Admissions Village

FEBRUARY 25, 2024

Test scores and test-optional admissions, which have been in the spotlight for several years now, are getting renewed attention as of late. Many colleges have still not decided if they will become permanently test-optional for admissions. I want to thank my colleague Meg Joyce for co-writing this blog post with me.

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Top Tier Admissions

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

The landscape of college admissions continues to shift as universities re-evaluate the role of standardized testing in the application process. In a major policy change, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) has announced that it will reinstate its standardized testing requirement for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle.

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Spark Admissions

JUNE 22, 2023

Debates around standardized testing have been around for as long as standardized test scores have been part of education in the United States. Some argue that students undergo too much testing: by their high schools, by the state, for college admissions, etc. Yet, these tests have changed.

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AdmissionSight

JANUARY 20, 2025

With its reputation as one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Stanfords admissions process is notoriously competitive. Stanford is renowned not just for its academic excellence but for its highly selective admissions process, making it a dream school for many and a reality for only a lucky few. 2026 56,378 3.7%

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Great College Advice

NOVEMBER 5, 2024

Grades and Course Rigor Matter the Most in College Admissions The most recent National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) State of College Admission Report updated its four-year college members’ survey of the Factors in the Admission Decision. College admissions officers read and re-read your transcript.

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Discovery College Consulting

MARCH 4, 2025

Test-optional policies took off during the Covid 19 pandemic, though some institutions, mostly small liberal arts colleges, had adopted these policies in the early 2000s. Recently, some of the most selective colleges in the nation have been reverting to test-required policies. It would not be surprising if others follow suit.

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Peterson's Blog

JANUARY 7, 2025

Standardized test scores, like the SAT and ACT, determine academic readiness and skills for entering university. While it may be beneficial to take both tests, this blog will answer the question, “Do you need both ACT and SAT for college? What Are the ACT and SAT? Do You Need Both ACT and SAT for College?

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Ivy Central

APRIL 6, 2023

The future of standardised tests. Now, three years later, we see that the vast majority of colleges have not returned to the point of requiring applicants to include a SAT or ACT score as a part of their application. However, over the last year, a few colleges have started to require standardised test scores once again.

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AdmissionSight

JANUARY 1, 2025

Below is the admissions data over the past decade: UChicago Class Total Applications Overall Acceptance Rate 2028 43,612 4.5% This widening gap makes UChicagos admissions process fiercely competitive. At the same time, the admissions office has worked hard to keep standards sky-high. Its getting tougher to get in every year.

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UGA Undergraduate Admissions Q & A

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

Offers of Admission: 5,350+ In-State offers -This is somewhat more than last year’s admitted numbers, as our In-State EA applicant pool has grown and was very strong. I have a previous blog post on how admissions calculates the UGA GPA for your reference. EA application numbers are 14.6% Mid 50% Admitted Average GPA: 4.18-4.43

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AHM Advising

DECEMBER 3, 2024

The holiday season has arrived, midterms are around the corner, and admissions decisions for ED I will soon be released. If you applied Early Decision and are deferred, you are a competitive candidate for admission or you would have been denied. Some students choose an ED I plan as a strategy to increase their chances of admission.

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Spark Admissions

APRIL 11, 2023

In March 2023, Columbia University announced that it would permanently drop the SAT/ACT requirement for undergraduate admissions. For decades, standardized tests have been central to the college admissions process. Columbia, however, is the first Ivy League school to drop the SAT/ACT requirement permanently.

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Spark Admissions

APRIL 11, 2023

In March 2023, Columbia University announced that it would permanently drop the SAT/ACT requirement for undergraduate admissions. For decades, standardized tests have been central to the college admissions process. Columbia, however, is the first Ivy League school to drop the SAT/ACT requirement permanently.

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HelloCollege

MARCH 13, 2025

Navigating the world of college admissions tests can feel like deciphering an enigmatic code, especially when trying to decide between the SAT and the ACT. Both tests play a pivotal role in college admissions, serving as a benchmark for assessing a student’s readiness for college-level work.

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AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Cornell University is test-optional, but not for long. For Fall 2025 applicants, Cornell remains test-optional, giving students the choice to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, this policy will change for Fall 2026 admissions, when standardized test scores will once again be required.

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AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

Not everyone feels confident when it comes to taking tests. You’re not alone— around 40 to 60% of high school students experience test anxiety, a type of stress that makes it tough to focus and perform well during exams. As a high school student, you’re probably no stranger to big tests like AP exams, the PSAT, or the SAT and ACT.

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AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 26, 2024

If you’re preparing for college admissions, you’ve probably wondered how your ACT or SAT score stacks up. The ACT reported approximately 1.4 million test-takers for the same cohort (ACT). Converting these scores allows colleges to compare students fairly, regardless of which test they take. million in 2022.

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HelloCollege

FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Learning how to score higher on the SAT and ACT isnt just about studying harderits about studying smarter. And part of that is knowing how each test is scored. The way each test is structured means that strategy plays a big role in your final results, especially given the shift towards the digital SAT and the new changes to the ACT.

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AdmissionSight

MARCH 13, 2025

The ACT (American College Testing) is one of the most critical standardized tests for students aiming to gain admission to colleges and universities in the United States. ACT Scoring Process The ACT is evaluated through a series of steps to determine your final score.

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BestColleges

JULY 18, 2024

Students will have the option to take the science portion of the ACT, similar to the optional writing portion. The math, reading, and English core test will be reduced from three hours to two hours to curb test-taking fatigue. The new ACT will roll out online in spring 2025 and in school in spring 2026.

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Berkeley² Academy

MARCH 8, 2025

The 2024-2025 college admissions season is coming to a close. UT Austin continues to smash admissions records It was a huge year for UT Austin and other Texas schools. Over 90,000 students applied for Fall 2025 admission, compared to 72,885 students the previous year.

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Top Tier Admissions

JUNE 4, 2024

In this ever-changing college admissions landscape, the role of standardized testing remains a hot topic (and source of confusion). Understanding how these tests fit into the broader admissions process can help demystify their purpose and highlight strategies you can use to enhance your applications.

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HelloCollege

JANUARY 21, 2025

When planning for college , standardized test scores still stand out as one of the most important factors in applying to college. But one of the most common questions is, “How much does ACT/SAT tutoring cost?” How Much Does ACT/SAT Tutoring Cost?

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AdmissionSight

JANUARY 11, 2025

That shows the admissions team that you’re ready for college-level work. The personal insight questions are a big part of your application, and this is your chance to show UC Davis who you are beyond just your GPA and test scores. No need to worry about test scores and recommendation letters! Nail the essays.

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AdmissionSight

JANUARY 23, 2025

One of the big questions that might be swirling around in your head is: Is Duke test-optional? Well, lucky for you, this blog is here to break it down in a way thats easy to understand and helpful as you navigate the admissions process. And if youve taken both the SAT and ACT, they will consider your best score from either exam.

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Admissions Village

DECEMBER 1, 2022

Earlier this month, when we were at the IECA National Fall Conference, many admissions directors confirmed that grade inflation is real. The director of admissions at Cal Tech mentioned that today’s 4.0 The admissions directors also mentioned that students have some fundamental gaps in their learning. Try to listen if you can.

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Top Tier Admissions

JUNE 7, 2024

Stanford will reintroduce standardized testing requirements for undergraduate admissions starting in fall 2025 for admission to the Class of 2030. For rising seniors (students applying in fall 2024), Stanford will remain test-optional.

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Great College Advice

JANUARY 7, 2025

As we laid out back in August , your junior year is the most important year in preparing for college admissions from an academic standpoint as it is the last full year of grades that colleges will see as they review your college application and it will likely be your most rigorous year of classes with AP, Honors and/or IB courses.

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AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 16, 2025

With such a competitive admissions process, only the most exceptional applicants secure a spot. In this blog, well break down what Carnegie Mellons acceptance rate really means, how it has evolved over time, and what you can do to boost your chances of admission. But dont worry! Getting into Carnegie Mellon is tougher than ever.

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AdmissionSight

MARCH 3, 2025

Its not part of the Ivy League, but its admissions process is just as intense. For the Class of 2028 , NYU set a record-low acceptance rate of just 8%, out of a massive pool of over 118,000 applicants in a single admission round. With thousands dreaming of becoming a Violet, the admissions process is bound to be intense.

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CTK College Coach

FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Where are CTK Class of 2025 students gaining admission in the early rounds this year? Regular Decision, Early Action, Rolling Admissions, Early Decision. Send any updated SAT or ACT test scores, if applicable. Which colleges are requiring test scores again? We are celebrating these early wins with our students!

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AdmissionSight

JANUARY 14, 2025

In this article, well unpack why MIT doesnt consider legacy admissions, explore some stats (like the MIT Common Data Set and MIT deferral rates), and share tips on how to crush your MIT application. MIT is one of the few elite institutions that doesnt have legacy admissions because it holds steadfast to a meritocratic admissions process.

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Peterson's Blog

OCTOBER 23, 2024

ACT and SAT scores decline across the U.S. Standardized tests, like the SAT and ACT, are used to determine academic readiness and skills for entering university. This month, Peterson’s will be offering an ACT and SAT special , six months of test prep for $135—99 dollars off, so that students can walk into their test confidently.

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Top Tier Admissions

AUGUST 26, 2024

Johns Hopkins University will reintroduce standardized testing requirements beginning with those seeking admission for the fall 2026 semester to the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences or the Whiting School of Engineering. Most recently, Stanford University announced it would once again require students to submit test scores.

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Top Tier Admissions

JULY 18, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of college admissions, the ACT has made bold moves to redefine its role and stay ahead of the competition, particularly the Digital SAT. New changes announced to the ACT will not only make it more popular but could also challenge the dominance of the Digital SAT. Here’s why.

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Excelsior Admissions Consulting

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

Reasons for Sophomores and Juniors to Take the PSAT Sophomores Can use the PSAT score to help them determine whether they want to focus on preparing and taking the SAT or ACT test for college admissions. The section scores on the PSAT can also identify areas in which the student is stronger and which areas they may need support.

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CTK College Coach

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Now in 2025 the ACT is joining in the fun with a rolling set of updates to the test beginning in April and continuing through September 2025. I just had the opportunity to interview a representative from the ACT to clarify my own questions about the rollout now that the April test is approaching.

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