All Getting in Articles

State preference for ACT or SAT varies.
ACT & SAT

Preference of the ACT or SAT by State (Infographic)

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
The ACT and the SAT are the two largest college entrance exams in the country. Certain ACT / SAT scores can qualify students for scholarships and grants. Most colleges require students to submit their scores of one or the other in order to apply. There are a ton of interesting statistics about the entrance exam–did …
As a parent, there are some do's and don'ts at college orientation.
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 …
College student standing on top of a rock overlooking a lake.
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 …
Here are five common college myths debunked.
myths

5 College Admissions Myths Debunked

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 22, 2022
College Admissions can stress out even the calmest, coolest, and most collected of students (and parents.) It is a wonderful thing to be determined, passionate, and ambitious when applying to your dream school. However, not having a backup plan, that’s not a good idea. College admission odds for the Ivy Leagues are at an all-time …
Hello in many languages.
college applications

Why Learning a Second Language is So Important

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Because English is a very popular language, American students tend to forget that other languages may be useful in their present and future life. People from Latin America, Asia, and Europe learn English as their second language at a very early age and start studying it once they get into primary school. Learning a second …
A black and white open textbook with a red background, with text overlayed that says "what is academic rigor?"
questions & answers

What is Academic Rigor and Why is it So Important?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Simply put, rigor is the academic or intellectual challenge of a class. The more difficult the class, the more rigorous it is. More often than not, academic rigor does not refer to a single class, but a number of them within a student’s schedule. Rigor is more than just “how difficult a class is” however, …
An empty classroom with desks, chairs and white board.
myths

Myth: My College Preparation Starts Senior Year of High School

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Nope. The college preparation process starts the moment you enter high school as a freshman. From that point on, each grade and test score really matter, as do the specific classes you take and extracurriculars you participate in. Start Planning Early This isn’t said to overwhelm you, but rather prepare you so you can make informed …
Writing college admission essays can be tricky
college applications

Do’s and Don’ts: Writing College Admission Essays

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
In the midst of worrying about GPAs, test scores, academic rigor, and completing requirements, it might be easy to gloss over another important element of the college application process: the admission essays. For some the essay is a welcome relief from all the data crunching, for others, it is dreaded. As part of our ongoing …
Student standing in front of a wall with papers covering it.
college admissions

College Admission Essay Brainstorm!

By Jasmine BarnesLast updated on December 22, 2022
Greetings, college hopefuls. So far, we’ve given you advice on many of the things that we think you need to know in order to survive and thrive during the next four years. For example, what to include on your college applications, we’ve talked about how to deal with the transition and changes, we’ve broken down …