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!
Colorful pens inside a jar. Overlay text says "Back to school supplies."
tips tools & advice

25 School Supplies Every Student Needs

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 15, 2026
Key Takeaway Wondering what school supplies you’ll need for college? Check out our recommendations for the following must-have items: Pencils/Mechanical Pencils Pens (Various Colors) Highlighters Pencil Case Note Cards Folders Notebooks Binders Paperclips Correction Pens (Whiteout) Planner/Agenda Backpack Printer Sticky Tack/Poster Strips Scissors Binder Clips Personal Safety Alarm Power Strip Stapler Portable Charger Dry Erase …
What's the difference between a public vs private college?
college search

Public vs Private Colleges: What Is the Difference?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
There are several differences between public and private colleges, from the way they are run and the cost of tuition to the programs they offer and the campus experience. When weighing public vs private college, there is no clear winner in all respects. Both types of schools have their respective benefits and downsides. Which one …
Four pictures representing college majors: leaves, science beakers, books, and numbers.
college majors & minors

What’s a double major? Everything you need to know

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 20, 2026
Key takeaways A double major allows students to focus on two disciplines, related or unrelated, simultaneously. For example, English and Literature (related) or Biology and Music (unrelated). Pursuing a double major has plenty of benefits, including preparing you for a specific career, broadening your knowledge in two subjects, opening up more job opportunities, and even …
college-minor-class
college majors & minors

What is a College Minor?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 20, 2025
Key Takeaways: A college minor is a secondary academic discipline that may complement a student’s major, but it does not have to. Undergraduates must complete between 16 and 30 credit hours depending on the program (or approximately 6 – 10 courses) to earn a minor. Students are not required to declare a minor to earn …
Infographic showing states that prefer ACT or SAT
ACT & SAT

Preference of the ACT or SAT by State (Infographic)

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 7, 2026
Key Takeaways Colleges don’t favor the SAT over the ACT or vice versa. The most important factor is the score of the test you take. States, however, do tend to have regional testing preferences. Some states lean heavily ACT, others lean SAT, and many fall somewhere in between. When choosing which entrance exam to take, …
Plagiarism can ruin your education
college news & trends

The dangers of plagiarism in education and why it’s not worth it

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 12, 2025
Key takeaways Plagiarism has real consequences, from failing grades and suspension to long-term damage to your academic reputation. Students may plagiarize to maintain a high GPA, avoid disappointing others, manage insecurity about their writing skills, handle time constraints, or simply because they believe they won’t get caught. However, no excuse is ever the answer to …
Hello in many languages.
college applications

Why Learning a Second Language is So Important

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Because English is a very popular language, American students tend to forget that other languages may be useful in their present and future life. People from Latin America, Asia, and Europe learn English as their second language at a very early age and start studying it once they get into primary school. Learning a second …
Are unpaid internships worth it?
careers & internships

Is Accepting an Unpaid Internship Worth it?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 21, 2024
Sometimes an internship opportunity comes along that sounds promising and ticks all the boxes except one—it’s unpaid. You might ask yourself if unpaid internships are worth it, and if you turn to Google for answers, you’ll likely be met with very split opinions: half saying “Yes, take it!” and the other half saying “100%, no!” …

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