affordability & college cost

Cut College Costs: Graduate On Time

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 24, 2025

You will most likely be borrowing money every year that you are in college to fund your tuition and other college costs. By the time you graduate after 4 years, the total amount you’ve borrowed would have added up considerably. Delaying your graduation even by one semester will add a few thousand dollars more to …

college search

How I Chose My College: “An International Perspective”

By Thu PhamLast updated on December 22, 2022

I grew up in Vietnam. For 20 years of my life, I had never been to the United States before I came to Luther College in 2016. It is still a fascinating journey for me from the beginning of college search to the present as I just finished my sophomore year. As an international student, …

tips tools & advice

Effective Stress Management Tools for High School and College Students

By Emma LymnLast updated on March 3, 2025

Stress is something all high school and college students are familiar with. You need to get to class on time, make sure you do your homework, and study for exams. Then, there’s the extra pressure of trying to fit in socially. Juggling all these things at the same time can quickly wear you down. To …

student life

FAQs About College Orientation

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

College orientation is essentially your introduction to college life. At your college orientation you will get to meet other students, familiarize yourself with the campus, and ease the transition from the high school to college. What happens at college orientation? Every college may structure orientation differently but essentially the day is organized in a way …

college search

How I Chose My College: “A Deciding Moment”

By Alexander DavisLast updated on December 22, 2022

After visiting several colleges, it became clear that large classes and schools were not meant for me. While my friends compared population and campus size, I found myself increasingly discouraged by the large schools I was applying to. Then came the decisive moment. Key Interests Sitting in on classes at these larger schools was a …

student life

How To Avoid Packing Too Much for Freshman Year of College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

As you enjoy the summer before your freshman year of college, you should also remember that there are a few things you need to be thinking about. One of those is “what to pack.” However, one of the big problems students make is packing too much. There are a few ways to avoid that. Make …

college search

How I Chose My College: “Home Away From Home”

By Paulina AndreLast updated on December 22, 2022

My name is Paulina Andre, and I’m currently a student at the University of Iowa studying Informatics (HCI cognate). I applied to about two dozen schools, ranging from smaller liberal arts programs to larger-than-life state schools. Hometown Charm When I started applying for schools, my mother told me that while, yes, college is about earning …

tips tools & advice

How Parents Can Help Their Student Prepare for Freshman Year of College This Summer

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Is your high school graduate planning on going to college this fall? They probably have a lot on their plate getting ready for their first semester. There are plenty of ways you can help your kids prepare for college over the summer months. These are just a few things you as parents can do: Be …

college comparisons

Colleges With Beautiful Gardens

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you love the outdoors, flowers, plants, and fresh air, you may just want to consider these five schools. They may just be a perfect fit if you’re considering majoring in horticulture, biology, environmental sciences, or similar subjects, or even if you just love the outdoors. If you’re interested in finding more colleges with beautiful …

student life

FAQ About Preparing For Freshman Year

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 5, 2025

The summer before freshman year of college can be a stressful time, and you no doubt have questions about what to do and what to expect. Here are some freshman year of college tips and frequently asked questions answered. How Much Should I Pack? This is a common problem for freshman students who tend to …