Sylvan Learning

Grading standards continue to shift following the COVID-19 pandemic, and the grades reflected on school-level reports are an unreliable measure for students looking to understand how their academic achievements compare to grade-level expectations. This, along with the move toward test-optional college applications, is a clear marker of a shift in the college admissions process.“In hearing from different admissions officers, especially in the past year, it’s clear that what they’re really looking for is what value a child can bring to the campus,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilykmitchell/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-colleges-are-really-looking-for-2726118" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Emily Mitchell</a>, vice president of education at&nbsp;<a href="https://sylvanfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-colleges-are-really-looking-for-2726118" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sylvan Learning</a>. “There’s a focus on what you can contribute other than the ability to pass classes. So they’re going to look for things that show what drives the student like community service and extracurriculars.”<h3>A Well-Rounded Application Starts Early</h3>Gone are the days of cramming for the SAT or ACT and breezing through the rest of the application process. Many colleges are now test-optional or test-blind, meaning that a student’s score on these standardized assessments is far less important than other factors.Mitchell said that some of the key building blocks for a strong application are AP test scores, teacher recommendations, a well-thought-out application essay and extracurricular activities — specifically altruistic ones.Success in these arenas is built over time, so it is best to begin getting involved and building relationships before junior year. However, students and families who have not considered these requirements before college application season shouldn’t feel discouraged. It’s never too late to start. Many students will be able to call on previous experiences with sports teams, religious organizations, school clubs and other community organizations to demonstrate community engagement in previous years.<h3>Where Standardized Tests Enter the Equation</h3>Just because colleges are placing less emphasis on SAT and ACT scores doesn’t mean students shouldn’t at least attempt the tests.“It’s always good to take the tests at least once,” Mitchell said. “You don’t&nbsp;have to send your scores, but if you do well, the achievement can unlock scholarship money for you. You can also choose to compare your score to the school’s historical average or any published expectations to decide if including scores on a test-optional application might actually help you.”Mitchell also noted that some colleges will ask for SAT or ACT scores after a student is admitted. Admission will not be revoked, but the scores provide additional context for academic teams that will be working with the new student.“This lets them know what academic supports the student might need once they start attending,” she said. “Even if the student really underperformed on the test, they have nothing to fear by sharing their scores once they’ve been admitted.”<h3>How Parents Can Help</h3>Because the application landscape is consistently shifting, it is important that families stay updated on the requirements of each college they may be considering.“It’s a very dynamic moment. Make sure you are paying attention to all of the changes, and don't assume that the college application process is the same as it was decades ago,” Mitchell said. “It’s completely different now, but school guidance counselors can be very helpful, and many colleges are transparent about what they’re looking for in their applicants. There are many resources to point you in the right direction.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sylvanlearning.">https://1851franchise.com/sylvanlearning.</a>&nbsp;

Sylvan Learning Shares Tips for College Application Season

1851 Franchise

As report cards become less reliable indicators of a student’s academic performance, other aspects of the college application are becoming more important.

This brand page has been paid for by SYLVAN LEARNING. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

What Colleges Are Really Looking for in Prospective Students

what-colleges-are-really-looking-for

CONSUMER INFORMATION

The Sylvan Promise

How Sylvan Helps Students Get College Ready

Test Prep

Tutoring

Learn

Visit Website

SYLVAN LEARNING

Twitter

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

How This Multi-unit Sylvan Learning Franchisee Grew Her Business During the Pandemic

Why Retired Teachers Love Working With Sylvan Learning

Sylvan Learning Franchisees Discuss Multi-Unit Ownership and Scaling Their Businesses

SYLVAN LEARNING MOST READ STORIES

LOGIN

ABOUT SYLVAN LEARNING

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

Valley Business Report: How Susan Valverde Brought Sylvan Learning to the Rio Grande Valley

Valley Business Report: How Susan Valverde Brought Sylvan Learning to the Rio Grande Valley and Transformed Local Education

valley-business-report-how-susan-valverde-brought-sylvan-learning-to-the-rio-grande-valley-and-transformed-local-education

How Much Can I Make with Sylvan Learning?

how-much-can-i-make-with-sylvan-learning

Sylvan Learning: How To Make Buying a Franchise Less Scary

sylvan-learning-how-to-make-buying-a-franchise-less-scary

Why Sylvan, Why Now?

why-sylvan-why-now

Sylvan Learning Des Moines - $450,000 Grant - 1851 Franchise

Sylvan Learning of Johnston & Des Moines Awarded $450,000 Grant for Accelerated After-School Tutoring 

sylvan-learning-grant-des-moines

What Parents Can Do To Support Their Students Outside of the Classroom

what-parents-can-do-to-support-their-students-outside-of-the-classroom

What Colleges Are Really Looking for in Prospective Students

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS