college applications, questions & answers

Top 5 Hardest AP Classes

By College Raptor StaffPublished on February 2, 2023

Advanced Placement (AP) classes are created by College Board and are college-level courses for high schoolers. You can take a variety of AP classes that are offered at your high school and if you receive a certain score for the AP test, you can get college credit for that class! Since these are college-level courses, …

college applications

How to Make an Awesome College Application Video

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 2, 2023

Technology has taken the world by storm and college applications are now getting involved. If you’ve been applying to schools, you may have seen that some require or give you the option to do an admissions video application for college. Instead of spending hours curating a well-written essay during your college admissions process, high schoolers …

college applications, questions & answers

Applying for College: Advice from Current College Students

By College Raptor StaffPublished on January 20, 2023

It’s the end of junior year and you’ve been doing college visits to see which ones to add to your college list. Now it’s time to start applying as you’re in your senior year or starting it soon. You can almost feel that high school diploma in your hand, but wait – you still need …

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6 Last Minute College Application Tips (Including a Checklist!)

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 21, 2024

The final stretch of the college application season is here, and you’re just a few clicks away from crossing the finish line! This is an exciting yet intense time for high school seniors everywhere, as you wrap up applications that stand for months (if not years) of hard work, dedication, and planning. Your college application …

college applications

How to Win Student Council: 10 Tips for Running Your Campaign

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 21, 2022

If you love your school, and your peers, and want to make it a more enjoyable place to receive an education, then you should run for a student council or student government position! These student leaders are elected by their fellow students to help improve their school experience. So now that you’ve decided you want …

college applications, questions & answers

How to Calculate Cumulative GPA

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 13, 2024

 Cumulative GPA is the average of all the grades you’ve earned throughout high school and college. Cumulative GPA is different from weighted or unweighted GPA. Colleges use your cumulative GPA to measure your eligibility for various academic opportunities such as graduation, scholarships, and honors programs. During high school and college you’re sure to have heard …

college applications

How to Write an Essay Introduction

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 14, 2024

When it comes to telling a story, the beginning is an important part. Whether it’s the opening scene of a movie or the first chapter of a book, beginnings need to be interesting to get people’s attention. The same is true when it comes to writing an essay. This is especially true if you are …

college applications

How to Prepare for the Common App

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022

You absolutely should take time to enjoy your summer, but if you’re a junior about to head to senior year, don’t forget about your college applications completely! You should actually complete a few steps over the coming weeks so you’re not scrambling at the last minute to get it all done. We recommend starting early, …

college admissions, college applications

9 Important Dates and Deadlines to Know in High School

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 13, 2024

Your senior year of high school is sure going to be busy! Between college applications and finals, you have a lot to tackle. We’ve put together this list of important dates you’ll need to mark on your calendar so you can make sure you don’t miss any deadlines. You should have already completed at least …

college applications

How to Start Your College Essay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 27, 2024

Key Takeaway: When writing a college essay, give yourself time to read over the colleges’ requirements (i.e. prompts and word count). Narrow down your topic to something you are genuinely excited to write about. Organize your ideas into an outline that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Pique your reader’s attention by using one …