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College Planning | Test Prep | Academic Tutoring | Rye New York | Stamford Connecticut

What grades do colleges look at?

Typically speaking, colleges look over the grades for all four years of high school. That said, it is important to understand that grades are only one part of the college application process. While essential, they are far from the only factor that colleges consider when making admission decisions. Other considerations that may be taken into account include standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and interviews.

In general, colleges evaluate a student’s academic performance by looking at their high school transcript, which includes grades from all four years of high school. This transcript typically includes information about the student’s GPA, class rank, and individual course grades, factoring in rigor and relevance to their major.

To filter initial candidates, colleges will assess a student’s cumulative GPA, course grades, and general ambition throughout high school, along with the results from any reported AP/IB tests, ACTs, and SATs. Often essays and applications are not fully reviewed if a student does not qualify for a particular college, which is why a smart list selection is paramount!

Related FAQs

    • College Planning

    How many colleges should I apply to?

    When it comes to how many colleges you should apply to, there isn't an easy answer, as it can depend on a number of different factors. We recommend juniors begin building a college list of about 15-20 schools. Over the year, students should narrow this list down through campus visits, personal exploration of majors, evaluation of school size, location, and numerous other factors. Ultimately a student should end up with a list of approximately 10-12 schools, well-balanced between reach, target, and likely schools. A reach school is a college that is very challenging for the student to get into based Continue Reading
    • College Planning

    Why is college planning important?

    College planning is important because it empowers students in navigating an important decision for their future. The sooner a student is more prepared and informed, the better able they are to identify and apply to the best-fitting colleges. A holistic approach to planning can help students connect interests, talents, and skills to consideration of career paths as a way of identifying the right major and college list, thereby increasing the potential for graduating in four years. With thousands of colleges and multitudes more applicants, smart planning is becoming increasingly essential. It helps students and their families navigate through the convoluted Continue Reading
    • College Planning

    When should I start planning for college?

    We advocate starting the college planning process early due to the many advantages students gain. After the PSAT in sophomore year, we start discussing more directly a student's interests to help identify opportunities that best position them for college applications through their resume-building to form a cohesive narrative. On May 1 of Junior year, we begin active and rigorous formal college application work.
    • College Planning

    How do I start a college plan?

    You can start a college plan by envisioning your academic or career goals and using them as your guideposts. That said, the world of college applications and higher education has become far more competitive and obtuse, meaning that carefully planning out your moves is just as important as making them. Navigating this stressful and increasingly convoluted environment is no easy task, especially with what's at stake. By using our college planning program, we can guide students and parents through these processes, eliminating some of the stress and anxiety that often comes with it. By starting early, students and parents gain Continue Reading
    • College Planning

    What grade should you start applying for college?

    You should start applying for college during your Junior year.  The summer of 11th grade is typically the optimal time to launch the formal application process, with the month of May being a great starting point. However, early college planning can begin well beforehand with campus visits, list and portfolio development, resume audits, and more. Starting to complete application materials before and during the summer before 12th grade will, in turn, lower stress and raise the likelihood of producing your best possible application. This goal requires that parents are on board with helping motivate and support student focus as well! Continue Reading
    • College Planning

    Do Colleges See Senior Year Grades?

    Yes, colleges see senior year grades. Though uncommon, colleges can even rescind an offer of enrollment if a student's grades suffer unnecessarily during senior year. Colleges evaluate grades to assess a student's academic abilities, commitment, and readiness for college-level work; a strong performance senior year can have a positive impact on admissions, as it demonstrates continued academic engagement and can give applicants an edge over others, especially when a waitlist is involved. On the other hand, a noticeable decline in grades during the senior year can be a red flag for admissions officers. It might suggest a lack of persistence Continue Reading
    • College Planning

    What are the best college essay topics?

    The best essay btopics are those in which a student shares a compelling story, idea, or experience they wish to highlight, or something that inspires them and gives them a strong point of focus. Look for topics that show dimension while being authentic, and communicate what makes the student unique as an applicant. And remember, students must also demonstrate that they can write well and clearly.
    • College Planning

    Is it bad to apply to a lot of colleges?

    We recommend students aim to narrow their final lists as much as possible to create an optimal blend of around 10 - 12 reach, likely, and target schools. There is often little advantage or need for applying to additional schools beyond this threshold if the final list is well-cultivated to fit the needs and performance levels of the student. Too many schools may lead to increased stress as well as distraction.
    • College Planning

    Who should students ask for college recommendations?

    Students should ask teachers, a guidance counselor, and a coach (if applicable) who know them well as a student and individual. Typically, a teacher who can attest to the student's academic proficiencies and growth is a good option. An educator or coach who also knows the student well through extra-curricular activities may speak best to their leadership qualities or particular talents. We do not encourage more recommenders than is required as colleges do not want more than they have requested.
    • College Planning

    Can students accept two college offers?

    If students have applied to a school through a binding application type (namely, Early Decision or Restrictive Early Action) are not able to accept another offer, once accepted. However, students applying Early Action or Regular Decision, in most cases, are able to review their offers before submitting their deposit. In the case of a waitlist, students must often submit a deposit and rescind their acceptance to that school if they come off a waitlist at another college after the deadline. But, we encourage never having two deposits submitted concurrently.
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