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This is especially true when it comes to letters of recommendation. Its easy to get freaked out about which teachers to ask, if theyll agree to write your letters, and how to guarantee that they wont secretly write you a bad letter that will torpedo your chances of getting into college. TYPES of Letters of Recommendation?
Out of all the moving pieces of your Harvard application, letters of recommendation can feel a bit out of your control. Let’s break down everything you need to know about Harvard letters of recommendation: how many you need, what Harvard wants to see in them, and how to guarantee yours makes a strong and lasting impression.
Admissions officers mark each individual factor (grades, test scores, essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, etc.) They will pay much less attention to your grades in your “extracurricular pursuits done while in school,” including music, theater, business, art, debate, and athletics.
The answer includes strong academics, compelling extracurriculars, and an authentic story that showcases your unique strengths. Harvard takes a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they dont just focus on grades and test scores. What does Harvard look for in an applicant? Instead, they look at everything that makes you unique.
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.
Prepare for Standardized Tests 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.
Earn strong standardized test 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 high standardized test scores ( SAT or ACT ).
Their application is designed to gather extensive information about your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal insights (through essays), and circumstances. Unlike most private universities, the UC system does not require or accept letters of recommendation at the initial application stage.
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. Consider your test scores.
One of the big questions that might be swirling around in your head is: Is Duke test-optional? Dukes Test-Optional Policy Duke SAT Scores Duke ACT Scores Duke University Admission Requirements Frequently Asked Questions Takeaways Dukes Test-Optional Policy For the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, Duke University is test-optional.
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.
million test-takers for the same cohort (ACT). Converting these scores allows colleges to compare students fairly, regardless of which test they take. accept both ACT and SAT scores, and some students even take both tests to maximize their options. Decide whether you should retake a test or switch to the other one.
This could be because they didn’t turn in enough work, performed poorly on tests, or just didn’t show enough effort to grasp the material. You might’ve seen it pop up on a test or assignment and thought, “Is this good? F (Below 60%) = Failing An F grade means the student has failed to meet the minimum requirements for the course.
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?
Letters of recommendation. For Yale, youll want to have at least three letters of recommendation. Ideally, if your school has a Premedical Committee, youll submit their letter. If not, you can submit individual letters from professors or mentors who know you well and can speak to your abilities and experiences.
Even with high GPA and test scores, your chances may be slim if you dont excel in other areas they value. Letters of recommendation. Youll need two letters from teachers and one from your counselor, who will also send a school report. These letters should highlight your academic potential and personal qualities.
The deadlines, the essays, the test scores, the recommendations. Before you start stressing over essays or test scores, lets get the basics straight. A high school diploma or equivalent Youll need to have a high school diploma or a GED (General Educational Development Test) before you can apply. But at the core of it all?
They take a holistic approach, which means your essays, extracurriculars, and personality matter just as much as your GPA. For students, this means that just having great grades and test scores isn’t always enough. Keep your grades up while being involved in meaningful extracurriculars. What Are Vanderbilt’s GPA Requirements?
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.
For my March Facebook Live Q&A, I answered questions from high school students and parents from across the country on topics like test scores, waitlists, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and much more!
In this blog, well talk about what a 910 SAT score really means, whether or not you should retake the test, and how you can move forward to reach your college goals. Scoring 910 on the SAT places you around the 33rd percentile , meaning you performed better than about a third of test-takers nationwide. How Good Is a 910 SAT Score?
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. Letters of recommendation. Standardized test scores.
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. A great way to begin is by taking a full-length practice test for both. Starting early gives you time to study and feel confident when test day rolls around!
Alongside the ACT , this test aims to give colleges a peek at how well you might handle their courses. Even though youve outscored 12% of test takers, it likely wont be enough to open doors to numerous schools. While this score is on the lower end, there are still schools that consider a range of applicants beyond just test scores.
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.
Holistic admissions policies are very common nowadays, with colleges considering different factors, such as essays, extracurriculars, and test scores. The school has the Noonan Tutoring Center, where you can get tips on studying, time management, and test-taking. Participate in extracurricular activities.
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. Using Letters of Recommendation Effectively Letters of recommendation are another opportunity to highlight your strengths for college applications.
Well, there are a few reasons for this trend: Princeton went test-optional during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whichever route you choose, you’ll need to submit your academic records, essays, recommendationletters, and your extracurriculars. To get there, take plenty of practice tests and zero in on your weak spots.
This occurred even though ACT subject tests remained relatively stagnant. 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. students had risen in every subject, and most notably, in math.
Even though some New Ivies are test-optional, a solid SAT score (1550+) or ACT score (35+) can really make you stand out. These schools are competitive, so if you take the test, aim high and take it twice to get your best score. Show leadership and passion through extracurricular activities. Get great letters of recommendation.
According to their admissions policy , Duke will consider the highest scores on each section, regardless of the test date, and will create a new composite score by averaging those scores. Instead of stressing over one test, you can focus on improving individual sections over multiple attempts. The good news is, yes, they do!
Plus, well share tips to secure strong letters of recommendation so you dont have to worry about this part of your application. Tips to Secure Good Letters of Recommendation Frequently Asked Questions Takeaways What Does FERPA Stand For? I DO NOT waive my right to review all recommendations and supporting documents.
Popular Johns Hopkins Majors Is Johns Hopkins Test-Optional? 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. What Is the Johns Hopkins Early Decision Acceptance Rate?
If youre applying, expect to bring your A-game in terms of GPA, test scores , and extracurriculars. So your essays and extracurriculars need to reflect that. A well-rounded academic background, strong essays, and unique extracurriculars will go a long way in increasing your chances. News & World Report.
With an acceptance rate of around 28%, the competition is stiff, and UT Austin isnt just looking for students who can ace their AP Calculus tests. Extracurricular activities. Standardized test scores (optional). UT Austin remains test-optional for Spring 2025 applicants. Letters of recommendation (optional).
In no more than 250 words, applicants must write about an idea or issue from their academic, extracurricular, or professional work that is of particular interest to them. Graduate School Testing Conquer the GRE, GMAT, and LSAT with our expert tutors and be prepared to excel. September: Finalize all essays.
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.
Many of us are familiar with the standard elements of a college applicationsuch as your academic background, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. While each university has its own assessment process, there are core criteria that every reader focuses on.
Teacher recommendations can make or break your application. The best recommendations will not only talk about your strengths but also provide concrete examples that demonstrate why youre a great fit for Cornell. Extracurricular activities. Stand out with extracurriculars. Write essays that leave an impact.
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. Put Together a Resume Most schools do not want you to submit a formal resume because they can see your extracurriculars and achievements in your Common App.
In this blog, well talk about what a 960 SAT score really means, whether or not you should retake the test, and how you can move forward to reach your college goals. Scoring 960 on the SAT places you around the 41st percentile , meaning you performed better than about a third of test-takers nationwide. How Good Is a 960 SAT Score?
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.
Even though they have an amazing quantitive profile including a solid gpa, strength of course planning, and test scores, along with an impressive list of extracurricular activities, leadership, and many honors and awards, being successful with college admissions also relies in many ways on ones individual personal qualities and character.
From academic performance to extracurricular involvement, each factors plays a vital role in shaping the perception of who you are as a prospective student. Standardized Test Scores While some colleges have adopted test-optional policies, standardized test scores, like the SAT and ACT , can still be a significant part of your application.
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