College admissions: What You Need to Know

by: KelseyBrennan
Total views: 26
Word Count: 401

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.

This often gives a college an indication of how well you perform when given a rigorous workload. College admissions will not only look at your overall grades, but also whether you chose difficult classes, whether your grades improved during high school and even whether you let your senior year grades slide.

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.

Approximately 5 to 20% of a college's decision may be based on your activities and accomplishments while in high school, believing that if you were a leader in high school, then you are likely to continue to be so in college.

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.

About the Author

Your College Guide aims to make it easier to find the right college. You'll find SAT prep information, student loan advice and other college help.  

More Articles from: Careers Articles