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 November 5, 2019
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 September 13, 2021
Some schools require college interviews. Some have optional interviews, and still, others have none at all. If you can make it to campus, schools want you to do so; otherwise, alumni interviews are often used if you live farther away. College Admissions Interviews Some schools place more emphasis on the interviews than others. There are …
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 November 5, 2019
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 …
Princeton University ivy-covered hall building.
questions & answers

Why Are the Ivy Leagues Called the “Ivy Leagues?”

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on September 24, 2019
Harvard, Yale, UPenn, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, and Cornell: These eight schools make up the high academic standard world of the Ivy League. But how did the name come about? Does ivy have anything to do with it? Ivy Vines More than likely. Some schools covered themselves in ivy in the European style. Students even …
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 November 4, 2019
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 April 21, 2019
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 July 10, 2020
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 …