student life

A Day In the Life: What a Typical College Schedule Looks Like

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 30, 2024

Did sitting through seven hours of high school classes every day feel like a marathon you didn’t sign up for? Don’t worry—college is a whole new game. While college does bring more responsibility (think deadlines and study sessions), it also gives you way more freedom to plan your day and customize your class schedules. Let’s …

student life

Transfers: Your Guide to Transferring Colleges

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022

Have you entered your first year of college and discovered that this particular college, although you fell in love with it on paper, is just not for you? Or maybe you’re in your junior year and you’re frustrated with your major’s program? Well this guide to transferring colleges is for you. Finding out the school …

student life

What to Know About Staying at College During Summer

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 22, 2024

As the spring semester wraps up, you may be thinking about what your summer is going to look like if you’re staying on campus. College students stay at college during summer for various reasons, whether that be taking summer classes, doing an internship on campus, or not wanting to go home for the entire summer …

student life

10 Ways To Show Teacher Appreciation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 16, 2025

Key Takeaways Teacher Appreciation Week falls on the first week of May, giving students and families an opportunity to show teachers how much they’ve meant to them. There are creative ways to tell your teacher “Thank you” without spending a dime: write them a letter, have the class sign a card, create a wall of …

tips tools & advice

Choosing Your College: Making the Emotional vs. Rational Decision

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 21, 2022

Getting accepted into college is a great feeling for every student. But weighing the emotional vs rational decision can be a bit intimidating. Emotional and rational factors are both important to consider when choosing your college. Rational decisions are based on the facts. Emotional decisions are based on feelings.  If you choose your college solely …

tips tools & advice

How to Tour Colleges That Are Far Away

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022

Some students don’t want to go to college near their hometown or even in their state – so how do they tour colleges that are far away? Students in this position can take an online tour, but if their doing an in-person tour, planning is necessary. Here are some tips to make the best decisions …

student life

How to Get to Know Your Professors

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022

Are you planning on going to a college that has very large lectures for a majority of their classes? Students are often told, “Get to know your professors!” while at school. It can open a lot of doors when done right – but how can you possibly get to know them if you have over …

tips tools & advice

How to Use Social Media Wisely for Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022

Did you know that colleges often check your social media if you applied to their school? The things you post there could greatly impact your admissions chances, so it’s important to take steps to make your social media work for you rather than against you. Here’s a checklist of how to use social media wisely …

student life

5 Top Spring Break Locations

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022

Where will you be traveling for your spring break? If you haven’t decided just yet, you might just want to consider some of these top spring break locations, which are regularly ranked in the top 5 best places to visit! Orlando, Florida Between the theme parks and short drives to the beaches, there’s no wonder …

student life

Best Purchases to Warm up Your Dorm

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 20, 2026

For much of the country, we’re not out of the cold weather just yet so you need things to warm up your dorm! If your dorm room has subpar heating, old leaky windows, or just tends to get a bit too chilly for your liking, there are plenty of ways to warm up your dorm. …