tips tools & advice

Words of Wisdom for Parents of College Bound Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If your child is heading off to college, especially if it’s your oldest, you know it’s a life-changing experience and can be nerve-wracking. You’ll have advice for your children, of course, but here are some words of wisdom for you as well as they head away from home. Keep in Touch But Don’t Helicopter You’ll …

tips tools & advice

Do’s And Don’ts: Summer Jobs

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Taking up a great summer job has become a rite of passage for high schools students. Most students take up summer jobs in order to make some money so they can reduce the loan amount that they need to take. Others do it to gain some work experience that they can put on their resume …

tips tools & advice

Best Pieces of Advice for Incoming College Freshmen

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re heading to college this fall as a freshman, there is no doubt that you’ve received dozens of pieces of advice from everyone! This includes your parents, older siblings, teachers, co-workers, and neighbors. A lot of it will be good tidbits. Just in case you haven’t heard though, here are some college tips for …

college search

5 Tips for Assessing & Comparing Your College Visits

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The great thing about scheduling several college visits is that you get a first-hand look at the campuses beyond the glitzy brochures that only show you the best features of the campus. The downside of visiting several campuses is that after a while everything begins to look fuzzy. Was it the 1st college that had …

tips tools & advice

Task Management: How To Get Your College Assignments Done On Time

By Jim RaychrudhuryLast updated on December 22, 2022

As a college student, you have to learn how to master the art of balancing between personal life and college duties. However, things often get out of hand, especially if you’re struggling with procrastination. Before you know it, the semester begins to slip away. You start realizing that getting your college assignments done before the …

college search

What Students with Learning Disabilities Should Keep in Mind When Searching Colleges

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you have a learning disability, you may be a little anxious while searching for colleges. Higher education is a big step in everyone’s lives, but you may want to approach it differently. Here are some things you should keep in mind as you begin to apply. Know Your Rights Almost everyone is anxious about …

college comparisons

Colleges for Students Who Like Extreme Sports

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

Some students are content to keep their workouts confined to the safety of a gym or recreation center. Then there are those students who live for the rush of adrenaline that only a more extreme stimulation can give. Few colleges sanction extreme sports due to the higher risk to students’ health, but if you live …

college news & trends

Check Out College Raptor’s Brand New Student Loan Finder!

By Allison WignallLast updated on March 8, 2024

College Raptor is all about bringing transparency to college financing. Pursuing scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and other sources of gift-aid are the ideal way to pay for college. However, many students will still have to turn to student loans. That’s why we’ve created a brand new Student Loan Finder feature, so students and their families …

tips tools & advice

How to Create An Effective Study Plan

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

It always pays to take time to create an effective study plan. It will help you ace the exams without letting the stress get to you. Try some of these tips to help create, and stick to, an effective study plan. Start Early Waiting till the last minute to start studying is the biggest mistake …

college majors & minors

Pros and cons of switching majors

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 2, 2026

Key takeaways A student may decide to switch majors if their current field no longer suits them, the job options aren’t what they expected, or they’ve discovered a new passion. Switching majors has both benefits and challenges. While it can help you feel more confident and aligned with your goals, it may also take extra …