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Grades and Course Rigor Matter the Most in College Admissions

Great College Advice

Admissions officers mark each individual factor (grades, test scores, essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, etc.) And they are recorded and presented to college admissions officers on your transcript. The transcript is the record of your academic performance.

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Which Is More Important — Grades or Extracurricular Activities?

Great College Advice

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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Seeking Truths About Test-Optional Admissions?

Educated Quest

Test-optional admissions grew in practice at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I touch on test-optional admissions in my new book, The Good College. Standardized test scores are one of several data points in college admissions, even at test-optional schools. Test scores are one of them and so are grades.

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Yale University Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements Guide

Spark Admissions

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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College Planning for Juniors: How to Prepare for the College Application Process

ACM College Consulting

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.

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What Do Admissions Officers Really Want in a College Essay?

Top Tier Admissions

Myth #2: The essay should recap your accomplishments Reality: Your transcript and Common App already list your achievements. The essay is your chance to show who you are beyond your grades and extracurriculars. Think of the poor souls analyzing thousands of transcripts and scrolling through screen after screen of dry information.

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How to Get Into an Ivy League College

Ivy College Essay

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.