Ellen Andersen

About

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.

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

Last updated by Ellen AndersenLast updated November 5, 2019
Many students aren't attending their first choice college. college admissions
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 …
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The Importance of College Admissions Interviews

Last updated by Ellen AndersenLast updated November 5, 2019
Why are college admissions interviews important? college admissions
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 …
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Must-Know ACT and SAT Vocabulary Words: Part Two

Last updated by Ellen AndersenLast updated November 5, 2019
Here are some more SAT and ACT vocabulary words to peruse! ACT & SAT
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 …
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Why Are the Ivy Leagues Called the “Ivy Leagues?”

Last updated by Ellen AndersenLast updated September 24, 2019
Princeton University ivy-covered hall building. questions & answers
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 …
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Using the Process of Elimination on the ACT / SAT

Last updated by Ellen AndersenLast updated November 4, 2019
Use process of elimination when you're taking the ACT or SAT. ACT & SAT
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 …
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Colleges With Impressive Orchestras

Last updated by Ellen AndersenLast updated April 21, 2019
college comparisons
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 …
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Colleges for Students Who Love Art

Last updated by Ellen AndersenLast updated April 22, 2019
college comparisons
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 …
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