questions & answers

What to Expect as a D1 Athlete

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on August 14, 2025

  Key Takeaways A D1 athlete is a highly skilled college athlete playing at the most competitive NCAA level. D1 athletes must balance intense schedules, academic performance, and high expectations. D1, D2, and D3 differ in terms of athletic budgets, scholarship availability, and time commitment. Athletic scholarships are available at D1 and D2, but many …

questions & answers

7 Important Skills for Postsecondary Success

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 3, 2024

Important Postsecondary Skills: Self-Motivation Organizational Skills Open Mindedness Collaboration Social Skills Soft Skills Knowing How to Set Boundaries You worked hard to be successful in high school. You made good grades, submitted college applications to your list of dream schools, got accepted, and are preparing for your first semester… but how do you know you’re …

college admissions

Common App for Transfer Students

By Hilary CairnsPublished on January 2, 2024

The Common App for Transfer is an application designed for transfer students and adult students looking to return to school. The application requests information on achievements and goals to personalize the experience for applicants. Over 600 schools currently accept the Common App for transfer. Are you looking to transfer to a college that uses the …

college admissions

High School Senior Year Bucket List

By College Raptor StaffPublished on December 21, 2023

It’s time to open up a new note on your phone, share it with your friends, and start building your senior year bucket list. Whether you are a current junior or senior already halfway through the year, it’s never too early or late to start your list. Senior year may be filled with so many …

college admissions

Month-by-Month College Planning Calendar for Senior Year

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 25, 2025

Key Takeaways: During your senior year of high school, you should create a list of potential colleges, submit your applications, and compare your options. You should receive college decisions by mid-April, and make your decision by May 1. After your graduation, submit any necessary forms and information to ensure a smooth transition to college. Senior …

college admissions

College Consultant Shares Her Advice on Finding a College for You

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 12, 2024

We had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Brianne Flannagan, a seasoned college admissions consultant, and learn all about her tips and advice for students who are on the college search journey. Recognizing that not all students will be able to work with her directly, Brianne generously shared some of her top tips …

questions & answers

How To Do Better In Math: 7 Tips

By College Raptor StaffPublished on December 7, 2023

Learning how to do better in math can be an invaluable skill inside and outside the classroom. The top tip for learning how to be good in math is to master basic concepts and formulas before solving more complex problems. Once you learn, math can even be fun! Learning how to do better in math …

college admissions, questions & answers

GMAT vs GRE: What’s the Difference?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on November 30, 2023

The GMAT is primarily designed to test for readiness for graduate business school programs vs. the GRE which tests for grad school readiness in a broader range of programs. Both are widely accepted and can be taken online or at test centers. There are notable differences in structure, content, and flexibility. Applying to graduate school …

college admissions

4-Year Colleges with Open Admission

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 30, 2023

College acceptance (or rejection) letters can be a source of stress for many applicants. For other students, they may not have achieved the grades needed to get into selective schools and don’t necessarily want to start out at a community college. But have you heard of “open admission colleges?”  Open admission colleges are schools that …

ACT & SAT

Understanding SAT Deadlines

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on June 6, 2024

The SAT is offered year-round, but that doesn’t mean future college students can take the exam whenever they want to. In order to be counted towards a college application, the SAT needs to be taken before a specific date. In this article, we’ll give you a quick rundown of the different SAT dates you need …