College Raptor Staff

Applying to college can be challenging, and so we at College Raptor feel it's our duty to make that process as easy, smooth, and rewarding as possible. We work hard to clarify dense material, dispel myths, uncover information, and help you learn what you need to know!
southwest
hidden gems 2018

Hidden Southwest Gems: 2018

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Known for its dynamic landscapes, rich history, and diverse wildlife, the Southwest region should also get credit for its higher education programs. A number of hidden gems reside in these states, and deserve the spotlight. For the purposes of this list, we’ve included the following states in the southwest: AZ, NV, NM, UT, CO, TX, …
hidden gems 2018

Hidden Public Gems: 2018

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
There is a pervading stereotype that private colleges are the ideal places to pursue a higher education—however there are numerous public colleges and universities that rival their private counterparts. This Hidden Gems list highlights the best public colleges that are diamonds in the rough. To qualify as a College Raptor Hidden Gem, a school must …
women in stem fields
hidden gems 2018

Hidden Gems for Women in STEM: 2018

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
STEM fields are the fastest-growing career market out there, yet only 6.7% of college-going women graduate with a STEM degree–compared to 17% of men. There are many organizations, programs, and schools dedicated to encouraging young women to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors.  The following colleges are true hidden gems for women in STEM …
College Raptor diamond badge that says "Hidden Northeast Gem 2018".
hidden gems 2018

Hidden Northeast Gems: 2018

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Beautiful landscapes, bountiful industry, and storied history fill the Northeast United States. It is an area chock-full of well-known colleges and universities, and the following Hidden Gems deserve some of that attention. For the purposes of this list, we’ve included the following states in the Northeast: ME, NH, VT, MA, NY, RI, CT, NJ, PA, …
Hidden US Gems
hidden gems 2018

Hidden U.S. Gems: 2018

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
For this, our most prestigious Hidden Gems list, we’ve featured the highest-ranking gem school in each US state—including Washington DC! These schools are truly diamonds in the rough! At College Raptor, we help students find colleges that fit them financially, socially, and academically–which means looking at more than just big name universities. That’s why we’re …
Coins super close-up.
questions & answers

Is There Any Way To Attend College Tuition-Free?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 1, 2023
Tuition free education seems like a tall order, an impossible dream. Reading about student loan debt is common. The more you read about it, the more it seems like all students who attend college take huge loans and graduate with massive debt. Unfortunately, what goes unmentioned is the number of students who attend college tuition-free …
What does standardized testing measure
ACT & SAT

What Do Standardized Tests Measure and Why Take Them?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 9, 2024
Standardized testing is a highly debated topic. Many question its accuracy in assessing the true abilities and potential of students. Regardless, standardized tests still carry significant weight in the college admissions process. So the question remains: What exactly are standardized tests, and why take them? What is Standardized Testing? A standardized test is when students …
Here are the two most important SAT and ACT prep tips.
ACT & SAT

Two Important ACT / SAT Prep Tips

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
When it comes to SAT and ACT prep, there are many pieces of advice out there to consider. Here are just two SAT and ACT prep tips, out of many, that are important and deserve a highlight. Analyze Your Mistakes Most ACT/SAT prep tips recommend answering several practice tests, which is solid advice. However, simply …