questions & answers

Which Is Right For Me: An Early Decision Or Early Action Application?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you have thought through your college options carefully and have found a school that meets all your requirements, you may benefit from an early decision or early action application. However, both of these options come with a few pros and cons that you should know about, just in case you change your mind and …

questions & answers

Do Colleges Check Your Social Media?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 22, 2024

Are colleges truly interested in your social media presence? According to a 2020 Kaplan survey, 65% of admissions officers consider that viewing a prospective student’s social media pages is fair game. Public profiles can reveal a lot about a student, and while you can’t be certain whether colleges will check your social media, it is …

questions & answers

Why Do Some Colleges Require the ACT/SAT and Others Don’t?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

While a majority of colleges and universities still do require students to submit their ACT/SAT test scores, there is a growing trend of schools that don’t require scores. These are known as test-optional schools.  Why Test-Optional? There is an ongoing debate about the validity of standardized testing exams. Some argue that they aren’t an accurate representation …

questions & answers

Are SAT Subject Tests Required?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The aim of the general SAT test is to evaluate your reasoning skills and your readiness for college. The SAT Subject tests, on the other hand, is meant to assess your knowledge in a specific subject area. If you are wondering whether SAT subject tests are required, the answer is it depends. SAT Subject Tests Can …

questions & answers

What Is Freshman Orientation?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 9, 2024

Starting college is an exciting adventure, filled with new opportunities and experiences. One of the first steps is freshman orientation. But what exactly is freshman orientation? What does it involve, and why is it important? Let’s talk about it. What is Freshman Orientation in College? Freshman orientation is essentially an introduction to college life at …

questions & answers

What is SAT Score Choice?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you take the SAT multiple times, you get the option of choosing which scores to send as part of your college application and which scores remain undisclosed. This is known as SAT Score Choice. Should I Submit These Scores? Students who are not happy with their SAT scores often choose to retake the test …

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 …

questions & answers

What the NMSQT is and Why is it so Important?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

The NMSQT refers to the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and it’s what you need to take to be in the running for the National Merit Scholarship. But there’s a bit more you should know. High school is a busy time, and it’s also the time to start thinking about college. As you’re preparing for …

questions & answers

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 …

questions & answers

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 …