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.
When's the best time to visit a college, summer, spring, winter, or fall?
college search

The Pros and Cons of Different Times to Visit Colleges

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
You’ve probably heard various opinions on when you should plan to do your college visits. During the school year? Summer break? Winter break? Spring semester or fall semester? Here are some quick pros and cons for each visit option. Summer Break Visit Pros: You don’t have to worry about missing school. You see the school …
White wall clock against red background.
ACT & SAT

4 Ways to Manage Your Time on the ACT/SAT

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
One of the most crucial things to manage when taking standardized tests is your time. It can make all the difference, letting you feel comfortable and in control than rather than rushed. Practice Makes Better Timing yourself on practice exams will help you understand how to work most efficiently. You want to be able to …
Grow your scholarship money from outside scholarships!
scholarship search & applications

The Pros and Cons of Outside Scholarships

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
One great way to pay for college is scholarships. Scholarships are gift-aid, meaning that you don’t need to repay anything. Many people think of college scholarships as coming only from the government or from colleges themselves—and most do. However, there are many other “outside” scholarships that can also offer aid. Community centers, private companies, and other …
You should consider taking summer classes.
tips tools & advice

Why You Should Consider Taking Summer Classes

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
While the prospect of a relaxing summer sounds delightful, it might be time to consider summer courses. Internships and jobs are important to consider as well. Each course of action has its own pros and cons. Here are a few reasons to think about the choice of summer classes. Taking summer classes during college In …
Studying for the SAT and ACT is probably the last thing you want to do.
ACT & SAT

Why You Should Study for the ACT/SAT During the Summer Break

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
I know, summer is supposed to be a time of relaxation. No classwork, no school requirements, just lounging, or a summer job, or vacation. But there are benefits to studying over your summer break. It might be the most crucial time to study for the ACT or SAT before you take it. Start the summer …
Have you considered going to an ACT / SAT summer camp?
ACT & SAT

What Are ACT/SAT Summer Camps?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
When people imagine summer camps, intensive study sessions probably aren’t the first things that come to mind. And yet, that option is available for ACT/SAT test prep. Summer programs vary: There are online options available, meaning you can do all this studying at home. But there are also very real camps that you go to, …
Mascots - Tufts University – Jumbo the Elephant
student life

College Mascots with Interesting Histories

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
Often the face of a university, mascots are the epicenter of school spirit and hype when it comes to college sports. Many mascots are inspired by history or specially created by the student body. Some mascots, however, have a more interesting story behind them than others. Auburn University – “War Eagle” There are various legends …
A woman kneeling and fixing the model's black dress.
college comparisons

4 of the Best Colleges for Students Interested in Fashion

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
Whether it’s for fun or your intended career path, there are plenty of opportunities available for students interested in fashion. “Fashion,” of course, is a broad category: There’s design, marketing, photography, modeling, and other sub-categories. Here are some schools that have activities and programs for interested students. Lasell College – Newton, MA Lasell is well-known …
How long should you study for the SAT and ACT?
ACT & SAT

How Long Should I Study for the ACT and SAT?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
Scoring well on standardized tests can help you get accepted by your dream college, so it’s important to study. But how long should you be studying? It’s a question many high school students face as they enter their junior years. There is no one answer, unfortunately: Necessary study time is derived from the individual. Start …