questions & answers

Advice From Your High School Counselor

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Your high school counselor wants you to start early, ask questions, and get the right start in life, but when is the last time you’ve been to your high school counselor? High school advisers are there to help you make the most of high school and start their journey after school. Whether that’s straight into …

college admissions

How to Prepare for College in 10th Grade: A Quick Guide

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

10th Grade College Planning Checklist Start Thinking About Your Future Take the PSAT Get Involved in the Community College prep isn’t something that starts in junior year. Younger students, including 9th and 10th graders, can (and should) be taking steps to prepare for college. How to prepare for college in 10th grade starts with thinking …

ACT & SAT

ACT Writing Prompts

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

While you won’t know the ACT writing prompt you’ll be getting ahead of time, there are definitely ways to practice for this section of the exam. There are several example prompts straight from the ACT so you may even get a real prompt that’s similar to your practice ones! What is the ACT Writing? The …

questions & answers

College Prep: 9th Grade College Planning Checklist

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 31, 2023

Did you know that students shouldn’t wait until their junior or senior years to start prepping for college? That’s right! Younger students should be prepping, too. So, what should 9th graders be doing to prepare for college? When you’re just entering high school, you should focus on your interests, create a plan for your high …

college admissions

What NOT To Do in An Admissions Interview

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

We recently covered how to properly prepare for an admissions interview, but do you know what you shouldn’t be doing? When it comes to these meetings, you absolutely shouldn’t be showing up late, dressing inappropriately, seeming disinterested, or chewing gum. DON’T Go In Unprepared One of the worst things you can do when it comes …

college applications

How to Start Your College Essay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 27, 2024

Key Takeaway: When writing a college essay, give yourself time to read over the colleges’ requirements (i.e. prompts and word count). Narrow down your topic to something you are genuinely excited to write about. Organize your ideas into an outline that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Pique your reader’s attention by using one …

college applications

How Long Does a College Application Take to Fill Out?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it’s time to apply to college, how long should you take to complete your application? There is no one timetable for all applications out there, but here’s a rundown of what you need to know, what an application generally requires, and other steps you’ll need to take to complete the college application processes. How …

college applications

How to Pass Scholarship Interviews

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Although not all scholarships require that you attend an interview, many do, and interviewing can be intimidating. But with practice and preparation, it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips we put together for you on how to pass scholarship interviews.   Practice, Practice, Practice One of the best ways to get comfortable for an …

questions & answers

Comparing Award Letters: Financial Aid Offer Comparison Tool FAQ

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 6, 2023

Comparing award letters can be confusing. And comparing school A to school B even more so. Our Financial Aid Offer Comparison tool cuts through complex and confusing language and makes comparing financial aid offers so much easier. Most importantly, it gives you a clearcut comparison based on net price and expected debt at graduation. Here …

myths, questions & answers

15 Things to Know Before Going to College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 18, 2025

Key Takeaways: The transition from high school to college is a major change that brings new experiences and greater responsibilities. To make the transition easier financially, it helps to set budgets, understand financial aid options, and take advantage of free campus resources. Get the most out of your experience by going to school events, trying …