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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. ENROLL NOW What Does This Mean for College Admissions?
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. TABLE OF CONTENTS (click to skip ahead) What even are these tests?
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.
The SAT changed the format of the test in 2005, and again in 2016, and again in 2024. As COVID wreaked havoc on the world in 2021, the College Board moved its annual AP testing to the computer, and we quickly learned what it was to take tests online. Students reported that the following test was wildly easy.
Some majors, including business, engineering, and computer science are becoming even more competitive during the admissions process. Standardizedtesting is becoming more important for students applying to selective colleges. Even some colleges that are test optional are admitting more students who submit tests scores.
This week we welcome Senior Assistant Director for International Admission, Sara Riggs, to the blog. Many (okay… most) students feel similar about testing: it can be an emotionally exhausting necessary nuisance that requires preparation and wastes precious weekend hours but creates validity about your preparation for college.
Applications for freshman admission increased 24.3% ENROLL NOW UT AUSTIN SHAKE-UP Despite the return of a standardizedtesting requirement for applicants that began this cycle, UT Austin saw a third consecutive year of record-breaking application numbers. The post UT Austin: Early Trends appeared first on Top Tier Admissions.
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.
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.
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.
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. 2027 38,631 4.8% 2026 37,522 5.4%
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.
Test-optional policies took off during the Covid 19 pandemic, though some institutions, mostly small liberal arts colleges, had adopted these policies in the early 2000s. Recently, some of the most selective colleges in the nation have been reverting to test-required policies. It would not be surprising if others follow suit.
Between AP Classroom crashing in the weeks leading up to the 2025 exams to an exam platform malfunction that affected students sitting for the AP Psychology exam, this year’s exam takers faced a series of challenges that added unnecessary stress to an already high-pressure testing season. Although U.S.
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. Take the SSAT/ISEE: Most students test in early fall.
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.)
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.
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.
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?
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.
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. Ask questions.
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%
In college admissions, the term “grade inflation” is frequently used. This occurred even though ACT subject tests remained relatively stagnant. Yes, they use testing, but not every student takes the SAT or ACT in the recent test optional landscape, so graduation rates and sometimes GPA is also included.
Well, there are a few reasons for this trend: Princeton went test-optional during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. above this range.
Like most things, the landscape of standardizedtesting is ever-evolving. What hasn’t changed – the PSAT, SAT, and ACT are still important in college admissions, especially for selective schools and students seeking merit-based scholarships. If that’s the case, traditional test prep may be best for you.
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%
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.
Expert Admissions hosted a webinar with admissions officers from Southern Methodist University (SMU) and the University of Florida (UF). They discussed the rise in popularity of Southern schools and answered questions about the schools’ admissions processes, academics, campus cultures, and more.
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.
In AP courses, students encounter college-level material and can prove their knowledge to admissions committees through standardized metrics like AP exams. Or, what do AP scores and courses mean from a college admissions perspective? This means that colleges can evaluate your abilities on a standardized scale.
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.
An admission committee is a group of professionals tasked with evaluating student applications. Admission committees consist of admissions officers and sometimes faculty members, particularly at Ivy League schools, who collectively decide which students are accepted. ” How Long Do Admissions Officers Read Applications?
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.
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? What does this testing policy mean for you? This is good news.
That shows the admissions team that you’re ready for college-level work. The personal insight questions are a big part of your application, and this is your chance to show UC Davis who you are beyond just your GPA and test scores. No need to worry about test scores and recommendation letters! Nail the essays.
Taking the PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is a great way to familiarize yourself with standardizedtesting, determine your strengths and weaknesses, and qualify for scholarships. The PSAT is also considered a predictive test in that it can inform how well you’ll perform on the SAT without any additional prep. WHAT IS THE PSAT?
This past cycle saw increased uncertainty in college admissions. A number of colleges have begun requiring standardizedtest scores. When making a college list, be sure to check the test policy of each school. Many colleges went to their waitlists this year which extended the application cycle into the summer.
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. Its okay to test out different clubs and hobbies, but be careful not to spread yourself too thin.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition for high school juniors who take the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) and achieve qualifying scores. Contact us today to help your student prepare for the PSAT and other standardizedtests!
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%
The landscape of college admissions continues to shift as universities re-evaluate the role of standardizedtesting in the application process. In a major policy change, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) has announced that it will reinstate its standardizedtesting requirement for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle.
Out of this competitive pool, only 3,801 students secured admission, resulting in an acceptance rate of just 7.6%. Test-optional policies introduced during the pandemic broadened the applicant pool, encouraging students who might not have applied otherwise. But with RD admissions being this competitive, procrastination isnt an option.
Choosing the Right Tutor A skilled tutor can unlock opportunities for college admissions, scholarships, financial aid, and future career paths. Specifically, they discovered that a minimum of 25 hours of math or 34 hours of language arts tutoring over the summer led to significantly better performance on standardizedtests the following fall.
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