Ellen Andersen

Ellen is a guest blogger for College Raptor. She is a recent graduate of the University of Iowa. She holds a BA in English with Creative Writing and Psychology. Her current focus is applying to the Fulbright Scholar program.
Many students aren't attending their first choice college.
college admissions

Myth: Most Students Are Not Accepted into Their First Pick School

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
You might have heard how a surprisingly large percentage of college students aren’t attending their first choice schools. The number has been increasing steadily since 2006. In 2011, around 43% of students did not attend their first choice schools. That’s the lowest it’s been since UCLA began conducting the student survey in 1974. However, it’s …
Why are college admissions interviews important?
college admissions

The Importance of College Admissions Interviews

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on November 28, 2023
Some colleges and universities will have interviews as part of their admissions process. Whether they’re required or recommended, college interviews are important. They shouldn’t be skipped, and students participating in them should always put their best foot forward. Here are some things you need to know about college admissions interviews and what you can expect …
Here are some more SAT and ACT vocabulary words to peruse!
ACT & SAT

Must-Know ACT and SAT Vocabulary Words: Part Two

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
Everyone knows that standardized tests love to “trick” you (the ACT, in particular, is known for this). One of the ways they do this is to use higher-level vocabulary. While questions such as “What is the definition of ____?” are few and far between, you’ll likely see many questions that want you to use context …
Use process of elimination when you're taking the ACT or SAT.
ACT & SAT

Using the Process of Elimination on the ACT / SAT

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
When it comes to taking tests, you want to give yourself the best chance that you can. This means a lot of studying and knowing your facts. But there will be times when you don’t know something, or you can’t remember all the elements. Times like these call for educated guesses. Benefits of the Process …
college comparisons

Colleges With Impressive Orchestras

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
Whether you want to join one or just enjoy listening to the sound, university orchestras are often a wonder to behold. All those private lessons and practicing really pays off once you’re around other people who are similarly focused on music. The great thing is that few schools have orchestras that are purely music/performance major …
Chazen Museum of Art building.
college comparisons

Colleges for Students Who Love Art

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
Plenty of people like and appreciate art, and college students are no different. Schools have long retained their own art collections. They are often useful for students in the art programs, but art collections and museums are also a quiet place for students to enjoy the day. If looking at art is your idea of …
You'll actually have plenty of opportunities to interact and work with college upperclassmen.
myths

Myths About College Upperclassmen

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
The class divisions in high school can be stark and unforgiving, and you might think that college will be more of the same. This really isn’t the case. Here are a few myths about college upperclassmen to break down for you. I won’t see any upperclassmen in my courses. While there are a few exceptions …