college applications

How to Balance College Prep with High School

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Senior year of high school is no doubt a stressor for many. Between classes, college search, college applications, scholarship applications, extracurricular activities, financial aid, homework, test prep for the ACT or SAT, and maybe even work, it’s a lot on a student’s plate! Here are some ways you can de-stress and balance your final year of …

college applications

How to Proofread Your College Application Essay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 17, 2024

Key Takeaway Proofreading your college application essay is not just about fixing typos. It’s also about ensuring your essay aligns with the prompt and showcases your unique voice. By including specific examples, checking for errors thoroughly, and getting feedback from a parent or teacher, you can submit your best work to colleges and increase your …

college applications

How to Create SMART Goals for College Applications

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 2, 2024

Have you heard of SMART goals before? It’s generally for project management, but it can also be a great tool when you put it towards personal development. Today, the acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Here’s how you can use each one towards your college applications. S: Specific When it comes to …

college applications

50+ volunteer opportunities for students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 1, 2025

Key takeaways While volunteering certainly looks good on a college application, it is also a meaningful way to give back to your community. With 50+ volunteering ideas based on personality and interests, it’s easy to find a volunteer opportunity that speaks to you. Below you’ll find volunteering experiences for the animal lover, creative, organizer, helper, …

college applications

What High School Freshman Can Do for College Prep

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Think college is still four years away so you can worry about it later? There are actually plenty of ways to start prepping for college immediately as a high school freshman that can benefit you in the years to come. 1. Work on Good Study Habits How good are your study habits currently? Good grades …

college applications

Questions to Ask Yourself To Determine Your College App Essay Topic

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Selecting an essay topic is incredibly important for your college app, but it’s also tough. Which story do you go with? What angle to you aim for? Which subject is better than another? Which one of the college application essay topics should you even choose? There are a lot of questions to answer, but maybe …

college applications

App Done? Consider Sending it in Now!

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Are you ahead of the game and already have your college app completed? The due date may still be a few weeks away, but you might just want to hand it in early. Consider Early Action or Early Decision If you’re pretty sure on what college you want to attend, you may want to submit …

college applications

Why You Should Talk To A College BEFORE Applying

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

All colleges encourage students to talk to them and ask them questions at any time before, during, or after the application process and this is something you should take advantage of. Clarification Questions Here’s the first and foremost reason why you should talk to a college before applying. You can get clarifications on anything you …

college applications

Is Optional Really Optional? Beware of Leaving Out “Optional” Elements in College Apps

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Growing up with the internet, you’re used to those forms that have stars next to the mandatory questions, with optional being just that—optional. However, when it comes to “optional” on college apps, it really may not be in your best interest to skip it. Here are a few examples of things that some colleges say …

college applications

How to Decide Between Applying Early Action or Early Decision

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Ambitious students might want to submit their college applications early, before the regular application deadlines. Applying sooner rather than later can come with a few great benefits. That includes higher acceptance odds, earlier acceptance notifications, more time to plan your finances, etc. There are two types of early applications to look into: Early Action (EA) …