questions & answers

Deadlines – How Important Are They?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

No matter where you are in life, there are going to be deadlines. There are going to be due dates for your homework and projects, work obligations, taxes, driver’s licenses, and more. It’s vital to learn the importance of deadlines and sticking to them early on. Here are just a few consequences of constantly failing …

college search

What is a J-Term

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 9, 2024

J-Term is a period in January where students can take courses for credit, study abroad, participate in internships, or take a break. This unique term offers students unique classes like painting and mountain climbing, as well as traditional subjects like animal behavior and history. Some schools that offer J-Term include Oberlin College, Massachusetts Institute of …

tips tools & advice

It’s a New Year! What Are You Prioritizing?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022

Advertising Disclosure Raptor® may earn commissions based on sales through our partner links. This does not affect the opinions or placement of lenders on the page. Happy New Year! We hope you had an amazing start to 2022. If you haven’t yet, it’s time to start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions and what needs …

questions & answers

The Final Few Months to Graduation (Senior Checklist)

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 24, 2023

Your high school experience is nearly over, and you’re going to start college in the Fall – congratulations on all of your amazing achievements! But don’t stop thinking about your education even though you’ve completed your college applications and may have even heard back from a few schools. Follow our senior checklist of all the …

Chatting With $2,500 Scholarship Winner, Patrick Hillman

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

A big congratulations to College Raptor’s recent $2,500 scholarship winner: Patrick Hillman! We had a chat with him recently to learn more about his experience with his college search, what he looked for, and what challenges he ran into in recent months. See what he had to say. CR: Tell us a little about yourself! …

ACT & SAT

Why Breaks Are Important

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

No matter where you are in the college search process, whether just starting your list or polishing those applications, you need to be taking breaks. This includes breaks from studying for the SAT or ACT, scholarship applications, and your junior or senior year work. While you have a lot to get done, you also need …

college admissions, college applications

What Do You Do If You Were Accepted Under Early Decision?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you applied under Early Decision, it’s likely that you have heard back from the college by now. Congratulations if you were accepted! You may be wondering what the next steps are in early decision acceptance. Your new school should be reaching out with those shortly if they haven’t already. But we’ll cover some of …

student life

College Dorm Room Essentials for Your Christmas Wishlist

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on June 27, 2024

Putting together your Christmas Wishlist? It’s a great idea to make sure you have your spring college dorm room essentials! Maybe your friends had them in the fall you want them now too! No matter what the case is, these are great gift ideas awesome additions to the ultimate dorm room. A Compact Vacuum Advertising …

college search, tips tools & advice

Planning Your College Search

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022

Juniors: With the new year, if you are planning to go to college, it’s time to get started on your college search! Do you know where to begin? If not – it’s okay! We’ve put together a quick checklist and some tools for you! Ask Yourself Questions Asking yourself some questions to start off your …