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Deciding What You Want Out of College: School vs. Major

By Devin MorrisseyLast updated on December 22, 2022

Typically, individuals interested in starting their college career (or continuing it) are faced with two main considerations: Do you choose a program first and then find a school with that preferred program? Or should you choose the school first and then find a program there that suits you? There are certainly pros and cons to …

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How Another College Visit Can Help You Pick Between Two Colleges

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Did you receive your acceptance letters? Congratulations! Now comes what could possibly be a tough choice: Which school do you pick? If you’re stuck between two, another visit to the campuses can help you decide. Here’s how to pick between two colleges with another college visit: You’ve Narrowed It Down If you applied to a …

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FAQS About Community Colleges

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Community colleges are public higher education institutions that primarily aim to make educational opportunities affordable and accessible to all. Growing more and more popular are 2+2 programs, where students spend two years at a community college then transfer to a 4-year college/university to finish out their education. It’s a popular way of saving money while …

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Beyond Campus: Why a College Town Matters When Picking a School

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Many things factor into finding your ideal college fit, but one element that sometimes gets overlooked is the surrounding college town or city. Students and parents become so hyper-focused on the school and its campus, that they don’t take the time to explore the nearby town during a visit. Here’s why it’s important to consider …

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Consider the Opinions of Other People in Choosing a College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Choosing a college can be one of the most difficult decisions you have faced yet. With so much at stake, it makes sense to get other people’s opinions, from your family and friends to your teachers and career counselor. After all, they also know you and may have thought of something you haven’t. Listen to …

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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 …

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Pros and cons of attending a state university: what you should know

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 12, 2026

Key takeaways State colleges and universities are public schools that often have lower tuition, especially for in-state students. State universities provide a wide variety of accredited majors and academic programs. Large campuses offer diverse student life and strong resources, but may include larger class sizes. Choosing the right college depends on your goals, learning style, …

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Is attending a private college right for you? Here are the perks

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 8, 2026

Key takeaways Private colleges are higher educational institutions funded by tuition fees, endowments, and alumni donations. Private colleges tend to have smaller enrollment numbers, smaller class sizes with favorable student to faculty ratios, and often have tight knit campus communities. While tuition is usually higher, financial aid can help lower the actual cost. Looking at …

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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 …

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How To Use Social Media To Narrow Your College Choices

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Social media has truly become a major part of our lives. We use social media to be informed and make so many decisions in our everyday lives. Why not use for narrowing down and eventually choosing a college? Why Use Social Media? More and more colleges are investing in a variety of marketing strategies to …