college applications, questions & answers

Top 5 Hardest AP Classes

By College Raptor StaffPublished on February 2, 2023

Advanced Placement (AP) classes are created by College Board and are college-level courses for high schoolers. You can take a variety of AP classes that are offered at your high school and if you receive a certain score for the AP test, you can get college credit for that class! Since these are college-level courses, …

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Let’s Talk about C’s – Is it Really a Bad Grade?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 16, 2025

A C is not a bad grade but is instead considered “satisfactory” or “average.” Students should think of C as a foundation for academic growth. Studying, working with a tutor, and getting organized can help students turn their C’s into B’s and A’s. Is a “C” a bad grade? Whether you’re in high school or …

college applications, questions & answers

Applying for College: Advice from Current College Students

By College Raptor StaffPublished on January 20, 2023

It’s the end of junior year and you’ve been doing college visits to see which ones to add to your college list. Now it’s time to start applying as you’re in your senior year or starting it soon. You can almost feel that high school diploma in your hand, but wait – you still need …

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Digital Citizenship: Why It’s So Important for Students

By Hilary CairnsPublished on January 19, 2023

You likely follow many of the rules of digital citizenship without knowing it. From internet safety to etiquette, these may have already been ingrained in you by either your parents or teachers. But digital citizenship is more than safety online. Here’s a rundown of what it is, the 9 aspects of digital citizenship, and why …

college admissions, questions & answers

How to prep for grad school: 8 key tips

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 26, 2026

Key takeaways When choosing your graduate school, it’s important to research different schools and compare their grad programs thoroughly to find the best fit.  Before applying for grad school, you should first consider your academic and career goals, whether it is financially feasible, and what you hope to get out of it.  You can prepare for grad school by making sure you know what …

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How To Plan for College Graduation: 7 Must Do’s!

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on June 2, 2026

Key takeaways: College graduation requires some planning, including ensuring all degree requirements are met, applying for graduation, and preparing logistics for the big day. Graduation is a celebration of academic achievement and a time to reflect on future goals, whether you are pursuing a career, further education, or taking a well-deserved break. Proactive steps like …

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What is NSHSS? Costs, benefits, and reputation explained

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on October 19, 2026

Key takeaways NSHSS stands for the National Society of High School Scholars and is an international academic honor society. NSHSS requirements include at least one academic benchmark, such as a 3.5 GPA, a 1280 SAT score, or a 26 ACT score. NSHSS student membership benefits include scholarships, leadership programs, networking, and academic discounts. NSHSS, the …

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What To Do After Graduation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 12, 2025

So, you’ve graduated high school – now what? Well, first off, congratulations on graduation! You’ve done a wonderful job and your whole life is ahead of you. This is a time for celebration, but it’s also a time for planning. So here are some tips and ideas on what to do after your graduate high …

college applications, questions & answers

What does cumulative GPA mean?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 19, 2026

Key takeaways Cumulative GPA is the average of all the grades you’ve earned throughout high school or college. You calculate your cumulative GPA by dividing your total grade points by your total credit hours. Taking challenging classes and improving your grades can help raise your cumulative GPA. Cumulative GPA, or cumulative grade point average, means …

college admissions, questions & answers

What is the Difference Between Weighted and Unweighted GPA?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on October 30, 2025

Key Takeaways Unweighted GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale and treats all classes equally, regardless of difficulty level. Weighted GPA accounts for course rigor by assigning higher point values to advanced courses like AP, IB, and Honors classes, typically using a 5.0 scale. Colleges understand that high schools use different GPA systems and will …