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What are some summer activities for college applications?
college applications

What Summer Activities Will Help My College Application?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Looking to give your college applications a bit of a boost this summer? There are plenty of things you can be doing over the three months you’re off, even if you’re out of class. Here are just three examples of summer activities perfect for your college applications: Take Summer Courses There are plenty of options …
Is grad school worth it?
college admissions

Reasons to Consider Attending Grad School

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Every undergrad student faces this dilemma after they graduate—should they start job hunting right away so they can start earning and pay off their debt, or should they go to grad school? There’s an ongoing debate: going to grad school means taking on more debt, but advanced degrees will help you earn substantially more money than …
Portrait of gold Christmas balls.
ACT & SAT

SAT Subject Tests: Physics

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
You’ve taken (or will take) the SAT or ACT, but have you considered the benefits of the SAT Subject Tests? If you have a strong background in physics and are wishing to pursue a career in this science field, you can give your college applications a strong boost with the Physics test. Here’s a rundown …
Casio calculator placed over a math book and notes.
ACT & SAT

SAT Subject Tests: Mathematics Level 2

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you’re interested in a particular subject and want to let your school know about your passion for it and your knowledge of the subject itself, SAT Subject Tests are a great way to do just that. In this previous article, we covered Mathematics Level 1, but here’s what you can expect from Level 2. …
Tube apparatus with colored water placed over a water test chart.
ACT & SAT

SAT Subject Tests: Chemistry

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Have you heard of the SAT Subject Tests? They’re excellent opportunities for students to show off their academic skills in a certain area. The tests are additional (optional) standardized exams that focus in on one subject, unlike the SAT which covers broader topics. Chemistry Test Overview Chemistry is a wide-reaching field with dozens of branching …
The GRE is an example of a graduate school exam.
college admissions

A guide to grad school exams: GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, and more

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 26, 2026
Key takeaways:   The four most common grad school exams are the GRE, GMAT, MCAT, and LSAT.  Some fields require specialized exams like the DAT for dental school or the OAT for optometry.  International students applying to U.S. grad programs typically need to submit proof of English proficiency.  Not all grad schools require entrance exams since some programs have shifted to test-optional or holistic admissions.  Starting your test prep …
An empty classroom filled with desks and chairs.
ACT & SAT

Why You Shouldn’t Take Both the ACT and SAT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
It’s often suggested that you should take both tests to see if you do better on one than the other, but this isn’t the rule of thumb for everyone. In fact, taking both may be detrimental to your scores. Here’s why taking both the ACT and SAT may not be the best decision for you. …
A student answers a math equation on the board.
ACT & SAT

SAT Subject Tests: Mathematics Level 1

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
One fantastic way to give your college app a boost is by taking an SAT Subject Test. These additional tests highlight academic skills in certain areas that the standard SAT test can’t show. There are two Mathematics subject tests—Level 1 and 2. Let’s talk about the former. Mathematics Level 1 Overview Level 1 primarily focuses …
A calculator laying on top of a textbook.
ACT & SAT

A Breakdown of the Different College Entrance Exams

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Getting into college isn’t as easy as submitting your high school transcript and writing a few essays. One very important element to a college application are college entrance exams and your scores. The most well-known college entrance exams, of course, are the ACT and SAT, but let’s break down the others as well. PSAT / …
What are test optional colleges and why are some colleges not test optional?
questions & answers

Why Do Some Colleges Require the ACT/SAT and Others Don’t?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
While a majority of colleges and universities still do require students to submit their ACT/SAT test scores, there is a growing trend of schools that don’t require scores. These are known as test-optional schools.  Why Test-Optional? There is an ongoing debate about the validity of standardized testing exams. Some argue that they aren’t an accurate representation …

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