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Smiling alumni wearing violet and orange shirts that say "Campus Pride".
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10 Important Questions to Ask College Alumni

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on June 25, 2025
Key Takeaway: Top questions to ask college alumni include: Why did you choose this school? What did you think of the college after 4 years? What were your favorite classes? What did you think of on-campus offerings—like clubs? How did the school prepare you for your career? What did you major in and what did …
state university
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Pros And Cons Of Attending State Colleges

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Private vs. public colleges is an age-old debate. State colleges may be different from private colleges in several aspects but the fact is neither one of them is necessarily better or worse than the other. The right choice for you will depend on your unique circumstances and what you are looking for. Understanding the pros …
going to a private college
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Pros And Cons Of Attending Private Colleges

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
You know private colleges are quite different from state schools but how do you decide which one is the better choice for you? Each one has its own merits and downsides that make them a good fit for some students but not so good a fit for others. Understanding the pros and cons of going …
when the stars align
college search

How I Chose My College: “The Stars Aligned”

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
I only applied to one school. As my high school friends went on college visits, compared campuses, and drafted applications to multiple schools around the country, I had my sights set on just one: the University of Iowa. People are often surprised when I tell them I only applied to Iowa, given that on average …
here's why I chose my college
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How I Chose My College: “A Feeling This Was It”

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
In 2006, I graduated from high school and started attending SUNY New Paltz, where I would go on to major in English with a focus on creative writing. I wanted to share with you the process I went through and why I chose my college. My Parents Got Involved Part of why I chose my …
Should you visit colleges again after you've been accepted
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Should I Visit Colleges Again As An Accepted Student?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you visited the campuses of the colleges you applied to, you might think that visiting the campuses again is not really necessary. You’ve seen the colleges and their facilities up close, you liked what you saw, and that’s why you went ahead with your applications to those institutions. So why visit colleges again? Will …
A metal gate with one door open on a college campus.
college search

The Best Questions for Comparing Different Colleges

By Allison WignallLast updated on March 4, 2025
As you narrow down your college list, it can get tricky to pick one college over another. When you get down to the wire and May 1st is looming, it’s time to really compare colleges. Here are some questions to compare colleges: Which has a better program for my major / career interests? Which has …
flip a coin
college search

Can’t Choose Between Two Colleges? Flip A Coin

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
We’ve all flipped a coin sometime or the other, whether it is to decide between two options or settle an argument with a friend. The question is should you use it for a decision as important as choosing between two colleges? It may seem like a ridiculous idea but flipping a coin can nudge you …

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