Getting In Articles | Page 93 of 93 | College Raptor

Holiday Crunch: 9 Things College Applicants Can Do Over Winter Break

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 27, 2024

Your winter holiday break gives you time away from your classes, but you should also use this time to improve your chances of getting into your dream college. Even if you’ve already been accepted to a school or you’ve sent off your applications, there are a few other tasks you can tackle over the two …

Charts showing than in 1995 only 10% of students applied to 7 or more colleges, now 29% of students do so. What are your college acceptance chances?

myths

Myth: Applying to Fewer Colleges Boosts My Chances of Acceptance

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022

Generally speaking, colleges don’t share admissions information with each other. The only way a college might figure out how many colleges you’re applying to is through your FAFSA, where you list each of the colleges you wish to receive a copy of your financial aid application. The number of colleges listed on a student’s FAFSA …

college applications

When to Apply to College: Early Decision vs. Early Action vs. Regular Decision

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on June 10, 2024

Once you have decided which schools you will apply to, you’ll then need to decide which application deadline option is best for you: early decision vs early action or regular decision. They are vastly different and it’s important to understand the uniqueness of each college admissions process– or you might just apply under the wrong …

A student looking through a pair of binoculars.

college admissions

What Do Colleges Look for From Students?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 5, 2025

Key Takeaways: In most cases, colleges look for high grades, strong SAT/ACT scores, and positive personal qualities. Schools evaluate applications differently and may weigh certain application components more heavily than another. Understanding what college admissions wants from a student can help you tailor your applications for each school. Colleges care about your grades and standardized …

This diagram shows the process of applying to a college early action and the possible outcomes.

questions & answers

Is Early Action Right for Me?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 6, 2023

Early action is an admissions process available at some schools that allows students to apply before the general application deadline of January 1st. While it definitely has some benefits for students who choose to apply early, it’s not right for everyone. So is early action worth it for you? We help you answer that question …

Chart shows the differences at a number of colleges and universities in admission rate for students that apply regular decision versus those who apply early decision.

questions & answers

Should I Apply Early Decision to College?

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022

Prepared students with a single first choice college may consider applying early decision. Early decision is binding–meaning if you apply and are accepted early decision to a college, you are expected to go there, with almost no exception. There are a lot of reasons students apply this way. Many believe it’s easier to be accepted …

college applications

How to Build a Great College Application List

By William StaibLast updated on December 22, 2022

How many colleges should prospective students apply to? What if a student isn’t accepted to any of the schools on their list? One of the most important parts of the college search process is building a college application list. Why should you make a list? It’s critical that students create a balanced college application list …

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