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Paint covered hands.
college applications

50 Creative College Essay Topics

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 12, 2025
Key Takeaways Most college applications include an essay requirement—some have specific prompts, while others leave it more open-ended. Infusing creativity into your essay is a great way to showcase your skills and personality. From the best advice you’ve ever received to your biggest fears to time travel fantasies—we’re diving into 50 creative essay topics worth …
Student looking at a sunrise considering early action
college applications

What is the Early Action Deadline?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
As you start shortlisting colleges to apply to, you’ll see that many colleges offer the option of early action. You must take time to understand what ‘early action’ means, and how it affects you. This will help you make a more informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you. The Basics of Early …
GPA written on a Chalkboard
college applications

What Is A Good GPA in High School?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 10, 2025
As a high school student applying for college, you’ll hear a lot about the importance of cumulative GPA for college admissions. You may know that GPA is essentially a snapshot of your academic performance, but do you know what a good cumulative GPA looks like and exactly how it impacts your college application? Before discussing …
Student attending online class on her laptop.
online colleges

How To Make The Most Out Of Online Class Benefits

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Attending online classes can be completely different from attending in-person classes. Is this your first experience outside the physical classroom? These tips will help you overcome common challenges and make the most of online class benefits. Tip #1 – Familiarize Yourself with Your School’s Virtual Portal Every college has its own uniquely designed virtual portal …
College student with checklist.
college admissions

The Month Before College Checklist

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
The month before you head to college can be quite stressful. After all, you have a lot on your plate! This before-college checklist can help you track all of the tasks you need to get completed so you can be sure you’re first week at college (and your entire semester) is stress-free and enjoyable! Packing …
College admissions looking at social media mistakes
college admissions

Social Media Mistakes High School Students Make

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Teens are not strangers to social media. Although the generation has grown up with the technology, mistakes are still made on the platforms. These errors could cost you scholarships, college options, or even jobs down the line. Here are three social media mistakes you’ll want to avoid. Creating Unprofessional Profile Names A common mistake that …
Coffee spilled on college application.
college admissions

3 Summer College Prep Mistakes High Schoolers Make

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Did you just finish your junior or sophomore year of high school? Congratulations on another year under your belt! While summer is ahead of you, you don’t want to entirely waste it. Here are some college prep mistakes high schoolers tend to make during the warmer months. Mistake #1: Not Using This Time For College …
A clock icon on graph paper.
college admissions

What You Need To Know About College Waitlists

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Getting waitlisted by a college can be stressful. It can leave you in a state of limbo, not knowing whether you will eventually be accepted or not. This makes it difficult for you to take a definite decision on your other offers. It can be particularly stressful if you are waitlisted by your first-choice college. …
Balled up tests thrown into a wastebasket.
ACT & SAT

More And More Colleges Dropping ACT / SAT Requirements

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
For years, the ACT and SAT requirements have been an integral part of the college application process. For most students preparing for and taking these standardized tests was the most stressful part of applying to college. The coronavirus pandemic has changed all that. Granted, there was a growing trend of colleges dropping ACT/SAT requirements prior …

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