hidden gems 2018

Hidden Northwest Gems: 2018

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The Northwest region of the United States is known for its scenic beauty. There are a number of hidden gem-worthy colleges in the region as well. We’ve highlighted the top three hidden gem schools per state. For the purposes of this list, we’ve included the following states in the Northwest: AK, Northern CA, ID, MT, …

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 …

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 …

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 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 …

questions & answers

Is There Any Way To Attend College Tuition-Free?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 24, 2025

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 …

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 …

college applications

Can You Submit Videos As Part Of Your College Application?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 1, 2023

The short answer is yes, you can submit videos as part of your college applications (for certain colleges, not all accept them). Whereas earlier, video applicants were a common requirement for applications to art and design schools, nowadays they are being accepted by more and more 4-year colleges. This is great news if you are …