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A student receives an acceptance letter after going through the college application process
college applications

Your complete guide to the college application process

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 21, 2026
Key takeaways The college application process includes researching schools, submitting applications, applying for financial aid, and waiting for admissions decisions. Researching colleges early can help you build a good list of reach, match, and safety schools. Staying organized can help prevent you from missing important application deadlines. Strong essays, recommendation letters, and academic achievements can …
Here are 10 tips to help you get the best score on the SAT or ACT.
ACT & SAT

10 Tips to Help You Score Your Best on College Entrance Exams

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 13, 2025
The ACT and SAT aren’t tests where you can memorize and regurgitate the content. College entrance exams require specific techniques and preparation if you want to earn a top score. These 10 simple tips will help you score your best on the ACT or SAT. 1. Keep your cool. With adequate preparation, you can have …
How do you increase your class rank?
questions & answers

How Can I Improve My Class Rank?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Class rank is one of the many elements of a college application. Along with GPA, ACT / SAT test scores, extracurricular activities, achievements, and others, class rank helps paint a picture of you as a student. Admissions officers want as much information as they can about a student so they can make the most informed …
What is class rank and why is it important
questions & answers

What is Class Rank? And Why is it So Important?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
What is class rank? College Board defines it as: “a mathematical summary of a student’s academic record as compared with other students in her class”. In essence, class rank is a ranking of academic achievement for all the students in your school. Many—if not most—high schools have some form of a ranking system, though not …
Like the middle yellow light, you can't go forward. So what do you do when you're deferred?
questions & answers

I was Deferred from Early Decision—Now What?

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022
One of the most important decisions any student can make is whether or not to apply to a school Early Decision / Early Action. In many senses, the commitment of early decision is a double-edged sword; on one hand, it can end the application process earlier through an early acceptance, but on the other hand, …
What is need blind admission?
questions & answers

What Does “Need-Blind Admissions” Mean?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
“Need Blind Admission” means that a student’s financial situation will not be taken into consideration when deciding to admit, wait-list, or deny an applicant. In other words, the student’s ability to pay for a college education is not a factor in whether or not they get in. Students are only reviewed based on their merit—GPA, …
White sequential numbers printed on black boxes.
questions & answers

What if My School Doesn’t Have Class Rank?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
When searching for colleges and filling out applications, you’re likely to find a list of things you should include in every application: GPA, of course, ACT/SAT test scores, a list of extracurriculars, an essay, maybe a letter of recommendation, and your class rank. But what if you don’t have a class ranking system? Does that …

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