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A chalkboard with text that says "questions to ask at college freshman orientation" with two question marks on the side.
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 …
Should you hire a college essay coach?
questions & answers

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 …
A pair of glasses sitting on top of a journal.
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 …
A student writing in a notebook with an orange pen.
questions & answers

Should I Take IB Classes in High School? How to Determine if International Baccalaureate Courses Are Right For You

By Jessica VelascoLast updated on December 22, 2022
International Baccalaureate, or IB, classes, are a bit like AP classes, but not entirely. It depends on a lot of factors if you should take an IB class in high school. We’ll highlight those factors below. Students may be confused when they have the opportunity to choose between IB and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Here …
Students in a marching band lined up, holding their instruments.
questions & answers

How Many Extracurricular Activities Should I Be Doing? Is More, More? Or Is More, Less?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 24, 2024
Key Takeaways When considering extracurricular activities in high school, it is all about quality over quantity. By participating in fewer activities outside of class, you can commit to staying involved. Don’t join a club or organization just to add it to your college application—admission officers are looking for dedicated students. While applying to colleges, many …
This diagram shows the process of applying to a college early action and the possible outcomes.
questions & answers

Is Early Action Right for Me?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 6, 2023
Early action is an admissions process available at some schools that allows students to apply before the general application deadline of January 1st. While it definitely has some benefits for students who choose to apply early, it’s not right for everyone. So is early action worth it for you? We help you answer that question …
Chart shows the differences at a number of colleges and universities in admission rate for students that apply regular decision versus those who apply early decision.
questions & answers

Should I Apply Early Decision to College?

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022
Prepared students with a single first choice college may consider applying early decision. Early decision is binding–meaning if you apply and are accepted early decision to a college, you are expected to go there, with almost no exception. There are a lot of reasons students apply this way. Many believe it’s easier to be accepted …

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