college applications

Tips to Spruce up a Student Resume for College Application

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 29, 2023

Resumes are usually referenced in relation to job applications, but you will also need a student resume for college application. How do you know if your student resume is ready for college, though, and how can you give it a boost to increase your acceptance chances? Here are some tips for going forward. What is …

college admissions, college applications

85 Extracurricular Activities for College Applications

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 1, 2024

Extracurriculars look great on college applications, but do colleges look for certain clubs or activities when you apply? The answer is yes and no! What you do during the club or activity is more important than the activity itself in some cases. Here’s a list of 7 extracurricular activities for college applications. It’s no secret …

college admissions, college applications

Early Decision II – What to Expect

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 13, 2024

Are you considering applying under Early Decision II? Or did you already send in your application and want to know what to expect now? We’ll run through the basics of this college application method and what you need to know for the coming weeks. Early Decision II is binding. Early Decision II follows the same …

college admissions, college applications

When Do College Acceptance Letters Arrive?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 29, 2025

Once you’ve applied to colleges, the waiting game begins – waiting to hear back whether you’ve been accepted. For most students, college acceptance letters arrive in early spring, from mid-March to late April. However, students who applied through Early Action or Early Decision might hear back sooner. The exact date depends on when you applied …

college admissions, college applications

What Do You Do If You Were Accepted Under Early Decision?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you applied under Early Decision, it’s likely that you have heard back from the college by now. Congratulations if you were accepted! You may be wondering what the next steps are in early decision acceptance. Your new school should be reaching out with those shortly if they haven’t already. But we’ll cover some of …

college admissions, college applications

What is the universal college application deadline?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 20, 2025

Key takeaways: The universal application deadline is January 1 for regular decision submissions, but not every college uses this specific date. You’ll have to submit your application earlier if you wish to apply under Early Action or Early Decision. Most colleges won’t accept late submissions but may make exceptions for emergencies. Many colleges and universities …

college applications

What You Need To Know About College Application Fees

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 5, 2024

Key Takeaways: The average undergraduate college application fee is about $47, but fees vary by college. College application fees range from $0 – $500, but most cost within the $30-$90 range. In addition to the application fee itself, you may incur other application related expenses like test registration costs (AP, SAT/ACT), fees for pulling transcripts, …

college applications

How Big Should My College List Be?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

It’s a good idea to apply to more than one college during your senior year of high school, but should you stop at 2? What’s the recommended amount of colleges you should apply to? And how do you narrow down a larger list? If you find yourself asking the question “how big should my college …

college applications

Can You Apply for Early Action/Early Decision for Multiple Schools?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Did you know you can apply to college early? There are two main methods: Early Action and Early Decision. You may be wondering if you can apply early action or early decision for multiple schools. First, it helps to understand the differences between the two before you send off these applications. What is Early Decision? …

college applications

The Benefits of Volunteering During the College Search Process

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Did you know that volunteering in high school could give you plenty of advantages when applying to colleges? It, of course, will give you something to put on your resume, even after you graduate, but it could make an impact on your life sooner rather than later. Check out these three benefits of volunteering during …