college admissions, questions & answers

How to Pick the Right AP Classes For You

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 3, 2025

Key takeaways: AP classes can improve your acceptance chances into colleges and can earn you college credit. Competitive colleges and universities, like Ivy League school, expect that you will have taken at least 7 AP classes, some look for even more. Choose AP courses that align with your interests and strengths so you can gain …

ACT & SAT, college admissions

Best GMAT Prep Books

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 20, 2026

You’ve probably heard of the GMAT before, and if you haven’t, then you might guess by the name that it is a type of standardized test used in the education world. The GMAT is an entrance exam for business school that is 3.5 hours long. It tests specific skills that are important for management and …

questions & answers

What Is A Master’s Degree: The Ultimate Guide

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 24, 2026

Key Takeaways: Students earn a master’s degree after completing a graduate program at their university. You typically need 2 years to earn a master’s, but the exact timeline depends on the student’s status and major. To apply for a graduate program, you’ll need a bachelor’s, strong GPA and standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation. …

college applications

How to Write an Essay Introduction

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 14, 2024

When it comes to telling a story, the beginning is an important part. Whether it’s the opening scene of a movie or the first chapter of a book, beginnings need to be interesting to get people’s attention. The same is true when it comes to writing an essay. This is especially true if you are …

questions & answers

Best Way to Learn Python

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 21, 2022

As technology takes the world by storm, it’s important to be well-versed in the tech language. Programs like Python are super popular and a great way to break into the tech world. To learn Python, you can take courses or do it on your own with free resources. When you take courses, you’ll be able …

college admissions, questions & answers

How Hard is it to Get Into Harvard?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 4, 2024

Key Takeaways: Harvard is one of the most difficult schools to get into in the nation due to the fact that it is a highly ranked college (usually in the top 3 of overall rankings) and that the school receives over around 56,000 applications each year. That’s a high number relative to the only around …

college applications

How to Prepare for the Common App

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022

You absolutely should take time to enjoy your summer, but if you’re a junior about to head to senior year, don’t forget about your college applications completely! You should actually complete a few steps over the coming weeks so you’re not scrambling at the last minute to get it all done. We recommend starting early, …

ACT & SAT

Best SAT Prep Books: Your Guide to Success

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 15, 2026

Studying for the SAT is like studying for anything else. We all have strengths that we can feel confident in, weaknesses that we need to work on, and strategies we like to use. Figuring out the best way to study and prepare for the SAT is important since so many other important decisions may rest …

college admissions, college applications

9 important dates and deadlines for college bound high school seniors

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 4, 2026

Key takeaways College bound high school seniors should track important milestones like standardized tests dates, college application deadlines, and FAFSA opening to stay on schedule. Noting key deadlines can help ensure you don’t miss anything in the college application and planning process. For deadline or application submission questions, contact your counselor or college admissions office. …

college admissions, questions & answers

College Planning Timeline: Key Deadlines from Freshman Year to Senior Graduation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 15, 2025

Key Takeaways: January 1 is a common regular decision deadline for college applications, but students who want to apply early often need to submit applications in November. During high school, students should complete a variety of tasks to prepare for college, including meetings with academic advisors and scholarship research. Colleges start sending out regular decision …