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 …

questions & answers

How Much Academic Rigor Is Too Much?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Whether you’re in high school or college, it’s easy to do “too much” and become overwhelmed. When choosing your schedule, it’s important to think about “academic rigor.” This is the academic challenge you’ll be faced with from a class. So when you’re coming up on a new semester, how much academic rigor is too much …

ACT & SAT

How To Choose Between The ACT And SAT

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Colleges today accept both the ACT and SAT, which is great news because you can choose which test to take depending on your subject strengths and your test taking abilities. Ask yourself these questions when trying to decide whether to take the ACT or the SAT: Do You Have a Strong Foundation in Math? Math …

ACT & SAT

ACT/SAT Pro Tip: Start With The Easy Questions

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

With the SAT and ACT tests, time management is crucial. The exams are created in such a way that every second counts. Waste a few seconds trying to solve a difficult question and you will find yourself struggling to complete the section. Worse still, you are more likely to start getting frustrated and feel less …

college applications

How Many Colleges You Should Apply To

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

During the college application season, you’re likely overwhelmed with school work, extracurricular activities, SAT and ACT prep, and more. You may not know how many college applications are enough or how many is “too many.” Each student is different, but here’s a quick guideline on how to approach that question. How Many Should You Apply …

ACT & SAT

How to Study for Your Second ACT / SAT Test

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Many students who retake the ACT or SAT earn a higher score the second time around. It’s a fantastic way to boost your acceptance odds and qualify for more scholarships, so you should seriously consider taking the ACT / SAT more than once. But how should you study for the second test? Should you change …

ACT & SAT

Why You Should Take the ACT / SAT Practice Tests

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you have the ACT or SAT coming up, what are you doing to prepare? One must is to take the practice tests during your study time. Here are three reasons why this is an important preparation technique that you shouldn’t skip. Lets You Know What To Expect It’s one thing to hear that the …

questions & answers

What Happens If You Change Your Mind On An Early Decision School?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 7, 2025

If you’re set on a specific dream college or university, you might just want to apply through their early decision application option. Early decision means if you’re accepted to the school, you’re agreeing to attend. But what happens if the college accepts you and, after a few visits, you don’t like the school anymore? Can …

college admissions

What is the Student Support Services (SSS) for Federal TRIO?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 7, 2025

Key Takeaways: The TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program provides resources to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Projects can include academic advising, scholarships, FAFSA assistance, mentoring programs, and more. Students can apply for a SSS program by visiting their school’s website or contacting their financial aid office. Student Support Services is one of the programs under …

ACT & SAT

5 Reasons You Should Still Take the ACT and SAT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 29, 2024

Many colleges and universities don’t require you to take the ACT or SAT to apply or be accepted. However, if your dream school lists these exams as “optional”, it may still be in your best interest to take them. If you find yourself asking, “Should I take the SAT or ACT?” here are five reasons …