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 …

college applications

Ivy League Admission Rates Hit Record Lows While Application Rates Rise

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

The past few years have seen new record lows when it comes to Ivy League admission rates. In 2018 for example, Harvard University was at 4.59%. Yale was the only school that year that didn’t see a record low. And in 2021, the rates for admission are even lower. Admission Rates Continue to Drop It’s …

college applications

5 Free Online College Prep Courses

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The thought of attending college can be tremendously exciting. However, it’s not without its challenges. College is nothing at all like high school. Taking a few college prep courses can help to make this transition smoother. Fortunately, you don’t have to pay for these. We’ve put together 5 online college prep classes that can help. …

college applications

How to Prep for AP Courses Over the Summer

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Are you starting any AP Courses this fall in high school? You definitely don’t want to wait for first day to get ready. Preparation needs to start over the summer to ensure a good grade and a smooth semester. Here are some tips for prepping for AP courses over the summer.  Complete Your Summer Assignments …

college applications

Coalition Application Essay Prompts 2020-2021

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The Coalition App is a centralized application system, much like the Common App. You use it to apply to multiple colleges at one time instead of submitting individual applications to each college. All students submitting their college application through the Coalition App are required to write and submit a personal essay. Let’s go over the …

college applications

How AP Scores Affect Your College Applications

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

AP classes are rigorous and challenging. As such, they’re great boosters for a college application. But how exactly do AP scores affect your college applications? What are the pros and cons? Let’s break it down together. How AP Scores Can Influence Your College Applications An AP class on your transcript tells the college that you’re …

college applications

An Overview of College Application Requirements

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Applying to a college can feel both exciting and intimidating. There are a lot of elements that go into an application, after all. With so many moving pieces, how do you keep track of it all? Let’s cover the basics of college application requirements. Common College Application Requirements There are some requirements that are common …

college applications

50 Creative College Essay Topics

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 12, 2025

Key Takeaways Most college applications include an essay requirement—some have specific prompts, while others leave it more open-ended. Infusing creativity into your essay is a great way to showcase your skills and personality. From the best advice you’ve ever received to your biggest fears to time travel fantasies—we’re diving into 50 creative essay topics worth …

college applications

What is the Early Action Deadline?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

As you start shortlisting colleges to apply to, you’ll see that many colleges offer the option of early action. You must take time to understand what ‘early action’ means, and how it affects you. This will help you make a more informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you. The Basics of Early …

college applications

What Is A Good GPA in High School?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 10, 2025

As a high school student applying for college, you’ll hear a lot about the importance of cumulative GPA for college admissions. You may know that GPA is essentially a snapshot of your academic performance, but do you know what a good cumulative GPA looks like and exactly how it impacts your college application? Before discussing …