college applications

How To Balance Grades With Extracurricular Activities

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Grades and extracurricular activities are both very important for development. While every high school student understands the importance of balancing both aspects, many find themselves struggling to cope. The truth is, without a proper game plan, balancing grades and extracurricular activities can be incredibly stressful. You will find yourself focusing more on one while completing …

college applications

Pros and Cons of Using the Universal College App

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 24, 2023

Do one (or more) of your schools accept the Universal College App? You could save time by using the program – you may only have to do your application once to apply to the schools on your list. But should you? Or can you? Let’s review exactly what centralized college apps are and then go …

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 …

ACT & SAT

3 Fun Facts About The ACT/SAT

By Roxie the RaptorLast updated on December 22, 2022

Thoughts about the ACT or SAT give most students sleepless nights.  Well, it is an important test but getting overwhelmed by it is not going to help. These few fun facts about the ACT/SAT are just what you need when you are looking for a short, refreshing distraction from the intense studying. The SAT was …

myths

Myth: If I’m Attending a Community College, I Won’t Need to Take the ACT/SAT

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Do community colleges require SAT or ACT scores? Short answer: most community colleges across the US do not. This includes the SAT and the ACT. Community colleges are usually open enrollment. That means as long as you have a high school diploma or a GED, you are eligible to apply. Their application process is also …

ACT & SAT

Creative Ways to Study for the ACT / SAT

By Amanda WilksLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you are a high school student with the ACT and or the SAT coming up then you know you have to study, right? It’s just one of those hard facts of life we all must do! The good news is that there are creative ways to study. In this article we will discuss a …

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 …

ACT & SAT

Student Survival Guide: A Breakdown of the ACT

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

Since you were in junior high, you’ve heard whispers of The Tests. Spoken of by everyone from teachers to guidance counselors to nagging parents, the ACT and SAT enter your life years before you even want to think about it. Suddenly, around your sophomore year of high school, the pressure starts to rise. You see …