college search

College Visits: Spring Break Edition

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Spring break is a wonderful time to, well, take a break from the stresses of school. While you certainly owe it to yourself to take some relaxation time, it’s also a prime time to visit colleges. You’ve got the time, so use it! While you’re on break, you don’t have classes to get in the …

tips tools & advice

Turning a Bad Semester Around Before It’s Over

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

It doesn’t matter what point you’re at, sometimes life gets in the way. When you’re in school – whether it’s junior high, high school, or college – this can have a detrimental effect on your grades. Maybe you had to miss classes because of mono, or a close family member died, or your mental health …

tips tools & advice

How to Network in High School and College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 4, 2023

Networking isn’t just for business professionals. Learning how to network while in college and high school can help you practice your communication and relationship skills well before you enter the workforce. Networking involves collecting contacts for a professional exchange and can enhance your overall career development. Learning how to network as a student may feel …

student life

College Is Not Just About Getting Good Grades

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Before you set out to college, you are sure to receive lots of advice about studying hard and getting good grades. Yes, getting good grades is really important, and you must give due effort to working hard and earning good grades. But, it is equally important to remember that college is so much more than …

student life

8 Ways To Start Your College Semester off Right

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 29, 2024

The beginning of a semester brings excitement with new classes and new opportunities. But it can also be the most challenging time. Many are still in vacation mode—be it from a long summer break or a quick winter hiatus—and struggle to transition into the demanding pace of college life. The temptation to procrastinate can lead …

college search

Should You Take a Gap Year Before College? A Complete Guide

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 30, 2025

Key Takeaways A gap year is a planned break between high school and college to explore interests, gain valuable experience, or prepare for college. Taking a gap year can help students learn responsibility, discover what they like, improve their college applications, and save money. A downside of a gap year is delaying college, which can …

questions & answers

What is an HSI?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 9, 2024

HSI is an abbreviation for Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Around 510 institutions currently meet the specific requirements to be designated as HSI. Holding the HSI designation qualifies higher ed institutions for receiving substantial federal funding as well as grants from other organizations. You may have seen the term “HSI” pop up during your college searches. HSI stands …

myths

Myths about Transferring Colleges

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Transferring colleges can be a stressful time as you make sure you have everything you need to make the major change. There are a lot of myths surrounding the transfer though, so here are some things you need to know. Myth: My Credits Won’t Transfer  While the myth of “My credits won’t transfer” has some …

questions & answers

What Is An HBCU?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

In your college explorations, you’ll hear the term “HBCU” tossed around every now and then about a school. These letters stand for “Historically Black College and/or University”. The name conveys a few facts about the associated schools. What is an HBCU? By hearing this acronym, you understand that people established these schools with the primary …

college search

Some Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Where to Apply to College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

With more than two thousand 4-year colleges in the United States, choosing where to apply to college can feel a bit overwhelming. Each institution has its own unique set of attributes and each one offers students a valuable experience. The only way you can get to and choose the best college(s) to apply to is …