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college applications

Understanding Prior-Prior Year FAFSA Filing and What It Means for Students and Parents

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022
The federal government has come up with a wonderfully confusing new name for something that actually simplifies the financial aid process. Let me try to make it easier to understand. Historically, students and parents have used income information from the last full calendar year on financial aid applications (FAFSA). In other words, you used the …
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 …
How does early decision and financial aid interact with each other?
questions & answers

Should You Apply Early Decision or Early Action When Financial Aid Matters?

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022
Many students and families make difficult decisions when choosing whether to apply Early Decision or Early Action. Particularly, what kind of financial commitment are you making by applying during one of these windows? What if the college doesn’t offer you enough financial aid to make it an affordable option? How does the relationship between early …
psat exam
ACT & SAT

Your Secret Weapon for Taking the PSAT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on October 10, 2023
When taking the PSAT and SAT, every bit of advantage helps. The PSAT can help qualify you for a scholarship and the SAT can help you get into your dream college. It’s no wonder students want the best scores they can get on these standardized tests. But one secret weapon you may have not realized …
Photo of a girl reading a book on the beach.
ACT & SAT

3 Tips For Every Underclassmen to Boost Their ACT & SAT Scores

By Lauren GaggioliLast updated on December 22, 2022
Every fall, a few eager students approach me, interested in test prep well before junior year. Middle school students, freshmen, and sophomores are often anxious over what’s coming down the road. That means they want to get a jump on the work. “If I take your course now just for practice, is that ok?” they …
Colleges are looking for prospective students with grit.
college admissions

What Colleges Look For In Students: GRIT

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022
Some four-letter words could get you in trouble; they might earn you detention or garner a reprimand from your parents. However, there is a particular four-letter word that is actually quite appealing. Not only do colleges want you to say this word, but they also want you to demonstrate it, embrace it, and live it. …
Student pencils in multiple choice answers on their ACT exam.
ACT & SAT

FREE Resources for ACT/SAT Test Prep

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 20, 2023
There’s no doubt about it, the ACT and SAT are incredibly important tests. With so much potentially riding on your score—college admittance, scholarships, potential jobs or internships, and more—you’ll want to be as ready as possible when test day comes. And even if your dream school has gone “test optional,” it may still be a …

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