questions & answers

What if My School Doesn’t Have Class Rank?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

When searching for colleges and filling out applications, you’re likely to find a list of things you should include in every application: GPA, of course, ACT/SAT test scores, a list of extracurriculars, an essay, maybe a letter of recommendation, and your class rank. But what if you don’t have a class ranking system? Does that …

questions & answers

Do Colleges Know What Other Schools I’ve Applied To?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

You might apply to many, but in the end, you only pick one. Students have many concerns as to what might hurt or help their chances of being accepted. One such concern is: do colleges know what other schools you applied to? Do colleges know? For the most part, the answer to this question is: …

questions & answers

What are College Writing Centers?

By Rose ScottLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you think that college writing centers are only for those who dream of becoming the next romantic William Shakespeare or horrifying Stephen King, you are on the wrong track. A college student’s journey entails a lot of writing tasks, whether it is a lab report, research paper, or essay. Having a friend or classmate …

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What Are College Electives and Why are They Important?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 23, 2023

When selecting your college courses, you will typically have three categories to choose from. The first is general education requirements, which all students are required to take. The second is courses required for specific majors. Under this category, you’ll choose from courses that are relevant to the specific major you’re pursuing. The third is electives, …

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How Many Credit Hours Should I Take?

By Liz SkogerboeLast updated on December 22, 2022

When I was an orientation leader for the University of Iowa, I worked with our campus academic advisors to help new students build their class schedules. This is one of the questions I was asked the most by students. Many new students come in with an outline of a schedule that they (or their parents) …

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What Makes a Person a Nontraditional Student?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

Depending on your chosen college, you might hear quite a bit about “nontraditional” students. These are students who are considered to be outside the “normal” parameters for college students. And believe me, it doesn’t take much to be outside those parameters. If your typical college student is full-time, straight out of high school into college, …

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What Does Test-Flexible and Test-Required Mean?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Though the names themselves might be somewhat self-explanatory, many are surprised to hear that some colleges don’t actually require incoming students to submit ACT / SAT scores. Yes, you read that correctly. With all the emphasis put on ACT / SAT prep, test day, and results, it might seem strange that some colleges don’t actually …

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What is an Independent College Counselor?

By Liz SkogerboeLast updated on December 22, 2022

Maybe you’ve heard of them, and maybe you haven’t. Sometimes referred to as Independent Educational Consultants, these counselors are frequently self-employed, or otherwise, work for consulting businesses. Independent College Counselors work to help students and their families navigate the college search and application process. Who do they work with? Counselors typically work with families that …

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What Exactly is College Readiness?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

“College readiness” might just sound like a phrase thrown around during the college search and application process. On the surface, it seems like a generic “are you ready for college?” sort of question, but in truth it’s much more specific than that. College readiness refers to the set of skills, knowledge, and behaviors a high …

questions & answers

Pros and Cons of Graduating High School a Year Early

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 29, 2024

Pros and Cons of Graduating Early Graduating high school early can be difficult but worth it for students who want to enter the workforce or go to college early. Pros of graduating high school early include getting a head start on college, more engaging courses, and the potential for saving money. However, students can miss …