All Getting in Articles

A student sitting and reading a book.
college applications

How to Prep for AP Courses Over the Summer

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Are you starting any AP Courses this fall in high school? You definitely don’t want to wait for first day to get ready. Preparation needs to start over the summer to ensure a good grade and a smooth semester. Here are some tips for prepping for AP courses over the summer.  Complete Your Summer Assignments …
A student holding a pencil over a test sheet.
ACT & SAT

How to Budget for Test Prep

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Whether you’re taking an SAT, an ACT, or an AP Exam, it’s going to cost you a little bit of money. It’s essential to budget for them so it doesn’t end up costing you more than it has to. There are even ways you may be able to save some cash if you feel the …
The front of a building on a college campus with trees surrounding it.
college admissions

The Benefits of Choosing to Attend a Safety School

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you applied to safety, match, and reach schools, you most likely received an acceptance letter from your safeties. Even if you received acceptance letters from other colleges, you might actually want to consider attending your safety school. Here are the benefits of choosing to attend a safety school.  You’ll Most Likely Be Ahead of …
student waitlisted by a college looking at her watch
college admissions

What To Do If You’re Waitlisted by a College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Getting waitlisted by a college can be disappointing, but remember it’s not a rejection. It also gives you a chance to reassess your college choices and decide the best route for you for the next four (or so) years. Here’s what to do if you’re waitlisted by a college. Step #1: Decide If You Want …
Group of people working on a project
college admissions

Narrowing College Lists: Consider an Outside Perspective

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
When crafting your college list, you’re usually talking to people in your “inner circle” including your immediate family and your friends. However, when you’re narrowing down your school choices, you may want to go outside of this zone a little bit and consider some other perspectives. Here are some people you can talk to about …
Student sitting at a desk with notebooks and a laptop studying for her SAT.
ACT & SAT

How To Get In Test Prep Practice With A Busy Schedule

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Preparing for the SAT and ACT takes time. It can take several months to be really prepared to ace these tests. Unfortunately, time in a luxury when you’re in high school. Your schedule is already packed with school work, homework, assignments, and searching for scholarships and colleges. Then of course, there’s life. It’s important to …
Student standing on finish line
college admissions

When Should I Have My Final College Choice?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
The college search and application processes are long journeys. Between researching, visiting, applying, and comparing, it can feel like you ran a marathon. Deciding on your final college choice is the home stretch. Wondering, “When Should I Have My Final College Choice?” We’ll answer that question and more here. Timeline for Narrowing College Choices This …
High school freshman doing school work
college admissions

Do Freshman Grades Matter For College Admissions?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
As a freshman, college is still four long years away. Should you really be worrying about getting good grades for college admission already? Do colleges actually check a student’s grades all the way back from freshman year? If you’re just entering freshman year, you should know that this is the right time to start working …
Graphic of a pencil for writing an application essay
college applications

Coalition Application Essay Prompts 2020-2021

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
The Coalition App is a centralized application system, much like the Common App. You use it to apply to multiple colleges at one time instead of submitting individual applications to each college. All students submitting their college application through the Coalition App are required to write and submit a personal essay. Let’s go over the …
Three students in an AP class
college applications

How AP Scores Affect Your College Applications

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
AP classes are rigorous and challenging. As such, they’re great boosters for a college application. But how exactly do AP scores affect your college applications? What are the pros and cons? Let’s break it down together. How AP Scores Can Influence Your College Applications An AP class on your transcript tells the college that you’re …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join thousands of students and parents learning about finding the right college, admissions secrets, scholarships, financial aid, and more.