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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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Is Cornell Test Optional? Requirements + Tips

AdmissionSight

Cornell University is test-optional, but not for long. 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 standardized test scores will once again be required.

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What Does Harvard University Look For? Requirements + Tips

AdmissionSight

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. Academic records Your transcript is one of the most critical pieces of your application.

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Is Duke Test-Optional? Requirements + Tips

AdmissionSight

One of the big questions that might be swirling around in your head is: Is Duke test-optional? 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.

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UPenn Acceptance Rate: Admissions Statistics

AdmissionSight

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.

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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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How Hard Is It to Get into Stanford? Admission Requirements + Tips

AdmissionSight

Even with high GPA and test scores, your chances may be slim if you dont excel in other areas they value. Here are the documents you need to prepare: Transcript of records. Extracurriculars. Standardized test scores (optional). Transcript of records. Holistic admissions process. Limited seats.