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2026 55,000 6% 2025 56,333 5.7% This means more competition for every spot and higher expectations for grades, test scores, essays, and extracurriculars. 2026 47,205 4.4% 2026 7,795 15.6% On top of that, you’re expected to meet the same high academic and extracurricular standards as first-year applicants.
However, this policy will change for Fall 2026 admissions, when standardized test scores will once again be required. However, starting with Fall 2026 admissions, standardized test scores will once again be required for all applicants. Cornell will just focus more on your GPA , coursework, extracurriculars, and essays.
2026 37,522 5.4% 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. Heres how to show them youve got what it takes: Extracurriculars.
2026 38,019 5.7% This shift was especially noticeable for the Class of 2026, when applications spiked to 38,019, and the acceptance rate hit 5.7%. Whichever route you choose, you’ll need to submit your academic records, essays, recommendation letters, and your extracurriculars. 2027 39,644 4.5% 2025 37,601 4.4% 2024 32,836 5.6%
2026 61,220 3.2% For the Class of 2026, applications hit a high of over 61,000, partly driven by students hoping that ditching SAT/ACT scores would boost their chances. 2026 51,814 2.3% Fast forward to 2026, and it dipped to a mere 2.3%. 2026 9,406 7.9% 2027 56,937 3.4% 2025 57,435 3.4% 2024 40,248 4.9%
A low GPA, average test scores, or a sparse extracurricular record wont suddenly become more impressive just because you applied early. Scores UChicago is test-optional for the 2025-2026 season, but lets be honest nothing in college admissions is ever truly optional. Its not a free pass.
These stats paint a clear picture—getting into Yale means going head-to-head with some of the brightest students around, armed with stellar grades and resumes full of standout extracurriculars. 2026 50,060 4.6% 2026 42,772 3.5% If you’ve got strong grades and standout extracurriculars, Early Action could be your best shot.
Scores For the 2025-2026 application cycle, Penn applicants have to submit test scores. Extracurriculars You need spectacular extracurriculars to get into Penn, but more than that, they need to be strategic and tell a story. When we work with students, we always plan out an extracurricular path to success.
Oxford also values extracurriculars and community involvement, so highlight any activities where you’ve made an impact. Harvard also looks for students who are actively involved in extracurriculars, community projects, or achievements outside of academics. Extracurriculars. Here’s what they expect: Academic records.
Class of 2026 5,167 5.7% Pick individuals who have worked closely with you, either through research, coursework, or extracurricular activities. Be prepared to discuss your academic and extracurricular background, why youre passionate about medicine, and why Yale is your top choice. Class of 2025 6,236 4.7% Class of 2024 4.709 6.2%
The 2025-2026 college admissions process is almost upon us. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Standardized Test Expectations: SAT/ACT required for 2025-2026. The focus on integrating IB Extended Essays or AP coursework with STEM extracurriculars adds pressure. math, sciences, humanities) alongside a 3.7%
2026 51,558 7.2% 2026 47,013 5.6% 2026 4545 24.3% However, if your GPA isnt quite there, strong test scores and impressive extracurriculars can help balance things out. While strong academics are crucial, its your extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations that can truly help you stand out in such a competitive pool.
And while EA at USC wont quadruple your odds the way ED might at other schools, early applicants are often better prepared, better aligned with USCs values, and more likely to demonstrate clear academic and extracurricular direction things the admissions team loves. Thats what you should be aiming for.
For example, those seeking an award for the 2025-2026 academic year needed to complete their applications by November 12, 2024. Youll have to advance through local, district, and state levels before the national competition.
2026 16,626 448 2.7% Balance it out by excelling in other areas of your applicationthink impressive extracurriculars, standout essays, and glowing recommendation letters: Extracurricular activities At Caltech, its not about stuffing your resume with every club and activity under the sun. 2027 13,136 412 3.1% 2025 13,026 510 3.9%
As application and enrollment numbers continue to rise for the nine schools within the University of Texas system, big changes are coming this way for students preparing to apply to UT Austin during the next admissions cycle (2025-2026). This change is already reflected on their website.
Extracurricular activities. Stand out with extracurriculars. Whether its research, leadership, or community service, show how you align with Cornells values by committing to extracurriculars that matter to you. When it comes to extracurriculars, focus on depth over quantity. Write essays that leave an impact.
To boost your chances, focus on maintaining a strong GPA , engaging in extracurriculars, and showcasing what makes you unique. 2026 110,189 42% 2025 105,850 49.4% Keep up those grades, get involved in extracurriculars, and make your passion for what UC Davis offers stand out in your application. So, is UC Davis hard to get into?
Class of 2026 17.7% The largest drop happened between the Class of 2024 and Class of 2026, where the rate went from 26.1% Beyond academics, the University of Michigan also highly values extracurricular activities, talents, character, personal qualities, first-generation status. Class of 2025 20.2% Class of 2027 17.9%
Youll also get quick tips on building a strong application, from GPA and test scores to extracurriculars and essays. 2026 31,443 8.7% 2027 28,106 7% 2026 28,718 7.7% 2026 2,725 18.8% Meaning, they look at everythingyour grades, test scores, essays, extracurriculars, and even what your recommenders say about you.
Keep in mind that this test-optional policy is temporary—standardized testing will be required again starting with the 2025–2026 cycle. Extracurricular activities They’re also looking for well-rounded students who bring more to the table, whether that’s through leadership roles in clubs, volunteer work, or independent projects.
ED wont cover for a low GPA, average test scores, unclear academic goals, or a weak extracurricular profile. Extracurriculars Youre Class President, captain of the soccer team, and you volunteer on the weekends sounds impressive, right? To be competitive at Duke, you need to have 1550+ or 35+ on your standardized tests.
Class of 2025 31% Class of 2026 31.4% Extracurricular activities. Let your extracurriculars, recommendations, and essays showcase who you truly are. If youve got strong extracurriculars, impressive essays, and leadership roles, you can still be a great candidate, even if your GPA isnt flawless. Class of 2027 29.1%
And for the Class of 2026, Princeton’s legacy acceptance rate stood at 10%. Insights into how factors like GPA , essays, and extracurriculars are weighted. Extracurricular achievements. Extracurricular activities. The overall acceptance rate (around 4% in recent years). Application essays. Standardized test scores.
REA wont magically make up for a low GPA, average test scores, an undecided major, or a weak extracurricular list. Extracurriculars Youve got leadership titles, varsity letters, and volunteer hours. That said, applying early to Yale only helps if you already have the kind of stats that could get you into Yale. What do we mean by that?
2026 15,054 6,612 43.9% The year before that, the Class of 2026 had a slightly higher rate at 43.9%, with 15,054 accepted and 6,612 enrolling. Class Total Applications Total Accepted Acceptance Rate 2028 TBA TBA TBA 2027 65,375 15,707 24% 2026 64,473 15,054 23.3% for the Class of 2026 and 24.0% 2026 5,326 2,364 44.4%
2026 56,378 3.7% Extracurriculars. Show how youve made a difference at your current institution, whether through academic achievements, extracurricular leadership, or community involvement. How hard it is to get into Stanford depends on a combination of factors, including extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations.
Scores Princeton has not announced whether it is keeping its test-optional policy for the 2025-2026 application cycle. Extracurriculars Great grades and scores are not enough to get into Princetonthey are the absolute bare minimum baseline. You also need to have outstanding extracurriculars. This is harsh but true.
Class of 2025 10% Class of 2026 13.4% Extracurricular activities. Harvey Mudd is test-optional for students applying through Fall 2026. Beyond academics, they care about your extracurricular activities, talents, and the qualities that make you who you are. Class of 2027 13.1% Class of 2028 12.7% See the trend?
However, historically, the university admitted 3,843 students for the Class of 2027, 3,873 for the Class of 2026, and 4,453 for the Class of 2025. 2026 34,261 11.3% 2026 29,733 11.1% 2026 4,528 12.5% Carnegie Mellon has only released estimates for the Class of 2028. For the Class of 2028, it has dropped to just 11.5%.
The Common App has made some changes for the 2025-2026 cycle. If you can use the essay to shed light on something else in your application, such as a pause in extracurricular activities, a dip in grades, or low (or altogether missing) test scores due to a disruption because of health, natural disasters, housing instability, etc.,
These supplemental essays are opportunities to share more about yourself, whether its expanding on some of your extracurricular involvements, showing your leadership experience, explaining why you want to attend that college, or any other host of topics. They can range in length from as long as a personal statement to just a few sentences.
Class of 2026 11.4% Extracurricular activities. Extracurriculars matter too, whether its sports, leadership, or volunteer work. UC Berkeley takes a holistic approach to admissions, so other factors like extracurriculars, leadership, and strong personal insight question responses can help make up for a slightly lower GPA.
The 2025-2026 college application cycle is underway, which means we get to share with you our favorite part of the application: the Common App essay. Common App Essay Prompt #1 Example Topics If your first instinct is to write about something big, think race, religion, trauma , or even your extracurriculars, pause. Take a beat.
2026 26,509 12.9% 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. 2026 16,826 10.4% 2026 9,683 17.3% For the Class of 2028, its down to a mere 11.1%. 2027 28,353 12.4% The takeaway?
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. Other factors, such as high school performance, extracurricular activities, and personal statements, will remain central to the evaluation process.
Acceptance Rates for the Class of 2028 Scores UNC is remaining somewhat test optional for the future: For students applying for the 2025-2026 academic year, students with a weighted GPA of 2.8 Extracurriculars Having a leadership title or joining a handful of clubs might look good on paper, but its not enough to impress UNC.
Early Decision isnt a shortcut it wont make up for a low GPA, mediocre test scores, or little-to-no extracurriculars. Scores UVA is remaining test optional for the Fall of 2026, but there is no such thing as optional during the college admissions process. And yes, you need great grades, but they cant just be in those easy A classes.
2026 12,539 6,184 49.3% 2026 100,662 12,539 12.5% 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. 2026 8,361 1,712 20.5% 2027 10,693 5,802 54.3%
Class of 2025 13% Class of 2026 12.5% To maximize your chances, focus on showcasing your achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal experiences that make you a great fit for the university. The university takes a holistic approach, considering extracurricular activities, essays, and personal qualities.
2026 14,521 2,096 14.4% The biggest dip came with the Class of 2026, where the acceptance rate fell to just 14.4%—the If your grades, test scores, and extracurriculars are just average, getting accepted will still be tough. 2026 13,474 1,672 12.4% 2026 1,047 424 40.5% 2028 14,389 2,373 16.5% 2027 14,500 2,479 17.1%
Class of 2025 9% Class of 2026 8.6% Extracurricular activities. Theyre also big on extracurriculars, personal qualities, and unique talents. Theyre looking for students with unique talents, impressive extracurriculars, and the kind of essays that make an admissions officer say, We need this student. Class of 2027 7.7%
Extracurricular Activities Every competitive applicant to Harvard has the grades and scores, so what else is there? This will give you a chance to build up to your strongest score, and have study time as well. Itll also mean that you can manage your schedule such that one of the most important places to shine has room to grow.
Your extracurricular activities, essays, and overall fit for Boston University matter just as much as your academics. Class of 2026 14.4% The most significant drop happened between the Class of 2025 and 2026, when the rate fell from 18.6% With an acceptance rate of just 11.1% for the Class of 2028 , competition is tough.
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