college admissions

If College Acceptance Rates Are Low, Should I Bother Applying To That School?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 30, 2023

Acceptance rates are one of many factors you’ll consider when creating a list of potential colleges. Schools with higher acceptance rates are easier to get into than colleges with lower acceptance rates. Does it mean you should only apply to a college with high rates? What happens if the college you’re interested in has a …

college admissions

How Do You Know If You’re An Independent College Student?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

College is certainly a time of growing independence. Many college students would consider themselves independent, in charge of their own day to day tasks and responsibilities. But independent and dependent mean other things in the college world, especially when it comes to financial matters. When filling the FAFSA, you will need to state whether you’re …

college admissions

9 Common College Interview Questions & How To Answer Them

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 10, 2025

Most colleges don’t require college interviews, but some recommend them and others even require you attend an interview, either virtually or on campus. Even if it’s only recommended, scheduling a college interview is a fantastic way to boost your acceptance odds. While attending them can be stressful, being prepared can help you cut down on …

college applications

How to Work on College Essays this Summer

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Ah, summer. The perfect time for sun, pool parties, and working on your college applications. Yep! Summer is the perfect opportunity to start working on your college prep, especially the essay! To work on your college essays during the coming weeks, follow these tips: Write Down Application Deadlines If you have a planner, the first …

questions & answers

What Is A Doctoral Degree?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

A doctoral degree, also known as a doctorate, is the highest academic degree you can earn in the US. Completing a doctoral degree indicates that you have achieved a specialized level of authority in your field. You will earn the title of ‘Doctor’ on completing this degree. (Therefore, not everyone with the title of Doctor …

myths

Myths About Having A 4.0 GPA

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

How important is it to get a 4.0 GPA? Ask a class of high school students this question and you’ll be surprised at the varied answers you’ll get. Many students are under the notion that their GPA is the only thing that matters for admissions and scholarships. Only very few students understand the role GPA …

questions & answers

What Is An Associate’s Degree?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 11, 2025

Key Takeaways: Students who graduate from a community college often earn an associate’s, a 2-year undergraduate degree. Some careers, such as dental hygienist and veterinary technician, require an associate’s degree. Students typically use their associate’s to enter the workforce or to transfer to a 4-year institution for their bachelor’s. Associate’s degrees are 2-year degrees, often …

ACT & SAT

Where To Take A SAT / ACT Sample Test

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 23, 2024

Using practice books, attending review sessions, hiring a tutor, and looking up practice questions are all great ways to study for the ACT / SAT. However, answering questions and taking the actual test are two different beasts. One thing you should absolutely try while prepping is taking a SAT or ACT sample test. A practice test …

questions & answers

What Is the Average GPA in America?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 27, 2025

Key Takeaways The average high school GPA in America is 3.0, roughly a B average. The average college GPA in America is slightly higher at around 3.15. GPA is an important measure of academic performance, but it doesn’t entirely define your abilities. Colleges and scholarships often consider other factors like extracurriculars, essays, and test scores. …

ACT & SAT

What You Need to Know About the New SAT “Adversity Score”

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it comes to the ACT and SAT, changes aren’t very frequent. However, when there is a change, it causes a big stir and conversation about the pros and cons. Have you heard about the recent introduction of the SAT Adversity Score? Here’s a rundown of everything you need to know about this change. What …