questions & answers

Should I Take a Gap Year Before College?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

There is a point in time in many high school students’ careers when every adult is suddenly asking them what they want to do with their lives. It is no longer the slightly endearing question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Instead, it becomes “Where are you going to college? What …

college applications

Why Learning a Second Language is So Important

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Because English is a very popular language, American students tend to forget that other languages may be useful in their present and future life. People from Latin America, Asia, and Europe learn English as their second language at a very early age and start studying it once they get into primary school. Learning a second …

college admissions

Why You Should Interview with a College Admissions Officer

By Jasmine BarnesLast updated on December 22, 2022

Think about your high school guidance counselor. What did they do?  It’s more than just give you your report card or see you every so often. Their job is to help you plan for your future; life after senior year. For some people, that includes college. They’re supposed to listen to your thoughts, goals, ideas, …

questions & answers

What’s academic rigor, and why does it matter?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 19, 2025

Key takeaways Academic rigor is about taking challenging classes that push your thinking and academic skills. Colleges value students who balance high grades with rigorous coursework. AP, IB, and dual-enrollment classes are common ways to show academic rigor. Planning, time management, and support from teachers and parents can help students succeed. Embracing rigor now prepares …

myths

Myth: My College Preparation Starts Senior Year of High School

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Nope. The college preparation process starts the moment you enter high school as a freshman. From that point on, each grade and test score really matter, as do the specific classes you take and extracurriculars you participate in. Start Planning Early This isn’t said to overwhelm you, but rather prepare you so you can make informed …

college applications

Do’s and Don’ts: Writing College Admission Essays

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

In the midst of worrying about GPAs, test scores, academic rigor, and completing requirements, it might be easy to gloss over another important element of the college application process: the admission essays. For some the essay is a welcome relief from all the data crunching, for others, it is dreaded. As part of our ongoing …

college admissions

College Admission Essay Brainstorm!

By Jasmine BarnesLast updated on December 22, 2022

Greetings, college hopefuls. So far, we’ve given you advice on many of the things that we think you need to know in order to survive and thrive during the next four years. For example, what to include on your college applications, we’ve talked about how to deal with the transition and changes, we’ve broken down …

college admissions

Interview with College Admissions: Questions They May Ask You

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

When visiting a college you’re interested in, it’s a good idea to schedule an interview with a college admissions officer. While it’s not mandatory, this option is highly recommended. Don’t let this intimidate you though. We’ve compiled a list of common college interview questions that an admissions officer might ask, and answers so you know what …

myths

Myth: My College Application Essay Has to Be Super Serious

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

The college search is pretty serious, working hard to earn good grades is serious, getting accepted (or rejected) by colleges is serious, so it would make sense that people would think that the application essays would have be serious too, right? Your essay doesn’t have to be super serious. Not entirely true. While you should definitely …

college admissions

Summer Activities that Will Impress Admissions Officers!

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Ah, summer. The time of late sunsets, BBQs, fireflies, and college prep. That’s right, summer is the perfect time to prepare for college and increase your odds of admission to boot. If that last sentence made you groan, never fret, because there are some great summer activities you can do (sometimes with friends!) to impress …