College Admissions

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College Admissions

During today's admissions process, colleges look at a variety of factors in order to distinguish a student's potential and character from his/her peers. Among these factors are the student's SAT scores. Colleges want undergraduates who are motivated, passionate, and on their way to accomplish great things life. Although many different factors may suggest this to an admissions officer, a student's SAT scores is commonly used as a rough (and albeit sometimes imprecise) measure of scholastic aptitude.

College admissions officers look at the following factors:

SAT scores, along with GPA, are often used as a baseline for academic performance. Despite the multiple other factors considered, the importance of the SAT scores in the college admissions process is undeniable. With the number and quality of college applicants on the rise, standardized tests have become the one factor that admissions departments can use to easily to distinguish between candidates. So it's no wonder high school students are often overwhelmed and intimidated by the exam. The good news is that a SAT score is a factor that students can certainly improve. While grades and class rank can be tougher to correct if a student has slipped up even a little in the past, the SAT however, can be improved in a relatively short period of time. A thorough SAT study plan is the best way to quickly raise a student’s score to its full potential and shine out from the competition.

Guidelines for Keeping on Track during the Application Process

For students trying to maximize their chances of getting into their top choice schools, they need to keep track of important deadlines and application components. Below is a checklist to help students succeed in the college admissions process.

Throughout High School:

Extracurricular Activities: The extracurricular activities students choose in high school and their dedication each activity can really make them stand out from the pack. So students should make sure they are involved in activities outside of their classes. They should seek out experiences that are meaningful to them and that will give them opportunities to develop leadership roles. Whether they are involved in theater, music, athletics, or community service, extracurricular activities show the colleges that they are passionate, engaged, and well-rounded individuals.
Grades: Grades matter from the beginning of 9th grade until the end of 12th grade. College may seem a long way off for students when they are in their first year of high school, but those grades will affect their GPA and class rank. And students can’t slack off at the end of senior year either-- most colleges reserve the right to overturn an admissions decision if an applicant's grades take a sudden nosedive.
Challenging Courses: Colleges aren't impressed with high grades if they come from classes that are easy. So students that want to get into a top school and be well-prepared for college should choose as many challenging college prep or advanced placement classes as possible.

Junior Year:

PSAT: Juniors should take the PSAT in October. This test doesn't play a role in college admissions decisions, but students should take the exam seriously. A high score on the exam can win students a National Merit Scholarship, and many schools in the country offer a free ride to National Merit Scholars. Also, the PSAT will let them know whether or not they are prepared for the SAT.
Visit Colleges: Although students can wait until senior year to make these visits, junior year is better. By touring campuses and talking to admissions personnel, students will have a better understanding of what's required for an impressive application. Also, if they find a school that excites them, that excitement can help motivate them to earn the grades and scores they'll need to get accepted.
Test Preparation: If a student's PSAT scores indicate that he/she is not prepared for the SAT or ACT, this is the time to try to improve his/her test-taking skills. The student should consider taking a test preparation course.
SAT and ACT: High school students will need to take the SAT or ACT by the fall of their senior year. Since they're allowed to take the tests more than once and colleges consider only their highest scores, it's wise to take the test in the spring of junior year. If they don't do well, they still have time to beef up their skills and retake the exam.

Senior Year:

AP Courses: If a student’s school offers AP courses, he/she should try to take some. Colleges will make admissions decisions before they see a student’s AP scores, but colleges will be impressed by a challenging curriculum. Also, AP credits can give students a lot more freedom in college to take elective courses or pursue a minor or double major.
Visit More Schools: Early in senior year, students will have to start figuring out which schools will best match their personality and interests. The more schools they visit, the better informed their choices will be.
Request Applications: Students should get the applications early so that they know what’s required of them and so that they can start thinking about the essay questions. Requesting an application requires little more than a quick visit to the admissions area of a school’s website.
Admissions Essay: Applicants shouldn’t put off their essay until the application deadline is looming. In the summer or early in senior year, they should start thinking about the essay questions for the schools they’re interested in applying to. The admissions essay should be the most thoughtful and polished piece of writing they’ve ever produced. Allow lots of time to write drafts and get feedback from teachers and counselors.

SAT or ACT: To meet application deadlines at most competitive schools, students will need to have taken the SAT or ACT by early in their senior year. Also, if they took the ACT or SAT in their junior year but weren't happy with their scores, the fall of senior year would be their last chance to try again. Applicants need to keep track of the SAT test dates and registration deadlines and/or the ACT test dates and deadlines. The 2010 SAT test dates per College Board are:

SAT Date	Register-by Date*	Late Registration by Mail*	Late Registration by Phone/Online*
January 23, 2010	December 23, 2009	December 30, 2009	January 8, 2010
March 13, 2010	February 4, 2010	February 18, 2010	February 18, 2010
May 1, 2010	March 25, 2010	April 8, 2010	April 8, 2010
June 5, 2010	April 29, 2010	May 13, 2010	May 13, 2010

*Regular registration fees are $45 dollars but shoot up to $68 for late registration.

Letters of Recommendation: Teachers and mentors are busy people, so students should be sure to give them plenty of time to write their letters of recommendation. Also, students should try to spend some time talking with their recommenders before handing them the forms -- they’ll get the best letters from people who understand their interests and ambitions.
Mail Applications Early: The sooner applicants get their applications in the mail, the better. Admissions offices tend to get overwhelmed as the application deadline nears. But students shouldn't rush, they need to take time and care to make sure their application is complete and polished.

SAT Score Percentile per College Board study for 2006 students

Percentile	Score, 2400 Scale (official, 2006)
99.93/99.98	2400
99+	=2290
99	=2200
98	=2140
97	=2100
88	=1900
83	=1800
78	=1770
72	=1700
61	=1600
48	=1500
36	=1400
15	=1200
4	=1010
1	=790

Admission Statistics for Ivy League Universities - 2009*

*Certain figures are estimates based on school-released data for the 2009-2010 school year

	25th Percentile SAT Scores	75th percentile SAT Score	Acceptance Rate	Annual Tuition and Living Costs
Brown	1980	2310	11%	$52,257
Columbia	2011	2300	10%	$51,544
Cornell	1920	2220	21%	$52,414
Dartmouth	2020	2320	13%	$50,084
Harvard	2100	2380	8%	$45,552
Princeton	2080	2360	10%	$47,020
U Penn	1990	2270	17%	$49,986
Yale	2080	2370	9%	$47,500

Admission Statistics for Top Public Universities 2009

	25th Percentile	75th percentile	Acceptance Rate	Annual Tuition and Living Costs – in State	Annual Tuition and Living Costs – Out of State
UC Berkeley	1790	2160	21%	$23,660	$45,330
UCLA	1750	2080	23%	$26,647	$49,316
University of Virginia	2085	2190	37%	$21,140	$43,140
University of Michigan	1940	2190	42%	$23,721	$46,999