College Admissions
Learn how the college admissions process works, what schools look for, and how to prepare strong applications that reflect your goals and strengths.
College admissions can feel overwhelming at first, but understanding the process makes it easier to plan your next steps. Whether you're applying to community colleges, public universities, or selective private schools, knowing what admissions teams evaluate can help you present your strongest application.
The entire process becomes more manageable when you understand how requirements, deadlines, and expectations fit together. If you're preparing applications for the first time or returning to school after a break, having a clear sense of what to expect can help you move forward with confidence.
What Colleges Look for in Applicants
Admissions offices review a combination of academic performance, personal qualities, and readiness for college-level work. High school transcripts are often the foundation of your application, giving colleges a clear picture of your coursework, grades, and long-term performance. Many schools also look at the difficulty of classes you completed, such as honors or AP-level work, though this varies by institution.
Applications usually include additional materials that help admissions teams understand who you are outside the classroom. Essays, recommendation letters, and activity lists show your interests, communication skills, and commitment to personal growth. Some colleges are test-optional, while others still require ACT or SAT scores, so reviewing each school’s policy is important before applying.
Key Steps in the Admissions Process
The admissions timeline typically includes researching schools, gathering materials, and submitting applications before posted deadlines. Starting early gives you time to explore programs, compare costs, and understand any specific requirements, such as portfolios for art programs or auditions for music majors. Most applicants complete several core pieces:
- a completed application form
- high school or college transcripts
- essays or personal statements
- recommendation letters
- standardized test scores (if required)
After submitting, you may need to complete a financial aid application, such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or respond to additional requests from your college. Staying organized can help you keep track of dates and documents throughout the process.
Finding the Right College Fit
Choosing where to apply is just as important as preparing your materials. Students often consider academic programs, campus size, location, tuition, support services, and long-term career opportunities. Online programs may also be worth exploring if you need more flexibility or prefer to study from home.
Visiting campuses, attending virtual tours, or speaking with admissions counselors can give you a clearer sense of whether a school aligns with your goals. Comparing multiple options also helps you understand differences in admission criteria and financial aid opportunities.
Explore College Admissions Resources
The articles below cover key parts of the admissions process, including application steps, testing guidance, and financial aid considerations. These resources can help you prepare more confidently and choose the college pathway that aligns with your goals.
Explore top test-optional colleges with high acceptance rates. Compare tuition, admissions policies, and online degree options to find the right school for you.
A 1.5 GPA isn't great, but it doesn't disqualify you from attending college. Several colleges and universities in the U.S. accept students with low GPAs.
Don't let a low GPA stop you from earning a college degree and reaching your career goals. Several colleges in the U.S. accept students with low GPAs.
A 2.0 grade point average is an average GPA that gives students many options for higher education. Learn about how good a 2.0 GPA is, the best colleges and universities that accept a 2.0 GPA near you, and more.
Students with a low GPA may still pursue higher education. Several online schools have relaxed admissions requirements, allowing students to enter quality degree programs.
If you didn't take the ACT or SAT, you can still attend college. Many accredited online colleges in the U.S. don't require standardized tests for admissions.
Applying to a medical school program might seem intimidating at first. However, there are several programs across the country that accept low undergraduate grade point averages (GPAs). Learn more about these programs' common courses and additional admittance requirements.
High school students with a 3.0 GPA can choose from numerous accredited universities. This article explores how good a 3.0 GPA is and 10 of the top schools that accept a 3.0 GPA
High school students with lower GPAs still have many college opportunities. We explore top schools for students with a 2.5 GPA, detailing admissions criteria, acceptance rates, and more.
Colorado State University is one of the public universities in Colorado, and it offers a range of degrees on campus and online. It has a high acceptance rate and slightly higher-than-average tuition rate.
Aspiring nursing students who are just starting their education and have concerns about their nursing school GPA can find answers to all of their questions here.
Generally speaking, you'll need a GPA of at least 2.0 for college admission. You may need a higher GPA for acceptance into an elementary education program.
Grade point average is important in college. Learn why GPA matters to psychology majors, how GPA is calculated, and what steps you can take to raise and maintain your GPA.
To graduate with a special education degree, you will typically need to maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher. Graduate programs may require a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Discover the important GPA requirements for cybersecurity programs at all levels. Learn strategies to boost your GPA and unlock opportunities in the field.
Explore the Purdue Global GPA requirement and admissions process in our comprehensive guide. Understand the criteria for undergraduate and graduate programs to prepare for your academic journey at Purdue Global.
Discover Strayer University's GPA requirements for undergraduate and graduate programs. Learn strategies to meet them in our guide on GPA to get into Strayer University.
Many MBA programs accept students with GPAs below 3.0. This article explores ten programs that accept low GPAs and answers questions related to the applications process.
Discover the GPA requirements for psychology graduate programs and prepare for a successful application. Learn about standard admission requirements and more.
Find out the minimum GPA you need to have to get into UMass Global. Get answers to other common questions about UMass Global admissions requirements and procedures.
The U.S. Air Force Academy offers postsecondary education for aspiring military officers. Cadets are held to rigorous standards, and the academy recommends you start preparing well in advance of applying. While there are no specific GPA requirements for admission, the school offers several suggestions on how you can best prepare physically, academically and mentally.
Find out what a good GPA is for high school, college, scholarships, and career planning. Learn how GPA scales work, why GPA matters, and how to improve it.
Get answers to common questions about the average GPA for psychology majors and learn about what you can do to improve your overall GPA as a psychology major.
Discover Purdue Global's online education: admissions requirements, average GPA, program support, and credit transfers. Start your academic journey today.
A good SAT score typically ranges between 1200 and 1400. Top-tier schools may expect 1450+, while state schools or mid-tier universities often accept scores around 1100 to 1300. Learn more about your SAT score here.
Students with a 1.3 GPA can gain admission to college by picking schools that have no minimum GPA requirements or allow learners with lower GPAs to apply.
Although Grade Point Average (GPA) is an important college admissions factor, it doesn't mean everything. Find out how you can attend college with low grades.
Not everyone graduates with a high Grade Point Average (GPA). If you struggled early in your academic career, it's still possible to get into a good college.
Students with a 1.4 GPA can get into colleges that have lenient admission policies, no minimum GPA requirements, or a holistic application review process.
Although a 2.3 GPA is below average, many colleges and universities are willing to accept students with low GPAs so they can still earn a college degree.
Although a 2.2 GPA isn't very high, there are many colleges and universities in the U.S. that will accept undergraduate students who have a GPA of 2.2.
The best colleges that accept a 2.1 GPA offer various online degree programs in sought-after fields, such as education, business, healthcare, and more.
A grade point average of 1.6 is fairly low, however, there are many colleges and universities throughout the U.S. that will accept students with low GPAs.
These accredited four-year colleges accept applicants with a 1.8 GPA on their high school transcripts. Some are strictly online, while others offer in-person courses.
A low grade point average (GPA) can present an obstacle for college admissions, but you can still get into college. This article will show you a few options.
If you struggled in high school, that doesn't mean a college degree is off the table. There are many colleges and universities that accept a 2.4 or lower GPA.
An average grade point average can get you accepted into a reputable, accredited college. Learn about how good a 2.9 GPA is, top colleges that accept a 2.9 GPA, and more.
These high-quality colleges and universities accept students with a 2.8 GPA. Many offer bachelor's degrees in desirable fields such as nursing, education, business, and more.
A 2.7 GPA is good enough to get into a reputable college or university. Learn about how good a 2.7 GPA is, the best accredited colleges that accept a 2.7 GPA, and more.
Discover the best colleges that accept a 3.1 GPA, including state universities and community colleges. Learn about admissions, acceptance rates, test scores, and strategies to strengthen your application.
College admissions have gotten competitive in recent years, but not every university demands top grades. Here's how you can still get into colleges that accept a 2.6 GPA.
A high grade point average (GPA) makes your college application attractive to selective schools. Here's where you might apply with a high academic performance.
Discover 10 top colleges that accept a 3.4 GPA, including public and private options nationwide. Learn about admissions, requirements, and how to strengthen your application.
Boost your college success by exploring top colleges accepting a 3.2 GPA, with insights on admissions, requirements, and how to strengthen your application.
Explore the 10 best colleges that accept a 3.3 GPA, understand what this GPA means, and learn how it impacts your chances at colleges across the United States.
Check out the 10 best colleges that accept a 3.7 GPA, plus learn about some tips on acceptance rates and how your GPA can increase your college acceptance chances.
Learn about 10 of the best colleges that accept a 3.5 GPA. Explore school profiles, admissions tips, and answers to common questions about getting in with a solid B+/A- average.
A 4.0 GPA is a good GPA and demonstrates strong academic accomplishments. This article explores 10 schools that accept students who have earned a 4.0 GPA in high school.
An SAT score of 1090 isn't going to get you into highly selective schools, but there are many colleges and universities across the U.S. that accept a 1090.
Students who have earned a 3.8 high school GPA can gain admission to some of the nation's top colleges, including Ivy League and other highly selective schools.
Discover accredited colleges that accept a 1000 SAT score, featuring affordable tuition, online offerings, flexible admissions, and programs across diverse fields.
An SAT score of 1140 is above average but isn't fabulous. That being said, there are many colleges and universities across the U.S. that accept a 1140 score.
A 1350 is a good SAT score and can help you get into a reputable college. Learn about what a 1350 SAT score means, colleges that accept a 1350 SAT score, and best practices to improve your score.
If you're applying to college, you may wonder if a 1110 is a good SAT score. A 1110 is above the national average, making it a great score for admissions.
A 1500 SAT score is competitive at many top universities. Explore accredited colleges that accept a 1500 SAT score and offer strong academic programs and flexible options.
A 1450 SAT score qualifies you for admission at many competitive colleges. Discover affordable, accredited schools that accept a 1450 on the SAT.
A 1480 SAT score is competitive at top colleges. Explore accredited, affordable schools that accept a 1480 and offer strong academic and career support.
A 940 SAT score is good enough to get into accredited colleges and universities. Learn about what a 940 SAT score is, traditional and online colleges that accept a 940 SAT score, and ways to improve your score.
A 900 SAT score can open the doors to an accredited college or university. Learn about if a 900 SAT score is good, colleges that accept a 900 SAT score, and what you can do to improve your score.
A 950 SAT score is good enough to get into accredited colleges and universities. Learn more about what a 950 SAT score means, colleges that accept a 950 SAT score, and how to improve your score.
Students with a 1070 on the SAT can gain admission to many schools by selecting colleges that have a test-optional policy or accept a larger range of scores.
While a 1040 SAT score is slightly below average, there are still plenty of high-quality options. Take a look at 10 of the best schools for students who scored a 1040.
1010 is an average score, but the SAT is not the only college admissions component. Check out your options for attending college with this exam score.
An SAT score of 1130 may not guarantee you admission to every college, but it will still help you qualify for a great education at plenty of desirable schools.
A 1020 SAT score is close to the national average. Many colleges accept students with a 1020 SAT score; many are test-optional and scores are not required for admission.
An 800 SAT score is lower than the national average, but many test-optional schools provide learning opportunities regardless of SAT score, both online and on campus.
Even though a 960 SAT score is below the national average, there are many high-quality schools with test-optional admission policies to help these students.
Did you score an 840 on the SAT? Learn what it means, and discover accredited schools that accept students with this score or have test-optional policies.
A 970 is a below-average SAT score, but there are several test-optional colleges that provide higher education pathways for students with this SAT score.
Wondering if a 1080 SAT score is good? Learn what this score means, how it compares nationally, and discover colleges that accept students with this score.
A 1400 is a strong SAT score, ranking learners in the 97th percentile, and can lead to admission at many of the top-ranking universities across the country.
Are you curious if a 990 SAT score is competitive? Explore accredited, affordable colleges that accept a 990 and offer solid opportunities for higher education.
Are you looking to get accepted into college with a 1030 SAT score? Fortunately, there are many affordable schools that welcome students with this exam score.
A score of 1180 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a solid score. Find out which affordable colleges will accept you, especially if you have good grades.
Although an SAT score of 1120 isn't outstanding, it's not too bad either. Many colleges and universities across the U.S. will accept a 1120 SAT score.
Students who earn a 1060 on the SAT gain admission to many colleges nationwide by picking schools that accept a range of scores or have a test-optional policy.
Students with an SAT score of 1190 can get into various top colleges. It is a decent test score that puts students into the 75th to 80th percentile nationally.
A 1300 is an above-average score, opening up many great options for higher education. Keep reading to see 10 of the best schools for those with a 1300 SAT.
A 1160 is an above-average SAT score. While it may not be enough get you into more selective schools, there are many colleges that accept a 1160 SAT score.
These accredited colleges accept a 1150 SAT score or offer test-optional admissions, with flexible online and in-person degree options available across the U.S.
An SAT score of 1210 can help students get accepted into many popular colleges. It is a good score that puts students in the 80th percentile nationally.
Accredited colleges that accept a 980 SAT score usually have test-optional policies with affordable tuition costs and attainable admissions requirements.
Explore 10 accredited colleges that accept a 1050 SAT score, including test-optional and online options. Compare tuition, admissions, and flexible programs.
Your score on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) plays an important role in college applications. Then again, some schools don't even require it for admissions.
These accredited colleges accept a 1100 SAT score or are test-optional and offer in-state tuition under $20,000 along with online or in-person degree options across the U.S.
It's important to know where you stand with your SAT score when you apply for college. A score of 1280 can position you well for college admissions at many universities.
If you scored a 1230 on the SAT, you may wonder which colleges will accept you. This article will explain what to expect from most college admissions officers.
These accredited colleges accept a 1200 SAT score or are test-optional, with flexible online and in-person programs available at public universities across the U.S.
A 1.7 grade point average isn't very high, but there are several colleges and universities throughout the U.S. that still accept students with low GPAs.
High school students who have earned a GPA of 3.9 can gain admission to some of the nation's best colleges and universities, including highly selective schools.
There are a variety of medical schools in the United States that have a rolling admissions process. Explore some of the schools offering this, and get information about the programs at these schools.
Military service can affect your admission into college in several ways. These include potential transfer credits, education benefits, and leadership skills.