student life

2 Great Ways To Find A Mentor in College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Finding a mentor can take a significant amount of time. After all, you want to make sure that you find the right person to mentor and guide you during your college years. There are several ways to find a mentor but two of the easiest are through internships and student organizations. Using Internships To Find …

affordability & college cost

College Costs: What You Should Expect to Pay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 24, 2024

Tuition is the first thing most families think about when calculating college costs. And that’s totally justified considering tuition fees are the largest expense associated with college education. However, there are several other college related expenses to factor in when calculating the total cost of college. Here, we breakdown those expenses and give some tips on …

student life

Fun Spring Activities on College Campuses

By Jessica HerbineLast updated on December 22, 2022

The sun is shining, the weather is warming up, and it’s time to get outdoors! Being active, especially on campus, is what spring is all about! If you’re ready to get some fresh air and help bring in the sunshine at your school, here are nine spring activities to get you started. Spring Cleaning You …

college search

College Visits: Spring Break Edition

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Spring break is a wonderful time to, well, take a break from the stresses of school. While you certainly owe it to yourself to take some relaxation time, it’s also a prime time to visit colleges. You’ve got the time, so use it! While you’re on break, you don’t have classes to get in the …

tips tools & advice

Turning a Bad Semester Around Before It’s Over

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

It doesn’t matter what point you’re at, sometimes life gets in the way. When you’re in school – whether it’s junior high, high school, or college – this can have a detrimental effect on your grades. Maybe you had to miss classes because of mono, or a close family member died, or your mental health …

tips tools & advice

How to Network in High School and College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 4, 2023

Networking isn’t just for business professionals. Learning how to network while in college and high school can help you practice your communication and relationship skills well before you enter the workforce. Networking involves collecting contacts for a professional exchange and can enhance your overall career development. Learning how to network as a student may feel …

student life

College Is Not Just About Getting Good Grades

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Before you set out to college, you are sure to receive lots of advice about studying hard and getting good grades. Yes, getting good grades is really important, and you must give due effort to working hard and earning good grades. But, it is equally important to remember that college is so much more than …

student life

8 Ways To Start Your College Semester off Right

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 29, 2024

The beginning of a semester brings excitement with new classes and new opportunities. But it can also be the most challenging time. Many are still in vacation mode—be it from a long summer break or a quick winter hiatus—and struggle to transition into the demanding pace of college life. The temptation to procrastinate can lead …

college search

Should You Take a Gap Year Before College? A Complete Guide

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 30, 2025

Key Takeaways A gap year is a planned break between high school and college to explore interests, gain valuable experience, or prepare for college. Taking a gap year can help students learn responsibility, discover what they like, improve their college applications, and save money. A downside of a gap year is delaying college, which can …

questions & answers

What is an HSI?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 9, 2024

HSI is an abbreviation for Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Around 510 institutions currently meet the specific requirements to be designated as HSI. Holding the HSI designation qualifies higher ed institutions for receiving substantial federal funding as well as grants from other organizations. You may have seen the term “HSI” pop up during your college searches. HSI stands …