Beyond the Numbers

Are Good Test Scores Enough to Get You Into a Top College?

Every college and university seeks to cultivate a class. Academically, it is common to hear that at top schools, more than 75% of admitted students have straight A’s. Or that more than 30% of admitted students have a 1570 or higher on the SAT, and over 75% of admitted students have 1400+ in Critical Reading and Math. If you belong to this elite group of students seeking admission into the top 20 colleges and universities, beware: you’re not alone. Stellar academics are insufficient to make you stand out in a highly competitive admissions pool. With admit rates of a single digit, other personal qualities and demonstrated skills must be present. 

This doesn’t mean you have to go out and get super involved in every organization or activity. You need to consider how each activity that you engage in represents you and be able to identify the ways that you have created an impact on them. As an applicant reviewed in a holistic admission process, you must present a comprehensive and clear impression of who you are and what matters most to you. To do this effectively requires you to layer and integrate your involvement so that your activities over the last three years become the building blocks that holistically shape your experiences and outlook.

Let’s demonstrate through an example:

9th Grade: You volunteered to mentor elementary school students in math for two hours a week
10th Grade: You volunteered weekly at a senior citizen center during your sophomore year
11th Grade: You became an aide at a hospital to work with children with disabilities. 

At first glance, these involvements may seem superficial, but the power of a personal statement can convey the depth of your interest. It can show a level of commitment to service that explains your motivation, rooted in a personal experience of having family members who have dyslexia or battling cancer. Additionally, the subsequent summer research with faculty at a nearby college or university indicates your determination and intellectual curiosity. As a result, your collective experiences from home, volunteer work, and/or research work can influence your desire to study in various disciplines ranging from social work and occupational therapy to oncology.

Weaving a cohesive story is one significant way to go beyond the ordinary. It shows heart, a genuine human quality that will make you stand out among equally qualified candidates. As you consider future involvements, ensure they align with your academic and professional goals.

If you’re wondering if good grades are enough, you’d probably find these FAQs interesting.

FAQs about Competitive Admissions

1. Do top colleges have a minimum SAT or ACT score requirement?
No, most top colleges don’t have a strict minimum score requirement, but highly competitive applicants often have SAT scores in the 1400–1570+ range or ACT scores of 32–35. Keep in mind that test scores are just one piece of the application. Source: College Board – Understanding Scores

2. What does “holistic admissions” really mean?
Holistic admissions means that colleges consider a wide range of factors beyond academics and test scores. These include extracurricular involvement, leadership, personal background, essays, and letters of recommendation. The goal is to understand the student as a whole person.

3. Can strong extracurriculars make up for lower test scores?
In some cases, yes. Demonstrating leadership, sustained impact, or unique accomplishments can sometimes offset less-than-perfect test scores—especially at schools that emphasize holistic review. Source: Yale Admissions

4. How can I show “impact” in my extracurricular activities?
Impact doesn’t have to mean founding a nonprofit. It can be mentoring younger students, improving an existing program, or conducting meaningful research. Colleges look for depth, commitment, and evidence that you’ve made a difference in your community.

5. Should I try to participate in as many clubs and activities as possible?
No. Quality matters far more than quantity. It’s better to show deep engagement and leadership in a few activities than superficial participation in many.

6. How important is the personal statement in the college application?
The personal statement is extremely important, especially for selective schools. It’s your chance to tell a story that reveals who you are, what motivates you, and how you think.

7. What if I don’t have a clear academic interest yet?
That’s okay. Many students are undecided. Instead of trying to fit a perfect academic narrative, focus on showing curiosity, initiative, and how your experiences have shaped your interests.

8. Are summer programs or internships necessary to impress colleges?
Not necessarily. They can be helpful, but what matters more is how you use your time meaningfully—whether that’s through a job, community work, family responsibilities, or self-driven projects.