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 (ED) applications

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 21, 2026

Key takeaways: Early decision is an application process that is “binding” – accepted students are expected to attend. Students who apply under early decision hear back from the college faster and could have a higher chance of acceptance. However, applicants have less time to complete their applications and can’t compare financial aid offers. Early decision …

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 …

college applications

Tips to Stay Organized During the College Application Process

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 14, 2024

The college application process involves several different components – the transcript, essay, various forms, fees, test scores, letters of recommendation, application apps, potentially a college visit and an interview. For your college application to be successful, all of the individual components must fit together like pieces of jigsaw puzzle. The above is just for one …

ACT & SAT

Student Survival Guide: A Breakdown of the ACT

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

Since you were in junior high, you’ve heard whispers of The Tests. Spoken of by everyone from teachers to guidance counselors to nagging parents, the ACT and SAT enter your life years before you even want to think about it. Suddenly, around your sophomore year of high school, the pressure starts to rise. You see …

ACT & SAT

The Ultimate SAT Breakdown Guide

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

Test-makers are constantly advancing standardized tests. Most of the time it’s just changing certain questions or adding new content to update current tests. And then sometimes you get the complete overhaul of a test, such as what they’ve done to the SAT. Before we breakdown each SAT section, let’s look at how it has changed …

myths

Myth: I Should Pick My Favorite Teacher to Write My Letter of Recommendation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

It’s time to ask your teachers for the letters of recommendation for your college applications, but who do you ask? Most juniors and seniors instantly think of their favorite teacher as the answer. While it may be a great choice, it shouldn’t always be the default selection. Here’s why you should consider some alternative options: …