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!
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How To Write a Thesis Statement (With Examples)

By College Raptor StaffPublished on October 1, 2024
Key Takeaways A thesis statement is the sentence at the end of your introduction. It states your position on your topic and summarizes your overall argument. To write a strong thesis statement, you’ll need to start by phrasing your topic as a question. Then, answer it to get a clear stance and add specific details …
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9 Scholarships for Current College Students

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 13, 2025
Scholarships are awesome in that there are scholarships you can apply for all year round, it’s money to use towards your education costs that don’t have to be paid back, and there are scholarships available to current college students! We know that, between classes, homework, and balancing a social life, things can get busy—so we’ve …
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Timeless Knowledge: The 15 Oldest Universities in the World

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 15, 2025
Key Takeaway The world’s oldest universities were founded as far back as the 9th century. Many of them began as religious or law schools before expanding their disciplines. These schools have shaped global education for centuries. From Oxford and Cambridge to Al Quaraouiyine and Salamanca, these universities are more than just old. They’re still active, …

College Raptor Reveals Tenth Annual Hidden Gem Colleges for 2025

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 19, 2024
Rankings Highlight Exceptional, Under-the-Radar Schools Across the Nation PROVIDENCE, R.I. – (September 19, 2024) – College Raptor, Citizens’ college planning platform and the most comprehensive college search site, today released its tenth annual “Hidden Gem” rankings, an unmatched list spotlighting excellent, yet lesser-known schools by state and region. The 2025 rankings also include top colleges …

Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 18, 2024
From sunny beaches to snowy mountains to rainy coasts, the Far West region is beautifully diverse. In addition to a variety of landscapes, the Far West is home to a variety of both well-know and “hidden gem” colleges and universities. The 2025 Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West spotlights some great schools that you …

Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 18, 2024
The Great Lakes region is home to thousands of lakes (not just the big 5), beautiful destinations like Indiana Dunes, Marquette Ore docks, and Sleeping Bear dunes, and some even more amazing “Hidden Gem” colleges. This Hidden Gem colleges in the Great Lakes region list highlights some of the smaller but mighty colleges and universities …
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Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southwest US

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 18, 2024
Home to vast deserts, sprawling cities, rugged mountains, and deep canyons, the Southwest is a dynamic and unique region. The area also boasts some of the most unique colleges in the country. While some big names call this area home, too, we are highlighting “hidden gem” schools in the region. These are college that are …

Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 18, 2024
America’s heartland (or, the Plains region as we call it) is vast, fertile, and filled with various industries. Additionally, the Plains region home to exceptional institutions that you might consider “hidden gem” colleges. What Is a “Hidden Gem?” All of our rankings account for things like diversity, endowment, graduation rates, and more. To be classified …

Hidden Gem Colleges in the Rocky Mountain Region

By College Raptor StaffPublished on September 18, 2024
Spanning over 3,000 miles from New Mexico to northern British Columbia in Canada, the Rocky Mountain region is a dream come true for students who would love to spend their study breaks exploring national parks and the beautiful outdoors. If pairing your love for the outdoors with a stellar education sounds good to you, check …

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