For Colleges & Universities

College Raptor Staff

Student pencils in multiple choice answers on their ACT exam.
ACT & SAT

FREE Resources for ACT/SAT Test Prep

There’s no doubt about it, the ACT and SAT are incredibly important tests. With so much potentially riding on your score—college admittance, scholarships, potential jobs or internships, and more—you’ll want to be as ready as possible when test day comes. And even if your dream school has gone “test optional,” it may still be a …
Female college student scratching her head due to stress.
ACT & SAT

12 Tips to Crush ACT or SAT Test Anxiety

Test anxiety is something that many students experience—especially those who are college-bound. Even though ACT and SAT scores are just one piece of the college admissions puzzle, the pressure can feel intense. Whether it stems from fear of failure, high expectations, or low self-esteem, test anxiety can really affect your ability to perform. However, there …
Students in a marching band lined up, holding their instruments.
questions & answers

How Many Extracurricular Activities Should I Be Doing? Is More, More? Or Is More, Less?

Key Takeaways When considering extracurricular activities in high school, it is all about quality over quantity. By participating in fewer activities outside of class, you can commit to staying involved. Don’t join a club or organization just to add it to your college application—admission officers are looking for dedicated students. While applying to colleges, many …
A college visit is essential so you know if a college is for you or not
college search

11 Ways to Make the Most of Your College Visit

Most college counselors will strongly recommend that you visit the colleges you are considering and they are right to do so. There are many benefits that come with a campus visit that you can’t find in a brochure or on a website. Touring a college is one of the best ways to know if it …
Beautiful swimming pool in Rice University.
student life

25 of the best college rec centers that make you want to work out

Key takeaways Modern college rec centers are about more than just lifting weights. They focus on mental health, nutrition, and community. Top schools offer incredible perks like lazy rivers, climbing walls, golf simulators, and biometric testing. Many centers now feature LEED-certified buildings and “smart” equipment that tracks your workout progress. Great centers offer specialized zones, …
Johns Hopkins University also has one of the best college libraries.
student life

15 of the Most Amazing College Libraries in the US

Key Takeaway: A college library might not seem like the most exciting place at first glance—just a spot to cram for exams, right? From high-tech modern spaces to cathedral-style, stained glass charm, these 15 college libraries might just make you actually want to study: Joe and Rika Mansueto Library, University of Chicago James B. Hunt …
A student filling out papers with a pen.
myths

Why You Should Fill Out the FAFSA Even if You Think You Won’t Qualify

There are students who think they won’t get financial aid from the federal government. Therefore, they sometimes don’t see the point in filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). However, these students don’t realize that they may be missing out on grants and scholarships from their college. They’re even missing out on low-interest-rate …

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