college applications

When You Should Submit Your EA/ED Application

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re certain you want to attend a school, you may consider applying Early Action or Early Decision. Deadlines for these are before regular applications come due. Here’s what you should know about EA/ED application deadlines. Pay Attention to the EA/ED Application Deadlines The first thing you want to pay attention to when it comes …

ACT & SAT

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid in the ACT Essay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

You know what you need to focus on, but do you know which things to avoid in the ACT essay? Sometimes during the ACT the essay section, students inadvertently do things that cause them to lose points. Luckily many of the mistakes are easy to avoid if you know about them. Here are some things …

questions & answers

Do AP Test Scores Affect Your Acceptance Odds?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re taking AP classes, you may be wondering “Do AP scores affect acceptance odds for colleges?” Here’s a rundown of whether or not they affect your chances of admission and why AP courses can help in your college education. Do AP University Courses Scores Affect Admission to Colleges? Actually, AP scores don’t affect admission …

ACT & SAT

It’s all about the Homophones, Right? (or is it Write?)

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 5, 2025

Key Takeaways Homophones are words that sound the same but have different spellings and meanings, so it’s extremely important to understand their usage and context. Homophones are often challenging because of how much they sound alike, their different spelling variations, the confusing sound-to-letter relationship, and different types like homographs. From their/they’re/there to affect/effect and it’s/its, …

ACT & SAT

When Will ACT / SAT Scores Be Released?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

After taking the ACT or SAT, you may be wondering just when the ACT or SAT score release dates are? Thankfully, in most cases, you don’t have to wait for long. However, there aren’t actually any specified ACT or SAT score release dates! Here’s a short guide to how the results are released. When are …

ACT & SAT

Pros and Cons of Taking SAT Subject Tests

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re considering taking SAT Subject Tests, you may be wondering about the benefits and detriments. There are things to consider and it’s important to weigh both the pros and the cons before deciding on whether or not a Subject Test is the right choice for you. Pro: It Can Boost Your Application (Or Even …

college applications

How to Decide if the Common Application is Right for You

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

The Common Application is a college application that is accepted by hundreds of schools all over the United States. Instead of completing dozens of applications one by one (with dozens of essays as well), you can complete one single application. But how do you know if the Common Application is right for you? Here are …

questions & answers

Should I Send In My ACT/SAT Test Scores To Test Optional Colleges?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Some colleges require ACT/SAT scores, others won’t demand them as part of your application. In fact, more and more colleges are becoming Test Optional. While some students might jump at the chance to not send in scores, others might want to highlight how hard they worked for a good score. So it begs the question: …

college applications

How to Write a Succinct Essay for Your College and Scholarship Applications

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it comes to your college and scholarship applications, you most likely will have to write several essays before turning them in. Some will have topic suggestions you’ll need to adhere too and many of them will have word requirements and limits. But even if they don’t, it’s important to remember that the admission departments …

college applications

An Application Strategy For Competitive Colleges

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Applying for colleges can be a busy time for your junior and senior years of high school. And, if you’re applying to most competitive colleges, you may be worried about your acceptance odds. Luckily, there are ways to approach your applications to improve your chances of admission and lower the stress during your final years …