college applications, questions & answers

College Planning Before High School: Pre-K through 8th Grade

By Hilary CairnsPublished on March 12, 2024

College planning isn’t something that should be started only in your junior year of high school. In fact, it’s never too early to start planning ahead! Parents taking steps as soon as possible can actually make the college process much easier for their future graduates! Here are some tips, tricks, and pieces of advice parents …

college admissions, questions & answers

Preparing for Your Grad School Interview: Tips and Common Questions

By College Raptor StaffPublished on February 28, 2024

Once you’ve successfully applied to your dream grad school and they’ve invited you to interview, it’s time to prepare. Post-graduate interviews are usually part of the application process and include personalized questions to assess your qualifications. Though each graduate program is different, interview panels will often ask general questions to get a sense of your …

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 …

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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 …

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20 Fun Event Ideas for High School Students

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 11, 2025

Key Takeaways: High school is a unique time to create lasting memories with friends—getting involved in fun events that foster connections and experiences you’ll cherish for years. The best activities create conversation and connection, putting your phone down and participating in hands-on activities. Some engaging high school activities include trivia nights, outdoor adventure days, international …

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High School Homecoming Traditions

By College Raptor StaffPublished on October 23, 2023

The first chill of fall. Extended curfews. The marching band. The first touchdown of the season. Crowning the king and queen. Homecoming traditions in American high schools are a whole lot more than just a dance. There are so many things that make this event so special! What exactly is homecoming? It is a special …

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7 Differences Between High School and College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 20, 2023

Beginning college is an exciting time. Just as leaving middle school and entering high school marked a new adventure and an exciting change, college brings with it a set of differences, challenges, and opportunities that are distinct from high school. How different is college from high school? The transition from high school to college is …

questions & answers

5 Things High Schools Students Should Do in October

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 20, 2023

October is a busy month for high school students! This is often the month when they have to take midterms for their regular classes, but for some students, it’s also a big month for college prep. Whether you’re in 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, there are some things you should know about and be …