tips tools & advice

What I Wish I’d Known Before College: Prioritizing

By Maria Andreina FernandezLast updated on December 22, 2022

When I started to consider attending college in the United States I was scared. Having spent my whole life in Venezuela, where my parents drove me everywhere I needed to go and bought everything I needed to use or eat. Moving to a different country appeared in my plans very suddenly. It represented a huge …

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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 …

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Ideas for Real Meals on a Budget

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 22, 2022

Now that you’ve been living on your own, you have probably come to a sad realization: feeding yourself is expensive. You may have wondered why you couldn’t talk your parents into going out to eat more often when you were younger; you probably didn’t realize it was in the name of frugality. Food is a serious budget …

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How to Increase Your Odds of Graduating College in 4 Years

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

The stats are less than encouraging to look at. One study shows that nationally only 19% of full-time students at non-flagship schools earn their bachelor’s degrees within four years. Even at flagship and research schools, the rate isn’t much better — 36%. Yikes. While attending college for more than four years is common, it also …

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Do’s and Don’ts: Balancing Your College Life

By Jasmine BarnesLast updated on December 22, 2022

During your college years, there will be many different things that require your attention. Your schoolwork, extracurricular activities, maybe a part-time job, and if you’d like to have a social life, that too. Time will be the most important commodity you have. Learning to make the most of it is vital to your success both …

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5 Do’s and Don’ts: Writing an Essay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 25, 2024

Do you think of yourself as a writer? There are many different essay writing methods but they all provide the same outcome—a finalized essay! It doesn’t matter how you get the essay written, it matters that you produce a resourced-packed, well-written paper. Regardless, you should keep a few things in mind when figuring out your writing …

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Note to My College-Bound Self: This is Your Journey

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

My transition to college was, in a word, rough. Like many others, I dealt with homesickness (despite home only being two hours away), the weight of new responsibilities, and the worry of fitting in. My roommate and I were opposites. When I wasn’t in class or on the marching band practice field, I was in …

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The College Transition: Dealing with Change

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 17, 2023

College is supposed to be one of the greatest times in your life…and for the most part, it will be. You will explore new environments, make new friends, and discover things about yourself that you never knew. However, in your transition to college life, you will be dealing with change. Change is the only thing …

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Advice on Creating Your College Schedule

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 18, 2024

If you’re headed to college this fall, you’re probably attending orientation this summer at your chosen school. An important part of orientation is having students create their fall class schedule. This is often why it is encouraged to attend orientation early before classes fill up. Orientation leaders usually walk freshman through the online scheduling tool …

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10 Exercises You Can Do in Your Dorm

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 22, 2022

A common fear of incoming college students is that they will gain the “freshman 15” or not have time to exercise. We are here to show you some simple and easy dorm room exercises you can perform in the comfort of your own space. These exercises require no equipment you won’t find in your dorm …