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Which Is More Important — Grades or Extracurricular Activities?

Great College Advice

One of the most-oft questions I get from families is some version of this: “Which is more important — grades or extracurricular activities? Grades are more important than your extracurricular activities. Many students, however, would prefer to believe that the grades on their transcripts don’t matter much.

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Applying to Wesleyan as an International Student

The Koppelman Group

In this post, we’ll go into detail about what Wesleyan likes to see on your transcript, in your extracurriculars section, and on your standardized tests, but the most important thing to remember is that Wesleyan doesn’t like cookie cutter. Show this through extracurriculars and extra classes in the subjects you love.

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Applying to Hamilton College as an International Student

The Koppelman Group

When they look at your transcript, they want to see that you’ve taken the hardest courses that you have access to — and that you’ve excelled in them. You may not love a particular academic area, but your transcript shouldn’t betray that. You may not love a particular academic area, but your transcript shouldn’t betray that.

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What You Should Know Before Applying to Georgetown

SSA Online College Prep

Although Georgetown has made it clear that academic rigor is one of the most critical components of a student’s application, it is worth noting that the university is also looking for much more than just a solid transcript. Demonstrate these characteristics in your personal essay, your extracurriculars, and even in your interview!

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Applying to the University of Michigan as an International Student

The Koppelman Group

The bottom line is that the application readers should not be able to tell from your transcript which courses are your favorites, and which are your least favorites. You will emphasize your ideal academic path in your essays, but your transcript should show academic excellence that is subject agnostic. is standardized testing.

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Applying to Colby College as an International Student

The Koppelman Group

Courses + Grades With Colby, what they want to see on your transcript is simple. Doing the work to have an exceptional transcript is hard, especially when you push your limits by taking hard classes instead of easier courses you know you could sail through. Standardized Tests As far as standardized testing, Colby is test optional.

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Applying to Columbia University as an International Student

The Koppelman Group

Courses + Grades What Columbia wants to see when they look at your transcript is that you’ve received the best grades possible in the hardest classes you have access to. Many students also supplement their transcript with summer academic intensives, which isn’t a bad idea especially if your school lacks depth in a particular area.