college applications

Common App vs Coalition App: Which is Better?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Filling out applications for several colleges can be laborious and time-consuming. The most tedious part is filling in those basic personal details over and over again. One way to avoid this is by using the Common App or the Coalition App. With both of these apps, you fill out your personal information and accomplishments only …

ACT & SAT

Why Do Some Colleges Superscore The ACT/SAT While Others Don’t?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Submitting your ACT or SAT scores to colleges isn’t as simple as mailing the scores of your latest test. Before you start thinking, “Oh no, not one more thing to worry about”, this one may actually be good news. Instead of looking at your latest test scores, some colleges prefer to take a look at …

college admissions

How Can I Determine My Odds of Getting Into a College?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Have you ever looked at a school and wondered “What are my odds of getting into a college?” It’s a question that all high school students will ask themselves while building out their college lists. While it’s all well and good to have a few dream schools on there, you’ll need to determine some schools …

college admissions

How to Transfer Colleges: A Complete Guide

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 1, 2024

Key Takeaways: Transferring colleges is common–whether it’s because of academics, social fit, location, or cost. Before transferring, it’s important to understand the transfer process, including deadlines, application requirements, when to visit campus, and maintaining grades. Find out about the level of difficulty of admissions, applying to previously rejected colleges, credit transfer, graduating on time, and …

college applications

What You Need To Know About The Common Application Essay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 12, 2024

You can submit the Common Application to over 1,000 colleges, universities, and institutions across the United States. If you’re applying to multiple colleges that use the Common App, you can save some serious time by using this resource. As part of the process, you’re required to write a Common Application Essay. Think of it as …

college applications

How To Boost Your AP Exam Scores

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

AP exams are tough. Getting high scores in this exam requires you to invest a lot of time and effort into preparing for the test. But it’s well worth it. Impressive test scores lead to increased admission odds. Additionally, good scores make you eligible for college credit. Most colleges give credit to students who score …

ACT & SAT

A Study Guide: How To Prepare For The SAT In One Month

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 17, 2025

SAT prep is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s important to start studying as soon as possible. However, whether you forgot you had the exam, didn’t have time to study, or signed up late, you can still get ready for the exam in a month. You’re going to have to put a little more work …

college admissions

What you need to know about college acceptance rates

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 5, 2025

Key takeaways: College acceptance rates are the percentage of accepted applicants in an admissions cycle at any particular school. Caltech is one of the most selective with a 2.6% acceptance rate, and University of Maine is one of the least selective at 96.8%. You can improve your chances of an acceptance letter with high grades, …

ACT & SAT

Everything You Need To Know About The SAT Essay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Taking the SAT can be a source of stress for many high school students, and a lot of them are confused about the SAT essay.  Does every SAT taker have to complete the SAT essay section or is it optional?  How much time will you get to complete this section?  What does this section really …

college admissions

Changes for NACAC’s Student Recruitment Rules

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Higher education is a common topic in the news headlines, especially with the 2020 presidential race underway. However, higher education jumped back into the spotlight recently when NACAC made an announcement about new student recruitment rule changes. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know, and how these changes affect the future of college …