myths

Is the ACT harder than the SAT? Which Test Should You Take?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Is the ACT harder than the SAT? In general terms, no! It’s actually a myth that one is harder or easier than the other. However, one may be harder for you as a person compared to the next. Here’s what you need to know about these myths, what colleges think, and how you can personally …

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 …

myths

Myth: I Should Pick My Favorite Teacher to Write My Letter of Recommendation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

It’s time to ask your teachers for the letters of recommendation for your college applications, but who do you ask? Most juniors and seniors instantly think of their favorite teacher as the answer. While it may be a great choice, it shouldn’t always be the default selection. Here’s why you should consider some alternative options: …

myths

Myth: I’ve Been Accepted Into College! I Don’t Have a Thing to Worry About Now!

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Receiving an acceptance letter from a college you’re really excited to go to can be a euphoric moment! All the hard work, the studying, the applications, the ACT/SAT tests, it all boils down to that one “Congratulations! You’re In” moment. And you should celebrate that you got accepted! Grab some ice cream, splurge a little on …

myths

Myth: Attending a Private High School Will Increase My College Acceptance Odds

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

There are pros and cons of attending a private high school over a public one. However, increasing your college acceptance rate is not necessarily a factor these days. Let’s talk about why. What do colleges look for? Colleges look at a few key things in applications, largely your GPA, your standardized test scores, your experience, …

myths

Myth: The Topic of My College Application Essay Doesn’t Matter so Long as it’s Well-Written

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

When applying for a college, standing out among the rest of the applicants is pretty important. Some people will do just about anything in order to make an impact on the admissions officers—and not always in a good way. Some people fabricate outlandish stories in their application essay in order to seem amazing, others drop …

myths

Myth: If My ACT/SAT Score is Below the Average at a College, I Shouldn’t Apply

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

With such great emphasis put on the ACT and SAT exams—the studying, the review sessions, taking the test, retaking the test, scholarships dependent on scores, etc.—many think the scores are the be all end all of college applications. If you have a high score, you can get into any college you want. If you have …

myths

Myth: Name-Dropping Will Boost My College Acceptance Odds

By Maria Andreina FernandezLast updated on December 22, 2022

College applications are a very tedious, but important, thing on every student’s to-do-list. We must fill in the online application, take our ACT / SAT tests, and ensure that all of our transcripts and other documents are sent to the university on time–among a zillion other things. Students focus mostly on sending the documents and filling out their …

myths

Myth: My College Application Needs to be Super Quirky to Stand Out

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’ve been reading up on college application tips, most of them say that you have to find a way to stand out from the crowd. Being different, having experienced–it’s finally time to use these things to your benefit. There are plenty of tips on how to stand out in college applications. However, there is …

myths

College Myth: My Application Essay Should Sound Very “Grown Up”

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Many college-bound students are thrown for a loop when it comes to writing the application essay. What should they write about? How should the write it? What shouldn’t they do? There are a lot of questions. One thing that many students think is that the essay has to sound “grown up” or “adult” so much …