questions & answers

How Many ACT / SAT Practice Tests Should I Take Before The Real Thing?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 9, 2025

One of the best ways to prepare for the ACT and SAT is by taking practice exams. To be as prepared as you can be for the real test, you must try as much as possible to take each practice test under real test conditions, from sitting in a quiet room to keeping your water …

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What is the PSAT/NMSQT and why does this test matter?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 20, 2026

Key takeaways The PSAT/NMSQT is the Preliminary SAT that’s used to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program. High scores can lead to recognition such as Commended Student, Semifinalist, or Finalist status. Students who score well on the PSAT could win between $500 and $10,000 or more for college. Most students take the PSAT, …

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Does A Low Acceptance Rate Mean A School Is Better?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Is a low acceptance rate good? A low acceptance rate does not automatically mean a school is better. Despite the hype surrounding the acceptance rate, here’s the truth. It does not really tell you much about the quality of education you will receive at a particular school. It’s a measure of its exclusivity, not necessarily …

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What Happens During a College Interview?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

While a majority of colleges don’t request an interview, some schools do make it part of the application process—even if it’s optional, leaving it out could hurt your chances. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can make a college interview a bit less stressful. The Basics of a College Interview There are few colleges …

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Can I submit my ACT / SAT scores to a college I haven’t applied to yet?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 2, 2026

Key takeaways: Students can send ACT and SAT scores to colleges as early as they’d like, and it could save them money if they selected the schools when they registered for the test. Additional score reports cost $15 for the SAT and $20 for the ACT, and students who qualify for fee waivers can receive …

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What’s Included In A High School Transcript?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 18, 2025

Key Takeaways: High school transcripts are complete records of a student’s grades, classes, and behavior. Colleges require official transcripts for admissions and course selection. You usually pay $5 to $10 per official transcript, but some schools offer free transcripts or fee waivers. Your high school transcripts are a record of your achievements, grades, classes, behavior, …

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What Can Affect My College Acceptance Odds?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

The list of important factors that can affect your college acceptance odds is LONG. Though there are many commonalities between schools, not all colleges factor them into your acceptance odds the same way. For example, your choice of major may affect your acceptance odds at a few schools but it won’t have any impact on your …

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What Happens if You Back Out of Early Decision?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 18, 2025

Key Takeaways: Early decision applications are a binding agreement – accepted students are expected to attend the following fall. Students can generally back out of the agreement if they can’t afford the school, have a sick family member, or are facing an illness. Backing out without an acceptable reason can result in rescinded acceptance offers …

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Can Your Declared Major Affect Your Acceptance Odds?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Students applying for college want to have every edge they can when it comes to their application college acceptance odds, especially when it involves a dream school. So many students wonder if their intended major will alter their college acceptance odds or not. Here’s what you need to know. Each School is Different Every school …

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Should You Get a Tutor to Prepare for the ACT / SAT?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

With so much emphasis put on these two entrance exams, it makes sense that people want to go above and beyond to prepare. After all, the scores you can affect more than just acceptance odds, they can determine your eligibility for scholarships too! When free prep methods don’t feel like enough, should you turn to …