college applications

Application Essays That Got Students Into Their Dream Colleges and Why They Work

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 14, 2025

Key Takeaway: The most successful college essays aren’t always about big accomplishments—they work because they’re honest, personal, and show you how to think and grow. Even everyday topics can help students get accepted into top schools when they’re written from the heart. Choosing a college essay can be one of the hardest parts of the …

online colleges

5 Exciting Trends in Online Higher Education for 2017

By Jim RaychrudhuryLast updated on December 22, 2022

The internet has unlocked amazing doors of opportunity for the world. One such opportunity was making knowledge accessible for communities that were previously isolated. According to the research report by the Babson Survey Research Group, there were around 5.8 million students who participated in some form of long-distance learning in 2014. This figure is continuously rising …

ACT & SAT

What to do with Extra Time on the ACT/SAT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

During your SAT or ACT, you may complete a section, look down at your watch, and realize you have a few minutes or more before time is up. Here are a few things you should be doing with that precious time. Go Over Questions You Skipped If a question proved too difficult during your initial …

college admissions

What NOT To Do at College Orientation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re heading to college this fall, you will most likely have an orientation coming up this summer. Your future school will tell you what to expect, such as what events are planned, what placement tests you need to take, and more. However, there are things you should not do at college orientation. Do Not …

ACT & SAT

Must-Have Materials for the ACT/SAT Exam

By Allison WignallLast updated on June 27, 2024

Students are likely so-focused on studying for the ACT/SAT, taking practice tests, brushing up on old school material, and reading up on test-taking strategies that they may overlook another important element in regards to the ACT/SAT: what they need to bring with them to the test. Preparation is key, in fact, over-preparation is even better. …

college admissions

Your Summer-Before-College Prep Checklist

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

After weeks of waiting, you’ve received your college acceptance letter, decided where you are going to attend, and finally have a clear picture of where you are going to be studying. Now begins the next phase of preparing for a brand new journey as an independent college student. Summer is a great time to prepare …

questions & answers

What is the Common Black College Application?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

The Common Application is well-known and well-used when it comes to applying to colleges. The Common Black College Application (CBCA) is a similar process with some key features. Whereas most of the time you pay application fees to each college you submit an application to, the Common Black College App allows you to apply to …

college admissions

4 Tips for College Orientation

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Attending freshman orientation is one of the biggest steps forward towards your college career. It’s an exciting time that really gets you hyped up for your school and the time you’ll be spending there. Having a good orientation is key—both for amping you up, but also for getting the necessary information that will help make …

college admissions

11 Easily Forgotten To-Dos When Preparing for Freshman Year

By Jessica HerbineLast updated on December 22, 2022

Getting ready to start college can be totally overwhelming. We’ve been there! And with so much to do, it can be easy to forget some essential items and tasks along the way. That’s why we’ve created this list of 15 easily forgotten to-dos for preparing for your freshman year of college. Send Out Thank You …

college applications

College Checklist For Early Application

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

In general, students who submit early applications have a much higher chance of getting accepted in the early round. This is because an early application tells the school that they are your first choice. It shows your interest in enrolling. However, other students also applying to college early may hurt your acceptance odds. Those students are …