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 …

questions & answers

7 Differences Between High School and College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 20, 2023

Beginning college is an exciting time. Just as leaving middle school and entering high school marked a new adventure and an exciting change, college brings with it a set of differences, challenges, and opportunities that are distinct from high school. How different is college from high school? The transition from high school to college is …

questions & answers

5 Things High Schools Students Should Do in October

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 20, 2023

October is a busy month for high school students! This is often the month when they have to take midterms for their regular classes, but for some students, it’s also a big month for college prep. Whether you’re in 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, there are some things you should know about and be …

college admissions

A Guide to College Planning Advisors

By College Raptor StaffPublished on September 18, 2023

Using paid college planning advisors certainly has its benefits but it’s not necessary for everyone. Some students manage to get clarity on college planning by researching online resources. However, others find that sifting through the amount of information available on the internet can be overwhelming. That’s not entirely surprising considering the number of colleges scattered …

questions & answers

Using ChatGPT as a tool – An Emerging Skill

By Hilary CairnsPublished on September 11, 2023

ChatGPT has been banned from many schools due to its ability to make cheating easier than ever. Students simply put in a prompt and the tool returns a full essay, completed math equations, and other finished school work.  While using ChatGPT can result in plagiarism and students simply not learning the lessons, there are upsides …

questions & answers

5 Reasons a Student Website is a Do

By College Raptor StaffPublished on September 5, 2023

A student website is a definite ‘Do’. While it’s not mandatory, having your own student website offers some powerful benefits. Check them out below. 5 Reasons Why You Should Set Up Your Own Student Website 1. You Control the Narrative In today’s digital age, almost all employers will check out your online presence. That means …

ACT & SAT

What is the ACT to SAT Conversion?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on September 5, 2023

When applying to colleges or scholarships, you might see some require you to have specific or minimum ACT or SAT scores to be accepted or eligible to apply. Understanding how the scores compare to one another – or convert – will help you determine the best test for you and your chances of being accepted …