college majors & minors

Major Naysayers: How to Deal with Stereotypes About College Majors

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

When I told my parents–both hardworking business people–that I wanted to major in English/Creative Writing, I could sense their hesitation. They sat me down multiple times to explain how I would need a steady, well-paying job after college. They urged me to switch to Communications or Education and just take literature classes on the side. …

student life

The pros and cons of taking honors courses

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 27, 2025

Key takeaways Honors courses are higher-level courses designed to challenge and engage advanced students. Taking honors classes can help your application stand out to colleges, as it shows that you are willing to push yourself and prepared for increased academic rigor. Weighing the pros of honors classes, like more engagement, boosted GPA, and stronger college …

tips tools & advice

How Your High School Job Will Prepare You for College

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Whether it’s retail, babysitting, life-guarding, flipping burgers, or anything along those lines, your high school jobs are teaching you valuable lessons. It may not feel especially worth it at the time–what with nagging bosses and annoying customers–but you are getting the benefits of life-lessons and experiences (and a paycheck, too). Your part-time job will prepare …

college news & trends

Why it is Important to Have a College Degree Now

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 17, 2024

Key Takeaway Getting a college degree can open doors to exciting careers. It’s an investment for you and your future, giving you a chance to explore your interests, learn valuable skills and knowledge, and build a network that can help you land your dream job. With so many jobs requiring a college education in today’s …

student life

5 Ways College is Different than High School

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 22, 2022

There are many ways college is different than high school. Many are good, some aren’t awesome, but regardless being prepared is a recipe for success. While some people will try to scare you and make college seem impossible, we are here to inform and encourage. Yes, college will likely be more difficult than high school. …

tips tools & advice

Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 11, 2025

Key takeaways Studying abroad comes with a lot of benefits like making new friends, gaining a global perspective, opening the door to new opportunities, learning a language, gaining independence, and experiencing a new culture. It also has its challenges to consider, including homesickness, culture shock, language barriers, higher costs, and the possibility of needing extra …

tips tools & advice

Freshman Roommates: Who Brings What for Your Dorm

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 22, 2022

For your freshman year of college, you will likely have a roommate. Possibly more than one! While you’re still in high school, fantasizing about college life and decorating your dorm room, you may come to a halting question: who brings what? We’re here to help you make the initial contact with your roomie and decide …

tips tools & advice

Complete College Packing Guide with Printable Checklist

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 9, 2025

Key Takeaway: Moving into college as a freshman is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming when it comes to figuring out what you need to bring. We’ve put together a complete college packing list that you can print with everything you’ll need, including: Clothing Toiletries and Hygiene Dorm Room Bedding Dorm Room Organization Cleaning …

student life

Parental Do’s and Don’ts: Visiting Your Student at College

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

College is often the first time students can make a space entirely their own. They get to set their own rules, be clean or messy, go to sleep at 3 am (not that we recommend that), etc. It is a place for young adults to figure out what type of people they are. It also …

tips tools & advice

The Importance of the College Syllabus

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 22, 2022

The college syllabus. The best kept secret weapon to acing a class. But why is it a secret? Everyone has access to it. The reason is because so many students disregard it. You’ll probably hear the term “syllabus week” or “sylly week.” This is often the first week of classes where many classes do not …