college admissions, questions & answers

How to Be a Better Public Speaker

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on August 20, 2026

Key takeaways Becoming a better public speaker takes preparation and practice. Strong public speaking skills can improve your communication skills and career opportunities. Being nervous about public speaking is normal, but the right techniques, like knowing your audience and engagement tactics can help. Your body language and delivery can help you give a good presentation. …

college admissions

5 Ways to Earn College Credits in High School

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022

Who says you have to wait for your first year of college to get a start on your degree? You can get a head start on your college credits while still in high school! We’ll cover just five in this article but there may be additional options available to you depending on where you are …

college admissions

Best LSAT Prep Books

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 15, 2026

The Law School Admission Test, better known as the LSAT, is a standardized test that assesses whether an applicant is likely to do well in law school. This test, like many other standardized tests, is rigorous, and often described as challenging — perhaps one of the most challenging. But it is not impossible. Once people …

college admissions, questions & answers

How to Pick the Right AP Classes For You

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 3, 2025

Key takeaways: AP classes can improve your acceptance chances into colleges and can earn you college credit. Competitive colleges and universities, like Ivy League school, expect that you will have taken at least 7 AP classes, some look for even more. Choose AP courses that align with your interests and strengths so you can gain …

ACT & SAT, college admissions

Best GMAT Prep Books

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 20, 2026

You’ve probably heard of the GMAT before, and if you haven’t, then you might guess by the name that it is a type of standardized test used in the education world. The GMAT is an entrance exam for business school that is 3.5 hours long. It tests specific skills that are important for management and …

college admissions, questions & answers

How Hard is it to Get Into Harvard?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 4, 2024

Key Takeaways: Harvard is one of the most difficult schools to get into in the nation due to the fact that it is a highly ranked college (usually in the top 3 of overall rankings) and that the school receives over around 56,000 applications each year. That’s a high number relative to the only around …

college admissions, college applications

9 important dates and deadlines for college bound high school seniors

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 4, 2026

Key takeaways College bound high school seniors should track important milestones like standardized tests dates, college application deadlines, and FAFSA opening to stay on schedule. Noting key deadlines can help ensure you don’t miss anything in the college application and planning process. For deadline or application submission questions, contact your counselor or college admissions office. …

college admissions, questions & answers

College Planning Timeline: Key Deadlines from Freshman Year to Senior Graduation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 15, 2025

Key Takeaways: January 1 is a common regular decision deadline for college applications, but students who want to apply early often need to submit applications in November. During high school, students should complete a variety of tasks to prepare for college, including meetings with academic advisors and scholarship research. Colleges start sending out regular decision …

college admissions

High School Electives to Boost Your College Applications

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 21, 2022

When it comes to signing up for high school classes, choosing electives can be fun or overwhelming. Electives are one of the rare opportunities to step away from the required core classes that everyone has to take. Some people will sign up for certain electives simply because of an interest in the class. Other people …

college admissions

What is the Foreign Language Requirement for College?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

All college admissions offices have general education requirements including foreign language requirements for college. Language proficiency is one of them. Most schools are looking for students who have completed at least two years in these courses. But that number can vary by each school and admissions office.   Even after high school, most colleges require …