questions & answers

How Many Weeks Are In a College Semester?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on April 2, 2024

A semester is one of three main systems that colleges in the US use for dividing the academic year A semester in college has on average 15 weeks A typical college semester divides the year into two parts – the fall semester and the spring semester Colleges in the US may use the semester, trimester, …

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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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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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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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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 …

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What is Academic Dismissal?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on February 23, 2024

Academic probation is when a student receives a notice for poor academic performance and grades. If the grades are not improved, the student could face academic dismissal which means the individual is no longer considered a student at the college. Understanding what this means and how to file an appeal are essential to taking the …

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How To Graduate College in 3 Years

By Hilary CairnsPublished on February 20, 2024

For students on a strict budget or those who want to enter the workforce a bit faster, completing your bachelor’s degree in 3 years can be enticing. It is possible to complete your bachelor’s degree and graduate college in 3 years, but it takes solid planning and forethought. Here are some things you should consider …

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Trimester vs Semester: What’s the Difference?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on January 11, 2024

‘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 – …

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You Picked the Wrong College, Now What?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on November 6, 2023

What to do if you picked the wrong college: Ask yourself the hard questions. Talk to your college advisor. Consider your options. Choosing a college is a major decision for several reasons. For one thing, it’s a huge investment of time and money and you want to make sure the investment is worth it. Moreover, …