WOOSTER, Ohio — Tests are only one factor used for college admission and scholarship decisions, said Jill Byers, admissions counselor at Ohio State’s Agricultural Technical Institute.
Other aspects considered by some colleges include academic rigor, course options at the high school and performance within them, and Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and College Credit Plus opportunities.
“The best preparation for college is a solid academic curriculum. Take the most challenging courses in which you can be successful,” she said.
SAT and ACT
After taking the ACT or SAT, have the scores sent to several colleges. Do this when you schedule the test — it’ll cost extra to have the test scores sent later, advised Byers. Test early enough to be able to re-test before college deadlines and don’t fret over taking the test multiple times.
Senior year courses and grades can help, or hurt you. Don’t get senioritis and blow off your senior year.
All but the most selective institutions across the country will use your best set of scores and not punish you for taking the test a couple of times, she said.
Keep your grades up
All grades count after eighth grade. Your GPA includes everything from freshman year on. Cumulative GPA after the junior year in high school is the GPA most colleges will use in the admission decision — assuming they use GPA at all, said Byers.
“Senior year courses and grades can help, or hurt you. Don’t get senioritis and blow off your senior year,” she said. Some colleges note such behavior when they get a final transcript.
More college tips and advice here.
