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The Common Data Set Explained: GPA, Test Scores, and What Colleges Really Want

Emerging College Consulting

Transparency About What Colleges Really Value The CDS tells you exactly what each school considers important in admissions —from GPA and test scores to extracurriculars and interviews. Why the Common Data Set Matters for College Planning 1. If a college lists class rank as “not considered,” you know you can take that off your worry list.

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10 Colleges That Accept Low GPA + Application Tips

AdmissionSight

Imagine this: youre calculating your cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average) and slowly realizing that its not going above a 3.0so you cant get into an Ivy League school now. One of your options would be to search for colleges that accept low GPAs. Fortunately, there are colleges that accept low GPAs. to receive financial aid.

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How to Calculate Your Major GPA: A Step-by-Step Guide

AdmissionSight

If you’re a college student or job applicant, you might want to calculate your major GPA to highlight your expertise in your field of study. A strong major GPA shows that you’ve performed well in the courses that matter most to your degree. But do you know how to calculate your major GPA? Lets break down the steps!

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American Grading System: A Complete Guide for Students

AdmissionSight

Many colleges generally look for an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, although a GPA of 2.0 More competitive schools might expect a GPA of 3.5 These letter grades are accompanied by a numerical value, known as Grade Point Average (GPA). The average GPA for students admitted to Ivy League schools is about 4.0,

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Is Cornell Test Optional? Requirements + Tips

AdmissionSight

However, this policy will change for Fall 2026 admissions, when standardized test scores will once again be required. Understanding Cornells shifting test policies is crucial for applicants. Cornell Standardized Testing Policy Cornell SAT Requirements Cornell ACT Requirements Should You Submit Your Test Scores?

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UPenn Acceptance Rate: Admissions Statistics

AdmissionSight

A big reason for this surge is the rise of test-optional policies and increased global access to higher education. However, what makes you stand out is how you measure up across the academic and holistic factors UPenn values in its admissions process: Target GPA Real talk—your GPA carries a lot of weight. to just 5.4%.

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The 7 Best Test Optional Colleges: A Quick Guide

AdmissionSight

In this blog, we’ll break down what it means for a college to be “test-optional,” how these policies impact admissions, and introduce you to some of the best test optional colleges in the U.S. That’s right—so many schools are embracing test-optional policies, giving students like you more opportunities to find the right fit.

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