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This probably won’t come as a surprise to you, but standardizedtesting (as in, the SAT and ACT) can have disparate negative impacts on first generation and/or low income (FGLI) students compared with wealthier students. So don’t confuse how well you do on a standardizedtest with how well you can do in college and life.
Starting with the Fall 2026 application cycle, undergraduate applicants will once again be required to submit standardizedtest scores (SAT or ACT) as part of their application. This marks a shift from the test-optional policy adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Grades and Course Rigor Matter the Most in College Admissions The most recent National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) State of College Admission Report updated its four-year college members’ survey of the Factors in the Admission Decision. College admissions officers read and re-read your transcript.
The 2025-2026 college admissions process is almost upon us. My selection is based on institutions with rigorous and in-demand STEM or academic programs, mandatory test submission policies, and high score thresholds. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) StandardizedTest Expectations: SAT/ACT required for Fall 2025 entry.
As we laid out back in August , your junior year is the most important year in preparing for college admissions from an academic standpoint as it is the last full year of grades that colleges will see as they review your college application and it will likely be your most rigorous year of classes with AP, Honors and/or IB courses.
A lot has changed with the ACT and SAT over the last 20 years. The SAT changed the format of the test in 2005, and again in 2016, and again in 2024. The ACT introduced an optional Writing section in 2005 and had minimal changes up until this year. The ACT seems to have learned by watching the SATs mistakes the year prior.
Deciding “should I take the SAT or ACT?” ” is a common dilemma for high school students navigating the college admissions process. Both tests are important, but they differ significantly in format, content, and timing, which can impact your performance and readiness for college. What about the ACT?
Below is the admissions data over the past decade: UChicago Class Total Applications Overall Acceptance Rate 2028 43,612 4.5% This widening gap makes UChicagos admissions process fiercely competitive. At the same time, the admissions office has worked hard to keep standards sky-high. Not sure which test to take?
Standardizedtest 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?
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.
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%
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 standardizedtest scores.
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?
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.
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 ACTtest 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.
Each year, Top Tier Admissions students work with our tutors to prepare for these challenging exams. Regardless, I’m proud of my students for pushing through some of the toughest test prep materials out there in preparations for the exam.” On July 7 th , this year’s test takers received their scores. Although U.S.
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.
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?” Tests are back. Doing so can dramatically increase your odds of admission, especially at certain schools.)
Course Selection : Ensure your coursework aligns with your future academic interests, goals, AND potential admissions requirements. 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.
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.
Well, there are a few reasons for this trend: Princeton went test-optional during the COVID-19 pandemic. Without the pressure of submitting SAT or ACT scores, applicants who might’ve been on the fence before felt they had a better chance. Admissions officers love seeing that you’ve challenged yourself.
For families thinking strategically about college admissions, boarding school can be a transformative stepping stone. Inquire for information : Join the mailing list of each potential school to initiate contact and begin a relationship with the admission officers. Some schools may accept PSAT, SAT or ACT for older students also.
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 standardizedtest scores will once again be required.
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.
This week we welcome Senior Assistant Director for International Admission, Sara Riggs, to the blog. Having a license doesnt automatically make you a good driver, and test scores dont define the type of student youll be in a college community. Admission professionals give countless presentations about the application process.
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%
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.
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 —Standardizedtests, college admissions, or transitioning to a new grade level can be stressful.
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.
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. Its okay to test out different clubs and hobbies, but be careful not to spread yourself too thin.
Last year, UC schools received over 250,000 applications for Fall 2024 admission and accepted 167,000 of those students. See our UC Admissions Trends post for 2024 here. Test scores Unlike the many colleges that have reinstated standardizedtesting requirements , the UC schools remain test-blind and will not consider SAT or ACT scores.
When planning for college , standardizedtest scores still stand out as one of the most important factors in applying to college. But one of the most common questions is, “How much does ACT/SAT tutoring cost?” How Much Does ACT/SAT Tutoring Cost?
That shows the admissions team that you’re ready for college-level work. No need to worry about test scores and recommendation letters! Good news: unlike many other schools, UC Davis doesnt require SAT/ACT scores or recommendation letters as part of your application.
In addition, they provide a $4,000 semesterly stipend for books and other expenses, a $1,500 semesterly stipend for on-campus housing, a $6,000 stipend for study abroad opportunities, a $4,500 summer research stipend, and automatic admission into their Honors program.
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%
As we move into the 2025 testing season, a year already marked by significant shifts in higher education , the ACT itself is also undergoing notable changes. Its important for prospective students to understand how these updates may impact both their testing strategies and college applications.
Check out a timeline that lays out what you need to tackle as you work through the college admissions process. The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, is a standardizedtest that gives you a sneak peek at what the SAT will be like. Prepare for the SAT and ACT. A great way to begin is by taking a full-length practice test for both.
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%
Lets break down how the admissions process works and why a slightly lower GPA doesnt have to hold you back. While there is no fixed minimum GPA for Harvard University, its important to understand that the admissions process is highly competitive. This means that if your GPA falls below 3.75, your chances of admission may be lower.
The acceptance rate for first-year admission is 11.8%. Augment Your Academics Hamilton doesn’t require any particular courses for admission, although they do have a ‘recommended’ minimum course distribution. Something you shouldn’t stress much about (if at all) are the SAT and/or ACT.
With the launch of the digital SAT in March 2024 and the more recent updates to the ACT in April 2025 (both of which introduced significant changes to test formats) the standardizedtesting landscape is more uncertain than ever. WHEN CAN I TAKE THE SAT OR ACT? ACT: Register through the official ACT website.
Impact of RSI on your college admissions Participating in the Research Science Institute can significantly impact your college admissions journey. Admissions officers value the unique experiences gained at RSI, such as presenting professional-level research and engaging with world-class mentors. How Hard Is It to Get into RSI?
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.
ACT or SAT scores ACT English Language Arts. Alternatively, ACT English Plus Reading with a score of 63 or better or SAT Subject Tests in English Composition. Check with UCLA admissions to verify your transfer credits. ACT Mathematics. A score of 26 or better on the ACT Mathematics section.
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