college applications

Honesty is the Best Policy: Don’t Lie on Your College Applications

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

You know what they say: cheaters never prosper. Now, it goes without saying that you shouldn’t lie on your college application. Colleges can figure that out, and with all the checks in balances in place, you won’t get away with anything. But stretching the truth? Everyone embellishes their applications, right? Well, maybe you shouldn’t. Honesty …

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, …

college applications

How to master your elevator pitch for college applications

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 7, 2025

Key takeaways An elevator pitch is a short summary that highlights who you are, what you’re passionate about, and what makes you unique. Your elevator pitch should be about 30 to 60 seconds long, highlighting your passions, goals, and unique qualities. Focus on clarity and storytelling to make your pitch memorable. Use your elevator pitch …

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 …

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 …

ACT & SAT

ACT Special Circumstances: Do You Qualify?

By Allison WignallLast updated on August 11, 2023

The test itself may be standardized, but people rarely are. There will always be special circumstances, and so the ACT has addressed some of them and made other options available to qualifying students. The rules are still pretty strict, but there are exceptions. Fee Waivers The ACT isn’t free, and if you add the writing …

myths

Myth: Round Yourself Out To Boost Odds of College Acceptance

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Are you running yourself ragged joining every activity you can so you can round yourself out and fit the definition of a well-rounded student to boost your chances of getting accepted into a good college? The Well-Rounded Student Myth It may be time to take a step back. The term ‘well-rounded’ has been over-used and …

college applications

How to Proofread Your College Application Essay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 17, 2024

Key Takeaway Proofreading your college application essay is not just about fixing typos. It’s also about ensuring your essay aligns with the prompt and showcases your unique voice. By including specific examples, checking for errors thoroughly, and getting feedback from a parent or teacher, you can submit your best work to colleges and increase your …

questions & answers

What Can Affect My College Acceptance Odds?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

The list of important factors that can affect your college acceptance odds is LONG. Though there are many commonalities between schools, not all colleges factor them into your acceptance odds the same way. For example, your choice of major may affect your acceptance odds at a few schools but it won’t have any impact on your …

myths

Myth: The More Selective a School is, The Better

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Each college has a different percentage of students they admit. Some colleges only accept a few applicants, others accept the vast majority. However, exclusivity always gives off the feeling of “best.” Not everyone can get in, so selective colleges are better. Right? College Fit is More Important than Selectivity Selective colleges are not automatically a …