Students looking ahead to their college application process are aware that many aspects are in a state of flux. They are left wondering whether they will need to apply “early decision,” how much time to devote to maximizing their SAT scores, if they should prioritize academics or extracurriculars, and what kind of financial investment will pay off.
Since numbers don’t lie, an examination of the acceptance rates at a multitude of colleges popular with New Jersey students reveals that there is often a distinct advantage in applying “early decision” to one’s favorite college. In doing so, students are committing to attend the school, if accepted. But many view this as a wise choice. The acceptance rate of Early Decision vs. Regular applicants are as follows at these popular institutions: Columbia University (15% to 4%), Northeastern University (39% to 6%), Boston University (26% to 11%), American University (85% to 47%), University of Miami (60% to 19%), Villanova University (49% to 25%), and Lehigh University (53% to 29%).
As for SAT scores, standardized test requirements have made a comeback and provide a distinct advantage to students in the competitive application process, according to Forbes. Universities that require SAT scores of all applicants include Harvard, Brown, MIT, Georgetown, Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, Purdue, and University of Florida. Others are adding the requirement, starting in the Fall of 2026, including Cornell, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins. Even colleges that are still “test optional” often require SAT scores for scholarship consideration.
Another significant factor to admissions officers is a student’s academic record. Colleges favor students who excel in challenging coursework, including AP courses, honors classes, and dual-enrollment programs, according to Forbes. Students should particularly seek advanced classes in subjects related to their future college major, such as AP Biology and AP Chemistry for hopeful pre-med students, AP Calculus and AP Statistics for potential engineering majors, and AP U.S. History and AP U.S. Government & Politics for those aspiring to a career in law. As a supplement to their coursework, it's ideal for students to engage in extracurricular activities and “passion projects” that provide experience in their intended college and career field.
Another trend noted by Forbes is that “many families are prioritizing financial stability over the prestige of a brand-name college.” Students, and their parents, are recognizing that they can often get an impressive education at a college that has a strong program in their field of interest, even if it doesn’t bear a household name. The “Best Colleges” guide by U.S. News & World Report is extremely helpful in ranking the most reputable colleges for specific academic programs.
Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362
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