college admissions

What Should NOT Influence Your Final College Choice

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

While it is absolutely critical to know which factors to take into consideration when making your final college choice, it is just as important to know what factors should not influence your final college choice—at least, not solely or even having a big influence. Listed below are factors that shouldn’t influence your final college decisions: …

college admissions

Why You Don’t Want to Rush Your Final College Choice

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

The college search process is long and grueling, as is the college prep process, the college application process, and the college selection process. It can be very tempting to look at your acceptance letters and just pick and option already, so you can finally take a well-deserved break and stop stressing over it. However, a …

college admissions

Why You Should Contact The Schools You’re NOT Attending

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you have applied to multiple colleges, there is a dilemma you are going to face at the end of the admissions cycle as your acceptance letters come in. You’re faced with declining a college acceptance or two. Should you contact the schools you are not attending and inform them about your decision? It’s not …

college admissions

4 Things to do While Waiting For College Acceptance Letters

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 18, 2024

Thousands of students wait anxiously each year for college acceptance letters, but the time between January and April shouldn’t be spent idly waiting. Students can tackle scholarship applications, grant applications, and financial aid requirements during this time period. High school seniors also shouldn’t let their grades or extracurricular involvement slip during this time period. Colleges …

college admissions

The Average College GPA and Test Scores…And Why it Matters

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 21, 2023

During your high school years, you’ve likely been focused on your GPA and test scores alone. While you might be aware of some of your classmates’ scores, their grades (unless it’s a group project) tend to have little to do with yours. However, when it’s time to apply to college, other students’ GPAs and SAT/ACT results …

college admissions

One Of The Most Important Questions: Why Attend This College?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

While filling out college application you are sure to come across this question several times, “Why do you want to attend this school?” You might see it in your app, in an essay prompt, asked about it in an interview. While it may seem like a simple enough question, the answer question tells the reader …

college admissions

Why You Should Send Thank You Notes During The College App Process

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Applying to college is not a solitary endeavor. Although you will be the main person putting everything together, the process inevitably several other people—a mentor who writes your recommendation letters, the counselor who advises you regarding various courses and colleges, the college admissions team who conduct your interviews, a professor you meet while visiting, and …

college admissions

How To Follow Up With A College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

After you’ve submitted your application, you may want to follow up with a college for a few different reasons. Updates and News One of the most common reasons may be to update them about your latest accomplishments, which could impact the fate of your application. The second is if you check your application status and …

college admissions

How to Create a Seasonal College Prep Schedule

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Creating a college preparation checklist and schedule is a great way to ensure you’re getting everything done on time. Here are some things you should be scheduling every season starting with the spring of your junior year of high school. Spring – Junior Year Your junior year is actually when you should start getting a …

college admissions

9 tips to help you boost your college acceptance odds

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 27, 2025

Key takeaways A strong college application includes your academics, extracurriculars, awards, essay, recommendation letters, and careful attention to detail. From your essay and extracurriculars to your online presence, focus on highlighting the depth of your experiences to set your application apart. Take your time and be intentional with each part of your application so colleges …