college applications, questions & answers

What is the Coalition Application?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

You’ve probably heard of the Common Application, but what about the Coalition Application? It came out a few years ago, and it may be worth your time to explore the differences. Here’s what you need to know about the Coalition Application, its pros and cons, and how it stacks up against the Common App. What …

questions & answers

What is a First-Generation College Student?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 24, 2024

A first-generation college student is generally the first person in an immediate family to go to college. However, the definition can change depending on the college! But being classified as a first-generation college student can come with quite a few perks and it’s important you know what to expect during the application process and how …

questions & answers

What is a College Legacy Student?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Simply put, a legacy is a student at a college who has family ties to an alumnus of that institution. Perhaps the student’s mother or father attended that university when they were younger. The family of legacy students–or “legacies”–typically have a loyalty to that school and the pride that comes along with it. What does …

questions & answers

Should I Take a Gap Year Before College?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

There is a point in time in many high school students’ careers when every adult is suddenly asking them what they want to do with their lives. It is no longer the slightly endearing question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Instead, it becomes “Where are you going to college? What …

questions & answers

What is Academic Rigor and Why is it So Important?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Simply put, rigor is the academic or intellectual challenge of a class. The more difficult the class, the more rigorous it is. More often than not, academic rigor does not refer to a single class, but a number of them within a student’s schedule. Rigor is more than just “how difficult a class is” however, …

questions & answers

Questions to Ask at Orientation: A Checklist for Students and Parents (FREE DOWNLOAD)

By Allison WignallLast updated on May 30, 2023

Orientation covers a lot of information, and you may end up forgetting to ask some important questions during the session. So we’ve created a printable checklist of questions to ask at college freshman orientation to take with you–one for parents and one for students! Orientation speakers will likely cover many of these questions, but just …

questions & answers

Does Applying to College Early Decision Improve Your Odds of Acceptance?

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it comes to applying to college, there are many factors that go into your decision. From majors and programs to costs and location, finding the “right” school can be complicated. But, once you’ve narrowed down your list, the act of applying still looms. And it’s a game of strategy. There are many ways you …

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Should I Hire a College Essay Coach?

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

There aren’t many rising high school seniors who enjoy the process of writing the college essay, but, let’s face it, it is a necessary evil. Happily, you don’t need to go it alone on the journey to write your college essay. But how much help should you have? How much is too much? Should you …

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Should You Apply Early Decision or Early Action When Financial Aid Matters?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 16, 2024

Many students and families make difficult decisions when choosing whether to apply Early Decision or Early Action. Particularly, what kind of financial commitment are you making by applying during one of these windows? What if the college doesn’t offer you enough financial aid to make it an affordable option? How does the relationship between early …

questions & answers

How Many Times Should I Take the ACT or SAT?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

First: There is no magic number for how many times a student should take the ACT or SAT. For some students, taking the test once may be enough. Others may need to take the test twice or even three times. There are no penalties for taking the tests multiple times or choosing to take both …