college applications

The College Search Process for Military Families

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on November 28, 2023

Searching for colleges and universities can be a hard enough process for students who have lived the majority of their lives in their high school’s town. For those students with family members who had to move constantly, the process is even more difficult. However, the adversity of having a parent (or parents) in the armed …

college applications

How to Choose a College Application Essay Topic

By Tom JagerLast updated on December 22, 2022

A special time comes along with the fall of your senior year. Most of your written papers and other projects are completed and students are getting ready for some major work that will determine their future in college. Colleges end up rejecting many of those students because of the application essay topic they pick due …

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Do colleges know what other schools I’ve applied to?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 26, 2026

Key takeaways In general, colleges don’t know what other schools you’ve applied to.  A school could know where you’ve applied to if you tell them, it’s noted on your transcripts, or you were accepted to two early decision schools.  Colleges don’t care how many you apply to, but you should still aim to send in six to 12 applications.  Colleges don’t share applicant lists, so your schools won’t know where you’ve applied to …

college admissions

So You Didn’t Get Into Your First Choice of College: Now What?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 2, 2026

Key takeaways Plenty of students don’t get accepted into their first-choice college, especially if that school has very low acceptance rates. Your second or third choice can still offer great classes, friends, and experiences. College reputation matters less than what you do—grades, activities, and skills are key. Stay positive, explore options, and focus on your …

college applications

Submitting an early action application: early decision vs. early action

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 14, 2026

Key Takeaways: Early Decision is a binding early application cycle – if you’re accepted, you’re expected to attend. Early Action is an early application cycle but it’s not binding and students can generally wait until May 1 to make their decision. Common due dates for ED and EA applications are November 1 or 15, though …

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What are College Writing Centers?

By Rose ScottLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you think that college writing centers are only for those who dream of becoming the next romantic William Shakespeare or horrifying Stephen King, you are on the wrong track. A college student’s journey entails a lot of writing tasks, whether it is a lab report, research paper, or essay. Having a friend or classmate …

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What Are College Electives and Why are They Important?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 23, 2023

When selecting your college courses, you will typically have three categories to choose from. The first is general education requirements, which all students are required to take. The second is courses required for specific majors. Under this category, you’ll choose from courses that are relevant to the specific major you’re pursuing. The third is electives, …

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How Many Credit Hours Should I Take?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 18, 2025

Key Takeaways: To graduate with a bachelor’s degree in four years, you should take 15 credits a semester. Students generally need to take 120 credit hours total to receive a bachelor’s degree. Associate’s degrees often only require 60 credits. How many credit hours you need to take depends on your graduation timeline, schedule, and the …

college applications

How to Increase Your College Readiness

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

We’ve done a post on what college readiness means. Now it’s time to address how to increase your college readiness so that you are as prepared as possible for your new life chapter. And remember, the skills that will get you by in college will also be used in the workplace. So maybe we should …

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What Makes a Person a Nontraditional Student?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 4, 2026

Key takeaways Nontraditional students are learners who don’t follow the typical path from high school to college. They may delay enrollment, attend part-time, work part-time, or have family responsibilities. Nontraditional students bring unique life experiences, focus, and determination to their studies. Colleges offer flexible programs and resources to help nontraditional students succeed. Not every college …