tips tools & advice

Acceptance Letter to Move-In Day: What Happens In Between?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 27, 2025

Key Takeaway: Once you start receiving college acceptance letters, you need to start thinking about what school you’d like to attend in the fall, submit your deposit to your choice, select classes, and more. Just like applying to college, it’s a lot to complete in a short time frame – on top of your high …

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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a College Roommate

By Katelyn McAdamLast updated on June 6, 2025

Key Takeaway Choosing a college roommate is a big deal, and it’s important you feel confident in your decision. In the guide below, we will walk you through the who, what, where, when, why, and how for successfully choosing a roommate: Who will you know on campus? Who can you see yourself living with for …

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Choosing a College as an LGBTQ Student

By Kaeli Nieves-WhitmoreLast updated on December 22, 2022

Applying to college is a daunting time in any student’s life. There are tons of questions to answer, big decisions to make, and an amazing amount of pressure to get into the “right” school. But, for LGBTQ students, there are even more things to consider, and often more pressure to find a school that works …

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Pros and Cons of Choosing a College Close to Home

By Laura BulandaLast updated on December 22, 2022

Choosing a college close to home probably sounds like a dream to your parents. They probably love the idea of having you close and maybe you do too, but going to school in the ballpark of your hometown isn’t the right fit for everyone. So, for those of you trying to decide if staying close …

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The Money Saving Secret Weapon Each College Student Has: Their Student ID

By Kaeli Nieves-WhitmoreLast updated on December 22, 2022

Every college student has at least three things in their wallet: their debit card, driver’s license, and their student illID. At many schools, your ID card is your key to campus. You use it to get into buildings after business hours, to pay for things in the dining center or campus store, and to enter …

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30+ “Must Haves” for Surviving College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 20, 2026

Preparing for college? You might be wondering what to bring. Check out our recommendations for the following must-have items: Extra Set of Bedsheets A Fan (or Four) Microwaveable Dishes Noise-Canceling Headphones Cleaning Wipes Coffeemaker Desk Lamps Shower Caddy Mini Toolkit School and Office Supplies Extra Long Phone Charger A Rug Trash Liners First Aid Kit …

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6 Reasons You Should Clean Up Your Social Media Pages BEFORE College

By Katelyn McAdamLast updated on September 5, 2023

When you are applying to college, your attention to detail has to be impeccable. You’ll be submitting transcripts and personal statements and maybe even sitting in on some interviews. But do you realize that your social media presence – clean, or not so clean -can also affect your college application experience? Let’s take a moment …

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The Science & History That Prove Naps Are Amazing (Hint: Take MORE!)

By Kaeli Nieves-WhitmoreLast updated on December 22, 2022

One of my favorite activities, as I’ve gotten older, is napping. It’s one of those things that I used to hate and fight against when I was younger but absolutely love now–like cauliflower. As many college and high school kids know, there is nothing quite like a nap in the middle of the day to …

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College Search Engine: SEO Tips When Someone Googles Your Name

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022

For students applying for college, scholarships, jobs in and internships, it’s important to know what shows up in your Googles your name. What will come up win your college search engine results? If you don’t know, follow this guide! Google Search Engine Results Google is a wonderful tool. In just a few minutes, you can …

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5 Ways Dressing Up for Class Can Boost Your GPA

By Katelyn McAdamLast updated on December 22, 2022

During my undergrad years, 80% of the time I looked like I’d just rolled out of bed. Most of the remaining time I looked like a ninja, dressed in Victoria’s Secret black (I worked there part-time). Then once in a while, if I woke up early or had something important to do that day, I …