What marks do universities look at?

Question

Im in gr.11 rite now and i wanted to know

what marks US universities look at

do they only look at ur "university/academic" grades?

or do they look at other courses, such as "music" or "co-op"??

Please answer! I need to know :)

Answer 1

They look at your overall GPA and your testing scores (SAT or ACT). Liberal arts and Ivy League schools and are looking for a well-rounded student, so they would like to see interest and success in a spectrum of subjects and extra-curriculars. Large universities can recruit you for everything from marching band to dance troupe to basketball team, so they look at those things alongside the grades. Most schools want to make sure you're a capable writer with abilities in quantative reasoning.

Answer 2

For US admissions, there are a couple of things that matter. The most important is your SAT score. School grades are important, but only to an extent.

When looking at international applicants, universities like to pick students with well-rounded backgrounds. So aim for at least average high-school scores (80% or B), extra-curricular activities, leadership initiatives.

People don't generally expect high-school students to have co-ops.. but participating in school teams and clubs is a huge plus.

Finally, your personal statement can serve as a deal maker (or breaker). Make sure you do your research on which universities to apply for very carefully. Check what their international acceptance rate is, and make sure you read the application guidelines **for international students** carefully.

Good Luck!