ACT & SAT

Avoid These ACT/SAT Exam Day Mistakes

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it comes to taking either the ACT or the SAT (or both), you should take advantage of every kind of preparation. Studying, taking practice tests, and attending review sessions are a few excellent ways to prepare, but there are other, subtler things that can also help—especially when it comes to the big day itself. …

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 …

questions & answers

Your Guide to Reapplying to College After a Rejection

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 4, 2023

Did you not receive an acceptance letter from your dream school?  Don’t fret! Reapplying to college after rejection may be an option. But, here are a few things to keep in mind and to do in the upcoming months before reapplying to college after rejection. Can You Reapply to a College After Being Rejected? In …

college admissions

What Families Need to Know About Sending Their First Child to College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Sending your child to college can be a stressful time, both for you and them. There are a lot of things to take care of from selecting the school itself to making sure all the correct books are purchased. Here are a few tasks you may have forgotten before your firstborn leaves the nest. Filing …

ACT & SAT

Managing Test Anxiety for the ACT / SAT

By Julia WassonLast updated on December 22, 2022

Researchers estimate that between 10 and 40 percent of all students experience some test anxiety. According to Morgan Grotewiel, Ph.D., Adjunct Faculty in the University of Missouri-St. Louis Department of Counseling and Family Therapy, “Test-anxious people perceive testing situations as personally threatening, and they respond with intense emotional reactions.” This can range from little more …

college admissions

The Pros and Cons of Being a Transfer Student

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Transfers are more common than you might think; in fact, it’s estimated that nearly 1/3rd of all college students transfer at least once during their higher education. The National Student Clearing House Research Center found that 37.2% transfer at least once within six years. As with every decision, there are pros and cons. Each upside …

ACT & SAT

Should I Take the ACT or the SAT?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

As you well know, there are two major college entrance exams—the ACT and the SAT. Some students take one over the other based on where they live (certain areas of America seem to have a different preference), and others simply take both. But if you’re asking yourself the question: which should I take? Ask yourself …

college admissions

How to Nail a College Interview

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

There are many elements to impressing a college during the application process—your GPA, ACT/SAT scores, essays, extracurricular activities, honors, the application itself. But there’s another way you can boost your chances—nail a college interview. If you’re very interested in a specific college, you can meet with an admissions officer during your visit and have a …

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 …