For Colleges & Universities
For Colleges & Universities

All Tips, Tools, & Advice Articles

Take great notes in class so you're prepared for tests
tips tools & advice

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 …
Here are 5 ways to improve your memory.
tips tools & advice

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 …
An icon of a laptop on the left, the word "or" in the center, and an icon of a notebook on the right.
tips tools & advice

Laptop vs. Notebook: Which is Better to Take Notes On?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
The laptop is used with more and more frequency in college classrooms, but what about the classic notebook? Is typing better than writing by hand? Professors say that laptops are a liability and distraction in class. However, students report that laptops are more beneficial than traditional note-taking. So who is right? What are the pros …
A lime green chair and white table.
tips tools & advice

Do’s and Don’ts: General Education Classes

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 22, 2022
There are some basic do’s and don’ts about gen ends. Do: pick classes that you’re interested in, actually learn, and make some friends. Don’t: just go with the easiest class, procrastinate, and lean back on your high school experience. Of course, it’s more complicated than that, which is why we explain each below. When creating …
Hand holding a wrench attached to lug nut of the tire.
tips tools & advice

43 Life Skills to Know Before College!

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
There are a ton of practical life skills to know that aren’t often taught anymore. There are students, graduates, and young professionals–and even some adults–who have missed out on learning some basic life skills. (I’m guilty in this too, I don’t know how to sew or change a tire to save my life). Whether by …
There are a few things I wish I would have known before college.
tips tools & advice

What I Wish I’d Known Before College: 6 Things

By Nick RandleLast updated on December 22, 2022
As a senior about to graduate high school, I harbored tons of angst about college based on my teachers, peers, family, and the rest of the universe’s constant reminders of how important and serious college is. From SATs to college research and never-ending cafeteria conversations about scholarships and application processes, I was more than sure …
Multiple bookshelves filled with books.
tips tools & advice

Practical Tips on Writing an A+ Research Paper

By Rose ScottLast updated on December 22, 2022
Understand the Research Paper Assignment Before You Start Choose an Engaging Topic for Your Research Paper Start Searching for Reputable Sources Create a Precise Thesis Statement Develop a Rough Outline Write a Draft and Finish Up Your Paper Cite Your Sources and Format Your Bibliography BONUS: Tips For Writing an A+ Research Paper The end …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join thousands of students and parents learning about finding the right college, admissions secrets, scholarships, financial aid, and more.