questions & answers

Managing Stress (By Stress Personality Type)

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Did you know your stress personality type can affect how stress impacts you and how you should manage it? A study from 2007 helped show how certain personality traits affect stress, how you react to it, and the methods that could help you get a handle on your anxiety levels. There are plenty of personality …

college admissions

History of Affirmative Action in College Admissions

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

You’ve likely heard the term “affirmative action” before in regard to the workplace. Did you know it can play a role in college admissions as well? Here’s a breakdown on affirmative action in college admissions, how it came to be, and more: What is Affirmative Action? Affirmative action refers to policies that are designed to …

college admissions

Boost Your College Acceptance Odds: Summer Programs

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

You may not be in school for the summer, but did you know you can absolutely use your summer vacation to help with your college acceptance odds? There are plenty of activities you can do during this “off season” that will look great on college applications. So, what summer programs look best for college? Check …

college admissions

Etiquette in Your College Acceptance

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 8, 2024

Congratulations on receiving your college acceptance letters! Before you go make that social media post about it though, wait a minute. You should celebrate your achievements, but it’s important to be cognizant of others’ feelings, especially if they didn’t get in. Here’s how you can practice proper etiquette and be tasteful with your announcement and …

questions & answers

Advice From Your High School Counselor

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Your high school counselor wants you to start early, ask questions, and get the right start in life, but when is the last time you’ve been to your high school counselor? High school advisers are there to help you make the most of high school and start their journey after school. Whether that’s straight into …

college admissions

How to Prepare for College in 10th Grade: A Quick Guide

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

10th Grade College Planning Checklist Start Thinking About Your Future Take the PSAT Get Involved in the Community College prep isn’t something that starts in junior year. Younger students, including 9th and 10th graders, can (and should) be taking steps to prepare for college. How to prepare for college in 10th grade starts with thinking …

ACT & SAT

ACT Writing Prompts

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

While you won’t know the ACT writing prompt you’ll be getting ahead of time, there are definitely ways to practice for this section of the exam. There are several example prompts straight from the ACT so you may even get a real prompt that’s similar to your practice ones! What is the ACT Writing? The …

questions & answers

College Prep: 9th Grade College Planning Checklist

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 31, 2023

Did you know that students shouldn’t wait until their junior or senior years to start prepping for college? That’s right! Younger students should be prepping, too. So, what should 9th graders be doing to prepare for college? When you’re just entering high school, you should focus on your interests, create a plan for your high …

college admissions

What NOT To Do in An Admissions Interview

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

We recently covered how to properly prepare for an admissions interview, but do you know what you shouldn’t be doing? When it comes to these meetings, you absolutely shouldn’t be showing up late, dressing inappropriately, seeming disinterested, or chewing gum. DON’T Go In Unprepared One of the worst things you can do when it comes …

college applications

How to Start Your College Essay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 27, 2024

Key Takeaway: When writing a college essay, give yourself time to read over the colleges’ requirements (i.e. prompts and word count). Narrow down your topic to something you are genuinely excited to write about. Organize your ideas into an outline that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Pique your reader’s attention by using one …