tips tools & advice

A Guide to Coursera

By Hilary CairnsPublished on March 29, 2024

From Khan Academy to Udemy, there are plenty of online resources for learning. One that should be on your radar is Coursera. It’s a website that offers online courses on a wide range of subjects. Here’s what you can expect when using the tool. What is Coursera? Coursera is an online marketplace for virtual courses …

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What Are Passing Grades in College?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 22, 2024

A passing grade in college is typically 65% or higher – that’s a midrange D or better. Passing grades may vary by college, class, and instructor, so it’s important to understand scaling in each case. Your GPA can affect grants and scholarships, so while 65% may be a passing grade, it may not be enough …

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What is Community College?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on March 22, 2024

Community colleges are institutions of higher learning that offer associate’s degrees and technical certificates. Some community colleges offer bachelor’s degrees in select subjects. They tend to be less expensive compared to 4-year institutions and can help students save thousands of dollars in tuition and fees. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect at a …

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Do College Credits Expire? Here’s What You Need to Know

By College Raptor StaffPublished on March 14, 2024

In general, college credits do not expire. If you are going back to school or transferring colleges, you’ll want to check with the registrar’s office and department advisors to see if your credits will be accepted at that particular school. Completing your degree is the best way to ensure those college credits valid. As a …

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How To Get Into Top Rated Stanford University

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 5, 2024

Stanford University is regularly named a top school in the United States. Getting in can be tough! In the recent application cycle, Stanford only accepted 3.7% of applicants. Understanding how to get into Stanford University could give your application the boost it needs to see a coveted application letter in your email or mailbox. Below, …

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Why California Institute of Technology (CalTech) is a Top Rated School

By Hilary CairnsPublished on March 13, 2024

The California Institute of Technology, also known as Caltech, was ranked #5 for our annual Top 50 Best Colleges in the United States for 2024. If you’re thinking about applying to this institution, there’s plenty you need to know. In fact, it’s one of the hardest schools to get into in the world at the …

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What Is The Dean’s List In College?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 13, 2024

  The dean’s list is a prestigious honor bestowed on students who demonstrate academic excellence in a single semester or term. You need a good GPA, typically 3.5 or higher, to earn a spot on the Dean’s list. There are several benefits to having this award on your transcript. What is the Dean’s List? The …

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How to Graduate College Early: The Pros and Cons

By Hilary CairnsPublished on March 12, 2024

Key Takeaways Graduating college early can be done by planning ahead, taking AP classes in high school, maximizing semester credit hours and taking summer courses. Pros of graduating early include saving money and starting your career or graduate school earlier. Those who graduate early from college should consider they will likely have a heavy workload …

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How To Write a Good Conclusion for an Essay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 12, 2024

You’ve come to the final paragraph in your essay—the conclusion. But now you feel stuck. Whether it’s the pressure to summarize effectively or the desire to end on a note of originality, you may find yourself wondering, “How do I write a good conclusion for an essay?” Let’s break it down.   Why Is a …

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Smart Strategies for Transferring from a 2-Year to a 4-Year College

By Hilary CairnsPublished on February 23, 2024

Students don’t have to immediately go into a 4-year college after their high school graduation. Opting to go to a 2-year school first can actually make financial sense and bring a number of other benefits. However, to avoid transfer issues later on, it’s important to have a plan. Here are some tips that can make …