questions & answers, student life

A Complete Guide to Honors Programs and 5 Big Benefits

By Hilary CairnsPublished on October 16, 2024

Honor programs recognize high-achieving students who have a history of excellent grades. The programs’ classes and courses are difficult, but they can be perfect for high school and college students who want a challenge in their education. Plus, they offer a number of benefits including recognition, scholarship opportunities, and more. Here’s a complete look at …

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Do Colleges Look at Attendance? What You Need to Know about Going to Class

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 25, 2025

Key Takeaways Colleges generally do not directly consider attendance in admissions decisions. Attendance affects GPA and participation, which are important for college applications. Regular class attendance can help you earn strong recommendation letters. Attending class helps you learn, meet deadlines, and stay on track for graduation. Good attendance can support your extracurricular participation and academic …

college comparisons, questions & answers

Graduate vs Undergraduate – What’s the Difference?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 16, 2024

Undergraduate college students are students who are pursuing their associate’s degree or their bachelor’s degree. Graduate college students are working towards a master’s degree, professional degree, or doctorate degree. While many universities have both undergraduates and graduates attending, the experience of these students can vary quite a bit. Below, we’ve compared graduate vs undergraduate programs …

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Document-Based Question (DBQ) and How Ace Your Essay

By Gallagher, CatherinePublished on August 7, 2024

DBQ stands for Document-Based Question. The document-based question appears on select AP exams including the AP U.S. History, AP World History, and AP European History exams. Each exam incudes one DBQ section. If you plan to take any of these tests, it’s important to understand what DBQ stands for and how to write the essay to …

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What Does It Mean to Be a Sophomore?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on June 21, 2024

Sophomore year is your “second year” in either high school or college. It’s a pivotal time as the excitement and novelty of being a freshman has worn off, and the reality of more advanced coursework and increased expectations begins to set in. This period is sometimes referred to as the “Sophomore Slump,” and can lead …

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Biggest College Football Stadiums in the US

By College Raptor StaffPublished on June 10, 2024

College football is one of the most popular sports in the United States. So popular in fact that last year alone, The University of Texas at Austin brought in $161,532,860 in revenue just with it’s football program (the top grossing of all programs last year). For many, football is more than just a game; it’s …

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Your Guide to Greek Life

By College Raptor StaffPublished on June 4, 2024

Key Takeaway Greek life is made up of organizations known as sororities and fraternities. Dating back to the 1700s, these chapters have been known to offer opportunities for lifelong connections, personal growth, community service, and networking. However, before just jumping into Greek life, it is important to consider its advantages and disadvantages, including the time …

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Important Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

By Hilary CairnsPublished on April 5, 2024

If you’re earning your bachelor’s degree, you’re going to have to meet certain requirements. Bachelor degree requirements usually include a minimum GPA in your classes as well as a mix of general education, major, and elective courses that add up to at least 120 credits. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know …

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How Long Is a Semester in College?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 24, 2025

A semester refers to a length of time in a college setting that divides the academic year. A college semester is usually 15 to 17 weeks, though it can vary depending on the school. Full time college students will take 3 to 4 classes per semester—that’s around 15 credit hours. Most schools have a fall …

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What Are Passing Grades in College?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 22, 2024

A passing grade in college is typically 65% or higher – that’s a midrange D or better. Passing grades may vary by college, class, and instructor, so it’s important to understand scaling in each case. Your GPA can affect grants and scholarships, so while 65% may be a passing grade, it may not be enough …