college applications, questions & answers

What is the Coalition Application?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

You’ve probably heard of the Common Application, but what about the Coalition Application? It came out a few years ago, and it may be worth your time to explore the differences. Here’s what you need to know about the Coalition Application, its pros and cons, and how it stacks up against the Common App. What …

college applications

What You Should Know About the People Who Read College Applications

By Ann RiveraLast updated on December 22, 2022

Ever wonder who exactly is reading your college application, what makes them tick and what they want to see on your application?  You may have a met a few people who read college applications or admissions officers, perhaps at a college fair, a high school visit, or maybe a campus visit, but what if you …

college applications

Beyond Grades and Test Scores: How Students Stand Out on College Applications

By Carlos CanoLast updated on December 22, 2022

Often, I get asked the question, “how do I make myself stand out in the college process?” This can be a challenge even after the major pieces of the application process: the application, the transcript, standardized test scores, recommendation letters, and the essay. With the exception of the application (because, let’s be honest, demographic information isn’t all that …

college applications

A Guide to Taking AP Classes in High School

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 18, 2025

Key Takeaway AP classes are college-level courses offered in high school that end with an exam. Scoring well on an AP Exam could result in college credit and progress towards your undergraduate degree. AP classes also boost students’ weighted GPA, show academic rigor, and improve college applications. Advanced placement (AP) classes help you get a …

college applications

Full Time Student Hours vs. Part Time: What’s the Difference?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 28, 2025

Key Takeaways: A full-time college student takes at least 12 credits each semester, while a part-time student takes less than 12 credits in a single semester. Full-time students graduate faster than those attending part time, but they take on a higher workload and have to pay more upfront. Part-time students have more time for work …

college applications

Why Learning a Second Language is So Important

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Because English is a very popular language, American students tend to forget that other languages may be useful in their present and future life. People from Latin America, Asia, and Europe learn English as their second language at a very early age and start studying it once they get into primary school. Learning a second …

college applications

Do’s and Don’ts: Writing College Admission Essays

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

In the midst of worrying about GPAs, test scores, academic rigor, and completing requirements, it might be easy to gloss over another important element of the college application process: the admission essays. For some the essay is a welcome relief from all the data crunching, for others, it is dreaded. As part of our ongoing …

college applications

Do’s and Don’ts: What to Include in College Applications

By Jasmine BarnesLast updated on December 22, 2022

College applications are a vital part of your ticket to higher education. However, the process is not so glamorous. Actually, it’s a lot harder than it looks. With thousands and thousands of applicants applying to various institutions across the country each year, how do you “stand out” as your guidance counselors told you to? How …

college applications

10 Tips on How to Write a Killer Personal Statement

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 24, 2025

Key Takeaway A personal statement is your opportunity to share more personally about yourself with a college, program, or employer. To get you started, we’ve put together 10 tips to help you write an amazing personal statement: follow instructions, talk to others, outline your ideas, stay positive, show—don’t tell, address inconsistencies, know your audience, connect …

college applications

Universal College Application (UCA): Should You Use It?

By Katelyn McAdamLast updated on January 24, 2023

College applications are a unique beast. Depending on how many schools you’re applying to, your applications could take an afternoon or an entire month (or 3). You have to know all your personal information, list out all of your extracurriculars, select a major, and, of course, write the essay. And since each school has its …