This site uses cookies to improve your experience. To help us insure we adhere to various privacy regulations, please select your country/region of residence. If you do not select a country, we will assume you are from the United States. Select your Cookie Settings or view our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Cookie Settings
Cookies and similar technologies are used on this website for proper function of the website, for tracking performance analytics and for marketing purposes. We and some of our third-party providers may use cookie data for various purposes. Please review the cookie settings below and choose your preference.
Used for the proper function of the website
Used for monitoring website traffic and interactions
Cookie Settings
Cookies and similar technologies are used on this website for proper function of the website, for tracking performance analytics and for marketing purposes. We and some of our third-party providers may use cookie data for various purposes. Please review the cookie settings below and choose your preference.
Strictly Necessary: Used for the proper function of the website
Performance/Analytics: Used for monitoring website traffic and interactions
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. While most colleges are test-free or test-optional, remember that more and more schools are shifting back to requiring testing.
Poor Time Management and Organization Skills —Balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal life can be overwhelming. Preparing for Major Exams or Transitions —Standardizedtests, college admissions, or transitioning to a new grade level can be stressful. Ask questions.
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. Outside of academics, your freshman year is the perfect time to explore extracurricular activities that match your interests.
Out of those applicants, only around 1,512 students were admitted, which means the standards are seriously high.The sheer volume of applications contributes to how hard it is to get into Vanderbilt. They take a holistic approach, which means your essays, extracurriculars, and personality matter just as much as your GPA.
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. Still, GPA isnt the only thing that matters.
And for those who break into a cold sweat at the mention of standardizedtests, good news: GMU is test-optional , so your SAT or ACT scores arent a dealbreaker. UVA is test-optional, and only 42% of applicants submitted test scores, so if standardizedtests arent your strength, dont sweat it.
Standardizedtest scores (SAT/ACT) Standardizedtests like the SAT and ACT have been a big part of college applications for decades. However, many schools have shifted to being test-optionalmeaning you dont have to submit your scores. Extracurricular activities Colleges love well-rounded applicants.
Your extracurricular activities , leadership roles , and community contributions all play a big part in shaping your application. Applying to colleges in the USA includes several unique components specifically for international applicants, from visa requirements to standardizedtests. Take the standardizedtests.
You’ll get the chance to study a wide range of media within the field of English literature, from books and manuscripts to film, TV, theater, and more. At UPenn , English majors dive into language, literature, and culture from all around the world and across different eras.
Standardizedtest scores (optional). The University of Michigan is test-optional. Beyond academics, the University of Michigan also highly values extracurricular activities, talents, character, personal qualities, first-generation status. Pick someone who knows you well and can write a personal, strong recommendation.
Every year, I receive tons of questions about how many extracurricular activities are necessary and whether a kids chances will be hurt because they havent performed at Carnegie Hall, been speaking Mandarin since they were five, or cured cancer. Its an important part of your application. They want to know that, too. The bad news?
You dont need to go out of your way (like booking a flight for an in-person tour or sending a dozen emails) just to show you want to attend. Very important They place the most importance on things like your talent/ability, character/personal qualities, standardizedtest scores, recommendations, and your application essay.
Their real involvement usually starts in senior year, focusing on essays and logistics rather than shaping a students academic and extracurricular profile early on. That could mean diving into online courses and books, or more creative outlets like documentaries, a speaker series at a local college, or hands-on experiences.
Extracurricular activities. Standardizedtest scores (optional). UT Austin remains test-optional for Spring 2025 applicants. Let your extracurriculars, recommendations, and essays showcase who you truly are. This can include extracurricular activities, clubs, volunteer work, or family responsibilities.)
This means that gaining admission with a 910 SAT score would be extremely rare unless you have outstanding extracurricular achievements , compelling essays, or unique personal circumstances that help set you apart. If you believe you can improve your SAT score, retaking the test could open more opportunities.
So, whether youre hitting the books, exploring the trails, or getting into student activities, Missouri Western gives you everything you need to make the most of your college years. Thats right: the entire CSU system has dropped standardizedtests from their admissions process. Standardizedtesting?
From books and online courses to documentaries and hands-on experiences, we guide students toward opportunities that help them figure out their what. This is done through more curriculum, extracurricular development, and creating summers where students can get more in-depth. Theres no one formula for extracurricular development.
Standardizedtest scores (optional). Dont forget your extracurriculars. What about standardizedtests? Columbia is currently test-optional , so you dont have to submit SAT or ACT scores. This means youll be learning not just from books but from the amazing people around you. A curriculum report.
To maximize your chances, focus on showcasing your achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal experiences that make you a great fit for the university. Standardizedtest scores (optional). NYU is test-optional , meaning you can decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. of students had a perfect 4.0
The Cardinal Scholarship can hook you up with up to $4,000 if youve been hitting the books hard, and the Valley Housing Scholarship can knock down your dorm costs. Like most of the schools on this list, Oakland is test-optional, so you can showcase your other talents if standardizedtests arent your thing. No worries.
Extracurricular activities. Standardizedtest scores (optional). 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. If standardizedtests arent your strong suit, dont sweat it.
By breaking it down further, we can provide a more tailored approach to when test prep tutoring makes the most sense. Section 1: When to Start Thinking About the SAT and ACT It bares repeating: It’s never too early to start thinking about standardizedtesting, even if the test dates seem far off.
Extracurricular activities. Standardizedtest scores (optional). Rice University has a test-optional policy, but if you do submit, aim for competitive scores. GPA, class rank, and rigorous coursework are top priorities, along with standout essays, recommendations, and test scores (if submitted). More on that below.
We guide students toward meaningful engagement, whether thats through online courses, books, documentaries, or hands-on experiences. The earlier students start exploring their passions; the more compelling their academic and extracurricular profiles will become down the line.
Your extracurricular activities, essays, and overall fit for Boston University matter just as much as your academics. This guide will break down everything you need to know, from GPA expectations and test scores to application deadlines and tips to help you stand out. Standardizedtest scores (optional).
Standardizedtest scores. Unlike test-optional schools , Georgetown requires either the SAT or ACT. Extracurriculars. They care about the rigor of your school record, your GPA, and your test scores. Outside of academics, Georgetown values extracurricular activities , special talents, and personal qualities.
The University of Chicago is where intellectuals thrive and the fun goes to read a book. Good news for those of you who cringe at the thought of standardizedtests: Northwestern has been test-optional since 2020, and theyre keeping it that way for students applying for fall 2025. Kiddingsort of.
All parts of the application (academics, test scores if submitted, extracurricular involvement, essay, recommendation letters etc.) It can be an organized group, a book club, your knitting group, your family, your friends, etc. Next, focus on extracurriculars by finding a few clubs or student groups youd like to join.
And unlike many peer institutions, Georgetown requires standardizedtest scores. Look for biographies of influential global business leaders, books on regulatory frameworks, or case studies on innovation and ethics in complex markets. A transcript with mostly As in advanced coursework is the expectation, not the exception.
Engage in meaningful extracurricular activities.</h3> </p> <p class="ai-optimize-176">Authentic passion can also be seen in how deeply you’ve interacted with an extracurricular activity. Submit strong standardizedtest scores.</h3> Apply early.</h3>
Standardizedtest scores (optional). Pomona is test-optional , so you dont have to submit SAT or ACT scores. Outside of academics, Pomona puts a lot of weight on extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and talents. If your SAT scores are close but not quite there, consider retaking the test to boost your chances.
Standardizedtest scores (optional). Northeastern is test-optional , so SAT and ACT scores are not required. However, Northeastern takes a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they evaluate more than just your GPA and test scores. Northeastern does not favor one test over the other. If not, no stress.
This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and mandatory fees, along with allowances for room, board, and books at a SUNY college. The award covers the full cost of tuition, mandatory fees, and allowances for room, board, and books at a SUNY college. Learn more about the MERIT Scholarship. Learn more about scholarships at NYU.
Note: YSPA explicitly says they wont consider standardizedtests. Even if you dont have formal astrophysics opportunities like an astronomy club or science olympiad team, activities like reading books and watching lectures also show your passion. Letters of recommendation. Step 2: Ask for letters of recommendation.
The National Latin Exam (NLE) is a yearly standardizedtest for Latin students, created to promote Latin learning and reward individual achievement. National Latin Exam Awards and Prizes Excelling on the National Latin Exam can earn you medals, certificates, and even book awards. Manage your test-taking strategy.
With private guidance, students can start shaping their academic and extracurricular profile as early as sophomore year, setting the stage for a stronger application. Whether through books, online courses, documentaries, or hands-on experiences, we guide students toward opportunities that make learning engaging and meaningful.
This typically includes your personal and demographic details, family background, academic history, standardizedtest scores, and extracurricular activities. Understand the testing policy. Brown requires standardizedtest scores , either the SAT or ACT, for first-year applicants. Aim for these scores.
Standardizedtest scores (optional). Vanderbilt is test-optional , but strong scores can add a little sparkle to your application. But heres the thing: Vanderbilt knows youre more than just a collection of grades and test scores. Extracurricular activities and personal qualities matter just as much. No problem.
Heres what you can expect to pay : Expense Cost Tuition $69,400 Housing & Food $17,930 Fees $2,018 Total Estimated Cost $89,348 On top of that, youll need to budget for books, personal expenses, and travel, which can add a few thousand dollars more. Standardizedtesting. BC is test-optional. Direct vs. indirect costs.
Regardless of what you choose, expect to provide your basic informationsuch as background, academic profile, and extracurricular activities. Standardizedtest scores (optional). UChicago has a No Harm Testing Policy, meaning your scores will only be considered if they will positively affect your chance of admission.
We help our students engage with their interests in meaningful ways, often starting with online courses, books, documentaries, TED Talks, or hands-on experiences. Build Extracurriculars After a student has begun to define their academic interests, we help them build extracurriculars that showcase initiative and depth.
Well cover grades, test scores, essays, extracurriculars, and every other piece of the puzzle that Tufts actually cares about. Extracurricular activities. Standardizedtest scores (optional). Tufts is test-optional, so submitting SAT or ACT scores is completely up to you. Thats where this guide comes in.
Good grades and test scores are important, but theres more to it. In this guide, well walk through everything you need to know, from GPA expectations to test scores, extracurriculars, and application tips. Standardizedtest scores (optional). Extracurricular activities. Let’s get started!
Extracurricular activities. Standardizedtest scores (optional). Thanks to their test-optional policy, submitting SAT or ACT scores is up to you. So, if you have standout extracurriculars, insane talent, or a personality that shines through your character qualities, youre already catching their eye.
We organize all of the trending information in your field so you don't have to. Join 5,000+ users and stay up to date on the latest articles your peers are reading.
You know about us, now we want to get to know you!
Let's personalize your content
Let's get even more personalized
We recognize your account from another site in our network, please click 'Send Email' below to continue with verifying your account and setting a password.
Let's personalize your content