college applications

Pros and Cons of Using the Common App to Apply for Colleges

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on August 13, 2024

While you’re applying for colleges, a term you may have come across is The Common Application, or better known as the Common App. More than 1,000 colleges and universities accept the Common App in the United States, Canada, China, and Europe. Should you use the Common App to apply to colleges? We answer this question …

college applications

What You Should Know About Early Decision Applications

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

While an early decision / early action application does have its advantages, it has a few drawbacks too. Depending on your circumstances, it may not necessarily be the right choice for you. Understanding the pros and cons of early decision applications will help you decide whether this is the route you should take. The pros …

college applications

How to Revise Your College Application Essay

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

You’ve done it. You have the first draft of your college application essay. You feel good about it, about the point you are making for the admissions officers. But it’s only a first draft. Now it’s time to buckle down and revise. Here are some tips on how to revise your college application essay. Read …

college applications

Tips to Stay Organized During the College Application Process

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 14, 2024

The college application process involves several different components – the transcript, essay, various forms, fees, test scores, letters of recommendation, application apps, potentially a college visit and an interview. For your college application to be successful, all of the individual components must fit together like pieces of jigsaw puzzle. The above is just for one …

college applications

Common Mistakes Students Make on College Admissions Essays

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

So you’ve narrowed down your list of schools. You’ve filled out all the demographics information for the application, and now it’s time for the essays and short answers. You’ve got everything covered…or do you? Here are some common mistakes that college admissions see, as well as how to fix mistakes on college admissions essays. Starting …

college applications

Gap Year: Ways to Improve College Applications and Readiness

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

We’ve talked a bit about gap years before in the context of Should I take a gap year? The focus this time around is how to make the best of a gap year before applying to colleges. Or maybe you’ve been accepted into a school, but have deferred enrollment for a year. Whatever the case, …

college applications

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your College Applications

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

There certainly is a lot that goes into an application: a cover letter, grade transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, an essay, letters of recommendation, and so on and so forth. It can be a bit tricky cobbling all of the materials together without a single mistake. We’re here to help you discover common mistakes you want to …

college applications

8 Ways To Narrow Down Your College List

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 12, 2024

If you’ve found yourself overwhelmed by the number schools you are interested, it’s time to narrow down that college list. It’s common to have a long list of options, but applying to too many can be expensive, stressful, and make it hard to give each application the attention it deserves. Whether you’re unsure where to …

college applications

What Counts as “Leadership Experience” on College Apps?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 27, 2024

Undoubtedly you’ve seen a section on a college application (or a job application, for that matter) that asks about your leadership experience. Leadership is one of those key elements that college admissions officers look for in their applicants along with qualities like—responsibility, time management, dedication, and hard work. “Leadership” is a buzzword that will catch …

college applications

How to Apply to Colleges: A Complete Guide

By Allison WignallLast updated on April 7, 2023

Applying to colleges can feel overwhelming, especially while you’re dealing with your senior year of high school! Thankfully, there is a clear series of steps you can take and follow to ensure you’re getting everything done ahead of deadlines. Here are 11 steps you can follow in order to apply to your colleges from identifying …