college admissions, college applications

AP Scholar with Distinction: What it means and how to earn it

By College Raptor StaffPublished on December 18, 2025

Key takeaway There are three AP Scholar awards that a student can earn: AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, and AP Scholar with Distinction. To become an AP Scholar with Distinction, you must score a 3 or above on at least five AP exams and have an average AP score of 3.50 or higher. The …

majors & industries

Microcredentials: what are they, why they matter, and how to use them?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on December 12, 2025

Key takeaways Microcredentials are short learning programs that give you fast access to specific skills without a long-term commitment. From graphic design and coding to healthcare and cybersecurity, microcredentials can help you train for a specific and valuable skill. When chosen strategically, microcredentials can help you stand out in the job market. Have you ever …

questions & answers

Charter vs. public school – what’s the difference?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on December 2, 2025

Key takeaway Both charter and public schools are publicly funded and don’t require tuition Charter schools have more flexibility in their instruction and school size. Public schools receive funding from and are managed by the government. Charter schools operate independently under a state-approved charter and often seek additional private or grant funding. While charter schools …

The Road to College Is Paved with Smart Financial Choices

By College Raptor StaffPublished on December 1, 2025

Throughout the college search process, finances can often create barriers for many students. College Raptor scholarship winner and first-year Stanford University student Addison knows firsthand how navigating finances plays a vital role on the road to your dream school. Addison spoke with her guardians before applying to school to gain an understanding of where she …

Sofia Finds Her Perfect Fit with College Raptor’s Top Lists

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 1, 2025

When scholarship winner Sofia began her college search, she turned to College Raptor’s ranking lists for guidance. “It really helped me to look at College Raptor’s lists and see which colleges were better at different things in different categories,” said Sofia, now a first-year at the University of Washington. Sofia found the University of Washington …

financial aid, questions & answers

Is community college free in California?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on November 25, 2025

Key takeaways: Some eligible students receive tuition waivers at California community colleges through the California Promise. Others may receive fee waivers, living allowances, and Pell Grants to help lower the overall cost. To increase your chances of free community college in California, complete the FAFSA, apply for the Cal Grant, and research scholarships. On average, …

college search, questions & answers

What are the Seven Sisters schools?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 25, 2025

Key takeaways: The Seven Sisters are a group of private liberal art schools focused on women’s education in the Northeast United States. The seven institutions are Barnard College, Bryn Mawr College, Mount Holyoke College, Radcliffe College, Smith College, Vassar College, and Wellesley College. Most of the colleges only accept women to their undergraduate school, though …

majors & industries, questions & answers

Beyond the Bachelor’s: The Benefits of a Postgraduate Degree

By College Raptor StaffPublished on November 25, 2025

Key Takeaways A postgraduate degree comes after a bachelor’s degree. It helps you expand in depth knowledge of specific areas and build new skills. You could earn more money with a postgraduate degree. To get into a postgraduate program, you’ll need to apply, send required application documents like recommendation letters and personal statements, and you …

student loans

Education Loans for International Students

By College Raptor StaffPublished on November 21, 2025

Key Takeaways: Attending college in the United States costs $38,270 per year on average. Some noncitizens can qualify for federal student loans, but most international students will need education loans from private lenders. Scholarships, grants, and the student’s country’s financial aid programs could help lower the cost. Just like its citizens, international students may have …