For Colleges & Universities
For Colleges & Universities

College Raptor Staff

Applying to college can be challenging, and so we at College Raptor feel it's our duty to make that process as easy, smooth, and rewarding as possible. We work hard to clarify dense material, dispel myths, uncover information, and help you learn what you need to know!

College Raptor Helped Amen Build a Strong Foundation for His Future

By College Raptor StaffPublished on October 19, 2026
$2,500 scholarship winner Amen Martin Obanor has always been captivated by robotics and the possibilities of STEM. Movies and pop culture, including characters like Baymax and WALL-E, helped spark his interest in what robots can do and how engineering can be used to make people’s lives better. He knew his next step was to pursue …
student looking online for state college grants.
tips tools & advice

Life hacks for busy students

By College Raptor StaffPublished on October 5, 2026
Key takeaways A life hack is a simple tip that can make an everyday task easier. Life hacks can help busy students save time and stress less. Small changes to your daily routine can make your responsibilities more manageable. Cooking meals in batches, making use of free time between classes, and packing your backpack the …
Here are 7 in-demand psychology degree jobs you can explore.
majors & industries

Psychology vs. psychiatry: What is the difference?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on September 22, 2026
 Key takeaways Psychiatrists are medical doctors who may treat mental illness with medicine, while Psychologists focus on behavior and emotions using talk therapy instead of medicine. Future psychiatrists go to medical school. Future psychologists earn a doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology. Psychiatrists can prescribe medicine, like mood stabilizers. Psychologists do not prescribe medicine. …
college admissions, questions & answers

What is academic performance index (API)?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on September 18, 2026
Key takeaways The academic performance index (API) was California’s main method for measuring school performance from 1999 to 2013. API scores ranged from 200 to 1,000, with 800 being the state’s target for every school. The California School Dashboard officially replaced API in 2017, using multiple measures instead of a single score. The term “academic …

College Raptor Announces 2027 College Rankings

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 11, 2026
College Raptor’s twelfth annual college rankings focus on colleges with the highest long-term value Every parent wants to help their child choose a college that will be worth the investment. The challenge is knowing which schools are most likely to deliver. Citizens is helping families answer that question through College Raptor, it’s college planning platform,  …
Cellphone with a dictionary app sitting on top of a physical dictionary.
ACT & SAT

Must-know digital SAT vocabulary words for 2026

By College Raptor StaffPublished on August 20, 2026
Key takeaways The 2026 digital SAT tests vocabulary in context and a strong SAT vocab list gives you a real edge in the reading section. The most tested SAT words appear in passages where you need to figure out meaning from surrounding clues. Learning word roots and prefixes may help you decode unfamiliar words on …
Student giving 2-minute speech
tips tools & advice

2-minute speech topics for students

By College Raptor StaffPublished on August 20, 2026
Key takeaways A 2-minute speech is usually 250-300 words, spoken at a conversational pace, focused on one clear message. Informative speeches are meant to educate, not argue or persuade. Stick to facts. In 2026, elevator pitch-style presentations are becoming more common in classrooms. Need a topic for a speech? You’re in the right place. Picking …
Students on Northwestern's campus -- wondering "what's the best college for me?"
questions & answers

How to find where your classes are in college

By College Raptor StaffPublished on August 20, 2026
Key takeaways Your class building and room number are listed directly on your course schedule in your student portal. Reviewing your campus map before the semester starts may save you a lot of stress during your first week. Apps like Google Maps, your school’s official app, and FindMyClass can help you navigate in real time. …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join thousands of students and parents learning about finding the right college, admissions secrets, scholarships, financial aid, and more.