Great College Advice

NOVEMBER 5, 2024

Admissions officers mark each individual factor (grades, test scores, essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, etc.) They will pay much less attention to your grades in your “extracurricular pursuits done while in school,” including music, theater, business, art, debate, and athletics.

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AdmissionSight

MARCH 4, 2025

If you’re prepping for the SAT, you might wonder what the highest score you can get is. But getting there takes strategy, preparation, and understanding how the SAT scoring system works. How the SAT Scoring System Works What Is a Good SAT Score for Ivy League Schools? How is the SAT score calculated?

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AdmissionSight

JANUARY 20, 2025

Extracurriculars. Submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional for the 202425 cycle. Stanford SAT requirements Although Stanford is test-optional for the 20242025 cycle, submitting strong SAT scores can boost your application. ACT or SAT scores (optional). Does Stanford prefer SAT over ACT?

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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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Grown & Flown

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Before we even opened the computer, my daughter and I sat down and discussed her top priorities. Academic Profile : What are the average GPA and ACT/SAT scores for admitted students? Clubs & Activities : What extracurriculars are available? Are there any trends in enrollment to be aware of?

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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. SAT Tutoring Expert one-on-one guidance to boost your score. 3 words) What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it?

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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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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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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. Check out my post with great tips and resources for preparing for the SAT.

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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%

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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?

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Top Tier Admissions

NOVEMBER 12, 2024

Most middle school students haven’t been exposed to many different academic and extracurricular opportunities to help them find their areas of interest. At Top Tier Admissions, we tap into our students’ curiosity, broadening their academic world and exploring new and unique options for extracurriculars.

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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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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.

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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. 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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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

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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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%

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SSA Online College Prep

APRIL 17, 2023

Here are our six steps to making an SAT Ⓡ study plan. Get more SAT Ⓡ exam tips on our blog. How to Study for the SAT Ⓡ Exam: Everything You Need to Make A Plan When you’re starting to think about applying to college, studying for standardized tests can seem like a huge, intimidating part of the process. But never fear!

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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?

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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.

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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? Another factor to take into consideration is if SAT or ACT scores are required to be eligible for certain scholarships. So, to SAT or not to SAT?

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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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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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