All College Applications Articles

Colorful balloons laying together on top of confetti.
college applications

Do’s and Don’ts: What to Include in College Applications

By Jasmine BarnesLast updated on December 22, 2022
College applications are a vital part of your ticket to higher education. However, the process is not so glamorous. Actually, it’s a lot harder than it looks. With thousands and thousands of applicants applying to various institutions across the country each year, how do you “stand out” as your guidance counselors told you to? How …
A student writes in a blank notebook while brainstorming their personal statement.
college applications

10 Tips on How to Write a Killer Personal Statement

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 24, 2025
Key Takeaway A personal statement is your opportunity to share more personally about yourself with a college, program, or employer. To get you started, we’ve put together 10 tips to help you write an amazing personal statement: follow instructions, talk to others, outline your ideas, stay positive, show—don’t tell, address inconsistencies, know your audience, connect …
Should you use the Universal College Application?
college applications

Universal College Application (UCA): Should You Use It?

By Katelyn McAdamLast updated on January 24, 2023
College applications are a unique beast. Depending on how many schools you’re applying to, your applications could take an afternoon or an entire month (or 3). You have to know all your personal information, list out all of your extracurriculars, select a major, and, of course, write the essay. And since each school has its …
Should you use the Common Application when applying to colleges
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 can be ridiculously expensive, especially with the application fee
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

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 …
What should you do if you've been waitlisted?
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 …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join thousands of students and parents learning about finding the right college, admissions secrets, scholarships, financial aid, and more.