college search

How NOT To Create a College List

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

There are quite a few ways to create your college list, including asking family members, teachers, and friends for advice, using websites like College Raptor, and visiting college fairs. However, there are also tactics you should be avoiding, including these three. Only Including What Your Family Suggests Your family will have suggestions for schools and …

college search

The History of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Each school that is considered an HBCU (or Historically Black Colleges and Universities) has a long history in the United States. Over a hundred colleges are HBCU’s, with the first-ever being nearly two hundred years old. Here’s a quick history of these colleges and how HBCUs began. What is an HBCU? HBCUs began with the …

college search

College Prep Events You Should Attend During High School

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Most colleges and universities organize a series of events that are open to all students who are considering applying to one of their programs. If you are a driven student who wants to prepare well, then you should definitely attend some of these events. You don’t even have to wait till high school to attend. …

college search

Reasons to Save Your Dream College Visit for Last

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

While you may be anxious to see your dream school in person as soon as possible, you may actually want to move that college to the back of the list when it comes time to visit each campus. There are quite a few reasons to do just that. You’ll Know How To Have a Successful …

college search

People You Should Meet During a College Visit

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

During a college visit, you will most likely be meeting with a member of the admissions team or even an alumnus that will help you and your group view the school. While you probably have a ton of questions for them, you should also be designing questions for other people. These are just a few …

college search

How to Talk to Alumni About the Colleges You’re Interested In

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

When you are researching colleges, it is a good idea to make a note of the alumni of that particular college. The alumni of any school will tell you things that you won’t learn from any website. Here are some tips on how you can connect with alumni from the schools you may be interested …

college search

FAQ About Community College 2+2 Programs

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Some students decide to go to community college for two years for their Associate’s and then attend a four-year college to focus on their major and earn their Bachelor’s. Attending community college for two years, then transferring to a college or university for another two years is known as a 2 + 2 program, and …

college search

11 Things You Need to Check Out During a College Visit

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 18, 2025

Key Takeaways: College visits before enrollment help students determine if a school is right for them. To get a better feel for the college, look at classrooms, dorms, libraries, and dining halls. Explore the surrounding town to learn more about things to do, transportation, off-campus housing, and the community. Whether you’ve already chosen your dream …

college search

Is starting college in the spring right for you?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 20, 2026

Key takeaways Starting college in the spring often means smaller classes and more one-on-one help from professors. Some colleges do not offer spring admission, so it’s important to check each school’s rules early. Community colleges make it easy to start college in the spring and transfer later if needed. Spring students may have fewer class, …

college search

Your guide to getting an MBA

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 4, 2026

Key Takeaways An MBA is a graduate-level business degree that teaches you new ideas, hands-on skills, and how to lead teams. You can choose a traditional full-time MBA program, a part-time MBA program, or an online MBA program. Students build strong leadership competencies through studying finance, marketing analysis, and strategic management. This degree is a …