Hello! I'm a high school junior and I'm curious about how colleges weigh standardized test scores and GPA when making admissions decisions. Do they place more importance on one over the other? Any insights would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Hi there! As a parent who recently went through the college admissions process with my child, I can share some insights we gathered. Colleges can place different levels of importance on standardized test scores and GPA depending on the school's priorities and the applicant pool. Generally, GPA tends to carry more weight because it reflects your consistency and performance over a longer period, while standardized test scores are a snapshot of one day's performance. However, test scores can still play a significant role, especially at more competitive colleges. It's important to remember that colleges look at the whole application, including extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation, not just test scores and GPA. So, while GPA and test scores are important, make sure to also focus on other areas of your application to present a well-rounded picture of yourself. Good luck with your college search!
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