sealed transcripts may only be opened by a GHC employee
  - For international applicants, more information regarding the transcript process is available on the International Applicants - How to Apply Checklist.

Verification of Lawful Presence

Georgia Highlands College complies with all University System of Georgia Board of Regents the mandated policy for verifying the lawful U.S. presence.
“Each University System institution shall verify the lawful presence in the United States of every successfully admitted person applying for resident tuition status, as defined in Section 7.3 of this Policy Manual, and of every person admitted to an institution referenced in Section 4.1.6 of this Policy Manual.”
Below is a list of acceptable documentation to prove lawful presence in Georgia:
- Completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA) with confirmed citizenship.
- An unexpired driver’s license (or state ID) issued by the State of Georgia with the REAL ID symbol.
  - A limited term license is not acceptable.
- An original and certified U.S. Birth Certificate showing the student was born in the U.S. or a U.S. territory bearing an official seal (clear and complete copies of original and certified US birth certificates may be accepted by mail, sent electronically to admitme@highlands.edu, or delivered to a GHC campus)
- A U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (USCIS form N-550 or N-570)
- A U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (USCIS form N-560 or N-561)
- A U.S Certificate of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State (DS-1350) or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)
- An unexpired U.S. Passport
Applicants who are NOT United States citizens must provide one of the following:
- A copy of an unexpired Permanent Resident Alien Card (USCIS form I-151 or I-551)
- A current copy of the applicant’s visa and I-94 form
Applicants who do not provide proof of lawful presence in the U.S. are eligible to attend GHC, if academically admissible, but will be charged out-of-state tuition rates.

How to submit
- Email your documentation to: admitme@highlands.edu
  - Be sure to include your GHC Student ID number, which can be found on your Check Admissions Status.

Mailing Address

Although application materials can be submitted to the Office of Admissions via postal mail, we encourage and prefer the electronic submission of required documents (options listed within each document requirement above).

Georgia Highlands College
Office of Admissions
3175 Cedartown Highway
Rome, GA 30161

Mailing Address

Georgia Highlands College named one of the TOP 10 FINALISTS for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

Georgia Highlands College named one of the TOP 10 FINALISTS
for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.