Peterson's Blog

JANUARY 7, 2025

Standardized test scores, like the SAT and ACT, determine academic readiness and skills for entering university. While it may be beneficial to take both tests, this blog will answer the question, “Do you need both ACT and SAT for college? What Are the ACT and SAT? Do You Need Both ACT and SAT for College?

ACT

AdmissionSight

JUNE 7, 2025

Without the pressure of submitting SAT or ACT scores, applicants who might’ve been on the fence before felt they had a better chance. Plus, Princeton fills a good chunk of its class through early admissions, which means fewer spots left for RD applicants. Admissions officers love seeing that you’ve challenged yourself.

Acceptance

UGA Undergraduate Admissions Q & A

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

Offers of Admission: 5,350+ In-State offers -This is somewhat more than last year’s admitted numbers, as our In-State EA applicant pool has grown and was very strong. I have a previous blog post on how admissions calculates the UGA GPA for your reference. EA application numbers are 14.6% Mid 50% Admitted Average GPA: 4.18-4.43

In-State

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

If you’re wondering about Vanderbilt’s GPA requirements, the acceptance rate, or how their admissions process compares to the Ivy League, this blog will break it all down. What Other Admission Requirements Do You Need? With that many high-achieving students fighting for admission, the competition is fierce. The answer: a lot.

Ivy League

Expert Admissions

JULY 29, 2025

Expert Admissions hosted a webinar with Bari Norman and Trish Fairweather Cody, who discussed trends in college admissions over the last year and answered questions about the return of testing requirements, generational differences in admissions, international applications, changes at public universities, and more.

Admissions

UGA Undergraduate Admissions Q & A

APRIL 7, 2025

Since the ACT is making some changes to their exam, I thought it best to give some updates on the ACT and redo a previous post about how UGA looks at the ACT. Starting in April 2025 (for the digital test) and September 2025 (for all tests), the ACT will make the Science section optional, and it will not be used in the Composite.

ACT

UGA Undergraduate Admissions Q & A

JULY 11, 2025

In the admissions review process, what exactly is UGA looking at/for? In our holistic review , we are focused on six areas: a review of your academic work over the past 3 years, focusing mainly on core grades but also the required SAT/ACT scores. UGA Admission Essays – What are the topics/prompts. Good luck and Go Dawgs!

Admissions

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 20, 2025

With its reputation as one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Stanfords admissions process is notoriously competitive. Stanford is renowned not just for its academic excellence but for its highly selective admissions process, making it a dream school for many and a reality for only a lucky few. 2026 56,378 3.7%

Admissions

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 1, 2024

That tiny number highlights how selective the admissions process is and how wildly popular Yale is among top-tier students aiming for the Ivy League. Here, we’ll break down Yale’s acceptance rate, explore how it’s changed over time, and share some practical tips to help boost your chances of standing out to admissions. 2027 52,303 4.5%

Acceptance

AHM Advising

DECEMBER 3, 2024

The holiday season has arrived, midterms are around the corner, and admissions decisions for ED I will soon be released. If you applied Early Decision and are deferred, you are a competitive candidate for admission or you would have been denied. Some students choose an ED I plan as a strategy to increase their chances of admission.

Early Admission

College Essay Guy

NOVEMBER 4, 2024

So below, you can start by learning what each academy is looking for and how to prepare for the admissions process. According to the most recent US News & World Report data, all five academies have acceptance rates between 11-29% (though obviously the exact numbers vary year to year). What is attending a Service Academies like?

Letters of Recommendation

AdmissionSight

JUNE 7, 2025

Harvard University has announced that it will not release admissions statistics for the Class of 2029 until Fall 2025. Whether you’re going for Early Action, Regular Decision, or even trying to transfer in, understanding Harvard’s admission stats can help you craft a more strategic plan. But don’t panic! Overall 54,008 1,937 3.6%

Acceptance

Great College Advice

JANUARY 14, 2025

We are often asked whether it is too early to start the college admissions process in the 10 th grade. If you are keenly interested in the college process and motivated to get started, the spring semester of 10 th grade is a perfect time to begin exploring the world of college admissions.

Admissions

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Applying to Harvard might feel like a lot, but knowing what admissions officers actually want can make things much simpler. 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

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 14, 2025

In this article, well unpack why MIT doesnt consider legacy admissions, explore some stats (like the MIT Common Data Set and MIT deferral rates), and share tips on how to crush your MIT application. MIT is one of the few elite institutions that doesnt have legacy admissions because it holds steadfast to a meritocratic admissions process.

Admissions

North Star Admissions Consulting

JUNE 24, 2025

Welcome to week 2 of my college admissions advice column ! Today, I will answer one of the most common questions that I get this time of year: “ What college admissions trends are you seeing?” In other words, even if a college doesn’t formally require the ACT or SAT, submitting a competitive score can help you get in, at many schools.

Admissions

ACM College Consulting

NOVEMBER 6, 2024

Course Selection : Ensure your coursework aligns with your future academic interests, goals, AND potential admissions requirements. Prepare for Standardized Tests If you plan to take the SAT or ACT, start preparing now. Research Colleges Begin exploring potential colleges.

Applications

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

As a high school student, you’re probably no stranger to big tests like AP exams, the PSAT, or the SAT and ACT. Here’s some good news: more colleges than ever are making the SAT and ACT optional. For fall 2025 admissions, over 2,000 four-year colleges in the U.S. won’t require standardized test scores.

Testing

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

Take note: UC San Diego doesnt consider SAT or ACT scores for admission. Since UCSD doesnt require SAT or ACT scores, your GPA, extracurriculars, and Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) are super important. Choose the ones that best highlight your experiences, challenges, and ambitions. But dont stress if you have a 3.0

Admissions

College Essay Guy

DECEMBER 6, 2024

see table below) Achieve the required minimum ACT, CLT, or SAT college entrance exam score (see table below). All eligibility requirements must be met by high school graduation, but ACT, CLT, and SAT scores taken through August 31 are accepted for evaluation. Complete the required high school coursework.

Scholarships

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 1, 2024

Great flexibility When it comes to the benefits of attending a local community college, another big advantage is the flexible admission and scheduling options that these colleges offer. Most community colleges don’t require SAT or ACT scores for admission. This is often called the “2+2” model.

Community College

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

Check out a timeline that lays out what you need to tackle as you work through the college admissions process. Prepare for the SAT and ACT. Kick off your college application timeline by getting ready for the SAT or ACT at the start of junior year. Junior Year – Fall (December to February) Take the SAT or ACT.

Applications

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 4, 2025

Out of this competitive pool, only 3,801 students secured admission, resulting in an acceptance rate of just 7.6%. ED applicants have a clear edge since they demonstrate a strong commitment to Northwestern as their top choicesomething the admissions team often favors. Early Decision 5,207 1,174 22.6% Overall 50,018 3,801 7.6%

Acceptance

Berkeley² Academy

MARCH 8, 2025

The 2024-2025 college admissions season is coming to a close. UT Austin continues to smash admissions records It was a huge year for UT Austin and other Texas schools. Over 90,000 students applied for Fall 2025 admission, compared to 72,885 students the previous year.

Admissions

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 28, 2024

Hollywoods biggest names left with resumes packed with Shakespeare, method acting, and more talent than we know what to do with. During her time at Yale, Foster balanced her academic workload with a thriving acting career, having already starred in Taxi Driver by the time she enrolled. From David Filo creating Yahoo!

Ivy League

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 29, 2024

Caltechs admissions process is about as tough as it gets. Unlike some schools, Caltech keeps the specifics of its Early Action (EA) and Regular Decision (RD) admissions under wraps. Take a look at Caltechs admissions data : Caltech Class Total Applications Total Admitted Students Overall Acceptance Rate 2028 13,863 315 2.3%

Acceptance

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 6, 2025

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. Dont stress about the SAT or ACT. Cornell University is test-optional, but not for long.

Testing

Top Tier Admissions

MARCH 18, 2025

In college admissions, the term “grade inflation” is frequently used. In August 2023, ACT released their findings from a twelve year study (2010-2022), concluding that average grades for U.S. This occurred even though ACT subject tests remained relatively stagnant. The tables below show this phenomenon.

Admissions

Georgia Tech Admissions Blog

FEBRUARY 7, 2025

This week we welcome Senior Assistant Director for International Admission, Sara Riggs, to the blog. Admission professionals give countless presentations about the application process. The Reality Im going to level with you: SAT or ACT scores are a required element of our application process here at Georgia Tech. Welcome, Sara!

Testing

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 11, 2025

That shows the admissions team that you’re ready for college-level work. Good news: unlike many other schools, UC Davis doesnt require SAT/ACT scores or recommendation letters as part of your application. UC Davis looks at your grades closely, so make sure you’re doing well in all your classes.

Acceptance

Peterson's Blog

NOVEMBER 18, 2024

Whether you need SAT ACT tutoring, ISEE test tutoring, or an online math tutor, Peterson’s test prep connects you with an award-winning online tutor anytime, 24/7, for instant live tutoring. Preparing for Major Exams or Transitions —Standardized tests, college admissions, or transitioning to a new grade level can be stressful.

Test Prep

AdmissionSight

MARCH 14, 2025

In this guide, well break down everything you need to know about applying to the University of Michigan, from GPA requirements and SAT/ACT scores to tips on making your application stand out. University of Michigan Admission Requirements The University of Michigan looks for students who are ready to take on challenges and make an impact.

Admissions

Excelsior Admissions Consulting

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

Reasons for Sophomores and Juniors to Take the PSAT Sophomores Can use the PSAT score to help them determine whether they want to focus on preparing and taking the SAT or ACT test for college admissions. The section scores on the PSAT can also identify areas in which the student is stronger and which areas they may need support.

PSAT

Great College Advice

JUNE 9, 2025

Today, the selective college admissions process is a game of strategy. As colleges and universities act more and more like businesses, they demand more than just a completed application and enough evidence that you can do the work. What is demonstrated interest in college admission? This metric is called a college’s yield rate.

Admissions

CTK College Coach

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Now in 2025 the ACT is joining in the fun with a rolling set of updates to the test beginning in April and continuing through September 2025. I just had the opportunity to interview a representative from the ACT to clarify my own questions about the rollout now that the April test is approaching.

ACT

Ruffaloni

JULY 16, 2025

Make sure it’s not inadvertently blocking important academic programs, admissions details, or faculty research sections. My conversations with campus partners consistently confirms this: AI isn’t replacing traditional student search, but profoundly reshaping how students search, find, trust, and act on information.

Campus Tours

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 17, 2024

Thats according to a recent analysis of ACT scores. Heres whats even more concerning: more than 40% of new graduates didnt meet the ACTs college-readiness benchmarks in any subject, and only 21% hit the mark in all four. When spring or summer rolls around, its also a great time to start taking practice tests for the PSAT, ACT, or SAT.

High School