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.
As a student in a military family, the college search process can be tough.
college applications

The College Search Process for Military Families

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on November 28, 2023
Searching for colleges and universities can be a hard enough process for students who have lived the majority of their lives in their high school’s town. For those students with family members who had to move constantly, the process is even more difficult. However, the adversity of having a parent (or parents) in the armed …
Student walking infront of West Texas A&M University old main building.
college comparisons

Schools with Great Incentives for Out-of-State Students

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
Most states have incentives for college students to attract them from that state. Whether it’s scholarship or grant opportunities or dual-credit class programs, they are trying to get your attention. While some students prefer to stay close to home, there are those of us who want to go elsewhere, whether it’s because an out-of-state school …
college comparisons

Colleges with High 4-Year Graduation Rates

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
For those of you looking for colleges with impressive four-year graduation rates, here is a good place to start! We’ve talked about the importance of graduating in four years (or less) in other posts here on College Raptor. Here are nine colleges with the top rates for getting undergraduate students out into the world in …
Pepperdine University entrance with tower in the background.
questions & answers

Do I Have to be Religious to Attend a Religious College?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
The short answer, of course, is no. The primary difference between a religiously-affiliated college and a public university is that, because the religious college is private, the separation of church and state does not apply. It might be that a religious school requires so many credits of “religious” courses (depending on the school, classes such …
ADA service animals are allowed on college campuses.
student life

Service Animals on College Campuses

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
Some people require animals in order to navigate college (and life). Dorms, apartments, and classrooms, among other public places often allow these animals. Before we get started on what is needed to bring your service animal to college, let’s break down the two major groups of personal service animals: Service Animals (SA) These animals (generally …
Take these steps to increase your college readiness
college applications

How to Increase Your College Readiness

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
We’ve done a post on what college readiness means. Now it’s time to address how to increase your college readiness so that you are as prepared as possible for your new life chapter. And remember, the skills that will get you by in college will also be used in the workplace. So maybe we should …
Even if you're a nontraditional student, you're still like any other student at the end of the day.
questions & answers

What Makes a Person a Nontraditional Student?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
Depending on your chosen college, you might hear quite a bit about “nontraditional” students. These are students who are considered to be outside the “normal” parameters for college students. And believe me, it doesn’t take much to be outside those parameters. If your typical college student is full-time, straight out of high school into college, …
An open black wallet with money inside.
financial advice & planning

Parents, Don’t Pay For Everything

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
There are a couple life skills that college kids need to know in order to survive. How to cook, how do laundry, how to study, etc. Of course, of all of these things that your student needs to know, one of the most important tricks is how to save money and work with a budget. …