Admissions Requirements
The cost of a college education in New England is beyond what the average family can afford. Tuition has increased as salaries have decreased. As a result, education now seems to be limited for the wealthy. If you are interested in attending an American college or university be prepared to meet stiff requirements, face a lot competition and enormous cost.
Competitive Atmosphere
One well-known large university raised their academic requirements significantly in the past few years.
In 2013 the average student had a grade point average of 3.5 – 4.2. This fall, students are required to have a 4.0 to apply. Many other regional schools had similar academic requirements.
Strategies to Help You Get into Your Target School
Students are urged to apply to at least seven to ten schools. There are three types of schools you should target. Those that are a sure thing, those that are a good match, and those you want.
Easy Acceptance | Safety School | meet or exceed requirements (GPA, ACT, SAT) |
Probable Acceptance | Target School | good match, meet some, exceed a few requirements |
Possible Acceptance | Reach School | first choice, |
The ‘safety’ school is well within your reach. You meet all and exceed some requirements. You can easily see yourself being accepted and have applied to this school as a safety net should you get rejected from a target or reach school.
The ‘target’ school is a good match for your grades and test scores. It offers the academic programs you intend to pursue. Your grades, SAT, and ACT scores are well within the acceptable range. You have visited the school and feel comfortable and can imagine yourself living on campus.
The ‘reach’ school is among your first choice of schools. Acceptance is possible, but not probable. You meet the minimum grade requirements but lack an acceptable SAT or ACT score.
If you have extra curricular activities (outstanding community service ) that showcases talents not reflected by grades and scores, you may be considered.
New England schools are competitive and very expensive. The admissions process is stressful and takes lots of planning. Start early and take all the advice you can get. You may end up at your reach school!