college applications

When should you start applying for colleges​?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on March 27, 2026

Key takeaways: College bound high school students should start applying for colleges shortly after applications open on August 1 of their senior year. Most early decision and early action applications are due on November 1 or 15. Many colleges accept regular decision submissions until January 1. Colleges usually open applications on August 1. While most …

college admissions, college applications

How to get into a good college

By College Raptor StaffPublished on March 26, 2026

Key takeaways: A “good” college is the one that fits your goals, budget, and personality—not just the most famous name.  Your high school GPA and the difficulty of your courses are important parts of your college application.  A strong college essay and extracurriculars may help set you apart from other applicants.  Making a balanced college …

college admissions, college applications

AP Scholar with Distinction: What it means and how to earn it

By College Raptor StaffPublished on December 18, 2025

Key takeaway There are three AP Scholar awards that a student can earn: AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, and AP Scholar with Distinction. To become an AP Scholar with Distinction, you must score a 3 or above on at least five AP exams and have an average AP score of 3.50 or higher. The …

college admissions, college applications

Research Programs for High School Students: Hands-On Opportunities for Summer and Beyond

By College Raptor StaffPublished on November 3, 2025

Key Takeaways A research program for high school students lets you explore your interests and gain hands-on experience. Programs can include summer internships, mentorships, science fairs, and pre-college research opportunities. You can find options in many subjects, like STEM and social studies. Research programs can help you build important skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. …

college applications

A guide to using the Common Black College App

By Hilary CairnsPublished on October 7, 2025

Key Takeaways: The Common Black College App allows students to apply to several Historically Black Colleges and Universities at the same time. It costs $20 to apply to all participating institutions. Similar to the Common App, the CBCA saves students time and money. The Common Black College App (CBCA) is much like the Common App …

college admissions, college applications

Lowest Admission Rate College + Application Tips For Success  

By College Raptor StaffPublished on August 4, 2025

Key Takeaways: A college’s admission (or acceptance) rate refers to the percentage of admitted students in relation to the number of students that applied for that year’s application cycle. The lowest admission rate currently in the US is CalTech followed closely by Harvard University–both with acceptances rates just above 3%. To get ahead of the …

college applications

When Do College Applications Open?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on June 16, 2025

Key Takeaways: Most college applications for the following academic year open on August 1. Students who wish to apply early should have their applications submitted by November. January 1 is the common regular decision application deadline, but some schools accept later submissions, including those which use rolling admission cycles. College applications usually open on August …

college applications, questions & answers

Accommodations for Students and How to Get Them

By Hilary CairnsPublished on February 5, 2025

All colleges and universities in the United States offer accommodations to students with disabilities. They can vary from advanced course selection to additional time on exams, depending on the individual’s needs. Some conditions that qualify for accommodations include learning disabilities, blindness, hard of hearing, and chronic medical conditions. You can learn more about accommodations at …

college applications

Schools With Early Action

By Hilary CairnsPublished on December 19, 2024

Early Action is a great way to apply to colleges you’re sincerely interested in and to get applications out of the way. Applications are usually due on November 1 and 15, but this isn’t a hard and fast rule. In this article, we’ve created a master list of schools with Early Action application cycles so …

college applications

Turn Generosity into Opportunity: National Giving Day for Students

By College Raptor StaffPublished on December 2, 2024

National Giving Day (also known as Giving Tuesday) encourages everyone to give back to their communities with charitable donations, volunteer work, or simply raising awareness for causes that matter. But for college-bound students, National Giving Day is also a chance to make your college application shine. Here’s how you can make the most of your …