College Raptor Staff

Image with person and text about Scholarships with February deadlines.
scholarships

Scholarship Spotlight: Scholarships with February Deadlines

Key Takeaways: There are scholarships available for all fields of study, backgrounds, and even specific states. While some of these scholarships require essays, others won’t—but they all have one thing in common: you have to apply! Looking for scholarships with February deadlines? We’ve covered 9  to get you started: One for students motivated by spiritual …
student life

10 Unique Winter Campus Activities

Winter on campus is often associated with chilly weather and cozy study sessions, but why not spice things up with unique winter activities that go beyond the ordinary? As the temperatures drop, many campuses transform into winter wonderlands, offering a range of distinctive and enjoyable activities to make the most of the season. In this …
View of Carleton College, a school on a trimester schedule.
questions & answers

Trimester vs Semester: What’s the Difference?

‘Trimester’ vs ‘semester’ are terms that describe different teaching or curricular periods in an academic year. The semester system divides the academic calendar into two terms of 15 weeks each. The trimester system divides the academic calendar into three terms and the length varies by institution. Neither one is universally better than the other – …
Image of sign about learning.
questions & answers

7 Important Skills for Postsecondary Success

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 …
Family figuring out SAI calculation.
financial aid, questions & answers

What is SAI vs EFC?

SAI replaces EFC in the 2024-2025 FAFSA. SAI is the number that colleges will use to assess your eligibility for financial aid. It’s a significant, more streamlined change from the EFC system previously used and is meant to provide a more straightforward student aid calculation for families and prospective students.  Navigating the maze of federal …
Chart that shows current job growth outlook for surgical techs.
careers & internships

What You Need To Know To Become A Surgical Tech

A surgical tech is a medical professional who works as part of a healthcare team assisting surgeons during procedures. They have several critical responsibilities before, during, and after every surgery. Completing an associate degree or a certification program is the minimum requirement to become a surgical tech. Surgical techs earned an average annual salary of …
college admissions

High School Senior Year Bucket List

It’s time to open up a new note on your phone, share it with your friends, and start building your senior year bucket list. Whether you are a current junior or senior already halfway through the year, it’s never too early or late to start your list. Senior year may be filled with so many …
college admissions

Month-by-Month College Planning Calendar for Senior Year

Key Takeaways: During your senior year of high school, you should create a list of potential colleges, submit your applications, and compare your options. You should receive college decisions by mid-April, and make your decision by May 1. After your graduation, submit any necessary forms and information to ensure a smooth transition to college. Senior …

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