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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Top Tier Admissions

JANUARY 28, 2025

How to get started: Ace standardized tests. These benchmarks help contextualize your transcript, especially when homeschooling doesnt follow a traditional grading system. Create detailed transcripts. A portfolio with photos, essays, or videos can bring your extracurricular journey to life. Be authentic.

Ivy League 52

Ivy League Letters of Recommendation Transcripts Essay Writing 52

The Koppelman Group

JANUARY 10, 2025

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.

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Transfer Government Transcripts Extracurricular 52

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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GPA Letters of Recommendation Standardized Testing Extracurricular 52

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

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 5, 2025

Below, weve broken it down to four key areas for action: grades, scores, extracurriculars, and type of application. Class Rank of the Class of 2028 Scores: Like most colleges and universities, Dartmouth suspended mandatory submission of standardized test scores as a part of the application process during the Covid pandemic.

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Policies Standardized Testing Ivy League SAT 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.

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Admissions Ivy League Waitlist GPA 52

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? Standardized test scores?

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Standardized Testing Out-of-State GPA Transfer 52

HelloCollege

JANUARY 16, 2025

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, standardized test scores, or self-reported academic achievements.

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Admissions Standardized Testing Ivy League GPA 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 Waitlist Admissions Ivy League 59

The Koppelman Group

MARCH 15, 2025

High school counselors even at elite private schools often manage large caseloads, meaning their real involvement doesnt start until senior year, when the focus is primarily on reviewing your essays and the logistics of sending transcripts and rec letters. Its not about ticking off boxes; its about cultivating genuine curiosity.

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High School Internship Extracurricular Standardized Testing 52

AdmissionSight

APRIL 1, 2025

Extracurricular activities. Considered These factors dont hold the same weight as the more important ones, but they still play a role in rounding out your application: Standardized test scores. Stand out with extracurriculars. When it comes to extracurriculars, focus on depth over quantity.

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Applications Early Decision National Honor Society GPA 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. Official transcripts. Standardized test scores. Seniors or graduates are not eligible.

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PSAT Internship Extracurricular Ivy League 52

The Koppelman Group

JANUARY 2, 2025

This prompt also allows for you to get into the extracurriculars and community of Tulane. Tulane also wants you to submit course descriptions along with your application, which generally means theyre eager to help you figure out your transfer credits.

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Transfer Transcripts Standardized Testing Acceptance 52

The Koppelman Group

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Next, were talking about extracurriculars. Find someone doing research in the area youre interested in and talk about why theyd be a good mentor, what youd like to work on with them, or how you want to join their lab/research institution. NYU is very proud of their Global Campuses, and wed strongly recommend talking about those here.

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Spark Admissions

JUNE 20, 2023

Raise your test scores? Do more extracurriculars? Yale admissions officers will calculate based on your high school transcript, which you’ll submit with your overall application. Even though schools have been test-option, Yale will prefer that you have an SAT score or ACT score. What can you do to improve your chances?

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Ivy League Acceptance Admissions University 130

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 16, 2025

Heres what you need: High school transcript. Your transcript should reflect a pattern of academic excellence and a commitment to challenging yourself. Standardized test scores. Unlike test-optional schools , Georgetown requires either the SAT or ACT. Extracurriculars. Georgetown values depth over breadth.

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Admissions GPA SAT ACT 52

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 5, 2025

Official transcripts. Standardized test scores (optional). Dont forget your extracurriculars. What about standardized tests? Columbia is currently test-optional , so you dont have to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you think theyll help, you can also submit optional test scores.

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Transfer Acceptance Financial Aid Transcripts 52

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. Lastly, make sure all your transcripts and documents are organized and submitted on time to keep things simple.

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Scholarships Financial Aid Tuition Higher Education 52

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 23, 2024

Your extracurricular activities , leadership roles , and community contributions all play a big part in shaping your application. Applying to colleges in the USA includes several unique components specifically for international applicants, from visa requirements to standardized tests. Take the standardized tests.

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International Students Financial Aid Ivy League Grants 52

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 29, 2025

Once youve made your choice, youll submit the following : High school transcript. Extracurricular activities. Standardized test scores (optional). Thanks to their test-optional policy, submitting SAT or ACT scores is up to you. This is your academic story, so make sure its a strong one. Letters of recommendation.

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Admissions Early Decision GPA SAT 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. Many students, however, would prefer to believe that the grades on their transcripts don’t matter much.

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Extracurricular Transcripts GPA Standardized Testing 52

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 3, 2025

Heres what youll need to submit : High school transcript. Extracurricular activities. Standardized test scores (optional). Rice University has a test-optional policy, but if you do submit, aim for competitive scores. Theyre also big on extracurriculars, personal qualities, and unique talents.

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Admissions Early Decision University University 52

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.

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Acceptance Waitlist Admissions Ivy League 63

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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Extracurricular Standardized Testing Transcripts Policies 97

The Koppelman Group

DECEMBER 31, 2024

We want to be sure were considering your application in the context of your personal experiences: What aspects of your background (your identity, your school setting, your community, your household, etc.) fewer than 300 words) This is a classic community essay (and kind of a diversity one too) and they ask it of their first-year applicants too.

Transfer 52

Transfer Transcripts Standardized Testing Study Abroad 52

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 8, 2025

If you need more time to boost your grades, test scores, or extracurriculars, it might be better to wait for RD, even though the odds are lower. 3 words) What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? Standardized test scores Brown requires SAT or ACT scores.

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Early Decision SAT Transcripts GPA 52

The Koppelman Group

DECEMBER 21, 2024

And finally, extracurriculars. BU also wants you to make sure the major youre interested in is even accepting transfers, which you can check here. Then, explain how youd like to collaborate with themmaybe youre eager to join their lab, work on a specific research project, or learn from their expertise.

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Transfer Honor Society University University 52

AdmissionSight

MARCH 12, 2025

Heres what you need to know about the application requirements : High school transcript. Standardized test scores (optional). Wellesley is test-optional , so submitting SAT or ACT scores is up to you. Mid-year and final transcripts. Extracurricular activities. Recommendation letters. Portfolio (optional).

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Admissions Early Decision GPA SAT 40

Top Tier Admissions

MAY 15, 2024

Request a copy of your transcript and evaluate it often versus waiting until the tail end of your college career. Career Planning and Academic Advising Clear, informed career planning and academic / extracurricular advising. and 25 th percentile was 3.77. Choose a major that aligns with your interests.

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Standardized Testing High School GPA Government 104

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

Here is what you need to know about their application process: High school transcript. Your transcript should reflect consistent effort, strong performance, and a love for learning. Standardized test scores (optional). Pomona is test-optional , so you dont have to submit SAT or ACT scores. Recommendation letters.

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Admissions Early Decision GPA SAT 40

AdmissionSight

MARCH 14, 2025

Heres what youll need to know about the application process : High school transcript. Make sure your transcript includes all your grades and courses, including any advanced ones like AP or IB. Standardized test scores (optional). The University of Michigan is test-optional. School report. 6% had a GPA between 3.50

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Admissions University University GPA 40

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

Spark Admissions

APRIL 11, 2023

Recently, selective colleges have moved toward preferring “pointy” students to “well-rounded” ones, meaning that they would like to admit students who, in addition to having strong statistics like GPA and standardized test scores, have begun to pursue their academic passions in substantive ways.

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Admissions Standardized Testing Out-of-State Transcripts 130

Spark Admissions

APRIL 11, 2023

Recently, selective colleges have moved toward preferring “pointy” students to “well-rounded” ones, meaning that they would like to admit students who, in addition to having strong statistics like GPA and standardized test scores, have begun to pursue their academic passions in substantive ways.

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Admissions Standardized Testing Out-of-State Transcripts 130

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.

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Acceptance Waitlist Admissions Ivy League 59

The Koppelman Group

DECEMBER 25, 2024

All parts of the application (academics, test scores if submitted, extracurricular involvement, essay, recommendation letters etc.) Next, focus on extracurriculars by finding a few clubs or student groups youd like to join. will be considered as we make our decisions. Make sure to explain the why, not just say they seem cool.

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Transfer Honor Society Semester Transcripts 52