Hey, I've just started looking into the college application process and I'm a bit overwhelmed. Can anyone help shed some light on what's considered the most important aspect in getting into college? Is it GPA, standardized test scores, the written essays, or extracurricular activities?
In the process of college admissions, all the components you mentioned -- GPA, standardized test scores, essays, and extracurricular activities -- are important and are taken into account. However, the most critical aspect tends to vary depending on the school's selection process and their applicant pool.
For most colleges, a strong academic record (GPA and course rigor) typically holds significant weight. This is because the college wants assurance that you can handle and thrive in the kind of academic environment they provide. You need to keep in mind that your GPA is evaluated within the context of your high school. If your school offers AP or IB classes, colleges would generally expect to see that you've taken some of these courses.
Standardized test scores were traditionally considered to be among the critical components. However, several schools have transitioned to being test-optional or test-blind for the 2024-2025 application cycle, which means that these schools either do not require or do not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Still, some top-tier schools have made tests mandatory again. These include Dartmouth, Harvard, Purdue, Brown, Yale, UT Austin, and Caltech. Effectively, the importance assigned to standardized test scores is increasingly school-dependent.
Essays can play a crucial role as well. They provide a platform for you to show off your personality, values, and experiences that aren't reflected in the other parts of your application. They can sometimes tip the scales in your favor at colleges where the admissions process is holistic and the competition is stiff.
Extracurricular activities highlight your interests and how you engage with your community, demonstrating a degree of commitment and passion that can set your application apart.
Overall, while one factor may be more or less important to a given school, building a balanced and compelling application is key. In essence, colleges want to see students who perform well academically, take initiative outside of the classroom, bring diverse perspectives, and can express themselves effectively. Each component of your application offers you a chance to demonstrate these aspects.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.