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Holiday Crunch: 8 Tips for College Applicants on Winter Break

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022

It’s that time of year. Yeah, it’s the gift season, but it’s also frantic college application frenzy season. As deadlines for many college applications loom just around the corner, many students are now in what we call “Holiday Crunch” mode. If you’re a student–or a parent of a student–like most, who plan to use the …

Charts showing than in 1995 only 10% of students applied to 7 or more colleges, now 29% of students do so. What are your college acceptance chances?

myths

Myth: Applying to Fewer Colleges Boosts My Chances of Acceptance

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022

Generally speaking, colleges don’t share admissions information with each other. The only way a college might figure out how many colleges you’re applying to is through your FAFSA, where you list each of the colleges you wish to receive a copy of your financial aid application. The number of colleges listed on a student’s FAFSA …

college applications

When to Apply to College: Early Decision vs. Early Action vs. Regular Decision

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on May 19, 2023

Once you have decided which schools you will apply to, you now must decide which application deadline option is best for you: early decision vs early action or regular decision. They are vastly different and it’s important to understand the uniqueness of each college admissions process– or you might just apply under the wrong deadline. …

A student looking through a pair of binoculars.

college admissions

What Do Colleges Look for From Students?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Colleges look for more than just grades and test scores. Of course, high school grades and standardized test scores are important. But there’s also your extracurricular activities, your course selection, and some other things we detail below. Comprehensively, what do colleges look for in a student? Before detailing what colleges look for, it helps to …

This diagram shows the process of applying to a college early action and the possible outcomes.

questions & answers

Is Early Action Right for Me?

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022

A number of colleges give prospective students the option to apply early action. Early action (EA) is a non-binding program which allows students to receive admissions decisions in December rather than April. Unlike early decision, applying early action is not a commitment to a single college. Is EA right for you? Applying Early Action can …

Chart shows the differences at a number of colleges and universities in admission rate for students that apply regular decision versus those who apply early decision.

questions & answers

Should I Apply Early Decision to College?

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022

Prepared students with a single first choice college may consider applying early decision. Early decision is binding–meaning if you apply and are accepted early decision to a college, you are expected to go there, with almost no exception. There are a lot of reasons students apply this way. Many believe it’s easier to be accepted …

college applications

How to Build a Great College Application List

By William StaibLast updated on December 22, 2022

How many colleges should prospective students apply to? What if a student isn’t accepted to any of the schools on their list? One of the most important parts of the college search process is building a college application list. Why should you make a list? It’s critical that students create a balanced college application list …