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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
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Understanding college admission statistics

Hey everyone, I'm here looking for some advice on understanding college admission statistics. I want to know what kind of data I should be paying attention to, like acceptance rates or average GPAs. Also, can I trust these stats to be accurate and up-to-date?

a year ago

Hi there! This is a great questions since I know it can feel overwhelming at first, trying to make sense of all the numbers and stats thrown at you. Here are the main aspects you should consider:

1. Acceptance rates: This is the percentage of applicants who are admitted to a college or university. While a lower acceptance rate often indicates a more competitive school, it's important to look at this statistic in context. Smaller, more selective colleges will naturally have lower acceptance rates, but that doesn't mean they're the best fit for everyone.

2. Average GPAs: Colleges usually report the average GPA of their admitted students. This can give you a sense of how your academic performance stacks up against other applicants. Keep in mind that different schools may have varying weights for AP, IB, or Honors courses, so be sure to also consider the unweighted GPA.

3. Test scores (if applicable): For schools that still consider standardized test scores, you'll want to look at the median SAT or ACT scores of their admitted students. This can help you gauge whether your scores are in the competitive range for that institution. Remember that many schools are now test-optional or test-blind, so check each school's policy for the most accurate information.

4. Class rank: Colleges may also report the percentage of admitted students who were in the top 10% or top 25% of their high school class. This gives you an idea of the level of academic achievement of the student body within the context of their respective high schools.

5. Admitted student profile: Some colleges provide more comprehensive information about the demographics, extracurricular involvements, and other characteristics of their admitted students. This can help you understand what kinds of students are accepted, as well as the relative importance of different aspects of your application.

As for the accuracy and recency of these statistics, most schools report their admission stats annually. It's a good idea to check these figures on the schools' official websites, as those will be the most trustworthy sources. Keep in mind that admission statistics may fluctuate from year to year, so it's important to maintain some flexibility and create a balanced college list with a mix of safety, target, and reach schools.

I hope this helps you out!

a year ago

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