Mastering the US Application Juggle

In today’s competitive US college admissions landscape, students are expected to juggle high grades, strong standardised test scores, and standout extracurriculars. It’s a demanding combination, and students often wonder: Where should I focus my energy to make the most impact?

While GPA and test scores remain critical, they’re not the sole deciding factors; they are a piece of a puzzle.

SAT/ACT Scores: When to Push, When to Pivot

One of the most common questions we get is: What SAT or ACT score does my child need to get into their dream school? In the last few years, almost all US colleges and universities were test-optional, so there was flexibility. But, with many re-introducing testing requirements, as with most answers in the US application process, the answer is “it depends.” 

What it depends on is the school's score range. Students should aim to have test scores within the 50th-75th percentile of admitted applicants. These benchmarks are published by nearly every college and can serve as a useful guideline for whether a test score is competitive. 

What’s often not publicly stated is that this answer can also vary slightly depending on the region. For instance, many admissions representatives have told me they’ve observed that European applicants often submit slightly lower test scores than their American peers. This is likely because European students typically have less experience with multiple-choice exams. In contrast, based on my experience working with Chinese students who tend to perform particularly well on standardised tests, universities seem to expect higher scores from them.

When to keep studying for a higher score?
If a student’s score already falls within the 50th-75th range of admitted students, especially near the top end, additional studying may yield only negligible improvements, without significantly improving admissions odds. The time spent chasing a marginal score increase might be better invested elsewhere.

Example:
Imagine a student with an SAT score in the 70th percentile who is passionate about the concept of a circular economy. They could spend months studying to edge up to the 75th or 80th percentile—or they could help create a service or a computer app to help advertise and distribute food that would otherwise be thrown away from restaurants or shops. The latter not only highlights initiative and community impact, but also builds a unique narrative that stands out far more than a few extra points on a test.

GPA and Course Rigour: Finding the Right Balance

There’s no question that grades and course selection remain front and centre in college admissions. But it’s not just about acing every class. It’s about demonstrating that your child has taken the most rigorous curriculum they can handle successfully.

How many AP or Higher Level classes are enough?
That depends on several key factors:

Can they maintain strong grades?
While admissions officers value rigour, too many APs or that extra Higher Level subject can lead to burnout and lower grades. It’s better to earn a B in an AP course than an A in a standard class, but only if overall academic performance remains strong.

Will it compromise extracurricular depth?
Highly selective colleges expect strong grades and scores across the board. What sets an applicant apart is their extracurricular profile. Because AP and Higher Level classes demand time and focus, students need to limit how many they take to avoid sacrificing the quality of their out-of-class pursuits.

What does their school allow, and what do peers do?
Highly selective colleges and universities, like the Ivy League, Stanford, and others, expect students to have taken the most challenging courses available. For these institutions, 7 to 12 AP courses over four years is seen regularly. But, some schools cap how many AP classes a student can take each year, or limit the years a student can take AP classes. Some schools don’t allow extra Higher Level classes. The good news is that College admissions teams review students in context, comparing them to peers at their school. 

For example, if a student’s peers are taking five APs a year but your student takes two APs, then that difference could matter for selective US colleges. However, if a student’s school caps AP classes at two per year, admissions know that from the school profile and will take it into account. The rule is that the admissions team would expect to see the students making the most of what their school offers them.

Activities: The True Application Differentiator

Once a student’s academic data points are strong enough to stay competitive, their extracurriculars become the key differentiator. Admissions officers are looking for passion, impact, and depth, not a laundry list of clubs and hobbies.

This is why students should build a profile that reflects authentic interests. Whether it’s launching a podcast, conducting independent research, or starting a community initiative, colleges want to see commitment and creativity.

And remember: leadership, originality, long-term commitment, and community impact matter far more than simply checking boxes.

Final Thoughts: It’s All About Strategic Balance

Colleges want to admit not only high-achieving students but thoughtful individuals who know how to manage their time, develop their interests, and make an impact.

The best applications reflect balance and intentionality across academic achievement, test scores, and extracurricular involvement. This is why students need to work hard at juggling them all.

It is also why students may need support and expert advice around when to push harder in one area, or recognize a point of diminishing returns in one area, and that it is time to focus on another.