College Raptor Staff

A valedictorian is the student with the highest academic achievements in their graduating class.
college admissions, questions & answers

How to Graduate High School Early

Key Takeaway Graduating early can be a smart move for some students as it can allow them to start college sooner, enter the workforce, or begin their next chapter. There are many reasons students choose to graduate early: academic readiness, personal goals, financial reasons, or looking for more flexibility. While it’s possible to graduate high …
student life

Types of College Meal Plans: How To Choose the Right One

Key Takeaways Most students who live on campus—and even some who don’t—choose to get a college meal plan because of the convenience and wide range of food options available. When choosing a meal plan, you can expect to see the following: traditional (a set number of weekly meals), unlimited (access to dining halls at any …
Should you apply early action or early decision
college applications

When Do College Applications Open?

Key Takeaways: Most college applications for the following academic year open on August 1. Students who wish to apply early should have their applications submitted by November. January 1 is the common regular decision application deadline, but some schools accept later submissions, including those which use rolling admission cycles. College applications usually open on August …
college news & trends

Embracing Differences: How Colleges Prioritize Diversity in Admissions

Key Takeaway Though race-based admissions ended in June 2023, many schools have found ways to maintain or increase diversity. Colleges promote diversity when looking at applicants by rethinking how they recruit students, reviewing every student’s application holistically, and turning to need-blind admissions. Diversity on a college campus helps students learn from each other, build empathy, …
careers & internships

The Benefits of Working at Summer Camp

Key Takeaways If you’re looking for a unique summer job, consider working at a summer camp. You’ll make a difference in the lives of campers, be a valuable mentor, build a great resume, have a unique work experience, and make lifelong memories. There’s a role for everyone! Whether you want to be a camp counselor, …
careers & internships, questions & answers

How Do Most Employers Recruit College Graduates?

Key Takeaways Today, many employers are recruiting college graduates because of their fresh ideas, tech-savvy minds, and willingness to grow. Understanding how employers recruit talent—whether through career fairs, online job boards, campus recruiting, internships, or social media—will help you know how and where to show up. It’s not always enough just to search—many employers are …
college application
student life, tips tools & advice

50 Persuasive Essay Topics

Key Takeaways A persuasive essay aims to convince your reader to agree with your viewpoint or take a specific action. Below, we’ve put together a list of 50 persuasive topics, categorized by: social media, education, economics, ethics, sports, current issues, government, health, and technology. The best persuasive essay topics are ones that interest you, have …

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