college admissions

Month-by-Month College Planning Calendar for Senior Year

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 25, 2025

Key Takeaways: During your senior year of high school, you should create a list of potential colleges, submit your applications, and compare your options. You should receive college decisions by mid-April, and make your decision by May 1. After your graduation, submit any necessary forms and information to ensure a smooth transition to college. Senior …

college admissions

College Consultant Shares Her Advice on Finding a College for You

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 12, 2024

We had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Brianne Flannagan, a seasoned college admissions consultant, and learn all about her tips and advice for students who are on the college search journey. Recognizing that not all students will be able to work with her directly, Brianne generously shared some of her top tips …

questions & answers

How To Do Better In Math: 7 Tips

By College Raptor StaffPublished on December 7, 2023

Learning how to do better in math can be an invaluable skill inside and outside the classroom. The top tip for learning how to be good in math is to master basic concepts and formulas before solving more complex problems. Once you learn, math can even be fun! Learning how to do better in math …

college admissions, questions & answers

GMAT vs GRE: What’s the Difference?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on November 30, 2023

The GMAT is primarily designed to test for readiness for graduate business school programs vs. the GRE which tests for grad school readiness in a broader range of programs. Both are widely accepted and can be taken online or at test centers. There are notable differences in structure, content, and flexibility. Applying to graduate school …

college admissions

4-Year Colleges with Open Admission

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 30, 2023

College acceptance (or rejection) letters can be a source of stress for many applicants. For other students, they may not have achieved the grades needed to get into selective schools and don’t necessarily want to start out at a community college. But have you heard of “open admission colleges?”  Open admission colleges are schools that …

ACT & SAT

Understanding SAT Deadlines

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on June 6, 2024

The SAT is offered year-round, but that doesn’t mean future college students can take the exam whenever they want to. In order to be counted towards a college application, the SAT needs to be taken before a specific date. In this article, we’ll give you a quick rundown of the different SAT dates you need …

ACT & SAT

How Long Is The ACT?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 19, 2025

Key Takeaways The Enhanced ACT takes 2 hours 15 minutes for the core test or up to 3 hours 25 minutes if you also do the optional sections. Section timing varies from 35-50 minutes, depending on the section. The test consists of 215 questions, which are broken up into 4 mandatory sections and 1 optional section. …

college applications

30 Great Fall Break Activities for High School Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 9, 2024

Many students across the U.S. are lucky enough to have Fall break—a short break for high schoolers around the middle to end of October. This three-day break in the middle of the semester offers high schoolers a chance to rest, rejuvenate, and even get ahead in their college prep. Wondering what you are going to …

questions & answers

20 Fun Event Ideas for High School Students

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 11, 2025

Key Takeaways: High school is a unique time to create lasting memories with friends—getting involved in fun events that foster connections and experiences you’ll cherish for years. The best activities create conversation and connection, putting your phone down and participating in hands-on activities. Some engaging high school activities include trivia nights, outdoor adventure days, international …

questions & answers

High School Homecoming Traditions

By College Raptor StaffPublished on October 23, 2023

The first chill of fall. Extended curfews. The marching band. The first touchdown of the season. Crowning the king and queen. Homecoming traditions in American high schools are a whole lot more than just a dance. There are so many things that make this event so special! What exactly is homecoming? It is a special …