student life

FAQs About College Orientation

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

College orientation is essentially your introduction to college life. At your college orientation you will get to meet other students, familiarize yourself with the campus, and ease the transition from the high school to college. What happens at college orientation? Every college may structure orientation differently but essentially the day is organized in a way …

college search

How I Chose My College: “A Deciding Moment”

By Alexander DavisLast updated on December 22, 2022

After visiting several colleges, it became clear that large classes and schools were not meant for me. While my friends compared population and campus size, I found myself increasingly discouraged by the large schools I was applying to. Then came the decisive moment. Key Interests Sitting in on classes at these larger schools was a …

student life

How To Avoid Packing Too Much for Freshman Year of College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

As you enjoy the summer before your freshman year of college, you should also remember that there are a few things you need to be thinking about. One of those is “what to pack.” However, one of the big problems students make is packing too much. There are a few ways to avoid that. Make …

college search

How I Chose My College: “Home Away From Home”

By Paulina AndreLast updated on December 22, 2022

My name is Paulina Andre, and I’m currently a student at the University of Iowa studying Informatics (HCI cognate). I applied to about two dozen schools, ranging from smaller liberal arts programs to larger-than-life state schools. Hometown Charm When I started applying for schools, my mother told me that while, yes, college is about earning …

tips tools & advice

How Parents Can Help Their Student Prepare for Freshman Year of College This Summer

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Is your high school graduate planning on going to college this fall? They probably have a lot on their plate getting ready for their first semester. There are plenty of ways you can help your kids prepare for college over the summer months. These are just a few things you as parents can do: Be …

college comparisons

Colleges With Beautiful Gardens

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you love the outdoors, flowers, plants, and fresh air, you may just want to consider these five schools. They may just be a perfect fit if you’re considering majoring in horticulture, biology, environmental sciences, or similar subjects, or even if you just love the outdoors. If you’re interested in finding more colleges with beautiful …

student life

FAQ About Preparing For Freshman Year

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 5, 2025

The summer before freshman year of college can be a stressful time, and you no doubt have questions about what to do and what to expect. Here are some freshman year of college tips and frequently asked questions answered. How Much Should I Pack? This is a common problem for freshman students who tend to …

college search

Top 10 Common FAQs About College Visits

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

College visits are a key part of the college search process. Being on campus, seeing the buildings, interacting with the professors, can give you a better feel and understanding of that experience than online research alone. We’ve put together the 10 most common college visit questions so you can be prepared for your own! When …

student life

How To Throw a Great Grad Party

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Now that your high school graduation is on the horizon, you probably feel like throwing a grad party! Congratulations! If you’re looking to host one, here are some graduation party ideas and tips to make sure it’s great. Plan Ahead One of the biggest aspects of throwing a grad party, or any party really, is …

student life

Why You Should Follow Your College on Social Media

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

There are many things soon-to-be-freshman should do before their first year of college starts. One of those things should be to follow their college’s social media profile(s). Here’s why: Keep Up to Date on News Nowadays, social media platforms are where many people get their news. Whether it’s a trending topic or updates from pages …