myths

Myth: the second half of my high school year doesn’t matter

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 2, 2026

Key takeaways Many students believe the second half of senior year doesn’t matter, but staying consistent and finishing strong is still important. Even with an acceptance letter, colleges may request final transcripts and can even revoke offers if your grades drop significantly. To finish high school strong, stay committed to your classes and activities, keep …

college applications

A Guide to Taking AP Classes in High School

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 18, 2025

Key Takeaway AP classes are college-level courses offered in high school that end with an exam. Scoring well on an AP Exam could result in college credit and progress towards your undergraduate degree. AP classes also boost students’ weighted GPA, show academic rigor, and improve college applications. Advanced placement (AP) classes help you get a …

college admissions

High School Jobs that Will Impress College Admissions Officers

By Jasmine BarnesLast updated on December 22, 2022

In high school, you might hear your parents say, “get a job” when you ask for extra money to do things.  However, sometimes that’s easier said than done these days. Did you know the type of job you get could provide advantages when it comes to college? Having high school jobs can be impressive to …

college applications

Full Time Student Hours vs. Part Time: What’s the Difference?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 28, 2025

Key Takeaways: A full-time college student takes at least 12 credits each semester, while a part-time student takes less than 12 credits in a single semester. Full-time students graduate faster than those attending part time, but they take on a higher workload and have to pay more upfront. Part-time students have more time for work …

questions & answers

What is a College Legacy Student?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Simply put, a legacy is a student at a college who has family ties to an alumnus of that institution. Perhaps the student’s mother or father attended that university when they were younger. The family of legacy students–or “legacies”–typically have a loyalty to that school and the pride that comes along with it. What does …

ACT & SAT

Colleges that don’t require the SAT or ACT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on June 2, 2026

Key takeaways: Over 2,000 colleges and universities offering bachelor’s degrees have adopted test-optional policies for the SAT or ACT, while 75 institutions are entirely test-free. Some top test-optional schools include the University of Chicago, Columbia University, and Northwestern University. Even if a school is test-optional, they may still recommend submitting standardized test scores – doing …

myths

College Myth: Elite Colleges Prefer SAT over ACT

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 22, 2022

The ACT vs SAT. A battle of the standardized tests. If you’re in college, thinking about college, or know anything about college- you’ve heard of them. You think they’re the same, right? Wrong. The ACT and SAT are both college entrance exams but have different components. The SAT’s test structure includes math, reading, writing and …

ACT & SAT

Preference of the ACT or SAT by State (Infographic)

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 7, 2026

Key Takeaways Colleges don’t favor the SAT over the ACT or vice versa. The most important factor is the score of the test you take. States, however, do tend to have regional testing preferences. Some states lean heavily ACT, others lean SAT, and many fall somewhere in between. When choosing which entrance exam to take, …

college admissions

Do’s and Don’ts: Parents at College Orientation

By Nick RandleLast updated on December 22, 2022

College orientation is usually a surreal experience for both students and their parent(s). While you’re trying to situate your mind on how the next four years will play out on this campus, you’re also trying to process the ton of information tour guides are saying. As a parent, understand that your kid may be taken …

questions & answers

Should I Take a Gap Year Before College?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

There is a point in time in many high school students’ careers when every adult is suddenly asking them what they want to do with their lives. It is no longer the slightly endearing question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Instead, it becomes “Where are you going to college? What …