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.

ACT 108

ACT SAT Test Prep Standardized Testing 108

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 10, 2025

No extracurricular activity is “bad,” but some definitely catch the eye of college admissions teams more than others. Getting involved in extracurricular activities can seriously boost your chances of getting into college. 4 Tiers of Extracurricular Activities Do Tier 1 Extracurriculars Guarantee You a Spot?

Extracurricular 40

Extracurricular Applications Out-of-State Policies 40

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 20, 2025

Extracurriculars. Submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional for the 202425 cycle. ACT or SAT scores (optional). If your SAT or ACT scores are in the 99th percentile (1520 on the SAT, 34 on the ACT), they could demonstrate your academic capabilities and provide an additional data point in a highly competitive applicant pool.

Admissions 98

Admissions Transfer Letters of Recommendation SAT 98

Spark Admissions

APRIL 11, 2023

In March 2023, Columbia University announced that it would permanently drop the SAT/ACT requirement for undergraduate admissions. The decision by Columbia to abandon the SAT/ACT requirement represents a significant milestone in the ongoing debate around standardized testing in higher education and in the overall future of college admissions.

ACT 130

ACT SAT Testing Standardized Testing 130

Spark Admissions

APRIL 11, 2023

In March 2023, Columbia University announced that it would permanently drop the SAT/ACT requirement for undergraduate admissions. The decision by Columbia to abandon the SAT/ACT requirement represents a significant milestone in the ongoing debate around standardized testing in higher education and in the overall future of college admissions.

ACT 130

ACT SAT Testing Standardized Testing 130

Admissions Mom

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

Every year, I receive tons of questions about how many extracurricular activities are necessary and whether a kids chances will be hurt because they havent performed at Carnegie Hall, been speaking Mandarin since they were five, or cured cancer. Its an important part of your application. They want to know that, too. The bad news?

Extracurricular 52

Extracurricular Test Prep Applications High School 52

College Essay Guy

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

You already know that summer and extracurricular activities are a great way to explore your interests, challenge yourself, and maybe even strengthen your college application along the way. Download a Printable Version of the Values List CEGS Epic List of Summer and extracurricular Ideas Organized by Values Thats right.

Extracurricular 52

Extracurricular ACT Out-of-State Policies 52

College Essay Guy

DECEMBER 20, 2024

Do you have to be a star athlete, or a straight-A student, or maybe the president of every extracurricular club? These scholarships typically require excellent grades, high test scores, and sometimes additional criteria like leadership, community service, or extracurricular involvement. Eligibility: Must be a U.S.

Scholarships 98

Scholarships Letters of Recommendation Tuition GPA 98

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 4, 2024

This means more competition for every spot and higher expectations for grades, test scores, essays, and extracurriculars. According to UPenn’s 2023-2024 Common Data Set, the mid-50% SAT range for admitted students is 1500–1570, with the ACT range sitting at 34–35. Think 1550+ on the SAT or 35 on the ACT. Yale University 3.7%

Acceptance 97

Acceptance Admissions Waitlist Ivy League 97

ACM College Consulting

NOVEMBER 6, 2024

Prepare for Standardized Tests If you plan to take the SAT or ACT, start preparing now. Test Dates : Register at least six weeks in advance for the SAT or ACT as space is limited and some locations get full early. Engage in Extracurriculars Colleges want to see students who are involved outside of the classroom.

Applications 72

Applications Financial Aid Letters of Recommendation Test Prep 72

Top Tier Admissions

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

Applicants to the Class of 2029 will need to submit an SAT or ACT score although there are some exceptions for those unable to take these exams. 3 words) What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? Transfer students may still take advantage of a test-optional policy.

Ivy League 96

Ivy League University University Transfer 96

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 1, 2025

To have a real shot, your application needs to stand out in every waygrades, essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars. That means your essays need to be sharp, your recommendations glowing, and your extracurriculars meaningful. Target test scores UChicago is test-optional , so you dont have to submit SAT or ACT scores.

Acceptance 75

Acceptance Admissions Ivy League Waitlist 75

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 6, 2025

For Fall 2025 applicants, Cornell remains test-optional, giving students the choice to submit SAT or ACT scores. Cornell Standardized Testing Policy Cornell SAT Requirements Cornell ACT Requirements Should You Submit Your Test Scores? Cornell will just focus more on your GPA , coursework, extracurriculars, and essays.

Testing 52

Testing Standardized Testing GPA SAT 52

Top Tier Admissions

FEBRUARY 4, 2025

The act of writing gets students to slow down and think deeply. C ollege Private Counseling Develop an organized and effective application strategy that leverages your academic and extracurricular experience to stand out. In the end, writing is about thinking.

High School 84

High School Mentorship Mentorships Extracurricular 84

Grown & Flown

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Academic Profile : What are the average GPA and ACT/SAT scores for admitted students? Clubs & Activities : What extracurriculars are available? Honors Student Perks : Do honors students get priority registration, smaller classes, research opportunities, capstone projects, etc.? Are there any trends in enrollment to be aware of?

Financial Aid 148

Financial Aid Out-of-State Campus Tours Study Abroad 148

AdmissionSight

MARCH 28, 2025

Colleges, especially the top ones in the US , really value your commitment and active involvement in extracurricular activities. Let’s go through everything you need to know about the Thespian Society so you can decide if it’s the perfect high school extracurricular for you. What Is the International Thespian Society?

Honor Society 72

Honor Society Extracurricular Scholarships Out-of-State 72

Ivy Central

APRIL 6, 2023

As COVID hit the world in the spring of 2020 so the standard orthodoxy around SAT or ACT testing went out of the window as colleges declared themselves Test Optional, meaning that students could choose if they wanted to submit test scores and that their chances of acceptance wouldn’t be impacted if they didn’t.

Applications 242

Applications Admissions Early Decision SAT 242

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 17, 2024

Thats according to a recent analysis of ACT scores. Heres whats even more concerning: more than 40% of new graduates didnt meet the ACTs college-readiness benchmarks in any subject, and only 21% hit the mark in all four. When spring or summer rolls around, its also a great time to start taking practice tests for the PSAT, ACT, or SAT.

High School 52

High School PSAT Financial Aid Standardized Testing 52

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 11, 2025

To boost your chances, focus on maintaining a strong GPA , engaging in extracurriculars, and showcasing what makes you unique. Keep up those grades, get involved in extracurriculars, and make your passion for what UC Davis offers stand out in your application. UC Davis accepts a solid number of applicants, so dont get discouraged.

Acceptance 98

Acceptance Waitlist Admissions Transfer 98

Top Tier Admissions

JANUARY 21, 2025

Starting with the Fall 2026 application cycle, undergraduate applicants will once again be required to submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) as part of their application. Other factors, such as high school performance, extracurricular activities, and personal statements, will remain central to the evaluation process.

Standardized Testing 85

Standardized Testing Testing University University 85

Top Tier Admissions

NOVEMBER 7, 2024

Test scores Unlike the many colleges that have reinstated standardized testing requirements , the UC schools remain test-blind and will not consider SAT or ACT scores. To ensure you make thoughtful choices, take time to research each campus to figure out which ones are the best options for you.

Applications 104

Applications Early Decision Scholarships Financial Aid 104

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

As a high school student, you’re probably no stranger to big tests like AP exams, the PSAT, or the SAT and ACT. Here’s some good news: more colleges than ever are making the SAT and ACT optional. If you have test anxiety, decided to skip the SAT or ACT, or didn’t quite hit the scores you hoped for, you’re not out of luck.

Testing 52

Testing Standardized Testing SAT Policies 52

AHM Advising

DECEMBER 3, 2024

Colleges may want to see additional information about your senior year academic performance and extracurricular involvement before making a final decision. Maybe you want to give the ACT or SAT one more try. If you applied Early Decision and are deferred, you are a competitive candidate for admission or you would have been denied.

Early Admission 89

Early Admission Admissions Early Decision Semester 89

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 17, 2024

Harvard looks at other factors like your course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. To truly stand out, youll need to focus on other elements of your application, like leadership, extracurriculars, and your essay. Strong extracurricular activities. Still, GPA isnt the only thing that matters.

GPA 52

GPA Letters of Recommendation Standardized Testing Extracurricular 52

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 8, 2024

SAT : 15001580 ACT : 3436 Harvard takes the crown when it comes to selectivity, with an acceptance rate of just 3.6%. If youre applying, expect to bring your A-game in terms of GPA, test scores , and extracurriculars. So your essays and extracurriculars need to reflect that. Harvard University Acceptance rate : 3.6%

Ivy League 52

Ivy League GPA SAT ACT 52

College Essay Guy

NOVEMBER 4, 2024

West Point Academy Admissions Stats Acceptance Rate: around 12% Median SAT Score Range: 1220-1450 Median ACT Score Range: 27-33 Naval Academy The United States Naval Academy , located in Annapolis, Maryland, is renowned for its exceptional training programs preparing students for U.S. Cadets are expected to excel in all three areas.

Letters of Recommendation 52

Letters of Recommendation Standardized Testing SAT ACT 52

AdmissionSight

APRIL 1, 2025

Extracurricular activities. SAT or ACT scores provide a picture of your academic abilities and help the admissions team see if youre academically prepared for Cornell. Stand out with extracurriculars. When it comes to extracurriculars, focus on depth over quantity. Prepare and submit your SAT/ACT scores.

Applications 52

Applications Early Decision National Honor Society GPA 52

AdmissionSight

MARCH 30, 2025

Important Next up, extracurricular activities fall under the important category. Score well on the SAT/ACT. Even though Brown doesnt focus on demonstrated interest, strong SAT or ACT scores can still help bolster your application. For the SAT, aim for a score around 1560 or higher ; for the ACT, aim for at least a 35.

GPA 52

GPA Standardized Testing Extracurricular SAT 52

Great College Advice

DECEMBER 2, 2024

The actual act of applying for financial aid should have absolutely no bearing on whether a student gains admission to just about any college. But if you want to get into the nitty gritty to understand more about risks and rewards of applying to college and asking for financial aid, read on! This is a bit of a complicated question.

Financial Aid 103

Financial Aid Acceptance Loans Scholarships 103

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

They take a holistic approach, which means your essays, extracurriculars, and personality matter just as much as your GPA. Keep your grades up while being involved in meaningful extracurriculars. For admitted students, Vanderbilt’s middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is 1505-1570, while the ACT score range is 34-35.

Ivy League 52

Ivy League Admissions GPA Early Decision 52

Top Tier Admissions

MARCH 18, 2025

In August 2023, ACT released their findings from a twelve year study (2010-2022), concluding that average grades for U.S. This occurred even though ACT subject tests remained relatively stagnant. In fact, ACT scores even dropped a bit in some areas. students had risen in every subject, and most notably, in math.

Admissions 59

Admissions Standardized Testing Letters of Recommendation GPA 59

Top Tier Admissions

JANUARY 7, 2025

This means some combination of higher test scores (consider retaking the SAT or ACT to increase your test scores after experiencing college-level classes), strong performance in college classes, stellar recommendations from faculty, publications, research, community engagement projects and service.

Transfer 95

Transfer Semester Internship High School 95

AdmissionSight

MARCH 22, 2025

Lets take a closer look at how you can meet (and exceed) their expectationsfrom academics to extracurriculars, essays, and beyondto build a strong profile and maximize your chances of acceptance. What Extracurriculars Do Ivy Leagues Look For? What SAT/ACT scores do Ivy Leagues look for? What Do Ivy Leagues Look for in Academics?

Ivy League 52

Ivy League Applications Admissions Letters of Recommendation 52

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 23, 2025

Dukes Test-Optional Policy Duke SAT Scores Duke ACT Scores Duke University Admission Requirements Frequently Asked Questions Takeaways Dukes Test-Optional Policy For the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, Duke University is test-optional. And if youve taken both the SAT and ACT, they will consider your best score from either exam.

Testing 52

Testing Early Decision SAT Letters of Recommendation 52

Great College Advice

JANUARY 14, 2025

10 th grade is an exciting time as you have hopefully found a nice rhythm between your academics, extracurriculars, and social life. Continue to refine your extracurriculars (ECs) and explore leadership roles Pursue those extracurricular interests that engage you and that give you a sense of accomplishment.

Admissions 52

Admissions PSAT College Fairs GPA 52

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 16, 2025

Georgetown Admission Requirements Georgetown GPA Requirements Georgetown SAT Scores Georgetown ACT Scores How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Georgetown Georgetown Application Deadlines Frequently Asked Questions Takeaways How Hard Is It to Get into Georgetown? Unlike test-optional schools , Georgetown requires either the SAT or ACT.

Admissions 52

Admissions GPA SAT ACT 52

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 4, 2024

Competitive test scores include: PSAT Math : 740+ PSAT Reading and Writing : 700+ ACT Math : 33+ ACT Verbal : 34+ While theres no minimum grade requirement for RSI, we recommend near-perfect grades in STEM subjects to strengthen your application. Submit scores from the PSAT, SAT, ACT, or AP exams. Standardized test scores.

PSAT 52

PSAT Internship Extracurricular Ivy League 52