college applications

A guide to using the Common Black College App

By Hilary CairnsPublished on October 7, 2025

Key Takeaways: The Common Black College App allows students to apply to several Historically Black Colleges and Universities at the same time. It costs $20 to apply to all participating institutions. Similar to the Common App, the CBCA saves students time and money. The Common Black College App (CBCA) is much like the Common App …

college admissions

How to Get into Medical School

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 19, 2025

Key Takeaways Getting into medical school is very competitive. Allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) programs provide different paths to becoming a doctor. Good grades, prerequisites, and a strong MCAT score are important. Volunteering, research, and strong letters of recommendation can help you stand out. Preparing for applications and interviews can improve your chances. Getting into …

ACT & SAT

Cracking the Code: How ACT Practice Questions Can Boost Your Score

By College Raptor StaffPublished on September 4, 2025

Key Takeaways The ACT is a key part of college admissions and scholarships. It includes four main sections and one optional essay. Practicing with ACT questions builds test skills and confidence. Use trusted sources like ACT.org and test prep companies. Study regularly, review mistakes, and keep improving. The ACT isn’t just another standardized test. It …

college admissions

Good Transition Words to Help You Write an Outstanding Essay

By College Raptor StaffPublished on August 14, 2025

Key Takeaways Transition words help connect ideas and make essays easier to read. Different transitions show addition, contrast, cause and effect, or order. Using the right transitions makes your essay clear and organized. Don’t use the same transition words too much. Mix them up! Transition words also demonstrate good structure and flow in your essay. …

college admissions, college applications

Lowest Admission Rate College + Application Tips For Success  

By College Raptor StaffPublished on August 4, 2025

Key Takeaways: A college’s admission (or acceptance) rate refers to the percentage of admitted students in relation to the number of students that applied for that year’s application cycle. The lowest admission rate currently in the US is CalTech followed closely by Harvard University–both with acceptances rates just above 3%. To get ahead of the …

college admissions

College Essay Checker: Your Secret to a Confident Application

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 4, 2025

Key Takeaways A college essay checker can help catch grammar mistakes, spelling errors, and plagiarism. These tools provide quick feedback that can improve your writing and boost your confidence. Essay checkers and trusted feedback can help you create an essay that stands out to admissions officers. Your college essay is more than just words on …

college admissions, questions & answers

All 40 AP Classes Ranked by Difficulty

By College Raptor StaffPublished on August 4, 2025

Key Takeaway AP class difficulty will vary by student and school, but we can look at the 2025 AP exam pass rates to get a helpful glimpse into which classes are generally more or less challenging. The “easiest” AP classes include: AP Research, AP Chinese Language and Culture, AP Seminar, AP Spanish Language and Culture, …

online colleges

Applying to an Online College: A Complete Guide

By College Raptor StaffPublished on July 24, 2025

Applying to an online college is a practical solution for busy adults, parents, and anyone looking for a flexible school schedule. These programs let you balance classes with work or family without putting your plans on hold. Here’s what you need to know about choosing and applying to an online college. Types of Online College …

college admissions, questions & answers

How to Graduate High School Early

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 16, 2025

Key Takeaway Graduating early can be a smart move for some students as it can allow them to start college sooner, enter the workforce, or begin their next chapter. There are many reasons students choose to graduate early: academic readiness, personal goals, financial reasons, or looking for more flexibility. While it’s possible to graduate high …

college applications

When Do College Applications Open?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on June 16, 2025

Key Takeaways: Most college applications for the following academic year open on August 1. Students who wish to apply early should have their applications submitted by November. January 1 is the common regular decision application deadline, but some schools accept later submissions, including those which use rolling admission cycles. College applications usually open on August …