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
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?
Admissions officers mark each individual factor (grades, test scores, essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, etc.) Certainly, it’s nice to be a great center fielder, to have led your Model UN team to a regional title, or to be the lead in your highschool musical.
Highschool is the perfect time to start thinking about your future. For most students, taking highschool seriously is driven by the goal of getting into Ivy League schools or other top universities in the country. Freshman year When you start your freshman year, youre stepping into highschool with a clean slate.
The answer includes strong academics, compelling extracurriculars, and an authentic story that showcases your unique strengths. Letters of recommendation Harvard requires three letters: two from teachers and one from your school counselor. What does Harvard look for in an applicant?
This means it’s an important time for members of the highschool 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 standardizedtest requirements for first-year admission. Why Grueling: MIT’s 4.1%
Teenagers with dyslexia face unique challenges during the college application process on top of the usual stress of essays, deadlines, and standardizedtests, theyre also navigating reading and writing difficulties that can make the process feel overwhelming. Its the result of strategic, well-planned decisions made over time.
It is becoming even more important for students to show a commitment to their academic interests as part of their extracurricular activities. Now is the time for students to consider both their extracurricular activities and their summer plans to use their time to pursue their interests. Read the release here. Read the article here.
Highschool juniors are at a pivotal stage in the college application process. 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. Focus on quality over quantity.
Earn strong standardizedtest scores ( minimum SAT scores of 500 verbal and 500 math, or ACT scores of 21 English, 19 Social Studies, 24 Mathematics, and 24 Science). Demonstrate leadership through work experience or extracurricular activities. You should also aim for highstandardizedtest scores ( SAT or ACT ).
You’re not alone— around 40 to 60% of highschool students experience test anxiety, a type of stress that makes it tough to focus and perform well during exams. As a highschool student, you’re probably no stranger to big tests like AP exams, the PSAT, or the SAT and ACT.
boost your scores AP SCORES AS EVIDENCE OF RIGOR Most students take AP exams as the culmination of a year-long highschool course. Many UK universities accept a combination of SAT, ACT and AP exam scores in order to fulfill admissions testing requirements. WHICH EXAM(S) SHOULD I TAKE?
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.
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. Understanding Cornells shifting test policies is crucial for applicants.
Participating in dual enrollment in highschool can be a great way to make the most of your college experience. What Is Dual Enrollment in HighSchool? Dual enrollment, also know as concurrent enrollment, allows students to earn college credit while still in highschool.
Highschool counselors, no matter how dedicated, or how prestigious the school, often juggle large caseloads and dont have the time to offer individualized, long-term planning. This is done through more curriculum, extracurricular development, and creating summers where students can get more in-depth.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of key milestones and focus areas for each year of highschool, including senior year. 9th Grade: Building the Foundation Freshman year focuses on making a successful transition to highschool while laying groundwork for college preparation.
Even at top private schools, college counselors often manage large caseloads and cant provide individualized, long-term support. Their real involvement usually starts in senior year, focusing on essays and logistics rather than shaping a students academic and extracurricular profile early on. It takes smart planning.
Harvard looks at other factors like your course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. To give you an idea, though, nearly 75% of admitted students graduated highschool with a 4.0 Admissions officers also consider how your GPA fits within the context of your school. On one hand, theres no cutoff.
At the same time, the admissions office has worked hard to keep standards sky-high. To have a real shot, your application needs to stand out in every waygrades, essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars. While schools like Harvard (3.6%), Yale (3.7%), and Columbia (3.85%) have slightly lower acceptance rates, UChicagos 4.5%
RSI is one of the most sought-after summer programs for highschool students. Every summer, 100 of the brightest highschool students worldwide come together at MIT for an unforgettable experience. Standout extracurricular achievements What you do outside the classroom matters just as much as your grades.
10 th grade is an exciting time as you have hopefully found a nice rhythm between your academics, extracurriculars, and social life. Plan to take as many rigorous classes as possible, including AP and honors courses, while striving to maintain that balance of a high GPA. Its not what you do: its how well you do it.
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. Have you overcome significant challenges during highschool? Essay Guidance Get our expert guidance on your college essays.
Keep Your Extracurriculars on Track In the same vein as above, you also need to develop a strong resume for when you ultimately apply. Now, unlike highschool, the transfer Common App activities section (which they annoyingly call Experiences) is more about quality than quantity. You need to show them a clear narrative.
Highschool counselors even at elite private schools often manage large caseloads, meaning their real involvement doesnt start until senior year, when the focus is primarily on reviewing your essays and the logistics of sending transcripts and rec letters. Why Hire an Independent Counselor? Theyre not doing it alone.
Take Advantage of Extracurricular Opportunities One of the exciting things about college is the sheer number of clubs and extracurricular opportunities available. As you settle into a new study rhythm, breaking your day into class, study, and extracurricular blocks can make it easier to stay organized and keep up with your work.
A highschool diploma or equivalent Youll need to have a highschool diploma or a GED (General Educational Development Test) before you can apply. But some schools might have specific highschool course requirements. These can vary from school to school, so always double-check.
That’s why we suggest starting with a simple to-do list during your junior year of highschool. What summer programs or extracurriculars should I take? The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, is a standardizedtest that gives you a sneak peek at what the SAT will be like. How do I get the money for my college education?
Standardizedtest scores, like the SAT and ACT, determine academic readiness and skills for entering university. Scores grant entry to schools with specific requirements, award scholarships, and determine areas of strengths and weaknesses within a students academic career. What Are the ACT and SAT?
They’re still focused on finding those well-rounded applicants—not just the ones with perfect grades and test scores, but those with standout extracurriculars, leadership, and unique stories. Your grades really need to show you’ve been a top performer throughout highschool. Aiming for that 4.2
weighted) highschool GPA and a minimum test score of 880 SAT or 17 ACT is eligible for consideration. scale, which makes it a school that values both academic rigor and potential. UVA is test-optional, and only 42% of applicants submitted test scores, so if standardizedtests arent your strength, dont sweat it.
Grades are often the first big hurdle in the admissions process, and even the best extracurriculars or essays wont overshadow mediocre academic performance. Keep Your Extracurriculars on Track Building a strong resume is just as important as excelling academically when preparing to apply as a transfer student.
THE RISE OF THE HIGHSCHOOL GPA Colleges can easily notice school-specific grade inflation by looking at the schools yearly college profile. Many schools provide the colleges with a breakdown of GPAs or a grade distribution chart, like the ones below. Colleges now expect high classroom performance.
No matter how dedicated highschool counselors are, they often manage large caseloads and typically dont get deeply involved until second semester junior year. With private guidance, students can start shaping their academic and extracurricular profile as early as sophomore year, setting the stage for a stronger application.
The admissions committee’s job goes beyond just evaluating GPAs and test scores. They want to understand you beyond your academic record, examining everything from your extracurricular activities to your personal essay to assess how you could contribute to the university’s community.
Today, well identify some of the most relevant trends for rising seniors and other highschool students. UT Austin continues to smash admissions records It was a huge year for UT Austin and other Texas schools. In the 2024-25 application cycle, 1.3 million students submitted more than 8.2
Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams are not only a vital part of many students’ highschool curriculum but theyre also a great way for them to engage with advanced subjects of interest before college. This means that colleges can evaluate your abilities on a standardized scale. How do colleges read AP scores?
Congratulations on a successful end to your junior year of highschool! Before you know it, youll be starting your highschool senior year. As you begin ranking these schools, visit their admissions sites to find their application deadline calendars as well as what is required beyond the formal college application.
If you’re a highschool student dreaming of one day being among the top literary minds of your generation, you’re probably already thinking about which undergraduate English programs you’ll eventually want to apply to. Let’s break down some of the key things to focus on.
Target test scores Caltech is back to requiring standardizedtests for first-year applicants, and high scores can set you apart. Your extracurriculars should reflect genuine interest in STEMthink robotics competitions, research projects, or volunteering at science outreach events. Already have a bachelors?
While UC Davis isnt the most competitive UC school UCLA (9%) and UC Berkeley (11%) hold that distinctionit still requires strong academic performance and a well-rounded application. To boost your chances, focus on maintaining a strong GPA , engaging in extracurriculars, and showcasing what makes you unique.
Your academic history should reflect strong, consistent performance throughout highschool. Youll need two letters from teachers and one from your counselor, who will also send a school report. Extracurriculars. Standardizedtest scores (optional). They accept both, but standardizedtest scores are optional.
Heres what youll need to know about the application process : Highschool transcript. The University of Michigan wants to see how youve done in highschool. School report. Your highschool will submit this. Standardizedtest scores (optional). The University of Michigan is test-optional.
Test score ranges (SAT scores of 790-800 in Math and 730-780 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing). Insights into how factors like GPA , essays, and extracurriculars are weighted. With no legacy, MITs admissions process takes a holistic approach and evaluates applicants beyond just their test scores and academic achievements.
Requirements First, lets lay out the things NYU requires of their transfer applicants: You need to have graduated highschool and enrolled in college courses. Next, were talking about extracurriculars. Lets get into what you need to do to be a compelling transfer applicant to NYU. Easy enough.
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