University of California Ends Standardized Testing Requirement

If you hate taking standardized tests, then the latest news out of the University of California should be music to your ears. Last week, the UC system decided to end testing for admission across all undergraduate campuses.

One of the big reasons why the UCs are scrapping the standardized test requirements has to do with providing a fair opportunity to everyone applying. High school grades have proven to be a better way to assess students and do not require spending thousands of dollars on test preparation and fees. 

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Students first started having difficulty taking the SAT and ACT tests during COVID-19 lockdowns, driving many universities to search for alternatives. UC had already waved the standardized test requirements for this current year, so this change makes the policy permanent. 

This means that UC colleges will rely on remaining application materials including personal statements, academic history aka grades and classes, extra curricular activities, awards, and anything else you might submit in the application. The schools will still accept test results, but will not consider them for admissions. 

It is unclear if other universities will follow the lead of the University of California. Standardized testing has received greater scrutiny in the past few years as schools have placed a greater focus on inequality and discrimination. 

Overall, this seems like a great change as it will remove another stress that high school students face and focus attention on everything that an applicant can bring to a college. The full story can be found here.

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Admin

Posted on:
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admissions tips, extra curreculars, importance of grades, SAT, Standardized tests

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Tips to Help You get into College

 How do I get into College?? What is the Secret?

This question is on the minds of almost every teen and parent in America. Many are worried about college, and for good reason. College is VERY important and everyone should GO TO COLLEGE just to go. There are so many benefits to attaining a higher education; the hard part is getting into college. Here are some tips and guidelines that should be helpful to any teen applying for college in the future.

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1. Grades, Grades, Grades. Unless you plan on going to college on a football scholarship, then focus on your grades. Selective colleges look for the smartest students with the best grades for multiple reasons. They do not want to waste a college education on someone who will not benefit from it, especially someone who does not care about education. Grades in High School tell colleges how serious you are about learning, so an A student obviously cares more about school than a C student. Grades also make you stand out from millions of other potential applicants. Besides that, school is about learning, so you should try your best regardless.

2. Extra Curriculars. Activities Outside of School are very important to college applications. They put a face on an application that is otherwise all numbers and letters. Even more than that, they are a way for students to take a break from schoolwork. How depressing would life be if it was all work? - Exactly. While trying a bit of everything at first to get exposure is good, it is important to narrow your list, especially for college. Participating in a few activities shows that you are capable of committing yourself to something, whether it is a sport or debate. Do not ignore the importance of extra curreculars.

3. Live life. Nothing is more boring that someone who lacks life experiences. Colleges know this and look for applicants who....... to be continued

To read part 2 of Tips to Help You Get Into College please click here.

   

Posted By:
Admin

Posted on:
8:10 PM

Filed Under:
College, college admission, college advice, college application secrets, extra curreculars, high school, Tips and Secrets

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