All Tips, Tools, & Advice Articles

A student writing a paper. There are do's and don'ts of writing a paper
tips tools & advice

5 Do’s and Don’ts: Writing an Essay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 25, 2024
Do you think of yourself as a writer? There are many different essay writing methods but they all provide the same outcome—a finalized essay! It doesn’t matter how you get the essay written, it matters that you produce a resourced-packed, well-written paper. Regardless, you should keep a few things in mind when figuring out your writing …
College is your journey.
tips tools & advice

Note to My College-Bound Self: This is Your Journey

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
My transition to college was, in a word, rough. Like many others, I dealt with homesickness (despite home only being two hours away), the weight of new responsibilities, and the worry of fitting in. My roommate and I were opposites. When I wasn’t in class or on the marching band practice field, I was in …
Yellow and orange leaves in a pile.
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The College Transition: Dealing with Change

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 17, 2023
College is supposed to be one of the greatest times in your life…and for the most part, it will be. You will explore new environments, make new friends, and discover things about yourself that you never knew. However, in your transition to college life, you will be dealing with change. Change is the only thing …
A schedule open to a monthly page.
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Advice on Creating Your College Schedule

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you’re headed to college this fall, you’re probably attending orientation this summer at your chosen school. An important part of orientation is having students create their fall class schedule. This is often why it is encouraged to attend orientation early before classes fill up. Orientation leaders usually walk freshman through the online scheduling tool …
Exercises - push up
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10 Exercises You Can Do in Your Dorm

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 22, 2022
A common fear of incoming college students is that they will gain the “freshman 15” or not have time to exercise. We are here to show you some simple and easy dorm room exercises you can perform in the comfort of your own space. These exercises require no equipment you won’t find in your dorm …
I'm glad I had older sisters who went to college before me.
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What I Wish My Sisters Had Told Me About College

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
There are definitely perks to having older siblings around. I graduated high school believing that I had a decent grasp on what college would be like. I was doubly blessed because I had two older sisters who went to different schools and had different experiences. However, I was going into uncharted territory. Both of them …
A silver washing machine with white towels inside the drum.
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Tips for Doing Your Own Laundry

By Jasmine BarnesLast updated on December 22, 2022
Going to college can be a life-changing experience. You’re in a new environment, making your own decisions, living life. There’s a great feeling of freedom and independence that comes along with that. However, those same advantages can also become drawbacks. Being on your own also means that you have to be responsible for yourself. When …
Two students studying outside on a blanket surrounded by books.
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Pros and Cons of Different Study Spaces

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
When you need to hunker down and study hard, where do you go? In college, there are a lot of options for study venues, but each one has upsides and downsides. One study space might be beneficial to one student and distracting to another. Here are some pros and cons of the various places to …
Two college roommates meeting for the first time and sitting in a bed inside a dorm room.
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Do’s and Don’ts: Meeting Your Roommate for the First Time

By Jasmine BarnesLast updated on December 22, 2022
You’ve seen the commercials about college. Your dorm is all neat, nicely decorated, and your roommate instantly becomes your best friend upon first meeting. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work that way. Meeting your roommates for the first time can be awkward and nerve-wracking. What do you say? Will you have anything in common?  Will you …

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