college applications

3 Impactful Ways to Showcase Extracurricular Activities on College Applications

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 24, 2024

Key Takeaways Admissions officers want to see involvement in extracurricular activities detailed on college applications. Don’t just list the clubs or organizations you were a part of – share how involved you were. You don’t have to hold an official title to make an impact. Sharing the details of how involved you were will hold …

online colleges

How to Change Careers (Without Ruining Your Life) – 11 Steps to Success

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022

Is a career change staring you in the face? Whether you’re looking to change directions because of a change in circumstances, for more opportunity or better pay, or just to chase your dream job, you’re likely feeling just one thing: Fear. Sure, there is a ton of excitement welling up inside you–the prospect of finally …

online colleges

A Guide to Going Back to College at 30

By Kaeli Nieves-WhitmoreLast updated on December 22, 2022

Going back to school at 30 or in your thirties requires a lot of focus and commitment. Not only do you have the demands of being a student, but you also most likely have the demands of a day job and a family. But, at 30, your brain is fully developed and most 30-plus-year-olds are …

online colleges

How to Get an Online Degree Fast: 6 Secrets to Earning Your Degree As Quickly As Possible

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022

One of the greatest things about technology is that it can help us in so many ways. What once required travel or phone calls or face-to-face interaction can now be accomplished in seconds via the web. This is especially true when it comes to education–online degrees and distance education. If you’re like many students considering …

online colleges

Regionally Accredited Online Colleges: What Does It Mean If a College is Regionally Accredited?

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022

When looking at colleges, one very important factor is the school’s accreditation. Accreditation is the process where an outside body evaluates and gives seals of approval to colleges. It indicates that the college has met the criteria of the accreditation process. U.S. accrediting agencies grant regional accreditation throughout the country. Six in total, that cover …

online colleges

Going Back to School: 5 Critical Questions to Consider

By Kaeli Nieves-WhitmoreLast updated on December 22, 2022

The decision to leave school or simply not attend in the first place is made for a multitude of different reasons. For some, it’s a lack of funds to continue their education. For others, it’s a lack of motivation or drive to finish. And for others still, it is the realization that what you’re studying …

college applications

Understanding Prior-Prior Year FAFSA Filing and What It Means for Students and Parents

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

The federal government has come up with a wonderfully confusing new name for something that actually simplifies the financial aid process. Let me try to make it easier to understand. Historically, students and parents have used income information from the last full calendar year on financial aid applications (FAFSA). In other words, you used the …

questions & answers

Should I Hire a College Essay Coach?

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

There aren’t many rising high school seniors who enjoy the process of writing the college essay, but, let’s face it, it is a necessary evil. Happily, you don’t need to go it alone on the journey to write your college essay. But how much help should you have? How much is too much? Should you …

questions & answers

Should You Apply Early Decision or Early Action When Financial Aid Matters?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 16, 2024

Many students and families make difficult decisions when choosing whether to apply Early Decision or Early Action. Particularly, what kind of financial commitment are you making by applying during one of these windows? What if the college doesn’t offer you enough financial aid to make it an affordable option? How does the relationship between early …

ACT & SAT

6 Things Every Student and Parent Needs to Know About the New SAT

By Lauren GaggioliLast updated on June 7, 2023

The SAT has undergone a number of changes in the past 15 years, and it’s set to undergo some new ones in the next year! The biggest one is the fact that the SAT will no longer be done on paper – it will be entirely digital.  Here’s what you need to know about this …