Step 1.  Apply for admission to North Georgia before Christmas.  You may apply after Christmas, but you face the possibility of rejection due to space availability in the Corps of Cadets. 

Step 2.  Download the scholarship application from the GACollege411 web site. Review the program regulations so that you fully understand your responsibilities and obligations.

Step 3.  Fill out Part A of the application fully.  Fill in every field accurately. 

Step 4.  Write an essay in Part B. 

Step 5.  Print out a recent, full length photo of yourself.  Create a good impression by dressing appropriately (Sunday best).  Your photo will be viewed by the scholarship selection committee. 

Step 6.  Obtain a letter of recommendation from a high school official such as a teacher, principal, counselor, or JROTC instructor.  Ask the person writing the letter to print the letter on school letterhead, and address the letter to: 

North Georgia College & State University
Cadet Recruitment Center
ATTN: GMS Scholarship Selection Committee
82 College Circle
Dahlonega, GA 30597 

The person should place the letter in a sealed envelope with his or her initials over the seal and give it to you to include in your packet that you mail us, or the person may drop the letter in the mail separately.

Step 7.  Copy all scholarship materials in Step 3-6 and mail the original to: 

North Georgia College & State University
Cadet Recruitment Center
ATTN:  Mr Antonia/GMS
82 College Circle
Dahlonega, GA 30597 

Step 8.  Get your Georgia State Assemblyman's recommendation on Part C of the GMS scholarship application.  Do not seek a recommendation from a US Senator or Representative.  The recommendation must come from a member of the Georgia State Assembly.  Your assemblyman may require an in-person interview, or may simply ask for a copy of your GMS application.  You will have to work with the Assemblyman's office on how to obtain the recommendation.  Have the recommendation mailed to the same address as in Step 7 above.  To find your assemblyman, go to: http://www.legis.state.ga.us/  

Step 9.  Wait until we call you for an interview.  Once we determine that your scholarship application is complete; you have been accepted for admission to North Georgia; and that you meet the eligibility requirements, we will call you to set up an interview appointment.  If you live within 100 miles of campus, we will ask for an in-person interview.  If you live more than 100 miles away, we'll give you the option to do an in-person interview or a telephonic interview. 

What happens after the interview if you are fully qualified and eligible? 

Step 1.  Your GMS application file will be presented to each member of the GMS Selection Committee within 30 days following your interview.  Committee members will evaluate and score your file according to standard criteria. 

Step 2.  The Chairman of the selection committee will tally the scores from the selection committee and determine a "Board Score".  Your board score will be compared to the board scores of other applicants, and an "order of merit" list will be prepared.  Awards will be offered in March based on the order of merit list.  In cases of extremely high board scores, a few awards may be made earlier than March. 

Step 3.  Your award is not official until you receive an official award letter, you will be required to enlist in the Georgia Army National Guard prior to 1 August.  If you do not enlist prior to 1 August, your award will be nullified, and the person on the order of merit list will be offered your scholarship.  To enlist in the Guard, contact a Guard recruiter as soon as you are notified of your selection for the scholarship. 

Step 4.  Your award letter will contain an acceptance form and the program regulations.  Before you fill out the acceptance form and mail it back to the address indicated on the form, read the program regulations thoroughly. 

Note that even if you are not initially selected for the scholarship, you still have a chance.  Some primary recipients will change their minds or be unable to enlist, and those vacated scholarships will be offered to those who remain on the order of merit list.

What happens after you enroll in the Corps of Cadets?

Within 30 days of enrollment, you will be required to sign a "promissory note" in which you indicate that you have read the scholarship regulations, understand them , and will sign an agreement to commission at the beginning of your sophomore year or when directed by the Professor of Military Science. 

You must maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average while at North Georgia.  If you fall below 2.5 cumulative GPA, the selection committee will make a decision on whether or not to rescind your scholarship. 

You will train one weekend per month with the Georgia Army National Guard detachment on campus.  See the Guard Partnership program here.

Should you have any problems with payment of benefits, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at North Georgia. 

Georgia Military Scholarship Recipient at His Ranger                    School Graduation in August 2011 Graduate of Flowery Branch High School in Georgia Attended North Georgia as a Cadet on GMS Majored in Psychology Participated in the Honors Program Commissioned Georgia Army National Guard - Infantry As as senior, commanded 1st Battalion, Boar's Head Brigade President of his fraternity