Peterson's Blog

AUGUST 5, 2025

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.

ACT

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 3, 2024

Oxford also values extracurriculars and community involvement, so highlight any activities where you’ve made an impact. Don’t forget to take an English proficiency test like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE if needed. Standardized test scores. Standardized test scores. Extracurriculars. Letters of recommendation.

Financial Aid

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

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. The CSS PROFILE is an additional financial aid form used by certain colleges to gather more detailed information about your family’s finances.

Applications

HelloCollege

DECEMBER 31, 2024

Tutors often work around a students schedule, providing learning opportunities at times that suit the individual, which is especially beneficial for students with extracurricular commitments. Exam Preparation: Offering focused sessions to prepare for standardized tests, midterms, or final exams, ensuring students are well-equipped to succeed.

Academic Tutors

Berkeley² Academy

MARCH 8, 2025

As colleges and application portals begin releasing data, we can use this information to better prepare future applicants. Changes to standardized testing requirements Some colleges that have maintained test-optional policies include Princeton, the University of Maryland, and Texas A&M.

Admissions

Marks Education

APRIL 23, 2025

AP Exams are standardized tests administered by the College Board that measure your mastery of the college-level coursework youve been learning in your AP course. This means that colleges can evaluate your abilities on a standardized scale. What are AP exams, and why are AP courses valuable? How do colleges read AP scores?

Admissions

Top Tier Admissions

MARCH 18, 2025

With GPAs telling colleges less information about a students ability than they used to, colleges have begun to focus on other measures of achievement to supplement the GPA. In recent years, many of the most selective colleges have returned to relying on standardized testing. Colleges now expect high classroom performance.

Admissions

Great College Advice

JUNE 2, 2025

You can demonstrate your interest by signing up to receive information directly on the admissions website. These other documents may include your high school transcript, standardized test scores (if required or you choose to submit), optional essays, your mid-year report, and other items.

Applications

AdmissionSight

AUGUST 13, 2025

.</strong> According to <a href="[link] 2023 report</a> by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), about 50% of colleges rate extracurricular activities as “moderately to considerably important,” and 96% of college admissions officers say these activities help students stand out when they apply.</p>

Admissions

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 20, 2025

Extracurriculars. Standardized test scores (optional). This includes information about your academic achievements, disciplinary record, and contribution to the college community. They accept both, but standardized test scores are optional. Focus on leadership roles and how youve pursued your passions.

Admissions

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 29, 2024

Target test scores Caltech is back to requiring standardized tests 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. They want to see quality over quantity.

Acceptance

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 14, 2025

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.

Admissions

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 24, 2024

You can self-report test scores through the Common Application or Coalition on Scoir, and if admitted, you’ll need to send official reports. Keep in mind that this test-optional policy is temporary—standardized testing will be required again starting with the 2025–2026 cycle. How Hard Is It to Get into Johns Hopkins?

Early Decision

HelloCollege

OCTOBER 31, 2024

From academic performance to extracurricular involvement, each factors plays a vital role in shaping the perception of who you are as a prospective student. As you navigate this challenging process, being well-informed about these factors can help you craft a standout application that reflects your unique strengths and aspirations.

Admissions

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 17, 2024

Plus, your enjoyment of literature will only grow as you enhance your skills as a writer and editor. It’s also important to work on crafting a compelling personal statement and gathering strong recommendation letters from teachers who can speak to your writing abilities and academic potential.

Ivy League

The Koppelman Group

JANUARY 2, 2025

But, youre here because youre interested in transferring to Tulane, so lets give you all the information you need. This prompt also allows for you to get into the extracurriculars and community of Tulane. Last cycle, Tulane had a 15% first-year acceptance rate. Tulane is very transfer-friendly.

Transfer

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 15, 2025

Holistic admissions policies are very common nowadays, with colleges considering different factors, such as essays, extracurriculars, and test scores. Use techniques like active recall, spaced repetition, and summarization to retain information more effectively. Participate in extracurricular activities.

GPA

HelloCollege

JANUARY 7, 2025

Once you have your list of schools, create a detailed timeline that includes deadlines for applications, scholarships, and standardized tests. Attend informational sessions and connect with current students or alumni to gain deeper insights into the program. Its a space to share a compelling story that reflects who you are.

Mentorship

AdmissionSight

AUGUST 8, 2025

. <strong>You might have questions about test score requirements, missing documents, application deadlines, or whether a certain program needs a portfolio or <a href="[link] essay</a> </strong></p> <p>You can also email to learn more about academic offerings. </p> <h3>2.

Admissions

HelloCollege

JUNE 5, 2025

Mia, a driven student with dreams of becoming a lawyer, came to HelloCollege with strong grades but without the competitive test scores or extracurricular profile needed for top-tier schools. That’s why shows like The College Tour exist—to democratize access to college information and help students see where they belong.”

Admissions

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 14, 2025

Under FERPA, parents and students aged 18 or older have the right to review education records and request changes if the information is inaccurate or misleading. In 1974, FERPA was passed to protect student records and give families more control over their information. Give them the information they need.

Letters of Recommendation

Marks Education

JULY 16, 2025

While many students have the resources and know-how to focus on their GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars, there are other beneficial resources that students often underutilize: their high school guidance counselors. The process of applying to college is complicated, and students can use all the help that they can get!

Applications

HelloCollege

NOVEMBER 5, 2024

It’s no longer just about grades and test scores—universities now look at a holistic picture of each student. Stay Informed About Financial Aid Help your child understand the financial side of applying to college. Competition is fierce, especially for top-tier schools, and this can lead to a lot of stress and confusion.

Admissions

Marks Education

APRIL 16, 2025

A typical international college counseling session begins with a conversation about your academic history, extracurricular activities, interests, and any specific questions you may have about the application process. This includes explaining standardized tests (SAT, ACT) , essays , recommendation letters , the Common Application.

International Students

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 26, 2025

To maximize your chances, focus on showcasing your achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal experiences that make you a great fit for the university. Standardized test scores (optional). NYU is test-optional , meaning you can decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. of students had a perfect 4.0

Admissions

The Koppelman Group

MARCH 17, 2025

By working with students early, we help them make informed decisions that strengthen their profile and set them apart. 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.

High School

The Koppelman Group

DECEMBER 21, 2024

And finally, extracurriculars. Additional Information (optional): Please use this space if you have additional information, materials, or writing samples you would like us to consider. Its smart to submit scores.) Optional rec letters, youre allowed one professional, one personal, and one academic.

Transfer

Great College Advice

JANUARY 28, 2025

Extracurricular Exploration : Try various activities to discover genuine interests. 10th Grade: Gaining Momentum Sophomore year is about refining academic and extracurricular focus while beginning standardized test preparation. Standardized Testing : Take the PSAT for practice.

High School

HelloCollege

MAY 27, 2025

By the end of this article, youll have a wealth of information to draw from when filling out your own personal application. So, while you might have great standardized testing scores and grades in your back pocket, just know thatout of sheer necessitythe criteria for selective colleges extends far beyond mere numbers.

SAT

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 20, 2024

Lets break down whether its easy to transfer colleges and help you make an informed decision. The process can be tricky, but by understanding the credit transfer policies at your prospective schools, you can make informed decisions. Are there extracurricular activities or research opportunities that excite me?

Transfer

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 5, 2025

Dean Coffin has also been quoted as saying that the Alumni Affairs and Development Office occasionally provide the admissions team with information about either the giving potential of the family or the familys long standing legacy relationship or contributions to the alumni body. This can turn a maybe into a yes.

Policies

AdmissionSight

MARCH 19, 2025

When you dont need to retake the SAT Not every school requires SAT scores, and many are moving away from standardized testing altogether. If youre applying to test-optional or test-blind schools , your score wont necessarily hold you back. Test-blind schools dont consider SAT scores at alleven if you submit them.

SAT

Expert Admissions

JULY 9, 2025

If you’re the parent of a high school student who’s planning to apply to college, you know that there are a lot of things to consider: academics, standardized tests, and extracurricular activities all vie for your attention. Extracurriculars can feel especially daunting.

Extracurricular

AdmissionSight

JULY 23, 2025

<p>There are many extracurricular activities and programs you can join for the summer. </p> <p>Outside of academics, the program also gives you time to collaborate with classmates and experience college extracurriculars, even those that are unique to Notre Dame.</p>

Financial Aid

AdmissionSight

MARCH 6, 2025

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. Standardized test scores (optional).

Admissions

College Essay Guy

JANUARY 23, 2025

For example, if you maintain a high GPA, score well on standardized tests, or demonstrate exceptional talent in music or sports, you might qualify for a merit scholarship. In other words, they determine your aid based on your familys financial situation, not your academic or extracurricular achievements.

Scholarships

Admissions.Blog

JUNE 20, 2025

The process of applying to colleges often resembles piecing together an intricate puzzle: standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, personal statements, comparison among institutions, and GPAs all play a role. Did you balance tough classes with meaningful extracurriculars? Did your GPA trend upward?

Admissions