questions & answers

What Does “Need-Blind Admissions” Mean?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

“Need Blind Admission” means that a student’s financial situation will not be taken into consideration when deciding to admit, wait-list, or deny an applicant. In other words, the student’s ability to pay for a college education is not a factor in whether or not they get in. Students are only reviewed based on their merit—GPA, …

questions & answers

What if My School Doesn’t Have Class Rank?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

When searching for colleges and filling out applications, you’re likely to find a list of things you should include in every application: GPA, of course, ACT/SAT test scores, a list of extracurriculars, an essay, maybe a letter of recommendation, and your class rank. But what if you don’t have a class ranking system? Does that …

questions & answers

Do colleges know what other schools I’ve applied to?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 26, 2026

Key takeaways In general, colleges don’t know what other schools you’ve applied to.  A school could know where you’ve applied to if you tell them, it’s noted on your transcripts, or you were accepted to two early decision schools.  Colleges don’t care how many you apply to, but you should still aim to send in six to 12 applications.  Colleges don’t share applicant lists, so your schools won’t know where you’ve applied to …

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What are College Writing Centers?

By Rose ScottLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you think that college writing centers are only for those who dream of becoming the next romantic William Shakespeare or horrifying Stephen King, you are on the wrong track. A college student’s journey entails a lot of writing tasks, whether it is a lab report, research paper, or essay. Having a friend or classmate …

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What Are College Electives and Why are They Important?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 23, 2023

When selecting your college courses, you will typically have three categories to choose from. The first is general education requirements, which all students are required to take. The second is courses required for specific majors. Under this category, you’ll choose from courses that are relevant to the specific major you’re pursuing. The third is electives, …

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How Many Credit Hours Should I Take?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 18, 2025

Key Takeaways: To graduate with a bachelor’s degree in four years, you should take 15 credits a semester. Students generally need to take 120 credit hours total to receive a bachelor’s degree. Associate’s degrees often only require 60 credits. How many credit hours you need to take depends on your graduation timeline, schedule, and the …

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What Makes a Person a Nontraditional Student?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 4, 2026

Key takeaways Nontraditional students are learners who don’t follow the typical path from high school to college. They may delay enrollment, attend part-time, work part-time, or have family responsibilities. Nontraditional students bring unique life experiences, focus, and determination to their studies. Colleges offer flexible programs and resources to help nontraditional students succeed. Not every college …

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What Does Test-Flexible and Test-Required Mean?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Though the names themselves might be somewhat self-explanatory, many are surprised to hear that some colleges don’t actually require incoming students to submit ACT / SAT scores. Yes, you read that correctly. With all the emphasis put on ACT / SAT prep, test day, and results, it might seem strange that some colleges don’t actually …

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What is an Independent College Counselor?

By Liz SkogerboeLast updated on December 22, 2022

Maybe you’ve heard of them, and maybe you haven’t. Sometimes referred to as Independent Educational Consultants, these counselors are frequently self-employed, or otherwise, work for consulting businesses. Independent College Counselors work to help students and their families navigate the college search and application process. Who do they work with? Counselors typically work with families that …

questions & answers

What Exactly is College Readiness and Why Does It Matter?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 23, 2025

Key Takeaways: College readiness is a series of benchmarks high school graduates should meet before heading to college. Students should have a well-rounded education in a variety of subjects, along with self-awareness and various skills, including critical thinking and communication. Schools measure a student’s college readiness by looking at their GPA, academic rigor, social skills, …