college news & trends

College Raptor Goes to the Supreme Court (No Kidding!)

By Tyler HakesLast updated on March 8, 2024

When we started this website, we had one goal in mind. Let’s help students find the best possible college matches for them, and help them understand and save money. (Simple, right?) Well, it turns out that it’s not that simple. But, we’ve had a whole lot of fun building what we think is the best …

tips tools & advice

5 Ways Dressing Up for Class Can Boost Your GPA

By Katelyn McAdamLast updated on December 22, 2022

During my undergrad years, 80% of the time I looked like I’d just rolled out of bed. Most of the remaining time I looked like a ninja, dressed in Victoria’s Secret black (I worked there part-time). Then once in a while, if I woke up early or had something important to do that day, I …

tips tools & advice

15 Tips & Tricks Make Sure You To Have The PERFECT Study Session

By Kaeli Nieves-WhitmoreLast updated on September 16, 2024

Looking to have a productive study session? Don’t let the thought of endless hours of cramming overwhelm you. With the right tips and tricks, you can conquer every study session and feel good about it afterward. From where you study to what you eat to when you take breaks, these 15 tips and tricks will …

college comparisons

Why the Ivy League Isn’t Right for Everyone (From an Ivy League Student)

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022

One very thoughtful high school senior has been solicited for his college admissions advice almost endlessly after being accepted to an Ivy League college early action. Emil Friedman writes articulately about some of what is so incredibly flawed about the way students and parents view our broken college admissions system. Mr. Friedman talks about the misplaced …

college news & trends

Why College Admissions Won’t Be Changing Any Time Soon

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022

Recently, there have been a number of articles and announcements that seem to say that college admissions are changing. More colleges are going “test optional” and more colleges are calling for changes in the way college admissions works. Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education recently released a “ground breaking” report called Turning the Tide: Inspiring …

tips tools & advice

Liquid Productivity: Does Caffeine Help You Study Better?

By Katelyn McAdamLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re a student, chances are you’ve tried using caffeine to help you study at least once. According to a 2012 FDA report, American adults consume approximately 300 mg of caffeine per person, per day. The amount dropped considerably, to 100 mg per day, for teenagers and young adults. I wonder how much this number …

student life

10 Myths About Freshman Year of College

By Katelyn McAdamLast updated on December 22, 2022

We have a few myths to cover. Ten, in fact. Starting with how your move-in day is supposed to go and your potential relationship with your roommate. Next, is it actually fine to skip class and party all the time? Then, the dreaded freshman 15, and whether that’s seriously a thing or not. Following that, …

college search

Why the Wrong College Match Can Be Bad for Your (Mental) Health

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

The top 50 or so colleges in this country have become some sort of Holy Grail. They are often viewed as a key to the kingdom of “success”. So, securing a spot at one of these incredibly selective institutions is considered a large leap on the road to a lifetime of triumph and achievement. It’s …

tips tools & advice

How to Get Motivated to Study – Proven Tips That Actually Work

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 15, 2023

How to Get Motivated to Study in 12 Steps: Acknowledge your lack of motivation Set a schedule Set attainable goals Create a perfect study space Get to it! Consider listening to music while you study Give yourself a pep talk Reward yourself Keep a study journal Go to the library Focus on your purpose Break …

tips tools & advice

Does Cramming for a Test Really Work?

By Katelyn McAdamLast updated on December 22, 2022

We’ve all done it. It’s Thursday night and you remember that you have a unit test in Physics tomorrow morning–time to cram. It doesn’t matter if you’re in high school or college. If you’re a student, chances are pretty good you’ve waited until the last minute to study for a test. But does cramming for …