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Starting with the Fall 2026 application cycle, undergraduate applicants will once again be required to submit standardizedtest scores (SAT or ACT) as part of their application. This marks a shift from the test-optional policy adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. ENROLL NOW What Does This Mean for College Admissions?
Harvard has reinstituted its standardizedtest requirement beginning next fall. Studies suggest standardizedtests can help increase socioeconomic diversity. Add Harvard to the list of universities reinstating standardizedtest requirements.
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.
The answer includes strong academics, compelling extracurriculars, and an authentic story that showcases your unique strengths. Standardizedtest scores Harvard has reinstated its requirement for standardizedtest scores beginning with the class of 2029, meaning applicants must now submit SAT or ACT results as part of their application.
It is becoming even more important for students to show a commitment to their academic interests as part of their extracurricular activities. Now is the time for students to consider both their extracurricular activities and their summer plans to use their time to pursue their interests. Read the release here. Read the article here.
(3 words) What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? 50 words) Required for transfer students: What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? 100 words) In one sentence, Why Brown? (50
While Stanford remains test-optional for those applying this cycle, applicants to the Class of 2030 will once again be required to submit a standardizedtest score. Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family.
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?
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 standardizedtest scores will once again be required. Understanding Cornells shifting test policies is crucial for applicants.
Prepare for StandardizedTests If you plan to take the SAT or ACT, start preparing now. Plan to take the test at least twice this spring and summer to meet fall deadlines. While most colleges are test-free or test-optional, remember that more and more schools are shifting back to requiring testing.
Extracurriculars. Standardizedtest scores (optional). Show how youve made a difference at your current institution, whether through academic achievements, extracurricular leadership, or community involvement. They accept both, but standardizedtest scores are optional. Demonstrate leadership and impact.
Test scores Unlike the many colleges that have reinstated standardizedtesting requirements , the UC schools remain test-blind and will not consider SAT or ACT scores. They do, however, allow students to report AP and IB exams, and non-native English speakers are required to submit an English language proficiency test.
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, standardizedtest score ranges, and other important data. Only junior year scores are NMSQTs.
Changes to standardizedtesting 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.
won’t require standardizedtest scores. The rise of the best test optional colleges is changing the game, giving students new ways to stand out in the admissions process. 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.
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 standardizedtesting, as students aim to bolster their applications.
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. No need to worry about test scores and recommendation letters!
Standardizedtest 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 standardizedtests, there are a few key differences between them.
Part of this gap comes from the changing role of standardizedtests, 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.
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.
Extracurricular Exploration : Try various activities to discover genuine interests. 10th Grade: Gaining Momentum Sophomore year is about refining academic and extracurricular focus while beginning standardizedtest preparation. StandardizedTesting : Take the PSAT for practice.
Poor Time Management and Organization Skills —Balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal life can be overwhelming. Preparing for Major Exams or Transitions —Standardizedtests, college admissions, or transitioning to a new grade level can be stressful. Ask questions.
Create a Study Schedule Staying on top of your schoolwork isn’t always easy; you have extracurricular activities, service commitments, family responsibilities, and more. Try not to let your schoolwork or extracurricular activities interrupt your sleep schedule. Rest will help you focus and keep you healthy for the long term.
Earn strong standardizedtest 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 standardizedtest scores ( SAT or ACT ).
Many of us are familiar with the standard elements of a college applicationsuch as your academic background, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. While each university has its own assessment process, there are core criteria that every reader focuses on.
Small adjustments, like upping sports recruitment for football teams and prioritizing standardizedtest results (which tend to be slightly higher for men) can tip the scales towards increasing male enrollment. At Brown University, about 12,000 more women than men applied for admission in 2023, but 14 more men than women were admitted.
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.
Standardizedtest scores (SAT/ACT) Standardizedtests like the SAT and ACT have been a big part of college applications for decades. However, many schools have shifted to being test-optionalmeaning you dont have to submit your scores. Extracurricular activities Colleges love well-rounded applicants.
According to Columbia, this move was prompted by a growing recognition of the flaws in standardizedtesting and the school’s desire to make the admissions process more equitable and accessible to a broader range of students. For decades, standardizedtests have been central to the college admissions process.
According to Columbia, this move was prompted by a growing recognition of the flaws in standardizedtesting and the school’s desire to make the admissions process more equitable and accessible to a broader range of students. For decades, standardizedtests have been central to the college admissions process.
Instead of requiring students to submit a full application with essays, activities list , recommendation letters , and other traditional elements, some colleges proactively offer admission to students based on information already available, like GPA, standardizedtest scores, or self-reported academic achievements.
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.
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.
By breaking it down further, we can provide a more tailored approach to when test prep tutoring makes the most sense. Section 1: When to Start Thinking About the SAT and ACT It bares repeating: It’s never too early to start thinking about standardizedtesting, even if the test dates seem far off.
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. Standardizedtest scores. RSI looks for applicants who have actively pursued their passion for STEM.
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.
Keep Your Extracurriculars on Track In the same vein as above, you also need to develop a strong resume for when you ultimately apply. So, best to treat this like the standard transfer/Why essay. If youve done a lot of extracurricular work in this space, this is also a place to mention how youve built upon this work over time.
Standardizedtests, 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 standardizedtests in light of recent data.
With private guidance, students can start shaping their academic and extracurricular profile as early as sophomore year, setting the stage for a stronger application. Build Extracurriculars Once students define their academic interests, the next step is turning that passion into action.
Grades are often the first big hurdle in the admissions process, and even the best extracurriculars or essays wont overshadow mediocre academic performance. Keep Your Extracurriculars on Track Building a strong resume is just as important as excelling academically when preparing to apply as a transfer student.
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.
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.
Thats right: the entire CSU system has dropped standardizedtests 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. Standardizedtesting? But if tests arent your thing, no worries.
Standardizedtest scores. Unlike test-optional schools , Georgetown requires either the SAT or ACT. Extracurriculars. They care about the rigor of your school record, your GPA, and your test scores. Outside of academics, Georgetown values extracurricular activities , special talents, and personal qualities.
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