Ivy Central

APRIL 6, 2023

The future of standardised tests. We have also seen an increase in colleges going Test Blind, most noticeably the University of California colleges, meaning that even if students do send a test score colleges won’t use it when making decisions on acceptance.

Applications 242

Applications Admissions Early Decision SAT 242

Grown & Flown

NOVEMBER 4, 2024

I try to point out that literally, nobody else notices their hair/skin/scowl/braces/pants/test grade/shoes/mistake/social gaffe because all THOSE people are self-obsessed too. Do not test me. My son recently answered a geography bee test question correctly. Narcissism works against them. They don’t believe me.

SAT 246

SAT High School Minor ACT 246

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 28, 2024

When it comes to your college applications, one big question is: how many extracurriculars should I have to stand out without overloading my plate? Think of extracurriculars like toppings on a pizza. Let’s break down how many extracurriculars you should really have, what counts, and how to make yours stand out. Don’t sweat it.

Extracurricular 52

Extracurricular Ivy League Internship Out-of-State 52

ACM College Consulting

MAY 3, 2024

Last summer, more than 1900 colleges were test optional, test-free or test-blind. Many others have stated they will not go back to requiring test scores yet, if ever, but there is still the potential for more colleges to return to requiring test scores. So, should students still take a test?

SAT 75

SAT ACT Testing Standardized Testing 75

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. This marks a shift from the test-optional policy adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. SAT Tutoring Expert one-on-one guidance to boost your score.

Standardized Testing 52

Standardized Testing Testing University University 52

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

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.

Admissions 98

Admissions Letters of Recommendation Standardized Testing Transcripts 98

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 10, 2025

No extracurricular activity is “bad,” but some definitely catch the eye of college admissions teams more than others. Selective colleges take a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they look at the whole picture instead of just focusing on your grades and test scores. Here are other Tier 1 extracurriculars examples: 1.

Extracurricular 40

Extracurricular Applications Out-of-State Policies 40

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

Not everyone feels confident when it comes to taking tests. You’re not alone— around 40 to 60% of high school students experience test anxiety, a type of stress that makes it tough to focus and perform well during exams. As a high school student, you’re probably no stranger to big tests like AP exams, the PSAT, or the SAT and ACT.

Testing 52

Testing Standardized Testing SAT Policies 52

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 19, 2024

The answer includes strong academics, compelling extracurriculars, and an authentic story that showcases your unique strengths. Harvard takes a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they dont just focus on grades and test scores. What does Harvard look for in an applicant? Instead, they look at everything that makes you unique.

University 94

University University Standardized Testing GPA 94

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 21, 2024

According to the College Board’s data , a 1300 SAT score is a solid achievement, placing you in the top 9% of test-takers nationally and 14% among active college applicants. Colleges also examine your GPA , extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. Should You Retake the SAT?

SAT 52

SAT Testing Scholarships Extracurricular 52

University Gurus

MARCH 23, 2024

For others, it might fall somewhere in between, including some test prep services and making sure you pick the right high school classes. Test Prep Test prep is beneficial for all subjects in high school, especially those subjects that students struggle with. For some, college prep is a single class.

Test Prep 98

Test Prep Placement Extracurricular SAT 98

Spark Admissions

JUNE 20, 2023

Raise your test scores? Do more extracurriculars? They have no preference between the standardized tests, so choose the test that’s a better fit for you, thoroughly prepare for it, and plan to take it multiple times. Even though schools have been test-option, Yale will prefer that you have an SAT score or ACT score.

Ivy League 130

Ivy League Acceptance Admissions University 130

Shemmassian Academic Consulting

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024

Part 3: What test scores are required for the Ivy League? Part 4: What extracurricular activities are needed for Ivy Leagues? Will I have to sacrifice a meaningful extracurricular activity to take this class? Part 3: What test scores are required for the Ivy League? Will this class challenge me in worthwhile ways?

Ivy League 98

Ivy League Letters of Recommendation Extracurricular SAT 98

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. compared to 19.5

ACT 108

ACT SAT Test Prep Standardized Testing 108

Top Tier Admissions

MAY 7, 2024

ENROLL NOW Understand standardized testing requirements In order to apply to schools in the U.S., you will need to take a number of standardized tests. In addition to the exams required by your school (such as GCSEs or IB tests), you will likely want to take the SAT or the ACT. While many U.S. While many U.S. admissions process.

International Students 104

International Students Financial Aid Standardized Testing SAT 104

Spark Admissions

JUNE 7, 2023

Although many colleges and universities have become or are becoming test-optional , it is undeniable that top-ranked schools still prefer to see strong standardized test scores if possible. A strong test score can fortify an applicant’s other academic and intellectual strengths in the admissions process.

Ivy League 130

Ivy League University University Letters of Recommendation 130

Great College Advice

AUGUST 20, 2024

Continue your extracurricular interests Colleges are interested in students who are engaged and active in extracurricular activities. Rather than quantity, focus on the quality of your extracurriculars. Some of the most selective colleges have begun to once again require standardized test score submissions.

High School 94

High School PSAT Admissions Letters of Recommendation 94

Spark Admissions

JUNE 20, 2023

You filled out a form, your high school sent your class rank and standardized test scores, maybe you wrote a brief essay, and you heard back in the spring. Even college counselors at private schools really only help rising seniors, and they don’t make recommendations about extracurriculars, summer activities, or strategy. Strike two.

College Consulting 130

College Consulting College Consulting Admissions Ivy League 130

Spark Admissions

JUNE 22, 2023

If you have strong feelings about which schools you’d like to eventually include on your list, it’s important to think about what types of extracurricular activities, academic preparedness, leadership activities and summer opportunities you can accomplish to increase your chances of admission at your dream schools.

Private School 130

Private School College Consulting College Consulting Standardized Testing 130

Ivy Central

AUGUST 31, 2022

This makes Grade 9 a critical transition point for students; it allows them to explore options without worrying about standardized tests or researching colleges. Make sure you ask about school, encouraging them to share the academic aspects of their school life and the social and extracurricular side.

Concentration 130

Concentration Extracurricular Transition Standardized Testing 130

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. Meanwhile, the acceptance rate has decreased from 9.9% to just 5.4%. That’s a massive drop.

Acceptance 97

Acceptance Admissions Waitlist Ivy League 97

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.

Acceptance 75

Acceptance Admissions Ivy League Waitlist 75

College Planner Pro

AUGUST 5, 2024

The Importance of Personal Character Qualities in College Admissions In the highly competitive arena of college admissions, academic excellence and extracurricular achievements often take center stage.

Applications 98

Applications Extracurricular Testing Admissions 98

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. No need to worry about test scores and recommendation letters!

Acceptance 96

Acceptance Waitlist Admissions Transfer 96

Ivy Central

JUNE 2, 2023

The Class of 2024 was the last class selected before MIT suspended its testing requirement for the first two years of the pandemic. The decrease in applications to MIT this year is likely due to a number of factors, including the reinstatement of the testing requirement, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the rising cost of college.

Acceptance 130

Acceptance Admissions Letters of Recommendation Study Abroad 130

Ivy Central

JUNE 2, 2023

The Class of 2024 was the last class selected before MIT suspended its testing requirement for the first two years of the pandemic. The decrease in applications to MIT this year is likely due to a number of factors, including the reinstatement of the testing requirement, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the rising cost of college.

Acceptance 130

Acceptance Admissions Letters of Recommendation Study Abroad 130

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

Top Tier Admissions

MAY 11, 2023

For these applications, students often need to take standardized tests (such as the SSAT or ISEE) and write application essays that they will submit in the fall or winter of eighth grade. ENROLL NOW Explore academic and extracurricular interests. Does the school offer additional resources or opportunities that might be helpful?

SAT 100

SAT Extracurricular Transition Standardized Testing 100

Ivy Central

OCTOBER 5, 2022

Plan ahead The next twelve months will be busy, but before throwing yourself into researching colleges, taking on new extracurricular challenges, and the like, take a little time to prepare. If you have not already done so, start preparing for the tests now. When you feel confident in your knowledge, start doing full practice tests.

ACT 130

ACT SAT Concentration Applications 130

Great College Advice

JANUARY 8, 2024

Extracurricular activities Colleges will be looking at the extracurricular activities you participated in throughout high school, not just junior or senior year. Rather than a variety of extracurriculars that you attended for an hour a month, colleges are looking for longstanding commitment to a more narrow band of activities.

Admissions 105

Admissions PSAT Letters of Recommendation Financial Aid 105

Excelsior Admissions Consulting

JANUARY 8, 2025

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.

Admissions 73

Admissions Standardized Testing Ivy League Early Decision 73

Top Tier Admissions

DECEMBER 2, 2024

Research Undergraduate Business Programs Researching strong undergraduate business programs and their admissions requirements can help you set academic and extracurricular goals for high school. Graduate School Testing Conquer the GRE, GMAT, and LSAT with our expert tutors and be prepared to excel.

Applications 86

Applications Study Abroad Extracurricular High School 86

ACM College Consulting

APRIL 23, 2024

Here's a comprehensive guide to navigating summer college planning for rising seniors: Reflect and Set Goals : Take the time to reflect on your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal interests. Utilize the summer months to review test materials, enroll in test prep courses, or schedule exam dates.

Financial Aid 90

Financial Aid Standardized Testing Test Prep Early Decision 90

Ivy College Essay

AUGUST 1, 2024

Standardized Tests: Although some Ivy League schools have adopted test-optional policies, high scores on the SAT or ACT can still strengthen your application. Additionally, consider taking SAT Subject Tests in areas where you excel to further showcase your strengths. Aim for scores in the 95th percentile or higher.

Ivy League 91

Ivy League Financial Aid Letters of Recommendation Placement 91

Top Tier Admissions

JULY 12, 2024

CC is test-optional and goes as far as saying it will “ignore scores that do not strengthen an applicant’s candidacy.” Similar to recent years, about 50% of applicants and 60% of admitted students submitted test scores. Of the 491 enrolled students, the average score for the SAT was 1250-1450 and 29-34 for the ACT.

Ivy League 94

Ivy League Acceptance SAT Early Decision 94

ACM College Consulting

NOVEMBER 6, 2024

Prepare for Standardized Tests 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.

Applications 71

Applications Financial Aid Letters of Recommendation Test Prep 71