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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?
This means it’s an important time for members of the high school 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%
The answer includes strong academics, compelling extracurriculars, and an authentic story that showcases your unique strengths. Standardizedtest scores Harvard has reinstated its requirement for standardizedtest scores beginning with the class of 2029, meaning applicants must now submit SAT or ACT results as part of their application.
Depending on which country, college and program you are applying to, you may be required to have certain courses to be eligible or competitive. 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.
There are five US service academies offering undergraduate bachelor’s degree programs: US Military Academy (aka West Point) US Naval Academy US Air Force Academy US Coast Guard Academy US Merchant Marine Academy Each prepares its cadets for a specific branch of the military. Cadets are expected to excel in all three areas. Navy and U.S.
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.
The College Board, the organization that owns the AP program, made headlines this past spring for several technology glitches it faced in transitioning AP exams from paper to a digital format. Many UK universities accept a combination of SAT, ACT and AP exam scores in order to fulfill admissions testing requirements.
Part of this gap comes from the changing role of standardizedtests, 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.
The unique Core Curriculum, its strong financial aid programs like the No Barriers initiative , and a global reputation for academic rigor are magnets for high-achieving students. At the same time, the admissions office has worked hard to keep standards sky-high. Whats driving these numbers? Yale University 3.7% Brown University 5.2%
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. They do, however, allow students to report AP and IB exams, and non-native English speakers are required to submit an English language proficiency test.
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.
RSI is one of the most sought-after summer programs for high school students. During the six-week program, youll: Read cutting-edge scientific literature in your chosen field. The program starts with an intensive week of STEM classes led by accomplished professors. Professional development. Recognition for excellence.
Out of those applicants, only around 1,512 students were admitted, which means the standards are seriously high.The sheer volume of applications contributes to how hard it is to get into Vanderbilt. They take a holistic approach, which means your essays, extracurriculars, and personality matter just as much as your GPA.
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.
At the same time, over 23,000 students take advantage of its 11 academic divisions and popular graduate programs in law, business, and policy. Known for its excellence across a wide range of fields—from engineering to arts and humanities—it offers programs through 13 degree-granting schools. But Oxford is more than just academics.
Its an extremely highly ranked public university with top-notch programs in everything from business to STEM to the humanities. UT is still competitive, so getting and maintaining perfect grades should be the bare minimum, especially if youre applying to uber-competitive programs like McCombs. You need to show them a clear narrative.
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.
The Trojan Opportunity Program offers free tuition and fees for low-income Virginia students. Plus, federal work-study programs let you earn while you learn (and maybe avoid those instant ramen-only weeks). Radfords Highlander Distinction Program, swooping in to save the day with financial aid thats based on both need and merit.
Standardizedtest scores (SAT/ACT) Standardizedtests like the SAT and ACT have been a big part of college applications for decades. However, many schools have shifted to being test-optionalmeaning you dont have to submit your scores. Extracurricular activities Colleges love well-rounded applicants.
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. If you’re wondering why RD is tougher, it’s because Harvard’s Restrictive Early Action (REA) program snaps up a big chunk of its incoming class.
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. Some schools even offer “fly-in” programs that help cover travel costs for students who qualify based on financial need—definitely worth asking about!
Clark Scholars Program might just be your thing. Clark Scholars Program. Clark Scholars Program? Clark Scholars Program Acceptance Rate Anson L. Clark Scholars Program Key Dates for 2025 Anson L. Clark Scholars Program Requirements How to Get into the Anson L. Clark Scholars Program Why Join the Anson L.
Located in Poughkeepsie, NY, Vassar College is a small, liberal arts college known for their programs in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Grades are often the first big hurdle in the admissions process, and even the best extracurriculars or essays wont overshadow mediocre academic performance.
Changes to standardizedtesting requirements Some colleges that have maintained test-optional policies include Princeton, the University of Maryland, and Texas A&M. However, many of the most competitive schoolsincluding Caltech, Stanford, and Cornellhave reinstated testing requirements.
AP Exams are standardizedtests 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?
Princeton’s ramped-up financial aid program. Princeton Early Action Acceptance Rate Princeton’s Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA) program gives you the chance to apply early and hear back before the Regular Decision crowd. But don’t confuse this with the typical Early Action programs other schools offer. Another factor?
Such changes underscore the effectiveness of outreach programs targeting underserved populations. Institutions must ensure robust support systems for these students, from pre-college programming to on-campus resources. institutions, driven by perceptions of test scores as a differentiator in competitive pools. .:
College Application Process in the USA for International Students Frequently Asked Questions Takeaways College Application Process in the USA for International Students As an international student, your journey to studying in the USA begins with choosing the right university and academic program: Are you aiming for an associates degree?
To boost your chances, focus on maintaining a strong GPA , engaging in extracurriculars, and showcasing what makes you unique. UC Davis has become a top choice for many students, thanks to its strong academic programs, excellent campus life, and beautiful location in Northern California. So, is UC Davis hard to get into?
Extracurriculars. Standardizedtest scores (optional). You could discuss how Stanfords unique academic programs, like their Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Initiative, would allow you to merge your passion for technology and ethics in ways that your current institution cannot. Demonstrate leadership and impact.
If you’re a high school 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. In this blog, we’ve broken down the vital details of English programs at each of the eight Ivy League schools.
Known for its rigorous academic programs, pioneering research, and world-class faculty, it’s no surprise that Johns Hopkins University draws thousands of applicants each year. If you’re passionate about addressing health disparities or solving global health crises, this program provides excellent opportunities for real-world impact.
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.
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. They want to see quality over quantity.
The University of Michigan offers a wide range of academic programs, a dynamic campus, and countless opportunities for hands-on experiences. Standardizedtest scores (optional). The University of Michigan is test-optional. They also consider extracurricular activities, leadership , recommendation letters, and your essays.
ENROLL NOW TTA Top Tip: Don’t forget that if you are applying to the eight-year Program in Liberal Medical Education or the five-year Brown-Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Dual Degree Program , you must also complete program-specific essays. SAT Tutoring Expert one-on-one guidance to boost your score.
Holistic admissions policies are very common nowadays, with colleges considering different factors, such as essays, extracurriculars, and test scores. It offers both on-campus and online programs, whether for certificates, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s. New England College (Henniker, New Hampshire) Minimum GPA: 2.85
A strong business program will not only equip you with the education needed to develop critical thinking, leadership, and specialized skills but also provides access to valuable networks and real-world experiences to kickstart your career. Look for schools with solid corporate connections, internship programs, and high job placement rates.
If you have a lot of credits as a high school student (like dual-enrollment type credits), dont go to an accredited school, or arent in a degree-seeking program and have less than 24 credits, you have to apply as a first-year applicant. Next, were talking about extracurriculars.
If youre itching to learn more about them, why not go for the Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA)? In this program, youll study the physics of the universe, write code to analyze celestial data, and live like a scientist for six weeks. What Is the Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics? Does that sound exciting to you?
Look for any virtual admissions programs offered this summer and sign up to learn more. These other documents may include your high school transcript, standardizedtest scores (if required or you choose to submit), optional essays, your mid-year report, and other items. While on the site, take a virtual tour of the campus.
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.
However, if your GPA isnt quite there, strong test scores and impressive extracurriculars can help balance things out. Target test scores Northwestern remains test-optional for the Class of 2029, meaning you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application. Extracurriculars.
Extracurricular activities. Standardizedtest scores (optional). UT Austin remains test-optional for Spring 2025 applicants. Let your extracurriculars, recommendations, and essays showcase who you truly are. Be authentic and specific. Its not just about how many clubs you joined. Struggling with a subject?
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