college search

Top 10 Common FAQs About College Visits

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

College visits are a key part of the college search process. Being on campus, seeing the buildings, interacting with the professors, can give you a better feel and understanding of that experience than online research alone. We’ve put together the 10 most common college visit questions so you can be prepared for your own! When …

student life

How To Throw a Great Grad Party

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Now that your high school graduation is on the horizon, you probably feel like throwing a grad party! Congratulations! If you’re looking to host one, here are some graduation party ideas and tips to make sure it’s great. Plan Ahead One of the biggest aspects of throwing a grad party, or any party really, is …

student life

Why You Should Follow Your College on Social Media

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

There are many things soon-to-be-freshman should do before their first year of college starts. One of those things should be to follow their college’s social media profile(s). Here’s why: Keep Up to Date on News Nowadays, social media platforms are where many people get their news. Whether it’s a trending topic or updates from pages …

college search

Best Ways to Plan Your Summer College Visits

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 12, 2024

With no school work to worry about and more free time on your hands, summer is a great time to plan your college visits. University staff have a lighter load during the summer so you may be able to get a more personalized campus tour. Having a good plan in place can help you make …

student life

Managing Stress: Tips for Freshman College Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

It’s perfectly normal to be worried or nervous about heading to college! However, not everyone’s anxieties are the same. Here are three common worries and stress management tips on how you can help deal with the stress. Nervous About Homesickness Are you worried about leaving your parents, your siblings, and your pets at home? Worried …

student life

What NOT To Do The Summer Before Your Freshman Year of College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

You have one more summer before college! It’s an exciting time and you probably already have a to-do list, whether for school or for fun. However, there are a few things you should not do or forget to do this season. Don’t Slack Off But Don’t Work Too Hard Either Summer is absolutely your free …

college majors & minors

How To Select A College Major This Summer

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Selecting a college major is a huge decision. It’s right up there with choosing the right college. You will be spending the next four years in the program that you choose. It is important to spend as much time as possible exploring prospective majors so that you make the right decision. Although you can change …

student life

A Summer Checklist for Graduating Seniors

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

First off—Congratulations! You’ve made it through high school and all that stands between you and being a college freshman is summer. While you’ve definitely earned some fun in the sun and relaxation time, there’s still some college prep work to do during your break. That’s why we put together this summer checklist, to make sure …

college majors & minors

Narrowing Down Your College Major Options

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Picking a college major isn’t always easy, and nobody should refer to eenie-meenie-minie-moe to choose. If you have a couple of options on the table, here’s how to narrow down your college major options. Start with a Career and Work Backwards Sometimes you may have two or three different passions you’re interested in pursuing. (Personally, …

questions & answers

When Do I Have to Declare a College Major?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 20, 2025

Key Takeaways: Most students have to declare a college major by the end of their sophomore year or the start of their junior year. Students may declare their major earlier to apply for competitive programs or access advanced courses. Choosing an intended major in high school helps you find the best college for your goals …