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"Cancel Scores" stamp graphic on a lined paper background.
ACT & SAT

How To Cancel Your ACT or SAT Score

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 28, 2025
Key Takeaways If you took the ACT or SAT and feel like you didn’t perform your best, there are a few options to manage your scores. You may choose to cancel your test entirely, which means it will not be scored, so no score will be generated for you or potential colleges to see. You …
Not all colleges accept the Common App.
college applications

Schools That Accept the Common App

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 29, 2024
The Common App makes it easy for students to apply to multiple colleges Not all schools accept the Common App The Common App is free to use and more than half the member colleges don’t charge an application fee No, not all colleges accept the Common Application. But, of the 3,982 degree-granting postsecondary institutions in …
ACT & SAT

How to Improve on Your ACT/SAT “Weak Spots”

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses when it comes to academics. When you take the ACT or SAT, you might find that your weaknesses become more apparent when you receive the results. However, there are ways to work on those weak spots and improve your overall score. Dedicate Extra Study Time to Your Weak Spots Extra …
A college interview can be very stressful, so knowing what to expect ahead of time can a lot
questions & answers

What Happens During a College Interview?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
While a majority of colleges don’t request an interview, some schools do make it part of the application process—even if it’s optional, leaving it out could hurt your chances. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can make a college interview a bit less stressful. The Basics of a College Interview There are few colleges …
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, …

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