Some colleges have a simple formula that combines minimum grade point average and test scores, and if you meet those minimums, you will be accepted.
For colleges that require more information, trying to predict the likelihood of admission is tricky because so many variables come into play. At these colleges there is no way to predict, with absolute certainty, your chances of admission since there are several factors to consider as you ask questions and look at a college or universities' profile.
The primary academic factors include the following:
Course Curriculum and GPA
Consider what curriculum is available at your high school and what you have taken. If you have taken the most demanding courses offered and maintained a high Grade Point Average that will be a positive factor when colleges examine your transcript. Taking AP courses is not an excuse for low grades. Look at the percentage of enrolled freshmen that are admitted from the top 10% of their class. While some high schools do not rank, you can try to estimate how you will be viewed considering your curriculum, grades, and trends in grades.
SAT/ACT Mid 50% Range
Using your highest verbal and your highest math score or your highest ACT composite score, check to see where you fall within the middle 50% of standardized test scores of admitted students.
While scores are only one piece of the puzzle, having scores that fall solidly within the middle 50% range or above the range make the school that much more realistic for you. (The middle 50% range for scores means that 25% of the students scored above the high end of the range and 25% scored below the low end of the range.)
Don't focus on scores alone! If you are from a low-income background, are the first in your family to pursue a college degree, or speak English as a second language, chances are that the admission committee will focus more on other aspects of your application than on your test scores.
Acceptance Rate
What percentage of students who applied was admitted to the school? This is an indicator of how many students are vying for a space in the class. While numbers can be deceiving, this is a good way to determine where a school falls on your college list - predictable, target, or reach.
