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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. Dont stress about the SAT or ACT.
History of Standardized Tests in the United States Since 1926, the SAT has been the go-to test for assessing college readiness. In 1959, the ACT was introduced to the standardized testing sphere for college admissions. Since then, this test has expanded and has been adopted by many schools.
If you’re preparing for college admissions, you’ve probably wondered how your ACT or SAT score stacks up. The ACT reported approximately 1.4 million test-takers for the same cohort (ACT). Converting these scores allows colleges to compare students fairly, regardless of which test they take. million in 2022.
Not everyone feels confident when it comes to taking tests. You’re not alone— around 40 to 60% of high school students experience test anxiety, a type of stress that makes it tough to focus and perform well during exams. As a high school student, you’re probably no stranger to big tests like AP exams, the PSAT, or the SAT and ACT.
Admissions officers mark each individual factor (grades, test scores, essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, etc.) They will pay much less attention to your grades in your “extracurricular pursuits done while in school,” including music, theater, business, art, debate, and athletics.
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?
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. What does Harvard look for in an applicant? Instead, they look at everything that makes you unique.
When it comes to your college applications, one big question is: how many extracurriculars should I have to stand out without overloading my plate? Think of extracurriculars like toppings on a pizza. Let’s break down how many extracurriculars you should really have, what counts, and how to make yours stand out. Don’t sweat it.
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.
No extracurricular activity is “bad,” but some definitely catch the eye of college admissions teams more than others. Selective colleges take a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they look at the whole picture instead of just focusing on your grades and test scores. Here are other Tier 1 extracurriculars examples: 1.
Is Princeton test-optional? Yes, for the 2025 admissions cycle , you can apply without SAT or ACT scores and still be fully considered. Test scores won’t hurt your chances if you don’t submit them. Is Princeton Test-Optional in 2025? You can apply without taking the SAT or ACT and still be fully considered.
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. Think 1550+ on the SAT or 35 on the ACT. to just 5.4%. That’s a massive drop.
West Point Academy Admissions Stats Acceptance Rate: around 12% Median SAT Score Range: 1220-1450 Median ACT Score Range: 27-33 Naval Academy The United States Naval Academy , located in Annapolis, Maryland, is renowned for its exceptional training programs preparing students for U.S. Cadets are expected to excel in all three areas.
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. Target test scores UChicago is test-optional , so you dont have to submit SAT or ACT scores.
Thats equivalent to a top-tier 36 on the ACT the highest possible score on the ACT. If you’re deciding which score to submit, trying to evaluate your performance across both exams, or simply curious how your near-perfect SAT stacks up, this 1590 SAT to ACT guide is for you. 1590 SAT to ACT: Whats the Equivalent Score?
It has tons of facts about who gets in, how many students apply, what test scores they had , and how much financial aid was given. It lists things like: GPA Class rank Test scores Extracurricular activities Essays Recommendations Next to each one, the college says whether it’s Very Important , Important , Considered , or Not Considered.
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. Test Anxiety and Poor Exam Performance —You may understand the material but struggle to perform under pressure during exams.
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.
This means it’s an important time for members of the high school Class of 2026 – especially those who want to run the gauntlet this admissions cycle – to be aware of the the five colleges with the most grueling standardized test requirements for first-year admission. Why Grueling: MIT’s 4.1%
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.
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. This marks a shift from the test-optional policy adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. ENROLL NOW What Does This Mean for College Admissions?
<p>Is Caltech test-optional? Applicants must submit standardized test scores as part of the admissions process. </p> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="#Is Is <yoastmark class=">Caltech Test-Optional in 2025? ">What ACT Score Do You Need for Caltech?</a></li>
They take a holistic approach, which means your essays, extracurriculars, and personality matter just as much as your GPA. For students, this means that just having great grades and test scores isn’t always enough. Keep your grades up while being involved in meaningful extracurriculars. What Are Vanderbilt’s GPA Requirements?
Transparency About What Colleges Really Value The CDS tells you exactly what each school considers important in admissions —from GPA and test scores to extracurriculars and interviews. The CDS gives you hard numbers: how many students were accepted, how many submitted test scores, and what those scores looked like.
That’s about a 17 on the ACT. Whether you’re deciding which score to submit, comparing your results across both tests, or exploring your college options with these scores, this guide to converting a 940 SAT to ACT equivalent has you covered. 940 SAT to ACT: What’s the Equivalent Score?
What summer programs or extracurriculars should I take? The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, is a standardized test that gives you a sneak peek at what the SAT will be like. 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.
Harvard looks at other factors like your course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. To truly stand out, youll need to focus on other elements of your application, like leadership, extracurriculars, and your essay. Strong extracurricular activities. Consider your test scores.
Unlike universities, community colleges often have looser admission requirements, making it easier for students who might not meet strict GPA or testing criteria to still pursue their educational goals. Most community colleges don’t require SAT or ACT scores for admission.
That translates to roughly a 24 on the ACT , according to official concordance tables. If youre weighing which test score to submit, comparing your results, or simply curious about how the two exams stack up, this 1180 SAT to ACT guide has you covered. How Good Is Your 1180 SAT/24 ACT Score?
Competitive test scores include: PSAT Math : 740+ PSAT Reading and Writing : 700+ ACT Math : 33+ ACT Verbal : 34+ While theres no minimum grade requirement for RSI, we recommend near-perfect grades in STEM subjects to strengthen your application. Standardized test scores. Gather your application materials.
In this blog, well talk about what a 910 SAT score really means, whether or not you should retake the test, and how you can move forward to reach your college goals. Scoring 910 on the SAT places you around the 33rd percentile , meaning you performed better than about a third of test-takers nationwide. How Good Is a 910 SAT Score?
10 th grade is an exciting time as you have hopefully found a nice rhythm between your academics, extracurriculars, and social life. Continue to refine your extracurriculars (ECs) and explore leadership roles Pursue those extracurricular interests that engage you and that give you a sense of accomplishment.
Alongside the ACT , this test aims to give colleges a peek at how well you might handle their courses. Even though youve outscored 12% of test takers, it likely wont be enough to open doors to numerous schools. If youre applying to test-optional or test-blind schools , your score wont necessarily hold you back.
Do you have to be a star athlete, or a straight-A student, or maybe the president of every extracurricular club? These scholarships typically require excellent grades, high test scores, and sometimes additional criteria like leadership, community service, or extracurricular involvement. How do you write a scholarship essay?
Test scores Unlike the many colleges that have reinstated standardized testing requirements , the UC schools remain test-blind and will not consider SAT or ACT scores. They do, however, allow students to report AP and IB exams, and non-native English speakers are required to submit an English language proficiency test.
In the beginning, we trained ChatGPT by testing it on just a few schoolsthen, when she was closer to making a decision, we used it to compare her final options. Academic Profile : What are the average GPA and ACT/SAT scores for admitted students? Clubs & Activities : What extracurriculars are available?
The actual act of applying for financial aid should have absolutely no bearing on whether a student gains admission to just about any college. But if you want to get into the nitty gritty to understand more about risks and rewards of applying to college and asking for financial aid, read on! This is a bit of a complicated question.
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. To get there, take plenty of practice tests and zero in on your weak spots.
The pool of applicants has exploded, especially during the pandemic when Harvard went test-optional. 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. It’s getting harder and harder to snag that acceptance letter.
Then, we’ll present options for extracurriculars that you can pursue as a means of rounding out your resume and medical school applications. Click below for instant access to our proprietary MCAT Question Bank including 3000+ sample questions and eight practice tests covering every MCAT category. Looking for MCAT practice questions?
Policies like test-optional admissions during the pandemic made it easier for more students to apply, but the competition is fierce with so few spots available. The rise in international interest and the university’s tough academic requirements, including subject-specific tests and interviews, keep it selective. Extracurriculars.
Even with high GPA and test scores, your chances may be slim if you dont excel in other areas they value. Extracurriculars. Standardized test scores (optional). Submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional for the 202425 cycle. ACT or SAT scores (optional). Holistic admissions process. Limited seats.
SAT score of 970, and ACT score of 18 , VSU welcomes students who are ready to hustleno 4.0 weighted) high school GPA and a minimum test score of 880 SAT or 17 ACT is eligible for consideration. UVA is test-optional, and only 42% of applicants submitted test scores, so if standardized tests arent your strength, dont sweat it.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING Just like theres a right and a wrong time to study for a big test (hint: NOT the night before!), Transferring to a different college might be the right decision, but we want to make sure you approach it with your eyes wide open. theres an optimum time to transfer.
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