Everyone worries about college admissions and everyone has their own thoughts and ideas on how best to do this. Many students believe that the SATS results are the most important. However, the admission factors most often taken into account appear to be your high school record. This is considered to influence about 35% to 50% of their decision, but also includes what courses you took and how well you did in those courses. This often gives a college an indication of how well you perform when given a rigorous workload. College admissions will not only look at your overall grades, but also whether you chose difficult classes, whether your grades improved during high school and even whether you let your senior year grades slide.

They also claim that about 25 to 40% of their admissions decision is based on test scores. Both the ACT and SAT test are used to evaluate applicants, showing them how well you would handle problem solving, reading and other basic skills. This is one reason why SAT test preparation is vital if you want to do well and improve your SAT test score.

They will check out your activities and other accomplishments. Their decision is influenced anywhere from 5 to 20% on these factors. Colleges feel that if you were active in community services or took a leadership position in an activity, then it is likely you will continue to be active at college. College admissions also base anywhere from 5 to 20% of their decision on essays and recommendations. They want to know what you are like as a person, something that SATS tests cannot tell them. They want to know what is important to you, what type of personality you have and to determine your greatest strengths and weaknesses. 

Approximately 70% of college applicants get accepted into their first choice college. Students have indicated that taking SAT preparation classes and completing SAT practice tests are a huge help. To increase your chances of getting into any college you need good grades. College admissions say that students with high GPA's are more likely to capture attention from the admissions board. Score high on the SAT, with both a high GPA and SAT score, and you may not only get into college but you may be offered some scholarships as well. Taking challenging courses such as AP (advanced placement) courses tells them you are serious about your education.