What are 'pre-stats'?

Hey guys, I've seen people talk about 'pre-stats' around here, but I'm not exactly sure what that means. Can someone explain what pre-stats are and why they might be important in the college application process? Thanks!

Hey! Great question. "Pre-stats" is an informal term often used by students in online discussions to refer to various elements of their academic and extracurricular profile before they officially apply to colleges. These typically include:

1. GPA (weighted and unweighted)

2. Class rank (if applicable)

3. Standardized test scores (e.g., SAT, ACT)

4. AP/IB test scores (if applicable)

5. Extracurricular activities and leadership positions

6. Awards and honors

Pre-stats are crucial in the college application process because they help you gauge your competitiveness for the schools you're interested in applying to. By comparing your pre-stats with the academic profiles of accepted students at your target schools, you can identify areas where you might need improvement and set realistic expectations for your admissions chances.

For example, if your SAT score is significantly lower than the average score of accepted students at your dream school, you might decide to retake the exam or focus on other parts of your application, like your essays or extracurricular involvement to make yourself stand out.

It's essential to remember that while pre-stats are a crucial component of your college application, they're not the only factor that admissions committees consider. They'll also evaluate your essays, letters of recommendation, and other factors in a holistic admissions process. So make sure to give equal importance to all aspects of your application!

I hope this clears up any confusion about pre-stats and their importance in the college application process. Good luck!