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 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. …
Student with not enough hours in a day
student life, tips tools & advice

Why is college so hard? What to expect and how to handle it

By College Raptor StaffPublished on June 25, 2026
Key takeaways College is harder than high school because courses dive deeper into topic, move faster, and expect more independence from students. Time management and strong study habits are two of the biggest factors in whether students succeed. Campus resources like tutoring, academic advisors, and office hours exist specifically to help you get through hard …

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