All Questions & Answers Articles

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 …
A black and white open textbook with a red background, with text overlayed that says "what is academic rigor?"
questions & answers

What’s academic rigor, and why does it matter?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 19, 2025
Key takeaways Academic rigor is about taking challenging classes that push your thinking and academic skills. Colleges value students who balance high grades with rigorous coursework. AP, IB, and dual-enrollment classes are common ways to show academic rigor. Planning, time management, and support from teachers and parents can help students succeed. Embracing rigor now prepares …
A chalkboard with text that says "questions to ask at college freshman orientation" with two question marks on the side.
questions & answers

Questions to Ask at Orientation: A Checklist for Students and Parents (FREE DOWNLOAD)

By Allison WignallLast updated on May 30, 2023
Orientation covers a lot of information, and you may end up forgetting to ask some important questions during the session. So we’ve created a printable checklist of questions to ask at college freshman orientation to take with you–one for parents and one for students! Orientation speakers will likely cover many of these questions, but just …
Should you hire a college essay coach?
questions & answers

Should I Hire a College Essay Coach?

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022
There aren’t many rising high school seniors who enjoy the process of writing the college essay, but, let’s face it, it is a necessary evil. Happily, you don’t need to go it alone on the journey to write your college essay. But how much help should you have? How much is too much? Should you …
A pair of glasses sitting on top of a journal.
questions & answers

How Many Times Should I Take the ACT or SAT?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
First: There is no magic number for how many times a student should take the ACT or SAT. For some students, taking the test once may be enough. Others may need to take the test twice or even three times. There are no penalties for taking the tests multiple times or choosing to take both …
A student writing in a notebook with an orange pen.
questions & answers

Should I Take IB Classes in High School? How to Determine if International Baccalaureate Courses Are Right For You

By Jessica VelascoLast updated on December 22, 2022
International Baccalaureate, or IB, classes, are a bit like AP classes, but not entirely. It depends on a lot of factors if you should take an IB class in high school. We’ll highlight those factors below. Students may be confused when they have the opportunity to choose between IB and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Here …
Students in a marching band lined up, holding their instruments.
questions & answers

How Many Extracurricular Activities Should I Be Doing? Is More, More? Or Is More, Less?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 24, 2024
Key Takeaways When considering extracurricular activities in high school, it is all about quality over quantity. By participating in fewer activities outside of class, you can commit to staying involved. Don’t join a club or organization just to add it to your college application—admission officers are looking for dedicated students. While applying to colleges, many …

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