college applications

How To Use Your Summer To Write An Amazing College App Essay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Writing personal essays can be the most time-consuming part of the college application process. It is also the most daunting part of the college application process and you may want to keep aside to be worked on at the last minute. Why spoil the summer dealing with such a high-stress activity, right? Maybe it’s time …

college admissions

Four More Ways To Boost Your Acceptance Odds

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

It does not hurt to take time to read about and implement as many strategies as you can to increase your chances of getting into college. Here are four more tips that you can add to the original tips we’ve published on how to boost your acceptance odds. Raise Your GPA and Academic Rigor This …

ACT & SAT

SAT Subject Tests: Languages

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Are you fluent in another language? Maybe even two? Impress your future school by taking one of the SAT Subject Tests dedicated to a language. The tests are available in a variety of different languages. Here’s what you need to know about the available exams. Languages Overview The SAT Subject Tests in Languages has 12 …

myths

Myth: I Should Take as Many SAT Subject Tests as Possible

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The SAT Subject Tests are additional standardized tests that focus on a specific subject, not covered by the standard SAT. Many students take these subject tests as a way to increase their acceptance odds or to make placements in a certain college’s academic programs. It may sound like a good idea, then, to take as …

college applications

Engaging Ways To Open Your College App Essay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 9, 2023

The new year has begun and rising seniors have their college admissions essays on their minds. It’s important to start thinking about your application early so you’re not panicking when the time comes to write it. Fortunately, the current Common App essay prompts have not changed from the last application cycle, which is great news …

college admissions

What Is Graduate School? The Pros and Cons

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 7, 2025

Key Takeaways: Graduate schools are colleges and universities that offer advanced educational programs and postgraduate degrees. Students can pursue master’s degrees, doctorates, and graduate certificates at grad schools. Scholarships, state grants, and federal student loans can help you pay for your graduate degree. What Is Graduate School? In the United States, graduate schools are colleges …

college admissions

How To Use Demonstrated Interest To Your Benefit

By Kristen MoonLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’ve read about tactics for improving your odds at college admissions, you may have heard the phrase “demonstrated interest.” What “demonstrated interest” means is your level of engagement and sincerity when researching and interacting with colleges you may apply to. A school’s representatives specifically watch for this. They are trying to gauge a prospect’s …

college admissions

What is the GRE? A simple breakdown with study resources

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 27, 2026

Key takeaways:  The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized, computer-delivered test that students take to get into graduate school.  The test includes the Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning sections.  A good score can help you get into graduate school and potentially lead to scholarship opportunities.  There are many free resources and practice …

college admissions

A Basic Guide to the MCAT Sections

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 27, 2026

Key takeaways   The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized exam required by most medical schools in the United States and Canada.   It tests your knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as your critical thinking and reasoning skills.   The MCAT takes about 7.5 hours to complete on your scheduled MCAT test date.  …

college admissions

A Basic GMAT Breakdown

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 27, 2026

Key takeaways  The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam designed for business school admissions.  The GMAT Focus Edition has 54 questions with a 2-hour 15-minute time allotment.  The exam covers three areas: quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights.  GMAT test scores range from 205 to 805, with each section carrying equal weight.  Most successful …