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A young boy blurred in the background blowing bubbles.
ACT & SAT

ACT / SAT Pro Tips: Wait To Bubble Your Answers

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Speed is of essence when it comes to the ACT and SAT. After all, you only have so much time to answer all the questions in each section. However, the faster you go, the more likely you are to make mistakes, for which you would then end up losing out on points. While there is …
Students sitting in a windowed-building.
college admissions

How To Follow Up With A College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
After you’ve submitted your application, you may want to follow up with a college for a few different reasons. Updates and News One of the most common reasons may be to update them about your latest accomplishments, which could impact the fate of your application. The second is if you check your application status and …
Create your college preparation checklist in the spring of your junior year.
college admissions

How to Create a Seasonal College Prep Schedule

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Creating a college preparation checklist and schedule is a great way to ensure you’re getting everything done on time. Here are some things you should be scheduling every season starting with the spring of your junior year of high school. Spring – Junior Year Your junior year is actually when you should start getting a …
Here's a list of keywords to use to stand out.
college applications

22 Keywords To Use In Your College Application Essay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 10, 2025
Key Takeaway: Your college essay is what helps you stand out among other candidates during the application process, and using the keywords below in your essays can help give you an edge over other candidates—just make sure you don’t overdo it! Keywords matter—but that’s not all. Don’t forget to use emotion, be sincere, get creative, …
What is a transcript and what can you expect on it?
questions & answers

What’s Included In A High School Transcript?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 18, 2025
Key Takeaways: High school transcripts are complete records of a student’s grades, classes, and behavior. Colleges require official transcripts for admissions and course selection. You usually pay $5 to $10 per official transcript, but some schools offer free transcripts or fee waivers. Your high school transcripts are a record of your achievements, grades, classes, behavior, …
A piece of paper that says "checklist" with lines underneath and a pen sitting on top.
college applications

The Handy College Application Checklist

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Applying to college can be a juggling act. You need to focus on so many things at the same time. Everything must be done correctly for your application to be successful. Overlooking any one aspect will result in your application getting rejected. That’s why we put together a college application checklist. Experts advise making a …
Four rocks stacked on top of each other on a table outside.
college applications

How to Balance College Prep with High School

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Senior year of high school is no doubt a stressor for many. Between classes, college search, college applications, scholarship applications, extracurricular activities, financial aid, homework, test prep for the ACT or SAT, and maybe even work, it’s a lot on a student’s plate! Here are some ways you can de-stress and balance your final year of …

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