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.
"Help Wanted" signage behind a glass wall.
questions & answers

What Is Tuition Assistance?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on May 10, 2020
Tuition assistance programs are rewards that certain employers give you for going to school while working. The most well-known one is joining a branch of the military, whether through your campus’s ROTC branch or having served already. Such employers will offer aid to help pay for your schooling. How much aid depends on the company. …
college majors
majors & industries

Why Companies Like Hiring Liberal Arts Majors

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on June 23, 2020
Sure, everyone may say that STEM and business majors are the ones set after college. But even CEOs are telling college students that they are hiring Liberal Arts majors and that Liberal Arts majors still have an important part to play in the future job market. Mark Cuban, businessman and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, …
Summer internships can be competitive, so you should apply earlier than expected
careers & internships

When to Start Searching for Summer Internships

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on June 19, 2020
Summer internships are great opportunities to gain some experience in your field (while hopefully getting paid, but you may get unpaid internships). Because most students don’t take summer courses, these internships can be competitive. It pays to start looking earlier than you think. Where can I look for summer internships? One option that students can …
What is an HBCU exactly?
questions & answers

What Is An HBCU?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on September 18, 2019
In your college explorations, you’ll hear the term “HBCU” tossed around every now and then about a school. These letters stand for “Historically Black College and/or University”. The name conveys a few facts about the associated schools. What is an HBCU? By hearing this acronym, you understand that people established these schools with the primary …
A lot of students are taking the ACT and SAT, but should you take both ACT and SAT
questions & answers

Should I Take Both the ACT and SAT?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on July 12, 2019
We’ve discussed some of the pros and cons of taking both ACT and SAT. Recent statistics show that many high school students—especially those applying to more exclusive schools—are taking both tests. But statistics cannot make a decision for you, especially when it is not necessary to take both standardized tests. Here are some questions you …
You should consider an overnight visit at the college of your choice
college search

Consider Going for an Overnight College Visit

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 20, 2021
While not as popular as an open house visit or traditional campus tours of the school, overnight college visits give you a better look at the inner workings of a school. One perk is that you will likely stay in the residence halls. You can get a feel for how dorm life works, check out …
college comparisons

Colleges for Students Who Love Books!

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on July 2, 2020
Whether having loved reading since the early years or having only recently discovered the joys of the written word, a bibliophile is one who is rarely seen without a book. They often venture out of their written worlds to discuss characters, plots, and criticisms. They are found in all majors, not just English and Literature-related …