college admissions

10 College Admissions Tasks for High School Juniors

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 13, 2023

In today’s fiercely competitive college admissions scenario, it’s helpful to do everything you can to create an application that will stand out from the rest of the competition. There are plenty of things high school juniors can do towards this end, but these 10 college admissions tasks carry the most weight. 1. Make a note …

questions & answers

Who Should Write My Letter of Recommendation for College or Graduate School?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 4, 2025

Key Takeaways If you are looking for someone to write your letter of recommendation, it is best to choose a teacher or professor who knows you well and can speak to your academic goals and strengths. Your letter of recommendation should speak to your character, academic abilities, and the reasons why you would make a …

college applications

How To Balance Grades With Extracurricular Activities

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Grades and extracurricular activities are both very important for development. While every high school student understands the importance of balancing both aspects, many find themselves struggling to cope. The truth is, without a proper game plan, balancing grades and extracurricular activities can be incredibly stressful. You will find yourself focusing more on one while completing …

college applications

Pros and Cons of Using the Universal College App

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 24, 2023

Do one (or more) of your schools accept the Universal College App? You could save time by using the program – you may only have to do your application once to apply to the schools on your list. But should you? Or can you? Let’s review exactly what centralized college apps are and then go …

college applications

How to Use the Common App to Apply for Colleges

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 17, 2025

Key Takeaways Over 1,000 colleges accept the Common App, a centralized college application. Students can use the resource to save time and effort if they’re applying to more than one school that accepts it. Start on your Common App as soon as possible to give yourself ample time to complete essays and submit other materials. …

college applications

What You Should Know About Early Decision Applications

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

While an early decision / early action application does have its advantages, it has a few drawbacks too. Depending on your circumstances, it may not necessarily be the right choice for you. Understanding the pros and cons of early decision applications will help you decide whether this is the route you should take. The pros …

college applications

How to Revise Your College Application Essay

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

You’ve done it. You have the first draft of your college application essay. You feel good about it, about the point you are making for the admissions officers. But it’s only a first draft. Now it’s time to buckle down and revise. Here are some tips on how to revise your college application essay. Read …

ACT & SAT

3 Fun Facts About The ACT/SAT

By Roxie the RaptorLast updated on December 22, 2022

Thoughts about the ACT or SAT give most students sleepless nights.  Well, it is an important test but getting overwhelmed by it is not going to help. These few fun facts about the ACT/SAT are just what you need when you are looking for a short, refreshing distraction from the intense studying. The SAT was …

myths

Myth: If I’m Attending a Community College, I Won’t Need to Take the ACT/SAT

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Do community colleges require SAT or ACT scores? Short answer: most community colleges across the US do not. This includes the SAT and the ACT. Community colleges are usually open enrollment. That means as long as you have a high school diploma or a GED, you are eligible to apply. Their application process is also …

ACT & SAT

Creative Ways to Study for the ACT / SAT

By Amanda WilksLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you are a high school student with the ACT and or the SAT coming up then you know you have to study, right? It’s just one of those hard facts of life we all must do! The good news is that there are creative ways to study. In this article we will discuss a …