Are Your Scores & Grades Good Enough?

As we head into spring, I start hearing from students I have helped with college applications. Already I’ve received good news from many of my college essay workshop participants. 

One way to increase your admission and scholarship results is to understand your numbers, the academic indicators such as SAT/ACT scores, GPA, and possibly class rank. 

Understanding how to assess whether your academic performance aligns with your goals is crucial for making an informed college list. Here are practical strategies to support you in this process: 

Utilize College Search Tools

One of the most effective ways to evaluate college options is by using a search tool like the College Board’s “Big Future” feature. These tools allow families to research colleges based on various factors such as state, size, majors, extracurricular offerings, and even sports divisions. 

For younger students in ninth or tenth grade, exploring using college search programs can be a motivational experience—showing them the kind of academic progress needed to attend their dream school. For juniors and seniors, it becomes an essential step in narrowing down realistic college choices.

Key Factors to Consider When Evaluating Colleges

When you are starting to evaluate specific schools, there are key factors I like to consider: 

1. Graduation Rates: A college’s graduation rate offers insight into student satisfaction and institutional support. Higher rates often indicate a supportive learning environment that helps students complete their degrees. Look for colleges with graduation rates above 70% as a positive indicator of academic success and student engagement. (Do not be alarmed with rates in the 70s or 80s; there are many reasons students may not graduate from a school, including financial hardship or a transfer to another university.)
2. Acceptance Rates: Understanding a school’s acceptance rate can help set realistic expectations. Highly selective schools with acceptance rates below 20% should be considered reach schools, even for top-performing students. It’s important to remember that even exceptional students face tough competition at these schools.
3. Class Rank and GPA: Encourage your teen to compare their class rank and GPA with the typical admitted student profile for their schools of interest. For highly competitive schools like MIT, being in the top 10% of their class is almost a baseline, with 98% of admitted students falling into this category. For other schools, being in the top quarter or half may still provide a solid chance of admission. (Do this by searching “admitted student profile” + the name of the school.) 
4. Standardized Test Scores*: Reviewing SAT and ACT score ranges for admitted students provides a benchmark. For example, students applying to MIT generally need SAT Math scores between 770-800 or ACT composite scores between 33-36. If your teen’s scores are below the middle 50%, consider whether retaking the test could improve their chances.

*Note: Test scores may be tricky to evaluate at test optional schools. When ACT / SAT scores are optional, only high scoring students choose to submit, increasing the average. 

Encourage Realistic and Balanced College Lists

I like to use this data to help students create balanced college lists that includes a mix of reach, match, and safety schools. This approach ensures they have options that align with their academic profile and personal interests. For instance, while aiming for selective schools is commendable, it’s also important to identify colleges where a student’s academic credentials place them in the top 25% of applicants—these schools may offer significant scholarship opportunities.

Prioritize Course Rigor and Academic Growth

Admissions officers value students who challenge themselves academically. This means looking beyond GPA / rank. What do your classes say about you? 

Competitive schools often expect four years in core academic areas– English, math, science, social studies, and world languages. Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or dual-enrollment courses demonstrate a willingness to engage with challenging material.

Having challenging classes won’t help if a student’s grades suffer, so this can be an issue of finding the right balance. 

If you see yourself applying to Stanford or Rice, your senior year schedule should reflect the academic abilities and intellectual curiosity of a Stanford or Rice student. 

Understand Test-Optional Policies

Some colleges have adopted test-optional policies, meaning students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores. While this can be a relief for some students, it’s important to research how schools evaluate applicants without test scores. Remember that at test-optional schools, students with strong scores should still submit them to strengthen their applications, whereas students with weaker scores might benefit from focusing on other aspects like essays and extracurricular activities.

While you are researching this issue, find out if scores are required (or recommended) for scholarship consideration. Some schools are test optional for admission, but will require scores for scholarships or special programs. 

Evaluate Extracurricular Activities and Personal Qualities

Many colleges emphasize the importance of character, leadership, and extracurricular involvement. Students should pursue meaningful activities that reflect their interests and talents—whether it’s music, sports, volunteer work, or leadership roles. Schools often look for passionate students who can contribute to campus life. Be mindful that depth and commitment to a few activities often outweigh shallow involvement in many.

Try to Develop A Big Picture View

It is difficult to stay objective when evaluating your own (or your child’s) accomplishments. This is why you might work with your school counselor or hire me for a consultation to help match your academic and extracurricular achievements with your potential college list. 

Mistakes cover a range of issues: 

• Overvalue— Some examples include valedictorians or state-level champions who think they have the credentials to get in wherever they choose (sadly untrue.) I’ve also seen families who overvalue legacy status, extracurriculars, other achievements, or fail to understand the competitiveness of certain schools. 

• Undervalue— The most typical examples are solid students (mostly Bs, maybe a C or two) who have a few extracurricular activities, but don’t feel they stand out in any meaningful way. Either they or their families are under the impression that this won’t be good enough for anything better than community college (absolutely NOT true.) I’ve also had the rare student who is exceptional, but is so self-critical that they view themselves as average. 

• Fear of rejection— Rejection isn’t fun, but students who build their college lists to avoid the possibility, unnecessarily limit themselves. Hearing “no” from a few schools on your list is a sign that you challenged yourself appropriately. 

Start Early and Stay Informed

Early planning reduces last-minute stress and unnecessary disappointment. Start exploring colleges and understanding admission requirements by your junior year. Stay engaged by attending college information sessions, reviewing admission statistics, and discussing realistic goals. Use tools like the College Board’s Big Future to explore different institutions and compare statistics such as graduation rates, acceptance rates, and average test scores.

By using these strategies, parents can guide their teens in making informed and balanced decisions about college admissions, reducing stress and increasing the chances of finding the right college fit. Remember, the goal is to find a college where you will be happy, successful, and supported on your academic journey.