questions & answers

How to Write a Great Lab Report

By College Raptor StaffPublished on March 1, 2023

Lab reports are usually at lesser half of your grade in your lab class. A typical lab report will show your total understanding of the labs you are performing and is essential to becoming a good scientist. Whether you’re on track to become a scientist, or are simply taking a science class and lab for …

college admissions, questions & answers

20 Awesome Podcasts for High School and College Students

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 24, 2025

More than ever, podcasts are the go-to source for advice. Here are twenty of our top podcast picks for high school and college students. From self-help to academic wisdom, these podcasts are engaging, insightful, and genuinely impactful for listeners. Plus, they’re easy to fit into your day, whether you’re studying, driving, working out, or just …

college applications

300 Word Essay Examples

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 7, 2025

Key Takeaway Your college admission essay is your opportunity to showcase who you are and what makes you a good fit for the school. While some schools will have their own prompts, many will ask you to write an essay from one of the seven Common App prompts. Below, you will find three essay examples …

college applications

Supplemental College Essay Tips  

By College Raptor StaffPublished on February 16, 2023

When writing your college admissions essay, you may have the option to write a supplemental college essay. It can be confusing, especially if you’ve never seen the college application process before. If you have not heard about a supplemental college essay before and don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered! What is a …

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 …

questions & answers

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 …

questions & answers

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 …