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
You know the drill—college admissions aren’t just about the grades and the test scores anymore. In fact, according to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), 44% of colleges consider extracurricular activities as a significant factor in their admissions decisions.
When it comes to your college applications, one big question is: how many extracurriculars should I have to stand out without overloading my plate? Think of extracurriculars like toppings on a pizza. Let’s break down how many extracurriculars you should really have, what counts, and how to make yours stand out. Don’t sweat it.
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 standardized test scores will once again be required.
No extracurricular activity is “bad,” but some definitely catch the eye of college admissions teams more than others. Selective colleges take a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they look at the whole picture instead of just focusing on your grades and test scores. Here are other Tier 1 extracurriculars examples: 1.
Research Undergraduate Business Programs Researching strong undergraduate business programs and their admissions requirements can help you set academic and extracurricular goals for high school. Graduate School Testing Conquer the GRE, GMAT, and LSAT with our expert tutors and be prepared to excel.
Part of this gap comes from the changing role of standardized tests, 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.
This foundational week prepares you for the heart of RSI: a five-week research internship. Competitive test scores include: PSAT Math : 740+ PSAT Reading and Writing : 700+ ACT Math : 33+ ACT Verbal : 34+ While theres no minimum grade requirement for RSI, we recommend near-perfect grades in STEM subjects to strengthen your application.
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.
10 th grade is an exciting time as you have hopefully found a nice rhythm between your academics, extracurriculars, and social life. Continue to refine your extracurriculars (ECs) and explore leadership roles Pursue those extracurricular interests that engage you and that give you a sense of accomplishment.
Do you have to be a star athlete, or a straight-A student, or maybe the president of every extracurricular club? These scholarships typically require excellent grades, high test scores, and sometimes additional criteria like leadership, community service, or extracurricular involvement. How do you write a scholarship essay?
Unlike universities, community colleges often have looser admission requirements, making it easier for students who might not meet strict GPA or testing criteria to still pursue their educational goals. Instead, you’ll take a simple assessment test after admission to determine which courses are the best fit for your skill level.
It’s often the first thing employers, internship coordinators, and graduate programs look at when evaluating you as a candidate. Take Advantage of Extracurricular Opportunities One of the exciting things about college is the sheer number of clubs and extracurricular opportunities available.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING Just like theres a right and a wrong time to study for a big test (hint: NOT the night before!), Transferring to a different college might be the right decision, but we want to make sure you approach it with your eyes wide open. theres an optimum time to transfer.
College life extends far beyond lectures, tests, and study groups. According to a National Association of Colleges and Employers survey, 81% of employers look for leadership skills and extracurricular involvement on student resumes. In addition to workshops and career fairs, many colleges offer internship placement programs.
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.
Keep Your Extracurriculars on Track In the same vein as above, you also need to develop a strong resume for when you ultimately apply. Get an internship. If youve done a lot of extracurricular work in this space, this is also a place to mention how youve built upon this work over time. You need to show them a clear narrative.
Policies like test-optional admissions during the pandemic made it easier for more students to apply, but the competition is fierce with so few spots available. The rise in international interest and the university’s tough academic requirements, including subject-specific tests and interviews, keep it selective. Extracurriculars.
Focused on your character Your grades and test scores are already on your application. You did research or an internship. If you’ve had the chance to work in a lab or complete an internship, a letter from your supervisor could show how you approach real-world challenges. If it feels random or unnecessary.
In year 4 , students can develop a more personalized course of study, but it must include a selection in rural medicine, critical care, health of the public, and a sub-internship. For regular decision, the last test date for acceptance falls mid-September.
What helped me was having an internship at a clinic—it carried my application.” Admissions committees value applicants who balance academics with extracurriculars, internships, or volunteer work that reflects their passions. It’s not all about grades. It’s about looking well-rounded as a person.
These connections often open doors to internships and even your first job after graduation. Whether its securing mentorship, internships , or a dream position at a top company, staying connected with Ivy League graduates can have a lasting impact. GPA and test scores), extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters.
Admissions offices at competitive colleges value extracurriculars for their ability to reveal who a student is beyond grades and test scores. Summer jobs offer an entire pool of new friends to make and a great way to practice those impending socialization skills that will be put to the test when starting college.
weighted) high school GPA and a minimum test score of 880 SAT or 17 ACT is eligible for consideration. aka the land of internships and opportunity. And for those who break into a cold sweat at the mention of standardized tests, good news: GMU is test-optional , so your SAT or ACT scores arent a dealbreaker.
Teenagers with dyslexia face unique challenges during the college application process on top of the usual stress of essays, deadlines, and standardized tests, 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 also highly regarded for its innovative approach to education, including experiential learning opportunities like co-ops and internships. Given to first-year applicants who have shown excellent leadership in academics and extracurriculars. Case Western Reserve University Leadership Scholarships. Edwards Scholarship.
You cant build an app like with coding, and it can be hard to stand out beyond having strong grades and matching test scores. We work with our students to construct exceptional personal extracurricular and activity strategies, and having that kind of hands-on help is often critical. This doesnt mean that its impossible, though.
The right business school can unlock important professional opportunities, extensive alumni networks, and real-world experiences through internships and case studies. Look for schools with solid corporate connections, internship programs, and high job placement rates.
Popular Johns Hopkins Majors Is Johns Hopkins Test-Optional? The program offers a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, with excellent internship opportunities in Washington, D.C. Students can focus on specific regions of the world and gain valuable experience through internships or study abroad programs.
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 standardized tests. Take the standardized tests.
Test-optional policies. The pandemic-era test-optional policies opened the door to more applicants, but with Caltech reinstating its testing requirements , the competition remains fierce. Target test scores Caltech is back to requiring standardized tests for first-year applicants, and high scores can set you apart.
MIT’s academic programs focus on hands-on learning, with labs, projects, and internships embedded into the curriculum. Alongside the hacks, there are plenty of social events like the annual MIT Mystery Hunt, a campus-wide scavenger hunt where teams solve puzzles that test both brainpower and collaboration skills.
Plus, with a test-optional admissions policy , theyre more focused on your overall potential than just your numbers. The university encourages students to engage in internships, community service, and study abroad programs. In fact, The Princeton Review places the school at the #6 spot for Best Schools for Internships.
With so many components to college applications—grades, extracurriculars, test scores, and essays—it’s easy to lose sight of what makes you a unique applicant. This can include leadership roles in school clubs, volunteer work, internships, work, or community projects.
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?
colleges today typically requires transcripts, test scores , lists of extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation , and multiple essays about both academic and non-academic topics, while factors that can enhance an application include campus visits , interviews , athletic talent, legacy status, or a history of giving to the institution.
No matter if it’s science fairs, debate tournaments, or coding hackathons, these challenges give you more depth than any grade or test score. With 44% of admission officers considering extracurriculars like competitions “moderately to considerably important,” the right ones can tip admissions in your favor, especially at top schools.
When school starts, youre going to be thrown back into the world of extracurriculars and homework, but during the summer, you have a little time on your hands that you can use to set yourself up for success and achieve your goals. Marks Education offers baseline testing every Saturday this summer; contact us now to reserve your spot.
Very important They place the most importance on things like your talent/ability, character/personal qualities, standardized test scores, recommendations, and your application essay. Important Next up, extracurricular activities fall under the important category. To get there, take practice tests and focus on improving your weak areas.
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. Did financial constraints prevent you from taking an unpaid internship?
Grades and test scores are more important. Unique Perk : Toronto’s global city vibe offers internship opportunities in finance, tech, and media. Application Tip : No supplemental essays —focus on grades and extracurriculars. Application Differences : No Common App —apply directly through the OUAC portal.
Theres a unique selection process that looks beyond grades and test scores. Scholars get access to exclusive internships, career development workshops, and networking opportunities with top employers. For more on summer internships for high school students, head here.) What does it take to become a Posse Scholar?
This is done through more curriculum, extracurricular development, and creating summers where students can get more in-depth. Build Extracurriculars Identifying an academic passion is just the beginning what sets students apart is how they act on it. Theres no one formula for extracurricular development.
Success isnt just about grades or test scores; your personal story and determination play a huge role, too. Standardized test scores (optional). Dont forget your extracurriculars. What about standardized tests? Columbia is currently test-optional , so you dont have to submit SAT or ACT scores. But dont freak out.
Test-optional policies are still in flux. Some colleges are bringing back standardized tests, others are doubling down on holistic review. The college admissions landscape is shifting so fast it can make your head spin. AI-written essays are being debated in admission offices. Legacy admissions are being challenged.
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