college admissions

What is a prospective student?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on May 13, 2026

Key takeaways A prospective student is an individual considering or planning to attend a college or university. Prospective students can be high school seniors, transfer students, adults going back to school, and international students. A prospective student can make the most of the college search process by researching, visiting campuses, and exploring financial aid opportunities. …

college admissions, questions & answers

All about academic decile: A key to student success

By College Raptor StaffPublished on May 13, 2026

Key takeaways An academic decile groups data into 10 equal parts to compare and group academic performance of students within a school. In the U.S., deciles are often used for class rank in college admissions. In some countries, like New Zealand, deciles may be used to decide how much money schools get. While informative for …

college admissions, questions & answers

What is a Master of Public Health (MPH)?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on May 12, 2026

Key takeaways A Master of Public Health is a graduate degree that allows students to specialize in public health issues, including how to address and prevent them. Earning an MPH typically takes 18-24 months to complete, with 42-80 credit hours required. Those with an MPH may work as an epidemiologist, health policy analyst, biostatistician, health …

college admissions

College fly-in programs: how you can visit a campus for free

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 12, 2026

Key takeaways A college fly-in program is a short, fully-paid campus visit that lets a student check out campus life. College fly-in programs are a great way to meet students, ask questions, and see what it’s truly like to attend a school you’re thinking about. Many programs are designed for low-income or underrepresented students, but …

college admissions

Focused learning: a complete guide to specialized schools

By Hilary CairnsPublished on April 29, 2026

Key takeaways Specialized schools offer certificate and degree programs in a single major or area of study. Common types of specialized institutions include Art, Business, and Career Studies schools. Students can benefit from strong networks, experienced professors, and advanced resources, but changing your major may be difficult. Specialized schools tend to stick to one focused …

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

What is conditional college acceptance?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on January 14, 2026

Key takeaways Colleges offer some students conditional acceptance, which requires the student to submit further information before they’re fully accepted. Schools may request official transcripts, standardized test scores, documentation, or prerequisites. Even if you’re fully accepted, colleges can rescind acceptance at any time for dropped grades, disciplinary actions, offensive behavior, and other serious issues. Some …

ACT & SAT

What calculators are allowed on the ACT?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on January 7, 2026

Key takeaways: All math questions on the ACT can be solved without a calculator, but some are tedious and complicated. You are allowed to bring 4-function, graphing, and scientific calculators to the ACT, or you can use the built-in calculator for the online exam at testing centers. You are not allowed to use calculators with …

ACT & SAT

How long is the digital SAT? Everything you need to know

By College Raptor StaffPublished on December 18, 2025

Key takeaway The SAT went fully digital in the spring of 2024, replacing the paper-and-pencil exam with a computer-based test that now takes 2 hours, 14 minutes. While the digital SAT still tests for college readiness and has the same scoring scale, it is also now shorter, more secure, and adapts based on student performance. …