by Sarah Powell
The University of West Georgia has recently partnered with two Georgia colleges through
its West in Thirty program, expanding options for program participants. Atlanta Metropolitan State College (AMSC)
and Gordon State College (GSC) join West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) as partner
institutions for students navigating another way West through West in Thirty. 
Executed by UWG’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions and partner schools, West in Thirty offers aspiring students who do not yet meet
admissions requirements the opportunity to start their academic journey by attending
a partner institution for 24 credit hours and seamlessly transferring to UWG to complete
their degree.
Director of Undergraduate Admissions Dr. Justin Barlow believes that higher education
should not only be available to a select few.
“West in Thirty has allowed us not to say ‘no’ but instead say ‘not yet,’” stated
Barlow. “This subtle change gives both hope and direction to prospective students
seeking a path to reaching their intended educational outcomes.”
West in Thirty makes the process as easy and as free of barriers as possible. The
program acts as a concierge service to participating students. Once they’ve applied
to UWG, eligible students will have their application and SAT/ACT scores sent to the
partner college of their choice free of charge. Once they have earned their 24 credit
hours at the partner school and are ready to transfer back to UWG, there is no cost
to reapply.
“I am just happy to provide students with another way to Go West,” said Logan Taulien, associate director of admissions. “We hope this gives students
an opportunity to better their futures.”
Since its inception, the West in Thirty program has had over 135 successful transfers
back to UWG.
For more information on West in Thirty visit westga.edu/admissions/westinthirty/index.php.