tips tools & advice

Complete College Packing Guide with Printable Checklist

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 9, 2025

Key Takeaway: Moving into college as a freshman is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming when it comes to figuring out what you need to bring. We’ve put together a complete college packing list that you can print with everything you’ll need, including: Clothing Toiletries and Hygiene Dorm Room Bedding Dorm Room Organization Cleaning …

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The Importance of the College Syllabus

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 22, 2022

The college syllabus. The best kept secret weapon to acing a class. But why is it a secret? Everyone has access to it. The reason is because so many students disregard it. You’ll probably hear the term “syllabus week” or “sylly week.” This is often the first week of classes where many classes do not …

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How To Create an Effective Study Group

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 22, 2022

For most students, the biggest struggle between high school and college courses is the autonomy you’re given. Professors don’t monitor your progress nearly as close as most high school classes. The course may have very little homework and tests create a large portion of your grade. It is easy to fall into the trap of …

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What I Wish I’d Known Before College: Money, Loans, and Networking

By Jasmine BarnesLast updated on December 22, 2022

Going away to college was one of those butterflies-in-your-stomach-but-it’s-reached-capacity feelings. I had an idea of what to expect because I had heard stories from friends and family members, but not really. Even with the stories, I still learned some things I didn’t sign up for. So, I’m sharing my knowledge with you. Here are three …

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How to Get the Most Out of Every College Class

By Maria Andreina FernandezLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you think you are doing everything in your power to do good on a certain class, but you still feel like results aren’t good enough, it’s time to reassess your methods and come up with a new plan. Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of every class, improve …

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What I Wish I’d Known Before College: Be Proactive & Don’t Rush!

By Jasmine BarnesLast updated on December 22, 2022

Going away to college was one of the best decisions I ever made, hands down. It gave me so many wonderful experiences. However, before that happened, the thought of college was both exciting and daunting at the same time. I was one of those kids itching to leave the nest, but at the same time …

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Advice I’d Give My College-Bound Self: Love Yourself

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 22, 2022

If I had one phrase to tell my college-bound self it would be: love yourself. I think when most students go off to college they fall into an array of traps that leads them to self-doubt. I have always been a sentimental person who feels very deeply. When I started college and was bombarded with …

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Empower Your Learning: Smart Note-Taking Strategies for Success in School

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 11, 2025

Key Takeaways Prepare before class by reviewing your textbook and prior notes and organizing your materials. Focus on key points during lectures—capture main ideas, keywords, and important facts without trying to write everything down. Choose a note-taking style that works for you and be consistent with it. Review and revise your notes within a day …

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5 More Brain Hacks to Improve Your Memory

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Studying for the ACT or SAT? Gearing up for a test in your least favorite class? Got a college final coming up? Just need to memorize something quick? We found 5 more ways to improve your memory. Pay attention! There will be a pop quiz. (No, really, there’s a quiz at the end). The 8 Second …

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Dear Parents, Here’s How to Help Your Child During the College Transition

By Maria Andreina FernandezLast updated on February 18, 2025

Dear Parents, College transitions aren’t easy, not for your student and not for you either. You spent 18 or so years of your life raising someone, teaching them what is good and what is bad, helping them become the best person they can be. Seeing them leave is one of the hardest things you will …