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Standardized Testing Guide for First Gen and/or Low Income Students

College Essay Guy

This probably won’t come as a surprise to you, but standardized testing (as in, the SAT and ACT) can have disparate negative impacts on first generation and/or low income (FGLI) students compared with wealthier students. How to spot a school's REAL test policy Final Thoughts What even are these tests? And they mean it!

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Grades and Course Rigor Matter the Most in College Admissions

Great College Advice

And they are recorded and presented to college admissions officers on your transcript. The Importance of Your High School Transcript in College Admissions The number one most important element of your college application is your transcript. The transcript is the record of your academic performance.

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The State of Digital Standardized Testing

HelloCollege

As COVID wreaked havoc on the world in 2021, the College Board moved its annual AP testing to the computer, and we quickly learned what it was to take tests online. Issues like this only extend and complicate the standardized testing journey for students, especially those that are getting ready to submit their college applications.

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What Does Harvard University Look For? Requirements + Tips

AdmissionSight

Harvard takes a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they dont just focus on grades and test scores. Academic records Your transcript is one of the most critical pieces of your application. Academic Excellence: GPA, Standardized Tests, and Course Rigor Getting into Harvard University is simply tough. weighted on 4.0

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Boarding School Applications: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Top Tier Admissions

we can help Spring (March–May) – Early Planning Stage Plan and register for SSAT or ISEE: Many schools require one of these standardized tests. Request transcripts: Start tracking academic records and building a portfolio of grades and teacher feedback; check transcripts for accuracy. Don’t wait until the last minute.

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College Planning for Juniors: How to Prepare for the College Application Process

ACM College Consulting

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.

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Is Cornell Test Optional? Requirements + Tips

AdmissionSight

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. Understanding Cornells shifting test policies is crucial for applicants.

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