college admissions

What NOT to Ask During a College Visit

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

During your college visits, you may have a list of questions you want to ask, either as a student or a parent. These may include questions about campus life, classes, majors, or town. There are a few questions though that you will want to steer clear of. Here are some questions to NOT ask during a …

college admissions

The Importance of College Admissions Interviews

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on November 28, 2023

Some colleges and universities will have interviews as part of their admissions process. Whether they’re required or recommended, college interviews are important. They shouldn’t be skipped, and students participating in them should always put their best foot forward. Here are some things you need to know about college admissions interviews and what you can expect …

college admissions

Understand The Difference Between Test Optional, Test Flexible, And Test Blind

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Test optional, test flexible, and test blind refer to admissions policies with reference to the SAT or ACT. There may be slight variations between colleges as to exactly what these terms imply. In general: Test Optional ‘Test Optional’ means it is not mandatory for students to submit their SAT or ACT scores as part of …

college admissions

10 Ways to Improve Your Admissions Chances

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 5, 2025

Key Takeaways: Your academic ability, extracurriculars, and the school’s selectivity generally affect your college admission chances, but other factors can come into play too. Researching and comparing colleges can help you determine the best options for your education goals. Create a list of safety, match, and reach colleges to improve your admission chances. Whether you …

college admissions

What To Expect at Parent Orientation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 29, 2025

Key takeaways: Some colleges offer parent orientation, which highlights valuable information for parents to help their students make the most of their college experience. Sessions during orientation can cover financial aid, campus life, health and safety, academics, and more. Parents can sign up for their orientation online, through the student’s college portal. Colleges usually require …

college admissions

Ways to Prepare for College Orientation

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

College orientation is exciting for so many different reasons. You get to choose your classes, meet your future classmates and teachers, and get a closer look at the facilities and the campus that you will call home for the next four years. There’s a lot to be excited about, but there’s also a lot to …

college admissions

Why You Should Take Advantage of Rolling Admissions

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Applying for college can be a stressful time. Usually, you will have to wait several months until you find out whether or not you were accepted. One way to cut down on the wait time is to apply under rolling admissions. Instead of waiting months, in most cases, you will hear back within a few …

college admissions

Pros And Cons Of Rolling Admissions

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 8, 2023

There are two distinctly different ways in which colleges process student applications. Some colleges may start assessing the applications as they come in, or only after the deadline. Regardless of when they do the assessments, they send out acceptance letters only after the submission deadline and after they have evaluated all applications. These are often …

college admissions

How to Prepare For A University Admission Interview

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

It’s finally happened. After months of spending hours every day creating customized applications, avoiding common mistakes, and submitting them to various colleges, you’ve received an invite for a university admissions interview. You’re excited but you’re also nervous at the same time. The admissions interview is the last obstacle that stands between you and that college seat. …

college admissions

Tips to Create Your Freshman Class Schedule at Orientation

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Creating your college freshman class schedule is one of the many things you will have to do at orientation. Trying to figure out which classes to take can also be one of the most overwhelming things you will do that day. It is important to make sure your schedule is manageable while also ensuring that …