For Colleges & Universities
For Colleges & Universities

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Cellphone with a dictionary app sitting on top of a physical dictionary.
ACT & SAT

Must-know digital SAT vocabulary words for 2026

By College Raptor StaffPublished on August 20, 2026
Key takeaways The 2026 digital SAT tests vocabulary in context and a strong SAT vocab list gives you a real edge in the reading section. The most tested SAT words appear in passages where you need to figure out meaning from surrounding clues. Learning word roots and prefixes may help you decode unfamiliar words on …
College bound student waits to hear about waitlist decision
college admissions

When do waitlist decisions come out?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on August 12, 2026
Key takeaways: Most waitlisted students hear back from colleges after May 1 and before the end of June, but you might not receive a decision until August. Admissions departments often post decisions to student online portals or notify them by email, but some call instead. You could potentially improve your chances of an acceptance letter …
college admissions

What is a college yield rate?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on June 15, 2026
Key takeaways: A college yield rate is the percentage of accepted students who enrolled at the school. A school with a higher yield rate is often seen as more desirable, but institutions with lower rates can still offer outstanding programs. Colleges use the data to inform their acceptance rates, incoming class sizes, and available application …
summer college campus visits
college admissions

What is a prospective student?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on May 13, 2026
Key takeaways A prospective student is an individual considering or planning to attend a college or university. Prospective students can be high school seniors, transfer students, adults going back to school, and international students. A prospective student can make the most of the college search process by researching, visiting campuses, and exploring financial aid opportunities. …
college admissions

Focused learning: a complete guide to specialized schools

By Hilary CairnsPublished on April 29, 2026
Key takeaways Specialized schools offer certificate and degree programs in a single major or area of study. Common types of specialized institutions include Art, Business, and Career Studies schools. Students can benefit from strong networks, experienced professors, and advanced resources, but changing your major may be difficult. Specialized schools tend to stick to one focused …
Student preparing college application
college applications

When should you start applying for colleges​?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on March 27, 2026
Key takeaways: College bound high school students should start applying for colleges shortly after applications open on August 1 of their senior year. Most early decision and early action applications are due on November 1 or 15. Many colleges accept regular decision submissions until January 1. Colleges usually open applications on August 1. While most …

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