college applications

How to Follow Up with a College After You Submit an Application

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 12, 2024

You’ve finished your college applications. Congratulations! Now comes the waiting game. If you submitted your application under Early Decision or Early Action, you’ll only have to wait a few weeks. But if you sent yours for the January 1st Regular Decision deadline, you could be waiting a few months. It can be easy to get …

college applications

How to Write an Essay About Yourself: College App Introductions

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on October 24, 2024

Wondering how to write an essay about yourself? Many college-bound students are faced with this intimidating task. A college application essay is an exciting opportunity to show schools who you really are—apart from your grades and transcripts. And, since over 2,000 schools no longer require test scores, your essay is one of the best ways to …

college applications

4 Things in College App Essays That Admissions Officers Don’t Like

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Ever wonder “what do colleges look for in an app essay?” To answer that question, let’s go over what colleges don’t want in an application essay. Many students turn in essays that miss the mark, and instead of being memorable, become just like thousands of others turned in that year. Here are some things admissions …

college applications

5 reasons you should apply to reach schools

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 7, 2025

Key Takeaways: Reach schools are colleges where you have a lower chance of acceptance – below 40% – often due to lower academic scores. You should still apply to reach colleges as admissions counselors look beyond GPAs and SAT/ACT scores, reviewing extracurriculars, character, and more. You can boost your acceptance chances with well-written essays, demonstrated …

college applications

3 Things to Do After You Submit Your College Applications

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

After submitting your college application, you’re not quite done with the whole “college preparation” thing. There’s plenty of other tasks that need to be completed! Here are three more to work on: Completing College Interviews Many colleges have interviews as part of the college application process. Some may be mandatory, while others are listed as …

college applications

Pros And Cons Of Taking AP Tests

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Advanced Placement or AP classes offer ambitious high school students a great way to boost their college applications. Over 60% of high schools in the US offer a list of AP classes. If your high school doesn’t, you could still boost your college application by signing up for the most challenging courses that your high …

college applications

3 College Questions To Ask Yourself if You’re Considering a Prestigious School

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re considering a prestigious school, there are some important college questions you should be asking yourself before applying or taking the school up on an acceptance letter. Here are three you’ll want to think about. College Question #1: Why Do I Want to Go Here? The first question you should be asking yourself is …

college applications

What is a letter of recommendation, and how can it boost your college application?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 1, 2025

Key Takeaways A letter of recommendation is a positive letter written by someone who knows you well, highlighting who you are as a person and why you’d be a strong fit for a college. These letters matter because they give colleges a deeper look beyond your grades, serve as a potential tie breaker in competitive …

college applications

When You Should Submit Your EA/ED Application

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re certain you want to attend a school, you may consider applying Early Action or Early Decision. Deadlines for these are before regular applications come due. Here’s what you should know about EA/ED application deadlines. Pay Attention to the EA/ED Application Deadlines The first thing you want to pay attention to when it comes …

college applications

How to Decide if the Common Application is Right for You

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

The Common Application is a college application that is accepted by hundreds of schools all over the United States. Instead of completing dozens of applications one by one (with dozens of essays as well), you can complete one single application. But how do you know if the Common Application is right for you? Here are …