college admissions

Myth: Most Students Are Not Accepted into Their First Pick School

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

You might have heard how a surprisingly large percentage of college students aren’t attending their first choice schools. The number has been increasing steadily since 2006. In 2011, around 43% of students did not attend their first choice schools. That’s the lowest it’s been since UCLA began conducting the student survey in 1974. However, it’s …

college admissions

What NOT to Ask During a College Visit

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

During your college visits, you may have a list of questions you want to ask, either as a student or a parent. These may include questions about campus life, classes, majors, or town. There are a few questions though that you will want to steer clear of. Here are some questions to NOT ask during a …

college admissions

The Importance of College Admissions Interviews

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on November 28, 2023

Some colleges and universities will have interviews as part of their admissions process. Whether they’re required or recommended, college interviews are important. They shouldn’t be skipped, and students participating in them should always put their best foot forward. Here are some things you need to know about college admissions interviews and what you can expect …

college applications

How to Decide Between Applying Early Action or Early Decision

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Ambitious students might want to submit their college applications early, before the regular application deadlines. Applying sooner rather than later can come with a few great benefits. That includes higher acceptance odds, earlier acceptance notifications, more time to plan your finances, etc. There are two types of early applications to look into: Early Action (EA) …

ACT & SAT

Why the PSAT / PreACT Shouldn’t be Overlooked

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Even if you’re not thinking too seriously about college during your junior year of high school, it’s definitely starting to be on your mind. However, that doesn’t mean you should be overlooking the PSAT or the PreACT. Here’s why you should be taking either one or both: You Could Qualify for Scholarships Did you know …

college applications

The Importance of “Show Don’t Tell” in College Application Essays

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’ve ever taken a creative writing class, you’ve probably heard the classic line “Show, don’t tell.” This rule helps to remind writers that it is far more exciting (and engaging) to show readers how a character is acting rather than telling them how they feel. An example might be instead of saying “Character A …

ACT & SAT

How to Help Your Student Prep for the ACT / SAT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Your student may have their ACT and SAT coming up and are busy studying every evening for this big exam! Even though they’re at their desk reading away or taking practice tests, there are plenty of things you can do as a parent to help them. Here are a few things you can do to …

college applications

7 of the Weirdest College Admission Essays

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 25, 2025

Key takeaways Weird essays can help you stand out. Admissions officers receive hundreds of essays, and having a unique twist could help make yours catch their eye. To help engage the readers, embrace your quirks, show what makes you unique, and let your personality shine. Be creative, it’s a quality that extends far beyond writing. …

college applications

3 Things High Schoolers Must Do to Prepare for College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

There are lots of bits and pieces that go together to create an impressive college application and the earlier you start, the more time you will have to put together an application. This can be especially important if you are applying to a highly competitive college. You need every little bit to get the edge …

myths

Myth: I HAVE to Answer My ACT/SAT Questions in Order

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

You may have heard it said before that you have to answer your ACT or SAT questions in exact order, but did you know that’s not exactly true? In any particular section, you can absolutely jump around from question to question! Here’s a bit of myth debunking on this so-called “fact:” Skip the Toughies Part …