Timeline
What to Expect When
Introduction
Enrolling at Mercer for the first time is exciting! A whole new world is opening up, presenting so many exciting possibilities, as well as some challenges. Mercer provides an array of resources to help guide you through the enrollment process. The Timeline is one of those resources.
Below is a description of each part of the enrollment process, from being accepted to beginning on the first day of classes. Each component has a summary as well, giving a broad overview of the details. More detailed information on each item below is available by clicking on one of the four seasons, linked in the right-hand box onthis page.
Be sure to check out the To Do Lists for each season, detailing things that entering students should do. Below each To Do List is a listing of contact information for all the offices listed during that season. Questions or help may be referred to Academic and Advising Services, whose contact information is also provided.
Welcome to Mercer!
Overview
Application | Before August
Students turn in their application to University Admissions anytime before or after August. This timeline assumes the application is in before August.
Acceptance! | Beginning in August
Students who have applied may receive acceptance to Mercer as early as August of their senior year of high school. Congratulations if you have received an acceptance letter! Being accepted sets in motion the events described below.
Immunization Form | Beginning in August
Immunization Forms are mailed with acceptance letters. This double-sided form should be mailed as soon as possible. It must be completely filled out and received by the Student Health Center before beginning classes at Mercer.
Scholarship Information | Beginning in October
Various kinds of scholarships may be awarded to qualifying students. Letters offering scholarships begin to go out in October. For the Presidential Scholarship, invitations go out in November. For HOPE and other Georgia Aid, visit gacollege411.org for more information.
Student Housing | Beginning in February
The housing application goes live in February. Students may submit their application anytime after it goes live. This application provides Housing and Residence Life vital information on where to house each incoming student, as well as serves as a contract between the student and Mercer for housing for that year. Housing Assignments go out in late July.
Complete FAFSA | Beginning in January
In order to receive federal and state financial aid, students must have filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. This form is available here and requires tax information, so be sure to have your current and past year taxes handy. The information is then sent to Mercer's Student Financial Planning Office for use in determining financial aid packages.
Provide Academic Information | Beginning in March
In March, students receive a request to complete the Online Academic Profile, an important tool used by academic advisors when constructing each student's class schedule. To access the Online Academic Profile, please refer to an email from Ted Goshorn you should have received after paying your enrollment deposit. If you have not yet received that email, please contact your Admissions Counselor.
June Orientation Registration | Beginning in March
The profile also contains a registration form for orientation in June. Each orientation session is designed to give students and family members information about attending Mercer and provide an opportunity to accomplish vital tasks, such as receiving and reviewing a course schedule, viewing the residence halls, getting Bear Cards made, and others! Specific information regarding June orientation sessions, August's Bear Beginnings, and Move-In Day go out in May and July, respectively.
Bills | Beginning in May
The Bursar's Office mails out bills beginning in May. These bills are subject to change, but provide insight into expenses.
Health Insurance Information | Beginning in May, with Bills
Mercer requires all students to carry health insurance. As such, Mercer offers an affordable health care plan students may purchase each semester. Information about the plan, as well as how to waive the fee if you already carry insurance, goes out with the first bills.
Move-In Day and Bear Beginnings Information | Beginning in July
All incoming students move into their residence halls before returning students. Move-In Day also launches Bear Beginnings, the fall orientation welcome weekend. Information on these events is mailed in July.
