College admissions: What You Need to Know

Posted on July 25, 2008
Filed Under Careers |

by Kelsey Brennan

Most students and their parents worry about getting into college, and worry more about getting into a good college. Many people have their own idea as to what colleges look for in potential students and how college admissions decide on who gets to attend their school. Of course, what type of student you are will influence what worries you most about getting into college.

This is considered to influence about 35% to 50% of their decision, but also includes what courses you took and how well you did in those courses.

And yes, they do look at whether or not you took difficult courses and how well you handled them, they will check to see if your grades improved during high school, as well as whether or not you let your grades slide a little during your senior year.

They also claim that about 25 to 40% of their admissions decision is based on test scores. Both the ACT and SAT test are used to evaluate applicants, showing them how well you would handle problem solving, reading and other basic skills.

This is one reason why SAT test preparation is vital if you want to do well and improve your SAT test score. They will check out your activities and other accomplishments. Their decision is influenced anywhere from 5 to 20% on these factors.

Their decision is influenced anywhere from 5 to 20% on these factors. Colleges feel that if you were active in community services or took a leadership position in an activity, then it is likely you will continue to be active at college.

College admissions may also look at essays and recommendations to learn things that SATS tests are not able to tell them. They want to know what is important to you and discover your greatest strengths and weaknesses.

Of course, to get into any college you need good marks and taking SAT preparation classes, along with practice SATs tests improves your chances of making a much higher grade. College admissions tell us that high GPA’s and good SAT scores will get a lot more attention than the average scores. Taking AP (advanced placement) courses shows them that you are serious about your education and that warrants extra attention.

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