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 …

ACT & SAT

What Is A SAT Subject Test And Should You Take It?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

All students know about the importance of taking the SAT test for college applications but not many know about SAT subject tests and others mistakenly use the term interchangeably with SAT tests. The two are not the same. SAT subject tests are distinctly different from SAT tests. What is a Subject Test? An SAT subject …

college admissions

Understand The Difference Between Test Optional, Test Flexible, And Test Blind

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Test optional, test flexible, and test blind refer to admissions policies with reference to the SAT or ACT. There may be slight variations between colleges as to exactly what these terms imply. In general: Test Optional ‘Test Optional’ means it is not mandatory for students to submit their SAT or ACT scores as part of …

ACT & SAT

A Guide to Choosing the ACT or SAT

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Most colleges specify that they require test scores in an application—though almost all students will take either test. Depending on where you live in the US, one test or the other could be much more popular, and so your high school may only offer one. Taking the other might be trickier, but could be well …