college admissions

What you need to know about college acceptance rates

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 5, 2025

Key takeaways: College acceptance rates are the percentage of accepted applicants in an admissions cycle at any particular school. Caltech is one of the most selective with a 2.6% acceptance rate, and University of Maine is one of the least selective at 96.8%. You can improve your chances of an acceptance letter with high grades, …

ACT & SAT

Everything You Need To Know About The SAT Essay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Taking the SAT can be a source of stress for many high school students, and a lot of them are confused about the SAT essay.  Does every SAT taker have to complete the SAT essay section or is it optional?  How much time will you get to complete this section?  What does this section really …

college admissions

Changes for NACAC’s Student Recruitment Rules

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Higher education is a common topic in the news headlines, especially with the 2020 presidential race underway. However, higher education jumped back into the spotlight recently when NACAC made an announcement about new student recruitment rule changes. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know, and how these changes affect the future of college …

ACT & SAT

Things You Need to Know About the SAT Essay

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Taking the SAT in the near future? While most studying is focused on the math, writing, and reading portions, you can’t forget about the essay part of the exam. Here are some things you need to know about the SAT essay before your test date. The SAT Essay is Optional… In 2015, the College Board …

college admissions

If College Acceptance Rates Are Low, Should I Bother Applying To That School?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 30, 2023

Acceptance rates are one of many factors you’ll consider when creating a list of potential colleges. Schools with higher acceptance rates are easier to get into than colleges with lower acceptance rates. Does it mean you should only apply to a college with high rates? What happens if the college you’re interested in has a …

college admissions

How Do You Know If You’re An Independent College Student?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

College is certainly a time of growing independence. Many college students would consider themselves independent, in charge of their own day to day tasks and responsibilities. But independent and dependent mean other things in the college world, especially when it comes to financial matters. When filling the FAFSA, you will need to state whether you’re …

college admissions

9 Common College Interview Questions & How To Answer Them

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 10, 2025

Most colleges don’t require college interviews, but some recommend them and others even require you attend an interview, either virtually or on campus. Even if it’s only recommended, scheduling a college interview is a fantastic way to boost your acceptance odds. While attending them can be stressful, being prepared can help you cut down on …

college applications

How to Work on College Essays this Summer

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Ah, summer. The perfect time for sun, pool parties, and working on your college applications. Yep! Summer is the perfect opportunity to start working on your college prep, especially the essay! To work on your college essays during the coming weeks, follow these tips: Write Down Application Deadlines If you have a planner, the first …

questions & answers

What Is A Doctoral Degree?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

A doctoral degree, also known as a doctorate, is the highest academic degree you can earn in the US. Completing a doctoral degree indicates that you have achieved a specialized level of authority in your field. You will earn the title of ‘Doctor’ on completing this degree. (Therefore, not everyone with the title of Doctor …

myths

Myths About Having A 4.0 GPA

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

How important is it to get a 4.0 GPA? Ask a class of high school students this question and you’ll be surprised at the varied answers you’ll get. Many students are under the notion that their GPA is the only thing that matters for admissions and scholarships. Only very few students understand the role GPA …