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
Congratulations on completing the first semester of your junior year of highschool! Although there is no cookie-cutter approach, here are some suggestions to accelerate the college admissions process in the second semester of your junior year of highschool. Many test prep companies will provide free resources as well.
Admissions officers mark each individual factor (grades, test scores, essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, etc.) Certainly, it’s nice to be a great center fielder, to have led your Model UN team to a regional title, or to be the lead in your highschool musical.
Highschool is the perfect time to start thinking about your future. For most students, taking highschool seriously is driven by the goal of getting into Ivy League schools or other top universities in the country. Some experts even recommend that students begin as early as the 6th grade!
Letters of recommendation Harvard requires three letters: two from teachers and one from your school counselor. These letters help Harvard see you through the eyes of educators who know your academic and personal strengths. Excel in standardizedtests. With an acceptance rate sitting at just 3.6%
Highschool juniors are at a pivotal stage in the college application process. 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.
These institutions not only offer rigorous academics and creative, interdisciplinary curricula but also foster close, mentored relationships with faculty, an asset when it comes to letters of recommendation and intellectual development. Some schools may accept PSAT, SAT or ACT for older students also.
Earn strong standardizedtest scores ( minimum SAT scores of 500 verbal and 500 math, or ACT scores of 21 English, 19 Social Studies, 24 Mathematics, and 24 Science). You should also aim for highstandardizedtest scores ( SAT or ACT ). The application may involve essays, interviews, and letters of recommendation.
To give you an idea, though, nearly 75% of admitted students graduated highschool with a 4.0 Harvard considers other parts of your application if your GPA is lower: The school values students who challenge themselves academically. Admissions officers also consider how your GPA fits within the context of your school.
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.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of key milestones and focus areas for each year of highschool, including senior year. 9th Grade: Building the Foundation Freshman year focuses on making a successful transition to highschool while laying groundwork for college preparation. Research and apply for scholarships.
THE RISE OF THE HIGHSCHOOL GPA Colleges can easily notice school-specific grade inflation by looking at the schools yearly college profile. Many schools provide the colleges with a breakdown of GPAs or a grade distribution chart, like the ones below. Colleges now expect high classroom performance.
A highschool diploma or equivalent Youll need to have a highschool diploma or a GED (General Educational Development Test) before you can apply. But some schools might have specific highschool course requirements. These can vary from school to school, so always double-check.
While you may have only had a handful of options in highschool, as a freshman, there’s almost always a club that aligns with one of your interests—and if not, you can consider starting your own!
Your academic history should reflect strong, consistent performance throughout highschool. 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.
RSI is one of the most sought-after summer programs for highschool students. Every summer, 100 of the brightest highschool students worldwide come together at MIT for an unforgettable experience. RSI is open to highschool juniors or international students in equivalent academic years.
With so many steps involved—like writing your essay and asking for recommendationletters—it’s easy to feel lost. That’s why we suggest starting with a simple to-do list during your junior year of highschool. The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, is a standardizedtest that gives you a sneak peek at what the SAT will be like.
Congratulations on a successful end to your junior year of highschool! Before you know it, youll be starting your highschool senior year. As you begin ranking these schools, visit their admissions sites to find their application deadline calendars as well as what is required beyond the formal college application.
These institutions recognize that not everyone does great academically, so they look at an applicant as a whole by asking for letters of recommendation and personal essays, among other things. Perform well on standardizedtests. These tests demonstrate your academic aptitude and readiness for college-level work.
If you’re a highschool senior or a transfer student, this guide is here to help you navigate the admissions process at one of the country’s top universities. You can self-report test scores through the Common Application or Coalition on Scoir, and if admitted, you’ll need to send official reports.
With no legacy, MITs admissions process takes a holistic approach and evaluates applicants beyond just their test scores and academic achievements. While numbers like grades and standardizedtests are considered, MIT places emphasis on an applicants alignment with the institutions values, culture, and community.
Youll need to prepare: Highschool transcripts Transcripts from all colleges youve attended SAT or ACT scores A mid-year report Letters of recommendation Major-specific items like a resume, portfolio, or statement Missing even one of these documents could delay your application, especially if youre aiming for the Ivies or other top universities.
They require official college and highschool transcripts sent directly from your schools and a college report filled out by an official at your current college. You will also need at least two academic letters of recommendation from instructors at your institution. Harvard also requires SAT or ACT scores.
Heres what youll need to submit : Highschool transcript. Your transcript will also include your class rank if your school provides it. Standardizedtest scores (optional). UT Austin remains test-optional for Spring 2025 applicants. Letters of recommendation (optional). Optional materials.
Considered These factors dont hold the same weight as the more important ones, but they still play a role in rounding out your application: Standardizedtest scores. Look for programs like the Research Science Institute or Cornells own Summer College for highschool students. Secure strong letters of recommendation.
Very important They place the most importance on things like your talent/ability, character/personal qualities, standardizedtest scores, recommendations, and your application essay. Get strong letters of recommendation. Is Brown University test-optional? Need more help with your essay prompt responses?
Heres what you need to know about the application process: Highschool coursework. Letters of recommendation. While some NYU programs require one or more recommendationletters, others make them optional. Standardizedtest scores (optional).
The program accepts 32 high-achieving rising highschool seniors who are passionate about astronomy, physics, math, and programming. After YSPA, you can still work on your research project and improve it for a science fair or senior capstone project at highschool. Letters of recommendation.
Heres what youll need to submit : Highschool transcript. Letters of recommendation. Standardizedtest scores (optional). Rice University has a test-optional policy, but if you do submit, aim for competitive scores. of admitted students are in the top 10% of their highschool graduating class.
They use the Common Application, and heres what youll need to provide: Highschool transcript. Recommended coursework includes four years of English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and a Foreign Language. Letters of recommendation. Standardizedtest scores (optional). Mid-year and final reports.
What Application Essays Do Ivy League Schools Look For? What Do Ivy League Schools Look for in Letters of Recommendation? After all, Ivy League schools are built on intellectual rigor. Strong test scores, leadership, or unique achievements can still keep you competitive. Academics always come first.
Highschool transcripts Your transcript is super important because it shows your academic journey. Letters of recommendation Youll need two letters of recommendation. MIT wants to hear from teachers who know you beyond just your test scores, so choose people who can speak to your abilities and personality.
which means most successful applicants are top performers in their highschool classes. You can make up for it with solid test scores, strong essays, or standout extracurriculars. Target test scores Even though NYU is test-optional, strong SAT or ACT scores can still give your application an extra edge.
Georgetown has its own application process and specific requirements that make the school stand out. Heres what you need: Highschool transcript. Standardizedtest scores. Unlike test-optional schools , Georgetown requires either the SAT or ACT. Letters of recommendation.
Youll also get a list of 25 merit-based scholarships open to highschool and college students. For example, if you maintain a high GPA, score well on standardizedtests, or demonstrate exceptional talent in music or sports, you might qualify for a merit scholarship. Here we go.
Heres what you need to know about their application process : Highschool transcript. Standardizedtest scores (optional). Boston University is test-optional , so SAT and ACT scores are not required. If standardizedtesting is not your strong suit, you can still stand out in other areas.
Heres what you need to know about the application requirements : Highschool transcript. Most successful applicants take honors, AP, IB, or advanced classes in highschool. Recommendationletters. Wellesley requires two letters of recommendation from teachers who know you well.
Everyone elseeven highschool students who have taken college-level courseswill have to apply as a first-year. Highschool and college transcripts. You should submit a final highschool transcript and college transcripts for every post-secondary school you have attended. Two teacher evaluations.
Programs like Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute (Medill cherubs), Center for Talent Development , or participation in National HighSchool Institute (Cherubs) for Theater and Debate show that you’re already engaging with Northwestern’s world. No minimum requirements Average GPA: 3.9 No minimum requirements Average GPA: 3.9
Heres what you need to know about their application process : Highschool transcript. Standardizedtest scores (optional). Northeastern is test-optional , so SAT and ACT scores are not required. were in the top 10% of their highschool class 92.4% If not, no stress. GPA 8% had a GPA between 3.75
Heres what UCLA looks for in applicants: Highschool coursework. Unlike many top universities, UCLA does not accept or require letters of recommendation for general admission. However, some professional schools within UCLA may request them for specific programs.
Lets break down what youll need: Highschool transcript. Letters of recommendation. Youll need three glowing endorsements: one from your school counselor and two from academic teachers who can vouch for your brilliance in the classroom. Standardizedtest scores (optional). No problem. Translation?
The admissions team evaluates applications holistically, so they consider more than just test scores and grades. Heres what you need to know about the application requirements : Highschool transcript. Recommendationletters. Standardizedtest scores (optional). Mid-year highschool transcript.
Youre not cookie-cutteralthough, sometimes, in middle and highschool, it can feel that way. Many teenagers wonder about the next steps after highschool, and these thoughts often intensify as they progress from freshman to sophomore year, sophomore to junior year, and junior to senior year.
The recommendations are unsurprising given the rigidity of the Columbia Core, the iconic liberal arts curriculum that creates a shared foundation across all students bridging art, music, literature, and science. That said, while scores may be optional, they do matter.
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