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.

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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. 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.

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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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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.

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AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 4, 2024

A big reason for this surge is the rise of test-optional policies and increased global access to higher education. This means more competition for every spot and higher expectations for grades, test scores, essays, and extracurriculars. Think 1550+ on the SAT or 35 on the ACT. to just 5.4%. That’s a massive drop.

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Admissions Village

JUNE 19, 2024

Extracurricular Activities (EC’s): How a student spends their time outside of the classroom. Test Blind : A college admissions policy where standardized test scores (like the SAT or ACT) are not considered at all, even if a student submits them. These colleges may still look at your AP scores. Only junior year scores are NMSQTs.

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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.

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Berkeley² Academy

MARCH 8, 2025

As a result of this increasing demand, UT Austin announced it would be lowering its auto admission threshold to the top 5% and other admissions data supports this increase in competitivenessthe middle 50% of SAT and ACT scores for admitted UT Austin students drastically increased, jumping from 1230-1500 to 1310-1520.

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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. UChicago Early Decision policy Both ED I and ED II are binding. Yale University 3.7%

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AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 17, 2024

Outside of academics, your freshman year is the perfect time to explore extracurricular activities that match your interests. Most admissions officers look for students who consistently participate in about three to five extracurriculars throughout all four years of high school.

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AdmissionSight

JANUARY 29, 2025

Northwestern Admission Requirements Northwestern GPA Requirements Northwestern SAT Scores Northwestern ACT Scores How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Northwestern Northwestern Application Deadlines Frequently Asked Questions Takeaways How Hard Is It to Get into Northwestern? Extracurricular activities. Lets get into it.

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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.

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BestColleges

MARCH 20, 2024

Data Summary Check The median total SAT score is 1030. Note Reference [1] Check Among popular colleges, New York University had the highest SAT scores in the 25th percentile, with enrollees in the bottom quartile scoring 1470. Table of Contents What Is a Bad SAT Score Overall? What's a Bad SAT Score for Local State Schools?

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ACM College Consulting

MAY 3, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of college admissions, one question continues to perplex students, parents AND counselors: Should students take the SAT? Students should research the admissions policies and data of the schools on their list. Last summer, more than 1900 colleges were test optional, test-free or test-blind.

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AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 3, 2025

Rice University Admission Requirements Rice University GPA Requirements Rice University SAT Requirements Rice University ACT Scores How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Rice University Rice University Application Deadlines Frequently Asked Questions Takeaways How Hard Is It to Get into Rice University? Extracurricular activities.

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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.

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Admissions Village

DECEMBER 1, 2022

Stuart Schmill, the Dean of Admissions and Student Financial Services at MIT, did a Q&A on MIT’s decision to reinstate their SAT/ACT requirement. A: I appreciate this question, which we have kept foremost in our minds as we reviewed our research and policies. Here is an interesting excerpt, which is long but worth reading.

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The Koppelman Group

MARCH 14, 2025

For the past few years, submitting SAT or ACT scores has been optional for most, if not all, Duke applicants. As an international student, strong SAT or ACT scores underline an impressive academic record and play an important part in making the case for admission. And what constitutes an impressive score?

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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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AdmissionSight

MARCH 16, 2025

S/U grading policy Students may opt for an S/U grade in eligible electives within the ILR School or other university divisions. This includes academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, personal qualities, and the context of your high school and home environment. Highlight your extracurricular activities.

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AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 3, 2024

At the same time, over 23,000 students take advantage of its 11 academic divisions and popular graduate programs in law, business, and policy. Policies like test-optional admissions during the pandemic made it easier for more students to apply, but the competition is fierce with so few spots available. Submit either SAT or ACT scores.

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AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 26, 2024

HKS teaches students to improve public policy and leadership to create better societies for everyone. Extracurricular opportunities. A college admissions consultant can give you personalized guidance on improving your academics and extracurriculars to help you get accepted. Harvard Kennedy School (HKS). Research facilities.

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AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 7, 2025

For the Class of 2028, applications soared past 29,943, partly fueled by students hoping that skipping SAT/ACT scores would improve their chances. Theyre still focused on finding those well-rounded applicantsnot just the ones with perfect grades and test scores, but those with standout extracurriculars, leadership, and unique stories.

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AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 16, 2025

For the Class of 2028, applications exceeded 34,000, with many students hoping skipping SAT/ACT scores might boost their chances. The university isnt just looking for students with perfect grades and test scores, and it prioritizes well-rounded applicants with standout extracurriculars, leadership experience, and compelling personal stories.

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AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 4, 2025

Test-optional policies introduced during the pandemic broadened the applicant pool, encouraging students who might not have applied otherwise. Northwesterns Early Decision policy Northwesterns Early Decision policy is binding, meaning if youre admitted, youre committing to enroll unless financial constraints make it impossible.

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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.

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AdmissionSight

MARCH 3, 2025

NYUs popularity has skyrocketed thanks to its strong reputation, better financial aid options , and test-optional policies. 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.

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AdmissionSight

MARCH 14, 2025

In this guide, well break down everything you need to know about applying to the University of Michigan, from GPA requirements and SAT/ACT scores to tips on making your application stand out. If you think your SAT or ACT scores add value to your application, feel free to submit them. Lets get started!

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Koodoos Learning

JANUARY 17, 2021

Allen Grove, an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with 20 years of experience, shares what a holistic process means for students: “Under a holistic admissions policy, a student with a 3.8 Read more about extracurriculars here. Learn more about the new SAT Adversity Score here.

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AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 1, 2024

These schools offer some amazing perks, like open enrollment policies and flexible scheduling that can adapt to your lifestyle. Most community colleges don’t require SAT or ACT scores for admission. In spring 2024, enrollment in public two-year colleges grew 4.7 percent over the previous year, according to the Clearinghouse.

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AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Vanderbilt Admission Requirements Vanderbilt GPA Requirements Vanderbilt SAT Scores Vanderbilt ACT Scores How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into Vanderbilt Vanderbilt Application Deadlines Frequently Asked Questions Takeaways How Hard Is It to Get into Vanderbilt? Not feeling the love for the SAT or ACT? Ready to take the leap?

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AdmissionSight

MARCH 6, 2025

Your extracurricular activities, essays, and overall fit for Boston University matter just as much as your academics. Boston University is test-optional , so SAT and ACT scores are not required. Boston University SAT Scores Boston University is test-optional , meaning you do not have to submit SAT scores if you dont want to.

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AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 24, 2024

In this article, we’ll break down the Johns Hopkins early decision acceptance rate, as well as the regular decision, learn about what it takes to get in, and explore important details about the university’s majors, admission policies, and more. It’s an excellent choice for students looking to make an impact in their chosen field.

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AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

The work of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography is used by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to inform global environmental policies. Take note: UC San Diego doesnt consider SAT or ACT scores for admission. Revolutionizing wireless technology. UCSD doesnt require recommendation letters either.

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BestColleges

MARCH 1, 2024

Beginning next fall, students can submit SAT or ACT scores, or AP or IB exam results. This announcement comes weeks after Dartmouth College reinstated SAT/ACT requirements. In other words, submitting SAT or ACT scores instead of those from AP or IB exams, or vice versa, doesn't strengthen a student's application.

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AdmissionSight

MARCH 24, 2025

While admissions officers primarily focus on your grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities, poor attendance can indirectly impact your academic performance and teacher recommendations. For most schools, the main focus is on your grades, test scores , essays , and extracurricular activities. The reality?

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Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JUNE 20, 2024

This article explores Emory’s SAT scores and requirements, so that prospective students can understand what it takes to gain admission. What is the average SAT score at Emory University? Emory SAT scores are competitive, with the average composite score around 1500 out of a maximum of 1600.

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