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? While both are standardized tests, there are a few key differences between them.

ACT 59

ACT SAT Test Prep Standardized Testing 59

Berkeley² Academy

MARCH 8, 2025

Changes to standardized testing requirements Some colleges that have maintained test-optional policies include Princeton, the University of Maryland, and Texas A&M. However, many of the most competitive schoolsincluding Caltech, Stanford, and Cornellhave reinstated testing requirements.

Admissions 52

Admissions Standardized Testing Policies SAT 52

Ivy College Essay

AUGUST 22, 2023

In recent times, standardized testing policies for Ivy League universities have undergone significant changes, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and growing concerns about equity in college admissions. What Does This Mean for Applicants?

Ivy League 52

Ivy League Standardized Testing Policies Testing 52

Top Tier Admissions

DECEMBER 20, 2024

Renewed Interest in Test Scores For the first time since 2021, more applicants submitted test scores than did not, despite widespread test-optional policies. This trend signals a growing perception of the value of standardized testing, as students aim to bolster their applications.

Applications 91

Applications Ivy League Test Prep Concentration 91

Spark Admissions

APRIL 11, 2023

According to Columbia, this move was prompted by a growing recognition of the flaws in standardized testing and the school’s desire to make the admissions process more equitable and accessible to a broader range of students. For decades, standardized tests have been central to the college admissions process.

ACT 130

ACT SAT Testing Standardized Testing 130

Spark Admissions

APRIL 11, 2023

According to Columbia, this move was prompted by a growing recognition of the flaws in standardized testing and the school’s desire to make the admissions process more equitable and accessible to a broader range of students. For decades, standardized tests have been central to the college admissions process.

ACT 130

ACT SAT Testing Standardized Testing 130

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.

High School 52

High School PSAT Financial Aid Standardized Testing 52

Peterson's Blog

OCTOBER 23, 2024

Standardized tests, like the SAT and ACT, are used to determine academic readiness and skills for entering university. In this blog, we will cover the current data on scores year after year, factors associated with the changes, and how to best approach these standardized tests in light of recent data.

ACT 108

ACT SAT Test Prep Standardized Testing 108

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 1, 2025

At the same time, the admissions office has worked hard to keep standards sky-high. 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. Dont panic.

Acceptance 75

Acceptance Ivy League Admissions Waitlist 75

HelloCollege

JANUARY 16, 2025

In this article, well explore what direct admissions is, how it works, and which colleges are embracing this policy. No Standardized Tests Required Many colleges using direct admissions forgo standardized test requirements, making it easier for students to qualify based on academic performance alone.

Admissions 52

Admissions Standardized Testing Ivy League GPA 52

The Koppelman Group

MARCH 18, 2025

Their real involvement usually starts in senior year, focusing on essays and logistics rather than shaping a students academic and extracurricular profile early on. We help them refine their academic focus whether that means diving into environmental policy, space exploration, or the intersection of neuroscience and mental health.

High School 52

High School Extracurricular Standardized Testing Out-of-State 52

BestColleges

NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Data Summary Check Less than half of students (47%) say that the use of standardized test scores to assess applicants in college admissions is fair. Check Among students who submitted standardized test scores to a college, 56% say their score may have helped their chances of getting accepted to the school of their choice.

Standardized Testing 52

Standardized Testing Testing Test Prep SAT 52

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. Standardized test scores.

Scholarships 52

Scholarships Financial Aid Tuition Higher Education 52

AdmissionSight

APRIL 3, 2025

Scoring 960 on the SAT places you around the 41st percentile , meaning you performed better than about a third of test-takers nationwide. While this score is below the national average of 1050 , it still makes you eligible for admission at many colleges, particularly those with test-optional policies or more flexible admissions standards.

52

52

BestColleges

MARCH 1, 2024

Yale University announced it is reinstating standardized test requirements. The university believes mandatory test requirements can help level the playing field for disadvantaged students. Yale has officially become "test-flexible." Applicants will thus have four options for submitting standardized test results.

Policies 52

Policies Testing Standardized Testing 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.

Ivy League 52

Ivy League Admissions GPA Early Decision 52

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?

Extracurricular 97

Extracurricular Standardized Testing Transcripts Policies 97

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 29, 2025

Extracurricular activities. Standardized test scores (optional). Thanks to their test-optional policy, submitting SAT or ACT scores is up to you. So, if you have standout extracurriculars, insane talent, or a personality that shines through your character qualities, youre already catching their eye.

Admissions 52

Admissions Early Decision GPA SAT 52

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 7, 2025

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. Target standardized test scores Take note that Notre Dame has a test-optional policy i n place through at least the 2025-26 admissions cycle.

Acceptance 59

Acceptance Waitlist Admissions Ivy League 59

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 16, 2025

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. Strong extracurriculars, compelling essays, and a well-rounded application are a must.

Acceptance 63

Acceptance Waitlist Admissions Ivy League 63

Top Tier Admissions

JUNE 14, 2024

C ollege Private Counseling Develop an organized and effective application strategy that leverages your academic and extracurricular experience to stand out. None of the UCs offer early admission or consider standardized test scores. and an overall out-of-state acceptance rate of 13%.

Acceptance 105

Acceptance Ivy League Standardized Testing Out-of-State 105

Shemmassian Academic Consulting

JULY 9, 2023

This became especially true in 2020, given changes in test administration and colleges’ testing policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two years later, colleges continue to update their testing requirements, with some extending their test-optional periods and others opting for permanent changes.

Testing 98

Testing Applications Admissions Standardized Testing 98

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 about showing that you’ve tackled a tough course load and succeeded.

Early Decision 40

Early Decision Acceptance Policies Letters of Recommendation 40

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.

Acceptance 59

Acceptance Waitlist Ivy League Admissions 59

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). Not at all.

Admissions 40

Admissions University University Early Decision 40

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 21, 2025

Thats right: the entire CSU system has dropped standardized tests from their admissions process. While test scores wont determine your eligibility, they can still be used after acceptance to help place you in appropriate math or writing courses. Standardized testing? But if tests arent your thing, no worries.

Standardized Testing 52

Standardized Testing Out-of-State GPA Transfer 52

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 3, 2025

Extracurricular activities. Standardized test scores (optional). Rice University has a test-optional policy, but if you do submit, aim for competitive scores. GPA, class rank, and rigorous coursework are top priorities, along with standout essays, recommendations, and test scores (if submitted).

Admissions 52

Admissions Early Decision University University 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.

Early Decision 52

Early Decision Transfer GPA Extracurricular 52

Berkeley² Academy

MARCH 15, 2024

Some ,, big changes are coming to UT Austin admissions in 2024—today we’ll go over important details regarding their standardized testing policy, essay prompts, application deadlines, and more. Under the former test-optional policy, over 40% of UT applicants elected to have the university consider their SAT or ACT test scores.

Policies 52

Policies Testing Standardized Testing Letters of Recommendation 52

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.

Extracurricular 52

Extracurricular Transcripts GPA Standardized Testing 52

BestColleges

MARCH 20, 2024

It's also important to remember that your standardized test score is just one factor that schools will consider in your overall application. However, a recent study conducted by Harvard University-based research group Opportunity Insights has administrators rethinking their test-optional policies.

SAT 94

SAT Standardized Testing Ivy League Test Prep 94

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. Standardized test scores (optional). NYU is test-optional , meaning you can decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. of students had a perfect 4.0

Admissions 40

Admissions GPA Early Decision SAT 40

Solomon Admissions

DECEMBER 8, 2023

According to Forbes , many of these schools did so to help combat the effects of COVID, but as COVID cases have been on a drastic decline schools are standing by this policy for a multitude of reasons. These universities recognize that standardized tests alone do not fully represent a student’s abilities, talents, and/or potential.

Testing 83

Testing Standardized Testing Letters of Recommendation Test Prep 83

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.

Acceptance 52

Acceptance Waitlist Admissions Ivy League 52

Ivy Central

MAY 19, 2023

The institution offers a vibrant array of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations that cater to diverse interests. The Student Center of the campus offers numerous dining options, social spaces, and event venues for students to connect, unwind, and engage in extracurricular activities.

University 130

University University GPA Government 130

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 29, 2024

Test-optional policies. The pandemic-era test-optional policies opened the door to more applicants, but with Caltech reinstating its testing requirements , the competition remains fierce. Caltechs Early Action policy Caltechs Early Action pathway lets you apply early, but it isnt your typical EA.

Acceptance 40

Acceptance Ivy League Waitlist Admissions 40

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.

GPA 52

GPA Acceptance Applications Ivy League 52