college applications

College Raptor’s complete guide to college application deadlines

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 21, 2026

Key takeaways Early Decision and Early Action applications are usually due in November, and Regular Decision applications are usually required by January 1. Visit your colleges’ websites to find exact application processes and deadlines. Start preparing your submissions in junior year by researching schools and taking the SAT/ACT. Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Decision, rolling …

myths

3 MORE College Admission Myths

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

There are far too many college admissions myths doing the rounds. Unfortunately, they send many students in the wrong direction. Spending too much time doing things that do not matter means less time doing things that do matter. Below are some myths about college admissions that are just that and nothing more. Myth #1 – …

college admissions

How to appeal a college rejection

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 14, 2026

Key takeaways: Students can typically appeal a college rejection if they have new information that could change their admissions outcome. Appeal processes vary by college and some schools have final decisions. To appeal a college rejection, follow the instructions, take time to present your case, and make the request yourself. Receiving a college rejection letter …

college applications

Things You Need for Your Ivy League Application

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 25, 2023

Do you dream of applying to an Ivy League School?  Studying in these prestigious schools is the ultimate dream for many students, and while getting accepted is not impossible, these colleges do ask for a lot. They look for the best of the best, which means your application has to be super-impressive in all respects. …

ACT & SAT

Can I Get My ACT/SAT Fee Waived?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

When you go to register for the SAT or ACT, you may notice there are fees attached. The SAT costs $43, and with the essay is $54.50. The ACT costs $39.50 without the optional writing test and $56.50 with. There may be additional fees for changing your test date or receiving answer keys after grading. However, what …

questions & answers

Should I Send Extra Materials with My College Application?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

After you’ve provided an application with all of the requested materials—high school transcript, ACT/SAT scores, honors, and awards, etc.—you might find a little section that says “Additional Materials”. If the option is there, it must mean you should send something, right? Should you send additional materials? Not necessarily. If possible, it’s best to show your …

questions & answers

Can I Reuse the Same Essay On a Different College Application?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

A lot of time and effort goes into crafting an application, as well as studying to improve GPA and ACT / SAT scores to go with it. It also takes time to write a really good college application essay. So wouldn’t it be ideal to reuse one essay on multiple college applications to save time? …

ACT & SAT

What You Need to Know About the ACT’s Test Information Release

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

After you take your ACT, you’ll often receive your scores for both the multiple-choice and essay sections in about a month. However, some students may be interested to see why they received the scores they did. Thanks to the Test Information Release from the ACT, also known as the TIR, that’s possible. What is the …

questions & answers

Should I Submit my College Application Online or Through Mail?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Oh, how times have changed. Gone are the days where you’d have to drive to a Blockbuster to rent a VHS tape; now is the time of instant streaming! Some people lament about the loss of traditions or forgotten ways of doing things, while others praise the rise of the internet and technologies that make …

myths

Is the ACT harder than the SAT? Which Test Should You Take?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Is the ACT harder than the SAT? In general terms, no! It’s actually a myth that one is harder or easier than the other. However, one may be harder for you as a person compared to the next. Here’s what you need to know about these myths, what colleges think, and how you can personally …