All College Applications Articles

Puppies are just one way to boost your GPA
college applications

Unique Ways to Boost Your GPA

By Liz SkogerboeLast updated on December 22, 2022
Have you found yourself feeling anxious about your GPA, and wondering how you can boost it? Look no further! There are a lot of little tips and tricks for you to utilize to put your best foot forward and succeed. Besides the obvious doing the readings and studying, there are other more psychological hacks you …
Sophomores can start prepping for college!
college applications

A High School Sophomore’s College Planning Guide

By Allison WignallLast updated on April 20, 2023
You may think college prep can wait another year, but current college students will tell you otherwise. Sure, college applications and the FAFSA don’t have to be turned in until your senior year, but, the early bird gets the worm and early sophomores get the jumpstart on college. Starting your college planning as a sophomore …
The front of a building on a college campus with trees surrounding it.
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 …
Like a yellow flower that stands out in a field of red flowers, there are ways for you to stand out on college applications
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 …
A red push door in a high school, opening up to a hallway with lockers.
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 …
Hello in many languages.
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 …
Writing college admission essays can be tricky
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 …

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