Researchers at Harvard want to take the pressure off of students applying to college.
The report, issued by the Harvard Graduate School of Education, gave a series of recommendations to altering the admissions process, including how admissions officers consider academic and extracurricular achievements.
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The researchers recommended less emphasis on standardized testing (SAT and ACT) by having the tests optional and describing how much scores "count" in the college's application process.
The report also says students should not think they will be penalized for taking a small number of AP or IB classes. Having a tougher course load "is often not as valuable as sustained achievement in a limited number of areas," according to researchers.
Beyond the classroom, the report suggests a stronger consideration of family and community commitments on a candidate's application.