college admissions

Can a High School Dropout go to College: Step-by-Step Guide

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 25, 2025

Key Takeaways High school dropouts can still go to college. Earning a high school equivalency diploma, like a GED or HiSET, is the first step. Most colleges accept a GED or HiSET as a high school diploma. Planning, testing, and research can help you reach your education and career goals. Dropping out of high school …

college applications

AI and College Applications: Navigating the Fine Line Between Authenticity and Automation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 15, 2025

Key Takeaways Colleges may use AI to check for plagiarism and unusual writing patterns. Human review is the main way essays are evaluated. Originality and authenticity are more important than polished AI-generated text. AI can assist with brainstorming, editing, and efficiency, but it shouldn’t replace your own voice. Personal stories and unique experiences make your …

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What is Higher Education?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on February 2, 2023

In the United States, higher education refers to postsecondary education, which is offered at colleges, vocational-technical schools, and community colleges. It is called ‘higher’ education because it involves classes that are beyond the high school level.  It’s important to understand that this definition of higher education only applies to the United States. Different countries define …

college applications, questions & answers

Top 5 Hardest AP Classes

By College Raptor StaffPublished on February 2, 2023

Advanced Placement (AP) classes are created by College Board and are college-level courses for high schoolers. You can take a variety of AP classes that are offered at your high school and if you receive a certain score for the AP test, you can get college credit for that class! Since these are college-level courses, …

college applications

How to Make an Awesome College Application Video

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 2, 2023

Technology has taken the world by storm and college applications are now getting involved. If you’ve been applying to schools, you may have seen that some require or give you the option to do an admissions video application for college. Instead of spending hours curating a well-written essay during your college admissions process, high schoolers …

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Let’s Talk about C’s – Is it Really a Bad Grade?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 16, 2025

A C is not a bad grade but is instead considered “satisfactory” or “average.” Students should think of C as a foundation for academic growth. Studying, working with a tutor, and getting organized can help students turn their C’s into B’s and A’s. Is a “C” a bad grade? Whether you’re in high school or …

college admissions

What Is The TEAS Exam For Nursing

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 21, 2023

The TEAS test is an exam future nurses need to take to be accepted into most nursing programs. The exam has four sections: Math, English and Language Usage, Reading, and Science. Students planning to take the TEAS exam should prepare and study as this exam can impact admission chances. If you’re thinking about entering the …

college applications, questions & answers

Applying for College: Advice from Current College Students

By College Raptor StaffPublished on January 20, 2023

It’s the end of junior year and you’ve been doing college visits to see which ones to add to your college list. Now it’s time to start applying as you’re in your senior year or starting it soon. You can almost feel that high school diploma in your hand, but wait – you still need …

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Digital Citizenship: Why It’s So Important for Students

By Hilary CairnsPublished on January 19, 2023

You likely follow many of the rules of digital citizenship without knowing it. From internet safety to etiquette, these may have already been ingrained in you by either your parents or teachers. But digital citizenship is more than safety online. Here’s a rundown of what it is, the 9 aspects of digital citizenship, and why …

college admissions

What is Direct Admission?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on January 4, 2023

You’re likely familiar with the admissions and application process at colleges – submit applications, wait for acceptance (or rejection) letters, and accept or decline the colleges’ offers. And that’s how many students will approach the application process. But there’s a new game in town – direct admissions. What is it though, what does it mean …