This site uses cookies to improve your experience. To help us insure we adhere to various privacy regulations, please select your country/region of residence. If you do not select a country, we will assume you are from the United States. Select your Cookie Settings or view our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Cookie Settings
Cookies and similar technologies are used on this website for proper function of the website, for tracking performance analytics and for marketing purposes. We and some of our third-party providers may use cookie data for various purposes. Please review the cookie settings below and choose your preference.
Used for the proper function of the website
Used for monitoring website traffic and interactions
Cookie Settings
Cookies and similar technologies are used on this website for proper function of the website, for tracking performance analytics and for marketing purposes. We and some of our third-party providers may use cookie data for various purposes. Please review the cookie settings below and choose your preference.
Strictly Necessary: Used for the proper function of the website
Performance/Analytics: Used for monitoring website traffic and interactions
Admissions officers mark each individual factor (grades, test scores, essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, etc.) What About StandardizedTest Scores? The other academic factor is your test score on the ACT or SAT.
Letters of recommendation Harvard requires three letters: two from teachers and one from your school counselor. These letters help Harvard see you through the eyes of educators who know your academic and personal strengths. Excel in standardizedtests. With an acceptance rate sitting at just 3.6%
Letters of recommendation. Youll need two letters from teachers and one from your counselor, who will also send a school report. These letters should highlight your academic potential and personal qualities. Standardizedtest scores (optional). Letters of recommendation. Extracurriculars.
Your high school counselor will hopefully be a great resource for questions along the way, whether it be pointing you to potential college majors, standardizedtest advice, local college fair details, local scholarship information, and help with high school course selection.
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. Essay Guidance Get our expert guidance on your college essays. Interested in reading more about Stanford?
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.
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. Letter of Intent: Not to be confused with a letter of continued interest. For more on test optional please read this blog.
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. Prepare for standardizedtests. Higher acceptance rates.
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.
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). You should also aim for high standardizedtest scores ( SAT or ACT ). The application may involve essays, interviews, and letters of recommendation.
Its about the entire package, from your GPA and standardizedtest scores to your extracurricular activities and personal essays. Average GPA and test scores Regarding academic expectations, successful applicants typically have high standardizedtest scores, such as SAT scores ranging from 1500 to 1580 and ACT scores between 34 and 36.
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.
Standardizedtests allow schools to compare the skills of students from different academic backgrounds. However, preparing for standardizedtests takes time and money, and many applicants' scores are too low to help them. But even those schools typically accept test scores if applicants want to submit them.
UT AUSTIN: STANDARDIZEDTESTING REQUIRED After four years of test-optional admissions for undergraduate admissions, the University of Texas at Austin will once again require standardizedtesting scores , beginning with applications for the Fall 2025 semester. News & World Report in 2024.
How to get started: Ace standardizedtests. Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation You might not have a traditional classroom setup, but that doesnt mean you cant secure impactful recommendations. Tips for great recommendationletters: Ask individuals who truly know you.
10th Grade: Gaining Momentum Sophomore year is about refining academic and extracurricular focus while beginning standardizedtest preparation. StandardizedTesting : Take the PSAT for practice. Focus on activities that combine learning with enjoyment. Quality of involvement matters more than quantity.
Application Components: High school transcripts Letter of recommendation from two teachers. Standardizedtest scores will not be considered for this program. Rising seniors who have an aptitude for science, math, and an interest in astrophysics are eligible to apply for this program.
This gives you plenty of time to research colleges, take standardizedtests, and complete all required application materials. Typically, a college application will require the following: a completed online application form, high school transcripts, standardizedtest scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
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. Junior year Start studying for standardizedtests (SAT/ACT). Take practice tests for the SAT/ACT. Take the PSAT.
A school report and a letter of recommendation from a secondary school official. A letter of recommendation from a teacher who has instructed you in a core academic course (math, science, history, foreign language or English). Optional standardizedtest scores. A completed Early Decision Agreement Form.
Target test scores Even though NYU is test-optional, strong SAT or ACT scores can still give your application an extra edge. Recommendationletters NYU requires one letter of recommendation , but you can submit up to three if youd like. Letter of recommendation. Standardizedtests (optional).
You will also need at least two academic letters of recommendation from instructors at your institution. Technically, their application has space for up to 11 letters of recommendation (9 of them purely optional). However, we would highly recommend using letters sparingly.
These institutions recognize that not everyone does great academically, so they look at an applicant as a whole by asking for letters of recommendation and personal essays, among other things. Perform well on standardizedtests. These tests demonstrate your academic aptitude and readiness for college-level work.
They have no preference between the standardizedtests, 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.
>> Updated March, 2023 Emory University has extended its test optional policy for applicants who plan to enroll as first-year students in Fall 2024. In addition, transfer applicants for Fall 2024 can also take advantage of this test optional policy. Emory will continue to superscore the ACT and SAT.
Many colleges have slightly different standardizedtest and letter of recommendation requirements. Looking at college admissions websites and requirements can be overwhelming. Furthermore, some colleges require just one personal statement, while others require multiple essays and short answer responses.
Letters of recommendation Youll need two letters of recommendation. MIT wants to hear from teachers who know you beyond just your test scores, so choose people who can speak to your abilities and personality. But remember, MIT looks at the whole picture. November 1st. Regular Action Deadline. January 6th.
Although many colleges and universities have become or are becoming test-optional , it is undeniable that top-ranked schools still prefer to see strong standardizedtest scores if possible. A strong test score can fortify an applicant’s other academic and intellectual strengths in the admissions process.
With no legacy, MITs admissions process takes a holistic approach and evaluates applicants beyond just their test scores and academic achievements. While numbers like grades and standardizedtests are considered, MIT places emphasis on an applicants alignment with the institutions values, culture, and community.
JUNIOR YEAR September - January Schedule and sit for standardized ACT or SAT tests if the student is taking them. Here is a list of colleges and universities that are standardizedtest-optional for the upcoming admissions cycle. Ask for advice on which high school teachers to ask for letters of recommendation.
Letters of recommendation. Provide two letters from STEM teachers or mentors. If youve conducted research, a letter from your supervisor can add weight to your application. Standardizedtest scores. These are your chance to explain your passion for STEM and why RSI is your perfect fit. Official transcripts.
These universities recognize that standardizedtests alone do not fully represent a student’s abilities, talents, and/or potential. Also, test-optional policies are a way to help students who lack access or affordability to test prep courses and tutors. Test-optional policies differ from institution to institution.
Application Components: All required parts of the Common Application or Coalition, powered by Scoir, Official high school transcript Counselor letter of recommendation Two academic teacher letters of recommendationStandardizedTest Scores: The test scores are optional for students applying for fall 2023 and Fall 2024.
StandardizedTests: Although some Ivy League schools have adopted test-optional policies, high scores on the SAT or ACT can still strengthen your application. Impressive Letters of Recommendation Choose Wisely: Select teachers and mentors who know you well and can speak to your strengths and character.
Letters of recommendation. If theres someone outside of school who knows you well, you can also submit a supplemental recommendation. Standardizedtest scores (optional). Rice University has a test-optional policy, but if you do submit, aim for competitive scores. And if standardizedtests arent your thing?
Standardizedtest scores. Unlike test-optional schools , Georgetown requires either the SAT or ACT. Additionally, submitting AP scores to complement your application is recommended. Letters of recommendation. Georgetown requires standardizedtest scores, so submitting solid SAT or ACT results is essential.
Letters of recommendation. While some NYU programs require one or more recommendationletters, others make them optional. Standardizedtest scores (optional). NYU is test-optional , meaning you can decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If standardizedtests arent your strength, dont worry.
Secondary School Report Form Counselor Letter of Recommendation The following components are optional but highly recommended: A Teacher Evaluation Form: This form will include a teacher's letter of recommendation. StandardizedTest Scores: The test scores are completely optional.
Here’s a breakdown of what else you need to focus on: Standardizedtest scores (optional but strongly recommended) Vanderbilt is test-optional, which means you don’t have to submit SAT or ACT scores. How important are standardizedtest scores when applying to Vanderbilt?
Youll need to prepare: High school transcripts Transcripts from all colleges youve attended SAT or ACT scores A mid-year report Letters of recommendation Major-specific items like a resume, portfolio, or statement Missing even one of these documents could delay your application, especially if youre aiming for the Ivies or other top universities.
Letters of recommendation. Standardizedtest scores. Depending on your program, you’ll also need to take standardizedtests like the GRE, SAT, ACT, or GMAT. Harvard’s admissions process takes a close look at several key factors in a holistic review. Here’s what they expect: Academic records.
In addition to being two of their toughest academic years, your child will be tasked with maximizing their standardizedtest scores, continuing to pursue high-impact extracurricular activities, securing recommendationletters, and working on their college applications by writing essay upon essay.
You can self-report test scores through the Common Application or Coalition on Scoir, and if admitted, you’ll need to send official reports. Keep in mind that this test-optional policy is temporary—standardizedtesting will be required again starting with the 2025–2026 cycle.
Application Components Complete the Common App School Report Counselor Recommendation Official High School Transcript: This should include your midyear Report after your first term of senior year. StandardizedTest Scores: Scripps College is test optional.
We organize all of the trending information in your field so you don't have to. Join 5,000+ users and stay up to date on the latest articles your peers are reading.
You know about us, now we want to get to know you!
Let's personalize your content
Let's get even more personalized
We recognize your account from another site in our network, please click 'Send Email' below to continue with verifying your account and setting a password.
Let's personalize your content