college admissions

What is a Valedictorian and How Do You Become One?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 15, 2025

Key Takeaways: A valedictorian is the student with the highest academic achievements in their graduating class. Valedictorian status is usually determined by unweighted GPA, weighted GPA, or class rank. To become valedictorian, plan early, take rigorous classes, and ask for help when you need it. Dreaming of finishing at the very top of your class? …

college admissions

How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest: Sample Letter

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 28, 2024

Key Takeaways A letter of continued interest (LOCI) is a letter you can send to a school that you have been deferred or waitlisted from expressing that you are still interested in attending. You should only send one if the school’s policy allows it, providing updates on any new achievements that could strengthen your application. …

college admissions

How Many Volunteer Hours Do You Really Need for College?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on August 20, 2024

Key Takeaway: If you’re considering volunteering in high school, you might wonder how many hours you’ll need for your college application. While 50-200 hours is typical, the focus should be on your motivation for volunteering rather than the exact number of hours. Colleges value genuine passion for giving back to the community and making a …

college admissions, questions & answers

How to Get Good Grades

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 16, 2024

Whether you’re in high school or college, grades matter. They can impact your acceptance chances to higher education institutions, scholarship offers, merit aid opportunities, and even job prospects after graduation. It can also affect your self-esteem while improving your foundational knowledge that leads to success later in the classroom and in life in general. But …

college admissions, college applications

Types of College Essays and How to Approach Them

By College Raptor StaffPublished on August 16, 2024

Although a majority of colleges require application essays, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all topic. There are actually several different college essay types you could be asked to write. They can vary in length requirements, prompts, and style. Some even may request more than one! To help you prepare for your college applications, we listed out some …

college admissions

A Guide to The High School Equivalency Test (HiSet)

By Hilary CairnsPublished on July 3, 2024

You’ve likely heard of the GED, but did you know you have another option when it comes to getting the equivalent of a high school diploma? The HiSET, or High School Equivalency Test, is an exam that can open the door to new opportunities, including higher education and careers that require a high school degree. …

college admissions

How to Get Into UVA if You Live Out of State

By College Raptor StaffPublished on July 1, 2024

For the fall 2022 enrollment cycle, the out of state acceptance rate at UVA (University of Virginia) was 32%. So, what does this mean for non-Virginians aspiring to get into this prestigious university? If you’re a non-Virginian, a 32% out of state acceptance rate means it could be difficult to get into UVA, but definitely …

college admissions

NCSA: Connecting Student Athletes with College Coaches

By Hilary CairnsPublished on June 10, 2024

Next College Student Athlete (NCSA) is a recruiting platform that helps connect students with coaches. It can streamline the recruiting process and make it easier for students to understand their options as a student-athlete. If you’re thinking about continuing your favorite sport during your college years, here’s what you need to know about the NCSA, …

college admissions

How Many People Apply To Harvard Each Year?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on June 4, 2024

In the 2024 application cycle (and 2023 early admission cycle) 54,008 people applied to Harvard. Of those that applied only 1,937 students were accepted – that’s 3.58% acceptance rate and one of the lowest in the country. According the the Harvard Gazette, this makes it the fourth year running that the school has received over …

college admissions, questions & answers

What’s the Highest GPA?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 1, 2025

Key Takeaway The highest GPA achievable is a 4.0 on a traditional scale. However, some schools use a weighted scale that can go up to 5.0, factoring in the difficulty of coursework. While GPA matters in college admissions, it’s not the final determining factor. Aim for good grades, but also focus on your personal growth. …