college admissions, questions & answers

How to Get Good Grades

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 16, 2024

Whether you’re in high school or college, grades matter. They can impact your acceptance chances to higher education institutions, scholarship offers, merit aid opportunities, and even job prospects after graduation. It can also affect your self-esteem while improving your foundational knowledge that leads to success later in the classroom and in life in general. But …

college admissions, college applications

Types of College Essays and How to Approach Them

By College Raptor StaffPublished on August 16, 2024

Although a majority of colleges require application essays, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all topic. There are actually several different college essay types you could be asked to write. They can vary in length requirements, prompts, and style. Some even may request more than one! To help you prepare for your college applications, we listed out some …

ACT & SAT

What Is the ACT Exam and Should You Take It?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on July 19, 2024

Key Takeaway The ACT (which stands for American College Testing) is a three-hour entrance exam that measures college readiness in English, math, reading, and science. There is also an optional essay section. While it is not required for you to submit your ACT scores to most colleges, it’s generally recommended that students take it to …

college applications

A Complete Guide to Extracurriculars

By College Raptor StaffPublished on July 5, 2024

Whether you love football, pottery, theater, or being involved in your student government, there is an extracurricular for you. Not only do extracurriculars allow you to pursue your interests, but also make you a well-rounded candidate for college applications. Do you think you might be doing too much or too little when it comes to …

college admissions

A Guide to The High School Equivalency Test (HiSet)

By Hilary CairnsPublished on July 3, 2024

You’ve likely heard of the GED, but did you know you have another option when it comes to getting the equivalent of a high school diploma? The HiSET, or High School Equivalency Test, is an exam that can open the door to new opportunities, including higher education and careers that require a high school degree. …

college admissions

How to Get Into UVA if You Live Out of State

By College Raptor StaffPublished on July 1, 2024

For the fall 2022 enrollment cycle, the out of state acceptance rate at UVA (University of Virginia) was 32%. So, what does this mean for non-Virginians aspiring to get into this prestigious university? If you’re a non-Virginian, a 32% out of state acceptance rate means it could be difficult to get into UVA, but definitely …

college applications

How to Format Your Personal Statement for Your College Essay

By College Raptor StaffPublished on June 17, 2024

When applying to colleges, you’ll find that there are quite a few steps to the application process. One of the most important (and often the most overwhelming) is the personal statement, also referred to as the college essay. Many students aspire to write a meaningful personal statement, but aren’t always sure where to start. It …

college admissions

NCSA: Connecting Student Athletes with College Coaches

By Hilary CairnsPublished on June 10, 2024

Next College Student Athlete (NCSA) is a recruiting platform that helps connect students with coaches. It can streamline the recruiting process and make it easier for students to understand their options as a student-athlete. If you’re thinking about continuing your favorite sport during your college years, here’s what you need to know about the NCSA, …

college admissions

How Many People Apply To Harvard Each Year?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on June 4, 2024

In the 2024 application cycle (and 2023 early admission cycle) 54,008 people applied to Harvard. Of those that applied only 1,937 students were accepted – that’s 3.58% acceptance rate and one of the lowest in the country. According the the Harvard Gazette, this makes it the fourth year running that the school has received over …

college admissions, questions & answers

What’s the Highest GPA?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 28, 2024

Key Takeaway The highest GPA achievable is a 4.0 on a traditional scale. However, some schools use a weighted scale that can go up to 5.0, factoring in the difficulty of coursework. While GPA matters in college admissions, it’s not the determining factor. Aim for good grades, but also focus on your personal growth. Colleges …