college applications

The HiSET and TASC Tests: What are They?

By Liz SkogerboeLast updated on December 22, 2022

Have trouble finishing high school and wondering what your next steps may be? If you were planning on taking the GED (General Education Diploma), be sure to consider the HiSET and TASC tests as well. These tests are all used to measure your knowledge in accordance with that of a typical high school graduate. HiSET …

college admissions

Tips to Help You Beat The Admissions Odds

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

With the number of college applications far outnumbering the number of places available every year, colleges can afford to be super picky during the selection process. They set the benchmark very high so only the best of the best meet their stringent criteria. While getting accepted into the college of your choice may seem like …

online colleges

Can You Get Financial Aid for Online Colleges?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 12, 2025

Yes, students who enroll in online programs can get financial aid for online college. It’s actually (most of) the same financial aid options that are available to on-campus students. As with students studying at a traditional institution, online students can apply for Federal Student Loans, Scholarships and Grants, Private Loans and College-Sponsored Aid. Federal Student …

questions & answers

Your Ultimate Guide the GED and How it Can Work for You

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 12, 2025

GED is an abbreviation for General Education Development Test, an alternative to the high school diploma. Students who pass this test receive a state GED diploma, which is accepted by 98% of colleges in the USA. Students who cannot or do not wish to continue their high school education for any reason, can take the …

college admissions

Colleges That Offer Rolling Admissions for Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on June 10, 2025

If a college has rolling admission, it means they review applications as they come in, rather than all at once. This process means you hear back faster, and you could have a higher chance of acceptance if you apply early. Many rolling admission colleges also “roll” your application over to the next suitable semester if …

ACT & SAT

What are SAT Subject Tests?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

The standard SAT format includes sections on Reading, Math, Writing & Language, and an optional essay. But did you know there are additional, optional tests you could take? In fact, there are twenty! What are the SAT Subject Tests? The SAT Subject Tests focus on specific subjects and are an opportunity for a student to …

college applications

Writing an Effective Application Essay: Consider Your Failures

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

As humans, we like painting ourselves in the best light possible. It makes sense: We want to be seen as successful, as people who have accomplished things. What we sometimes forget is that talking about our failures can actually be a way to do this. Here’s a different approach to writing a college application essay: …

questions & answers

Can I Take the ACT or SAT in Another Language?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Students who have learned English as a second language might find the ACT and SAT tests to be intimidating since they rely pretty heavily on written English—particularly when it comes to the Reading, Writing, and Verbal sections. So is there a way an ESL or bilingual student could take the test in a language besides …

ACT & SAT

Scholarships for Students with Impressive ACT/SAT Scores

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

The daunting SAT and ACT tests can be thought of in many ways. A random sampling of college seniors, after time to reflect on their test experience, variously described the tests as “rites of passage,” “milestones,” “headaches,” “stressful,” and “rewarding.” The bottom line is that all the above is true. Being truthful, the tests are …

college admissions

What Do Colleges Look For On Social Media?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 29, 2025

Your carefully-put-together application and personal essay tells college authorities a lot about yourself. But, it’s only what you want them to hear. It does not tell the reader much about that other side of you. It’s the side that reserved for your friends and family. That’s what the college wants to know. Are you really …