College admissions: What You Need to Know
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.
Colleges say that about 35 to 50% of their decision is based on your high school record. A few things that colleges say will influence their decision are 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.
But around 25 to 40% of their admissions decision is based on how well you did in tests. Both the ACT and SAT test are used to judge applicants because they demonstrate skills like 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.
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 also base anywhere from 5 to 20% of their decision on essays and recommendations.
College admissions also base anywhere from 5 to 20% of their decision on essays and recommendations. They want to know what you are like as a person, something that SATS tests cannot tell them. They want to know what is important to you, what type of personality you have and to determine your greatest strengths and weaknesses.
Taking SAT preparation classes and a few practice SATs tests improves your chance of getting a higher grade and that along with taking AP (advanced placement) courses shows the college admissions what you are capable of and that you are serious about furthering your education. This is essential if you already have a particular school in mind, as the grades and whole high school time period are under scrutiny.
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