college admissions, college applications

9 Important Dates and Deadlines to Know in High School

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 13, 2024

Your senior year of high school is sure going to be busy! Between college applications and finals, you have a lot to tackle. We’ve put together this list of important dates you’ll need to mark on your calendar so you can make sure you don’t miss any deadlines. You should have already completed at least …

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How to Start Your College Essay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 27, 2024

Key Takeaway: When writing a college essay, give yourself time to read over the colleges’ requirements (i.e. prompts and word count). Narrow down your topic to something you are genuinely excited to write about. Organize your ideas into an outline that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Pique your reader’s attention by using one …

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How Long Does a College Application Take to Fill Out?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it’s time to apply to college, how long should you take to complete your application? There is no one timetable for all applications out there, but here’s a rundown of what you need to know, what an application generally requires, and other steps you’ll need to take to complete the college application processes. How …

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How to Pass Scholarship Interviews

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Although not all scholarships require that you attend an interview, many do, and interviewing can be intimidating. But with practice and preparation, it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips we put together for you on how to pass scholarship interviews.   Practice, Practice, Practice One of the best ways to get comfortable for an …

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Essay Theme Ideas

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Not sure what to write about for your upcoming college application essay? It can be tough landing on a topic, but it’s important to write about something that is special and important to you. Authenticity is essential in these pieces. If you’re stuck on a topic or theme though, here are some ideas that can …

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Tips to Spruce up a Student Resume for College Application

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 29, 2023

Resumes are usually referenced in relation to job applications, but you will also need a student resume for college application. How do you know if your student resume is ready for college, though, and how can you give it a boost to increase your acceptance chances? Here are some tips for going forward. What is …

college admissions, college applications

85 Extracurricular Activities for College Applications

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 1, 2024

Extracurriculars look great on college applications, but do colleges look for certain clubs or activities when you apply? The answer is yes and no! What you do during the club or activity is more important than the activity itself in some cases. Here’s a list of 7 extracurricular activities for college applications. It’s no secret …

college admissions, college applications

Early Decision II – What to Expect

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 13, 2024

Are you considering applying under Early Decision II? Or did you already send in your application and want to know what to expect now? We’ll run through the basics of this college application method and what you need to know for the coming weeks. Early Decision II is binding. Early Decision II follows the same …

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When Do College Acceptance Letters Arrive?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 2, 2024

If you’ve applied to colleges, you may be asking yourself, “When do college acceptance letters arrive?” It’s a valid question, and no doubt one loaded with a bit of anxiety. In short, when you’ll hear back from the school depends on when you applied: Early Action, Early Decision, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision. What …

college admissions, college applications

What Do You Do If You Were Accepted Under Early Decision?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you applied under Early Decision, it’s likely that you have heard back from the college by now. Congratulations if you were accepted! You may be wondering what the next steps are in early decision acceptance. Your new school should be reaching out with those shortly if they haven’t already. But we’ll cover some of …