college applications, questions & answers

How Much Do Grades Matter in High School?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 28, 2025

Key Takeaways Despite the ongoing debate about whether or not grades should be given, they are still important in high school. While grades don’t represent the whole picture of who you are, they do play a role in what classes you’re placed in, what colleges accept you, and how much financial aid you may receive. …

ACT & SAT

8 Must Know SAT Grammar Rules

By Hilary CairnsPublished on September 9, 2024

How is your grammar? The SAT tests more than your reading comprehension — it also tests that you know the rules of grammar. To tackle this portion of the exam, here are 8 grammar rules you should know before you sit for the SAT test. 1. The Subject and Verb Must Agree Every complete sentence …

college admissions, college applications

Key College Application Deadlines for Fall 2024

By Hilary CairnsPublished on September 5, 2024

Key Takeaways College applications generally start becoming available on August 1. Application deadlines for EA/ED are usually November 1 or 15. Application deadlines for ED II and Regular Decision is usually around January 1. In all cases, students should double check the deadlines with the colleges they will be applying to. In addition to the …

college admissions

What is a Valedictorian and How Do You Become One?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 15, 2025

Key Takeaways: A valedictorian is the student with the highest academic achievements in their graduating class. Valedictorian status is usually determined by unweighted GPA, weighted GPA, or class rank. To become valedictorian, plan early, take rigorous classes, and ask for help when you need it. Dreaming of finishing at the very top of your class? …

college admissions

How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest: Sample Letter

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 28, 2024

Key Takeaways A letter of continued interest (LOCI) is a letter you can send to a school that you have been deferred or waitlisted from expressing that you are still interested in attending. You should only send one if the school’s policy allows it, providing updates on any new achievements that could strengthen your application. …

college admissions

How Many Volunteer Hours Do You Really Need for College?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on August 20, 2024

Key Takeaway: If you’re considering volunteering in high school, you might wonder how many hours you’ll need for your college application. While 50-200 hours is typical, the focus should be on your motivation for volunteering rather than the exact number of hours. Colleges value genuine passion for giving back to the community and making a …

college admissions, questions & answers

How to Get Good Grades

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 16, 2024

Whether you’re in high school or college, grades matter. They can impact your acceptance chances to higher education institutions, scholarship offers, merit aid opportunities, and even job prospects after graduation. It can also affect your self-esteem while improving your foundational knowledge that leads to success later in the classroom and in life in general. But …

college admissions, college applications

Types of College Essays and How to Approach Them

By College Raptor StaffPublished on August 16, 2024

Although a majority of colleges require application essays, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all topic. There are actually several different college essay types you could be asked to write. They can vary in length requirements, prompts, and style. Some even may request more than one! To help you prepare for your college applications, we listed out some …

ACT & SAT

What Is the ACT Exam and Should You Take It?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on July 19, 2024

Key Takeaway The ACT (which stands for American College Testing) is a three-hour entrance exam that measures college readiness in English, math, reading, and science. There is also an optional essay section. While it is not required for you to submit your ACT scores to most colleges, it’s generally recommended that students take it to …

college applications

A Complete Guide to Extracurriculars (ECs)

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 19, 2024

Whether you love football, pottery, theater, or being involved in your student government, there is an extracurricular for you. Not only do extracurriculars allow you to pursue your interests, but also make you a well-rounded candidate for college applications. Do you think you might be doing too much or too little when it comes to …