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. Letters of recommendation.

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GPA Letters of Recommendation Standardized Testing Extracurricular 52

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 6, 2025

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. Understanding Cornells shifting test policies is crucial for applicants.

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Testing Standardized Testing SAT GPA 52

Admissions Village

JUNE 19, 2024

Extracurricular Activities (EC’s): How a student spends their time outside of the classroom. High School Profile: A document supplied by high schools to colleges that summarizes the school’s grading system, course offerings, standardized test score ranges, and other important data.

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Admissions Financial Aid Waitlist Standardized Testing 246

College Essay Guy

NOVEMBER 4, 2024

Earn strong standardized test scores ( minimum SAT scores of 500 verbal and 500 math, or ACT scores of 21 English, 19 Social Studies, 24 Mathematics, and 24 Science). Demonstrate leadership through work experience or extracurricular activities. You should also aim for high standardized test scores ( SAT or ACT ).

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Letters of Recommendation Standardized Testing SAT ACT 52

Great College Advice

JANUARY 28, 2025

Extracurricular Exploration : Try various activities to discover genuine interests. 10th Grade: Gaining Momentum Sophomore year is about refining academic and extracurricular focus while beginning standardized test preparation. Standardized Testing : Take the PSAT for practice.

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High School Admissions Financial Aid PSAT 52

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 17, 2024

Part of this gap comes from the changing role of standardized tests, but it highlights a bigger issuethe growing divide between students who are actively preparing for college and those who are not. Outside of academics, your freshman year is the perfect time to explore extracurricular activities that match your interests.

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High School PSAT Financial Aid Standardized Testing 52

Top Tier Admissions

JANUARY 28, 2025

How to get started: Ace standardized tests. Pursue Meaningful Extracurriculars Elite colleges love applicants who are deeply engaged in their passions and take initiative. A portfolio with photos, essays, or videos can bring your extracurricular journey to life. Travel to learn firsthand about a subject?

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Ivy League Letters of Recommendation Transcripts Essay Writing 52

AdmissionSight

MARCH 3, 2025

Youll need stellar grades, strong extracurriculars, and a standout personal statement to make an impression. You can make up for it with solid test scores, strong essays, or standout extracurriculars. Target test scores Even though NYU is test-optional, strong SAT or ACT scores can still give your application an extra edge.

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Acceptance Ivy League Waitlist Admissions 59

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 15, 2025

Holistic admissions policies are very common nowadays, with colleges considering different factors, such as essays, extracurriculars, and test scores. Participate in extracurricular activities. Colleges that accept low GPAs also have a campus alive with extracurriculars like clubs and athletics you can be a part of.

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GPA Acceptance Applications Ivy League 52

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 4, 2024

Standout extracurricular achievements What you do outside the classroom matters just as much as your grades. Participation in extracurricular activities like science fairs, research internships, or STEM competitions. Letters of recommendation. Provide two letters from STEM teachers or mentors. Official transcripts.

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PSAT Internship Extracurricular Ivy League 52

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

Out of those applicants, only around 1,512 students were admitted, which means the standards are seriously high.The sheer volume of applications contributes to how hard it is to get into Vanderbilt. They take a holistic approach, which means your essays, extracurriculars, and personality matter just as much as your GPA.

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Ivy League Admissions GPA Early Decision 52

Spark Admissions

JUNE 20, 2023

Raise your test scores? Do more extracurriculars? They have no preference between the standardized tests, so choose the test that’s a better fit for you, thoroughly prepare for it, and plan to take it multiple times. Much of the Common Application is standard demographic and educational information.

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Ivy League Acceptance Admissions University 130

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 16, 2025

Standardized test scores. Unlike test-optional schools , Georgetown requires either the SAT or ACT. Additionally, submitting AP scores to complement your application is recommended. Letters of recommendation. Extracurriculars. Georgetown values depth over breadth. Interview.

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Admissions GPA SAT ACT 52

Solomon Admissions

FEBRUARY 14, 2023

This gives you plenty of time to research colleges, take standardized tests, and complete all required application materials. Typically, a college application will require the following: a completed online application form, high school transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

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Applications Letters of Recommendation Standardized Testing Early Decision 85

Spark Admissions

JUNE 7, 2023

Although many colleges and universities have become or are becoming test-optional , it is undeniable that top-ranked schools still prefer to see strong standardized test scores if possible. A strong test score can fortify an applicant’s other academic and intellectual strengths in the admissions process.

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Ivy League University University Letters of Recommendation 130

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 3, 2025

Letters of recommendation. If theres someone outside of school who knows you well, you can also submit a supplemental recommendation. Extracurricular activities. Standardized test scores (optional). Rice University has a test-optional policy, but if you do submit, aim for competitive scores.

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Admissions Early Decision University University 52

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 14, 2025

Test score ranges (SAT scores of 790-800 in Math and 730-780 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing). Insights into how factors like GPA , essays, and extracurriculars are weighted. With no legacy, MITs admissions process takes a holistic approach and evaluates applicants beyond just their test scores and academic achievements.

Admissions 52

Admissions Ivy League Waitlist GPA 52

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 26, 2025

To maximize your chances, focus on showcasing your achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal experiences that make you a great fit for the university. Letters of recommendation. While some NYU programs require one or more recommendation letters, others make them optional. of students had a perfect 4.0

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Admissions GPA Early Decision SAT 40

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 3, 2024

Oxford also values extracurriculars and community involvement, so highlight any activities where you’ve made an impact. Don’t forget to take an English proficiency test like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE if needed. Letters of recommendation. Standardized test scores. Standardized test scores.

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Scholarships Financial Aid Tuition Higher Education 52

Ivy College Essay

AUGUST 1, 2024

Standardized Tests: Although some Ivy League schools have adopted test-optional policies, high scores on the SAT or ACT can still strengthen your application. Additionally, consider taking SAT Subject Tests in areas where you excel to further showcase your strengths. Aim for scores in the 95th percentile or higher.

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Ivy League Financial Aid Letters of Recommendation Placement 91

AdmissionSight

MARCH 12, 2025

Recommendation letters. Wellesley requires two letters of recommendation from teachers who know you well. Standardized test scores (optional). Wellesley is test-optional , so submitting SAT or ACT scores is up to you. Extracurricular activities. Personal statement. Your senior year matters.

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Admissions Early Decision GPA SAT 40

Excelsior Admissions Consulting

SEPTEMBER 7, 2023

Many high school juniors are busy with school work, extracurricular activities, and other responsibilities, not to mention the burdens of the ongoing pandemic. JUNIOR YEAR September - January Schedule and sit for standardized ACT or SAT tests if the student is taking them. May Study for and take SAT or ACT tests, if offered.

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Applications Letters of Recommendation Waitlist Standardized Testing 86

Great College Advice

JULY 25, 2023

One of the most-oft questions I get from families is some version of this: “Which is more important — grades or extracurricular activities? Grades are more important than your extracurricular activities. But there are some other things that are also super-important–more so than your extracurricular achievements.

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Extracurricular Transcripts GPA Standardized Testing 52

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 29, 2025

Letters of recommendation. Northwestern asks for two letters: one from your school counselor and one from a teacher who knows you well. Extracurricular activities. Standardized test scores (optional). Thanks to their test-optional policy, submitting SAT or ACT scores is up to you.

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Admissions Early Decision GPA SAT 52

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 24, 2024

You can self-report test scores through the Common Application or Coalition on Scoir, and if admitted, you’ll need to send official reports. Keep in mind that this test-optional policy is temporary—standardized testing will be required again starting with the 2025–2026 cycle.

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Early Decision Acceptance Policies Letters of Recommendation 40

Solomon Admissions

DECEMBER 8, 2023

These universities recognize that standardized tests alone do not fully represent a student’s abilities, talents, and/or potential. Also, test-optional policies are a way to help students who lack access or affordability to test prep courses and tutors. Test-optional policies differ from institution to institution.

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Testing Standardized Testing Test Prep Letters of Recommendation 83

AdmissionSight

MARCH 6, 2025

Your extracurricular activities, essays, and overall fit for Boston University matter just as much as your academics. This guide will break down everything you need to know, from GPA expectations and test scores to application deadlines and tips to help you stand out. Standardized test scores (optional).

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Admissions University University Early Decision 40

Shemmassian Academic Consulting

FEBRUARY 10, 2023

In addition to being two of their toughest academic years, your child will be tasked with maximizing their standardized test scores, continuing to pursue high-impact extracurricular activities, securing recommendation letters, and working on their college applications by writing essay upon essay.

Applications 98

Applications Ivy League Early Decision Waitlist 98

Ivy Central

MAY 13, 2023

Application Components: All required parts of the Common Application or Coalition, powered by Scoir, Official high school transcript Counselor letter of recommendation Two academic teacher letters of recommendation Standardized Test Scores: The test scores are optional for students applying for fall 2023 and Fall 2024.

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College Essay Guy

JANUARY 23, 2025

For example, if you maintain a high GPA, score well on standardized tests, or demonstrate exceptional talent in music or sports, you might qualify for a merit scholarship. In other words, they determine your aid based on your familys financial situation, not your academic or extracurricular achievements. GPA, but you have a 3.2.

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Scholarships Financial Aid National Honor Society Honor Society 52

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 16, 2025

Still, the university evaluates applicants holistically, meaning they look at everything from your GPA and essays to your extracurriculars and how youll contribute to the campus community. Focus on writing compelling essays, excelling in extracurriculars that showcase your passions, and securing glowing letters of recommendation.

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Early Decision Transfer GPA Extracurricular 52

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

Standardized test scores (optional). Northeastern is test-optional , so SAT and ACT scores are not required. The most important factors in the admissions process include the rigor of your high school coursework, your academic GPA, letters of recommendation, and your application essay. If not, no stress.

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Admissions Early Decision GPA SAT 40

Great College Advice

JANUARY 8, 2024

Extracurricular activities Colleges will be looking at the extracurricular activities you participated in throughout high school, not just junior or senior year. Rather than a variety of extracurriculars that you attended for an hour a month, colleges are looking for longstanding commitment to a more narrow band of activities.

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Admissions PSAT Letters of Recommendation Financial Aid 90

Ivy Central

APRIL 28, 2023

The Claremont Colleges boast a unique consortium that benefits from the diverse missions, character, and culture of each institution and the integration of academic and extracurricular programs. Standardized Test Scores: Scripps College is test optional. Part 2: In this blog, we will explore Scripps College.

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Early Decision Semester Government Letters of Recommendation 130

Ivy Central

MAY 5, 2023

Secondary School Report Form Counselor Letter of Recommendation The following components are optional but highly recommended: A Teacher Evaluation Form: This form will include a teacher's letter of recommendation. Standardized Test Scores: The test scores are completely optional.

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Early Decision Letters of Recommendation Out-of-State Ivy League 130

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 7, 2025

Recommended coursework includes four years of English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and a Foreign Language. Letters of recommendation. Three letters are required: one from a math or science teacher, one from a humanities, social sciences, or arts teacher, and one from the counselor. Extracurricular activities.

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Admissions Early Decision GPA SAT 40

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 20, 2024

Youll need to prepare: High school transcripts Transcripts from all colleges youve attended SAT or ACT scores A mid-year report Letters of recommendation Major-specific items like a resume, portfolio, or statement Missing even one of these documents could delay your application, especially if youre aiming for the Ivies or other top universities.

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Transfer Financial Aid Ivy League Semester 52