Top Tier Admissions

MARCH 18, 2025

CAUSES OF GRADE INFLATION While there is no definitive study on the causes of grade inflation, several cultural changes around school achievement can be considered. 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.

Admissions 59

Admissions Standardized Testing Letters of Recommendation GPA 59

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 20, 2025

Youre definitely not alone! Standardized test scores (optional). Submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional for the 202425 cycle. Stanford SAT requirements Although Stanford is test-optional for the 20242025 cycle, submitting strong SAT scores can boost your application. ACT or SAT scores (optional).

Admissions 98

Admissions Transfer Letters of Recommendation SAT 98

North Star Admissions Consulting

JUNE 24, 2025

Tests are back. Although the majority of schools are still (technically) test optional , there is definitely a notable shift towards the submission of standardized tests. 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 56

Admissions Waitlist Out-of-State Standardized Testing 56

AdmissionSight

JUNE 7, 2025

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. For test scores, aim for at least a 1580 on the SAT and a perfect 36 on the ACT.

Acceptance 52

Acceptance Waitlist Admissions Ivy League 52

Peterson's Blog

JANUARY 16, 2025

As one of the first high school standardized tests a student takes, the PSAT can set the stage for teenagers’ expectations of themselves and future exams. The test is a critical milestone for expressing academic and college readiness; your students’ confidence on test day often reflects how well-prepared they are.

PSAT 59

PSAT Standardized Testing Test Prep Scholarships 59

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 10, 2025

SAT score of 970, and ACT score of 18 , VSU welcomes students who are ready to hustleno 4.0 As one of the cheapest colleges in Virginia, VSU is definitely one of the top choices. weighted) high school GPA and a minimum test score of 880 SAT or 17 ACT is eligible for consideration. With an average GPA of 3.0, per credit.

Financial Aid 52

Financial Aid Ivy League Tuition Grants 52

AdmissionSight

JUNE 7, 2025

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. Another factor?

Acceptance 59

Acceptance Ivy League Waitlist Admissions 59

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. Standardized test scores (optional). The University of Michigan is test-optional. Lets get started!

Admissions 40

Admissions University University GPA 40

AdmissionSight

APRIL 3, 2025

If you got a 960 SAT score, youre probably wondering if thats a good score and what it means for your next steps. Optimizing your SAT score is worth it since it plays a big role in your college application. Of course, SAT scores arent the only factor colleges consider, but theyre an important one. How Good Is a 960 SAT Score?

SAT 52

SAT Testing Ivy League Tuition 52

AdmissionSight

APRIL 22, 2025

Millions of high schoolers take the SAT to boost their chances of landing in their dream school. Alongside the ACT , this test aims to give colleges a peek at how well you might handle their courses. Now, if youve received a 780 SAT score, you’re probably wondering, “Is that good enough?”

SAT 52

SAT Testing Ivy League ACT 52

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 11, 2025

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. That means you can skip stressing over standardized test prep and tracking down teachers for letters.

Acceptance 98

Acceptance Waitlist Admissions Transfer 98

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 24, 2024

Is Johns Hopkins Test-Optional? Johns Hopkins University is test-optional for the 2024–2025 application cycle , so you’re not required to submit SAT or ACT scores if you’re applying for fall 2025. If you face challenges accessing tests, use the additional information section of your application to explain your situation.

Early Decision 40

Early Decision Acceptance Letters of Recommendation Policies 40

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 4, 2025

UT Austin Admission Requirements UT Austin GPA Requirements UT Austin SAT Requirements UT Austin ACT Scores How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into UT Austin UT Austin Application Deadlines Frequently Asked Questions Takeaways How Hard Is It to Get into UT Austin? Standardized test scores (optional). Lets break it down.

Admissions 40

Admissions GPA SAT ACT 40

AdmissionSight

APRIL 1, 2025

Spoiler alert: its not all about being a straight-A student (though that definitely helps). Considered These factors dont hold the same weight as the more important ones, but they still play a role in rounding out your application: Standardized test scores. Prepare and submit your SAT/ACT scores. Is Cornell test-optional?

Applications 52

Applications National Honor Society Early Decision Letters of Recommendation 52

AdmissionSight

APRIL 14, 2025

The University of Florida acceptance rate definitely proves its not easy to get a spot. The numbers may not scream Ivy, but the competition is definitely up there. That said, starting with the 20242025 application cycle, UF now requires test scores again. So yes, your SAT or ACT scores will be part of the review.

Acceptance 52

Acceptance Waitlist Ivy League Admissions 52

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 15, 2025

Tips to Improve Your GPA If you still have enough time, you should definitely try to get your GPA up ! Perform well on standardized tests. A good SAT (around 1400-1490) or ACT score (around 24-28) can help compensate for a low GPA. These tests demonstrate your academic aptitude and readiness for college-level work.

GPA 52

GPA Acceptance Applications Ivy League 52

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 12, 2025

At private colleges, especially southern private colleges, we find that legacy is still a big deal, and it definitely is at Vanderbilt. The idea that legacy students are held to the same standard should be a given we see this at most other top colleges but its not because Vanderbilt believes in creating a more equitable process.

Policies 52

Policies Standardized Testing Letters of Recommendation Extracurricular 52

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 7, 2025

The number of applicants has skyrocketed, especially since Notre Dame went test-optional during the pandemic. For the Class of 2028, applications soared past 29,943, partly fueled by students hoping that skipping SAT/ACT scores would improve their chances. This means that submitting ACT or SAT scores wont be mandatory when you apply.

Acceptance 59

Acceptance Waitlist Admissions Ivy League 59

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 7, 2025

for the Class of 2028, so the competition is definitely heating up. Target test scores Rice University doesnt have a strict SAT or ACT requirement, but if youre submitting scores, they need to be impressive. and SAT/ACT scores in the upper ranges (SAT 1560, ACT 36) are ideal, alongside strong essays and recommendations.

Acceptance 52

Acceptance Waitlist Admissions Ivy League 52

AdmissionSight

MARCH 1, 2025

UC Berkeley Admission Requirements UC Berkeley GPA Requirements UC Berkeley SAT and ACT Scores How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into UC Berkeley UC Berkeley Application Deadlines Frequently Asked Questions Takeaways How Hard Is It to Get into UC Berkeley? Standardized test scores. They are test-free.

Admissions 40

Admissions GPA SAT Extracurricular 40

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 18, 2025

Test scores. Youll need to submit at least one score reportPSAT, PACT, SAT, or ACT all work. If you havent taken the SAT or ACT before the deadline, PSAT or PACT scores are fine. Step 3: Make your test scores count. Standardized test scores arent everything, but they can definitely give you an edge.

Programs 52

Programs Mentorship Mentorships PSAT 52

AdmissionSight

MARCH 3, 2025

The schools exclusivity definitely makes things harder for applicants. Target test scores Even though NYU is test-optional, strong SAT or ACT scores can still give your application an extra edge. Standardized tests (optional). SAT/ACT scores are optional for this application cycle.

Acceptance 59

Acceptance Ivy League Waitlist Admissions 59

AdmissionSight

MARCH 12, 2025

Wellesley Admission Requirements Wellesley College GPA Requirements Wellesley SAT Scores Wellesley ACT Scores How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Wellesley Wellesley Application Deadlines Frequently Asked Questions Takeaways How Hard Is It to Get into Wellesley College? Standardized test scores (optional).

Admissions 40

Admissions Early Decision GPA SAT 40

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 16, 2025

Georgetown Admission Requirements Georgetown GPA Requirements Georgetown SAT Scores Georgetown ACT Scores How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Georgetown Georgetown Application Deadlines Frequently Asked Questions Takeaways How Hard Is It to Get into Georgetown? Standardized test scores. Does Georgetown require SAT?

Admissions 52

Admissions GPA SAT ACT 52

AdmissionSight

JUNE 20, 2025

Even with a few ups and downs, the steady number of applicants and tighter acceptance rates show that getting into Pomona is definitely becoming more competitive.</p> <strong>Boost your chances and aim for the 75th percentile scores (<a href="[link] SAT</a>, <a href="[link] ACT</a>).</strong></p>

Acceptance 59

Acceptance Waitlist Admissions Early Decision 59

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 16, 2025

Applications have surged, especially since the university went test-optional during the pandemic. For the Class of 2028, applications exceeded 34,000, with many students hoping skipping SAT/ACT scores might boost their chances. That said, if youre planning to submit test scores, its important to aim high.

Acceptance 63

Acceptance Waitlist Admissions Ivy League 63

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Vanderbilt Admission Requirements Vanderbilt GPA Requirements Vanderbilt SAT Scores Vanderbilt ACT Scores How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into Vanderbilt Vanderbilt Application Deadlines Frequently Asked Questions Takeaways How Hard Is It to Get into Vanderbilt? Standardized test scores (optional). No problem.

Admissions 52

Admissions Early Decision GPA SAT 52

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

Northeastern University Admission Requirements Northeastern GPA Requirements Northeastern SAT Scores Northeastern ACT Scores How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Northeastern Northeastern Application Deadlines Frequently Asked Questions Takeaways How Hard Is It to Get into Northeastern? Standardized test scores (optional).

Admissions 40

Admissions Early Decision GPA SAT 40

AdmissionSight

JUNE 6, 2025

But there’s definitely a quiet, behind-the-scenes competition going on as both schools regularly land spots on top college rankings like U.S. Northwestern requirements Northwestern is test-optional through Fall 2025; however, students who submit scores typically fall within the range of 1500 – 1560 on the SAT or 33–35 on the ACT.

Financial Aid 52

Financial Aid Loans Tuition Grants 52

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 24, 2025

Quick definition time! For the best shot at success, you need to take the SAT or ACT, and you need to aim for the highest score you can get. Yale reinstated standardized testing (along with a few other Ivies) because the data is clear: strong test scores are one of the best predictors of college success.

Early Decision 52

Early Decision Ivy League Early Admission Public School 52

AdmissionSight

MARCH 12, 2025

Standardized testing. BC is test-optional. You dont have to submit SAT or ACT scores, but you can send them in if you think theyll help your application. Here are the target ranges for competitive applicants: 1450-1520 on the SAT, 33-34 on the ACT. Should I submit SAT or ACT scores to Boston College?

Admissions 52

Admissions Financial Aid Early Decision Study Abroad 52

AdmissionSight

APRIL 23, 2025

No school is perfect, and BC definitely has its downsides, but most of them have workarounds or things to consider before you enroll. On standardized tests , 91.99% scored between 1400 and 1600 on the SAT, and 98.9% Cons of Boston College Now lets talk about the flipside of the Boston College pros and cons coin.

Financial Aid 59

Financial Aid Internship Tuition Placement 59

The Koppelman Group

JANUARY 21, 2025

You should feel comfortable leaving this blank, but definitely brainstorm for a bit because its ideal if you can find something that is a good fit. And, finally, the SAT or ACT. Standardized testing is optional, but encouraged (by us) if you have strong scores that underline your academic achievements.

Transfer 52

Transfer Accommodations Enrollment Standardized Testing 52

AdmissionSight

MARCH 16, 2025

In this guide, well walk through everything you need to know, from GPA expectations to test scores, extracurriculars, and application tips. Standardized test scores (optional). Claremont McKenna is test-optional , meaning you dont have to submit SAT or ACT scores. of students scored between 700 and 800 in SAT EBRW.

Admissions 40

Admissions GPA Early Decision SAT 40

The Koppelman Group

MARCH 11, 2025

Harvard requires standardized test scores, like the SAT or ACT, except for in exceptional cases. These tests are not last-minute commitments. First, you should definitely say that you want to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree, rather than a Bachelor of Science degree.

International Students 52

International Students Ivy League Concentration Extracurricular 52

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 29, 2025

Northwestern Admission Requirements Northwestern GPA Requirements Northwestern SAT Scores Northwestern ACT Scores How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Northwestern Northwestern Application Deadlines Frequently Asked Questions Takeaways How Hard Is It to Get into Northwestern? Standardized test scores (optional).

Admissions 52

Admissions Early Decision GPA SAT 52

Admissions Mom

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

Definitely put that down. Reading will improve your standardized test scores and help you in every class believe it or not. Those are all good activities, of course, but they arent a requirement. If you help out at your parents business or care for a grandparent, include that! Are you a professional speedcuber?

Extracurricular 52

Extracurricular Test Prep Applications High School 52