college applications

The Common Application: Should You Use It?

By Katelyn McAdamLast updated on December 14, 2023

Working on college applications can be a daunting process. It’s your senior year of high school and you have a lot on your mind (mainly the future) not to mention all the social events taking place. And we all have those relatives–every time you’re at a family gathering it’s “where are you going to college …

college applications

What If I Can’t Afford the College Application Fee?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 22, 2025

Key Takeaways: College applications can cost anywhere from $0 to $100 each, but many students pay around $50 per application. Students may qualify for college application fee waivers by demonstrating financial need. If you’re not eligible for waivers, you can save money by applying to schools with free or low-cost applications. One college application at …

college applications

Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Fill Out Your Student’s College Applications For Them

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

You’ll need just a little background before I tell you about a curious phone call I recently received about a student’s college applications…we have lived in this community long enough for me to know a significant number of my child’s peers since they were in pre-school. I know the school hours for my local high …

college applications

3 Impactful Ways to Showcase Extracurricular Activities on College Applications

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 24, 2024

Key Takeaways Admissions officers want to see involvement in extracurricular activities detailed on college applications. Don’t just list the clubs or organizations you were a part of – share how involved you were. You don’t have to hold an official title to make an impact. Sharing the details of how involved you were will hold …

college applications

Understanding Prior-Prior Year FAFSA Filing and What It Means for Students and Parents

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

The federal government has come up with a wonderfully confusing new name for something that actually simplifies the financial aid process. Let me try to make it easier to understand. Historically, students and parents have used income information from the last full calendar year on financial aid applications (FAFSA). In other words, you used the …

college applications

College Prep Checklists: What Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors Can Do to Stay on Track (Free Download)

By Allison WignallLast updated on May 31, 2023

With so much going on during your high school career, it can sometimes be hard to know if you are on track for college. We created these college prep checklists to help students and parents navigate their path to college and know what steps they should be taking each year to prepare for college and …

college applications

What to Do If You’re Waitlisted by a College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 25, 2025

As your college acceptance letters roll in, you’re probably wondering, “Am I accepted or rejected?” But there’s always that middle ground that could happen, too – waitlisted. So what should you do if you’re waitlisted for a class? And what shouldn’t you do? We’ll answer those two questions below. What Are College Waitlists? When a …

college applications

Holiday Crunch: 9 Things College Applicants Can Do Over Winter Break

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 27, 2024

Your winter holiday break gives you time away from your classes, but you should also use this time to improve your chances of getting into your dream college. Even if you’ve already been accepted to a school or you’ve sent off your applications, there are a few other tasks you can tackle over the two …

college applications

When to Apply to College: Early Decision vs. Early Action vs. Regular Decision

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on June 10, 2024

Once you have decided which schools you will apply to, you’ll then need to decide which application deadline option is best for you: early decision vs early action or regular decision. They are vastly different and it’s important to understand the uniqueness of each college admissions process– or you might just apply under the wrong …

college applications

How to Build a Great College Application List

By William StaibLast updated on December 22, 2022

How many colleges should prospective students apply to? What if a student isn’t accepted to any of the schools on their list? One of the most important parts of the college search process is building a college application list. Why should you make a list? It’s critical that students create a balanced college application list …