myths

Myth: Your Application Essay Should Tell Your Life Story

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The application essay is an important element of your college application, and many students agonize over what their topic should be. Since the essay portion is your chance to show the potential college who you are, many students want to write out their life story on the page. Here’s why you should avoid doing that. …

college applications

How to Create SMART Goals for College Applications

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 2, 2024

Have you heard of SMART goals before? It’s generally for project management, but it can also be a great tool when you put it towards personal development. Today, the acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Here’s how you can use each one towards your college applications. S: Specific When it comes to …

questions & answers

Do Colleges Only Accept A Certain Number Of Students Per High School?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

You know that a large number of students from your high school are all applying to the same college that you are applying to. Will it also affect your chances of getting admission? Do colleges have a limit on the number of students they accept per high school? Or is it on an individual basis? …

myths

Myth: It looks bad if I take the ACT/SAT too many times

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 26, 2026

Key takeaways: It doesn’t look bad if you take the ACT/SAT too many times, but you could be hurting your efforts by taking the exams too much.  You should register for at least two ACT or SAT test dates.  To improve your standardized test scores, take practice tests, set goals, study, and use smart test techniques.  Did …

ACT & SAT

Different “Types” of Math Problems on the ACT / SAT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 7, 2023

Even if math isn’t your best subject, knowing the types of math problems you’ll run into on the ACT or SAT can give you a huge boost. You can find what types of math you struggle on and focus on those before the test date. Here are the ones you’ll run into: Algebra Of course, …

college admissions

What High School Sophomores Can Do For College Prep

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

You may think college prep can wait another year. After all, college applications and the FAFSA don’t have to be turned in until your senior year, so you may want to wait until junior year to begin. However, it’s never too early to start. There are plenty of things you can be doing while you’re …

questions & answers

Is it Worth Graduating Early from High School?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

With most states allowing high school students to graduate at the age of sixteen, you have an important decision to make. Should you try graduating high school early, or should you graduate at the same time as your classmates? What are the benefits of graduating high school early? What about downsides? While there are benefits …

college applications

50+ volunteer opportunities for students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 1, 2025

Key takeaways While volunteering certainly looks good on a college application, it is also a meaningful way to give back to your community. With 50+ volunteering ideas based on personality and interests, it’s easy to find a volunteer opportunity that speaks to you. Below you’ll find volunteering experiences for the animal lover, creative, organizer, helper, …

questions & answers

Can You Submit a Second ACT / SAT Score to Schools?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Many students take the ACT and/or SAT more than once in order to improve their score, acceptance odds, and potential for more scholarships! But can you send SAT scores and ACT scores from when you took the tests again? But can you submit more than one test score? Different colleges have different approaches when it …

ACT & SAT

SAT and ACT tutoring: How to find the right support for a higher score

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 4, 2026

Key takeaways SAT and ACT tutoring may help reduce test anxiety by helping students feel more prepared for exam day. An expert tutor can help identify gaps in foundational knowledge. A personalized learning plan focuses on a student’s unique needs and strengths. Tutors teach effective test-taking strategies, such as time management and problem-solving, to help …