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college admissions

Why Test Scores Matter in College Admissions

By Jessica VelascoLast updated on December 22, 2022
Test scores still matter. Even as more colleges are going test-optional, they are still very important in college admissions. In addition, just because a college does not use test scores when making admissions decisions, they may need test scores for other reasons. Here are seven ways they are used in the college admissions process: 1. …
Photograph of college students volunteering.
college admissions

Why Volunteering Matters for College Admissions

By Carlos CanoLast updated on December 22, 2022
Among the many questions I field regarding the college admissions process, one of them is among the most popular: “Is it important that I do volunteering work while I am in high school?” The short answer is: Yes, it does matter. However, like many things in the admissions process, there is more substance to that …
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questions & answers

How Many Times Should I Take the ACT or SAT?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
First: There is no magic number for how many times a student should take the ACT or SAT. For some students, taking the test once may be enough. Others may need to take the test twice or even three times. There are no penalties for taking the tests multiple times or choosing to take both …
A student writing in a notebook with an orange pen.
questions & answers

Should I Take IB Classes in High School? How to Determine if International Baccalaureate Courses Are Right For You

By Jessica VelascoLast updated on December 22, 2022
International Baccalaureate, or IB, classes, are a bit like AP classes, but not entirely. It depends on a lot of factors if you should take an IB class in high school. We’ll highlight those factors below. Students may be confused when they have the opportunity to choose between IB and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Here …
Students in a marching band lined up, holding their instruments.
questions & answers

How Many Extracurricular Activities Should I Be Doing? Is More, More? Or Is More, Less?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 24, 2024
Key Takeaways When considering extracurricular activities in high school, it is all about quality over quantity. By participating in fewer activities outside of class, you can commit to staying involved. Don’t join a club or organization just to add it to your college application—admission officers are looking for dedicated students. While applying to colleges, many …
Congratulations on being accepted into college! However, it was more than just your GPA and test scores that got you in.
myths

College Myth: Colleges Only Care About GPA and Test Scores

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022
GPA and test scores are the most quantifiable aspects of a college application. This makes them easy to compare–and may explain why applicants tend to place so much Iemphasis on them. While these ARE important, they’re not the only things that colleges consider when reviewing your application. In fact, just consider that many schools will receive thousands …

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