tips tools & advice

25+ Must-Read Books for Today’s Teens

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 27, 2026

The seven years you experience as a teenager are among the most fundamental, challenging, and important years of a human’s life. As a teenager, new experiences are popping up around every corner. While parents and guardians would love to guide their teens through this time in their lives and steer them through each challenge they …

student life

Curious About Boarding School? Here’s What You Need to Know

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 18, 2025

What Is Boarding School? Boarding school is a type of educational institution where K-12 students live on campus during the term. Students have access to their classes, meals, extracurriculars, and other amenities. Boarding schools deliver a structured environment that focuses on academic learning and independence. However, it’s much more expensive than public and private schools …

student life, tips tools & advice

Top Mistakes to Avoid as a College Student

By Hilary CairnsPublished on March 18, 2025

Everyone makes a mistake now and then, but specific errors in college could impact a student’s grades, graduation timeline, stress levels, finances, and more. Thankfully, other college students have already made these mistakes, so you can learn from them! Here are 13 avoidable college student mistakes that can set you back – plus tips to …

affordability & college cost, questions & answers

Understanding Dual Enrollment and the Benefits for Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 16, 2025

Key takeaways: Dual enrollment students take college-level classes while still in high school, getting a head start on their undergraduate degree. Class availability depends on the school, but common options are in English, Math, and Foreign Language. Opting for dual enrollment can speed up your graduation timeline, lower overall college costs, and increase your acceptance …

student life, tips tools & advice

100 Informative Speech Topics

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 4, 2025

Key Takeaways Informative speeches are intended to educate or inform an audience on a topic without the use of opinions or debates. When choosing an informative speech topic, you should consider your audience, your personal interest in the topic, how long it should be, and if you have enough facts to help you write your …

college comparisons

12 Good Qualities To Look for in a College

By College Raptor StaffPublished on February 27, 2025

Key Takeaway While many students choose schools based on major, location, and cost—there are other good qualities in a college to look for. When researching schools, consider these qualities: majors, location, cost (including financial aid), support services, campus life, housing and dining, college size, class size, class offerings and resources, safety, admission difficulty, and graduation …

student life

Navigating the Unknown: The Challenges of College Transitions

By College Raptor StaffPublished on February 27, 2025

College should be the beginning of an exciting new chapter! But for many the transition can be “too much.” Research shows that 30% of college students drop out after their first year due to academic struggles, financial concerns, or difficulty adjusting to college life. But with a few tools in your belt, you can make …

college search

10 Schools with Some of the Best Pre-Med Programs

By Hilary CairnsPublished on February 24, 2025

Do you dream of becoming a doctor? After you graduate high school, it’s a process that can take an additional 11 years of education, starting with four years in college to earn your bachelor’s degree. Attending one of the schools with the best pre-med programs, including Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), the …

student life

8 Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress and Anxiety in College

By College Raptor StaffPublished on February 18, 2025

College can be stressful—especially with academic pressure, financial concerns, and societal pressures looming over you at times. Having healthy ways to cope in college can help get you back on track and feel like yourself again when stress and anxiety want to creep in. Use these eight strategies the next time it all feels like …

student life, tips tools & advice

Debating the Art of Persuasion: How To Write an Argumentative Essay (With Example)

By College Raptor StaffPublished on January 24, 2025

Key Takeaways A strong argumentative essay uses credible evidence, logical reasoning, and counterarguments to create a well-rounded paper. Before you start writing your argumentative essay, you’ll need to do thorough research and create an outline that details how you’ll support your main topic. To help you prepare for writing your next essay, read the example …