<p>Sara: no offense taken. The “very important” factor means the college looks at it and is transparent about that fact. All it means is that it’s one of several factors. How colleges weigh this point is completely up to them. At the end of the day, your TRANSCRIPT is always, ALWAYS the most important evaluation item.</p>
<p>If your academics are on par with their entering freshman class (google their “common data set”), you are very interested in the college and have an affordable means to attend, then you should apply. That’s my advice.</p>