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Here's a list of keywords to use to stand out.
college applications

22 Keywords To Use In Your College Application Essay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 10, 2025
Key Takeaway: Your college essay is what helps you stand out among other candidates during the application process, and using the keywords below in your essays can help give you an edge over other candidates—just make sure you don’t overdo it! Keywords matter—but that’s not all. Don’t forget to use emotion, be sincere, get creative, …
What is a transcript and what can you expect on it?
questions & answers

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, …
A piece of paper that says "checklist" with lines underneath and a pen sitting on top.
college applications

The Handy College Application Checklist

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Applying to college can be a juggling act. You need to focus on so many things at the same time. Everything must be done correctly for your application to be successful. Overlooking any one aspect will result in your application getting rejected. That’s why we put together a college application checklist. Experts advise making a …
Four rocks stacked on top of each other on a table outside.
college applications

How to Balance College Prep with High School

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Senior year of high school is no doubt a stressor for many. Between classes, college search, college applications, scholarship applications, extracurricular activities, financial aid, homework, test prep for the ACT or SAT, and maybe even work, it’s a lot on a student’s plate! Here are some ways you can de-stress and balance your final year of …
There are always special circumstances.
ACT & SAT

ACT Special Circumstances: Do You Qualify?

By Allison WignallLast updated on August 11, 2023
The test itself may be standardized, but people rarely are. There will always be special circumstances, and so the ACT has addressed some of them and made other options available to qualifying students. The rules are still pretty strict, but there are exceptions. Fee Waivers The ACT isn’t free, and if you add the writing …
Running yourself ragged trying to round yourself out may tire you out faster
myths

Myth: Round Yourself Out To Boost Odds of College Acceptance

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Are you running yourself ragged joining every activity you can so you can round yourself out and fit the definition of a well-rounded student to boost your chances of getting accepted into a good college? The Well-Rounded Student Myth It may be time to take a step back. The term ‘well-rounded’ has been over-used and …
Like this pen and notes, proofreading your college essay can be messy but rewarding.
college applications

How to Proofread Your College Application Essay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 17, 2024
Key Takeaway Proofreading your college application essay is not just about fixing typos. It’s also about ensuring your essay aligns with the prompt and showcases your unique voice. By including specific examples, checking for errors thoroughly, and getting feedback from a parent or teacher, you can submit your best work to colleges and increase your …

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