questions & answers

Do colleges look at your social media?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 10, 2026

Key takeaways Colleges may check your social media to learn more about your abilities, interests, and how you spend your time to get a fuller picture of who you are. One survey showed that 28% of admissions officers look at applicants’ social media when reviewing applications, while 33% believe it’s an invasion of privacy. Before …

myths

Myth: ACT/ SAT Questions Are Arranged by Difficulty

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

With many tests, questions are generally ordered from easiest to most difficult. It’s easy to make the assumption that the ACT and SAT questions would be similar, but that’s not necessarily the case with these entrance exams. Randomized Questions For the most part, the ACT and SAT questions fall into a randomized level of difficulty. …

myths

Myth: Middle School Doesn’t “Count” For College Admissions

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Do colleges look at middle school grades? A lot of students believe that only what they did in high school matters to their college application, and that’s not necessarily the case. A lot of what you did in middle school may actually have an effect on your life, high school grades, and overall application. The …

ACT & SAT

3 Tips for the SAT Essay Section

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Did you opt in to the Essay portion of the SAT? It can be helpful knowing some tips as you head into this optional part of the exam, especially if others in your study group declined to take it. Here are three things to remember on your test date: Don’t Ignore Proper Essay Format Just …

college applications

How to Make College App Essay Writing Less Stressful

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

The college application process is stressful enough, but with the essays on top of everything else, it can really cause anxiety for some students. But don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to de-stress the writing process. Start Early One of the best things you can do to take the stress out of the essay …

ACT & SAT

SAT Subject Tests: World History

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Are you a history buff? If you can’t get enough of world history, are planning to major or minor in History, or just want to show off your skill in the subject, the SAT Subject Test in World History can give you that opportunity. Here’s a breakdown of what the exam is like. World History …

ACT & SAT

7 Tips for Tackling the ACT Essay Section

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

During the ACT’s 40-minute optional writing test, you’ll have to create a persuasive essay from a prompt. Some college require the ACT with Writing, others don’t—but it’s still a good idea to take it anyway. That being said, the essay portion makes many students nervous. Let’s ease some of those nerves right here and now …

college applications

How to Write a Good College Application Essay When Writing Isn’t Your Strength

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re not fully confident in your writing ability, the essay part of the college application can be daunting. However, just because you don’t think you’re a good writer it doesn’t mean you can’t craft a successful and interesting essay. Here are some things to keep in mind regarding how to write a good college …

college applications

Tips For Editing Your College Essay

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 14, 2024

College Essay Editing Steps: Take a break first Captivate your reader Read the essay aloud Have someone proofread it Double-check spelling, grammar, and sentence structure Crafting your college application essay, a challenge that extends to scholarships, fellowships, and specific grant programs, can be one of the most daunting tasks in your application journey. As a …

ACT & SAT

FAQ About the SAT Subject Tests

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Many students, while they’ve heard of the ACT or SAT, have never heard of SAT Subject Tests. Therefore, there are many questions high school juniors and seniors will have about these exams. Here are some of the more frequently asked questions surrounding the Subject Tests: What Are the SAT Subject Tests For? The SAT Subject …