college comparisons

Discovering UCLA: What Sets it Apart

By College Raptor StaffPublished on September 9, 2024

The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research university located in Los Angeles, California. From its world class faculty, dynamic academic programs, and cutting-edge research facilities to its vibrant campus life and illustrious alumni, UCLA has earned a reputation for overall excellence. UCLA is part of the University of California system, along …

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The 50 Best Colleges To Transfer to

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 1, 2024

Key Takeaway If you are thinking about transferring, start by checking out this list of 50 transfer-friendly schools to get an idea of where you have the best chances of being accepted. Make sure the school offers your major, has a good credit transfer policy, and feels like a place where you’ll be happy. Look …

student life, tips tools & advice

How Book Subscription Services Can Help Save You Money on College Textbooks

By College Raptor StaffPublished on August 28, 2024

Book subscription services are a type of subscription service created especially for college textbooks. If you have a Netflix subscription, or maybe a Hulu or Disney+ subscription, you have an idea of how these services work. Book services work in a similar manner but instead of entertainment, these services revolve around digital textbooks for college …

college comparisons, questions & answers

Graduate vs Undergraduate – What’s the Difference?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 29, 2026

Key takeaways Undergraduate college students are students pursuing their associate or bachelor’s degree. Graduate students are working towards a master’s degree, professional degree, or doctorate degree. While undergraduate studies cover broad and foundational education in a specific field, graduate studies build upon the previous program of study. Undergrads may earn a median salary of $57,000-$80,000, …

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15 Key Pieces of Advice from Parents to Their College Bound Kids

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 16, 2024

Key Takeaway: Starting college means starting a new chapter. And in a season filled with a lot of “new,” parents can be a valuable resource for advice, encouragement, and support. As you head off to college, we’ve gathered some advice and encouragement for academics, personal growth, time management, and friendships that we hope you take …

questions & answers

Document-Based Question (DBQ) and How Ace Your Essay

By Gallagher, CatherinePublished on August 7, 2024

DBQ stands for Document-Based Question. The document-based question appears on select AP exams including the AP U.S. History, AP World History, and AP European History exams. Each exam incudes one DBQ section. If you plan to take any of these tests, it’s important to understand what DBQ stands for and how to write the essay to …

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Affordable Out-of-State Colleges

By College Raptor StaffPublished on July 25, 2024

When you’re thinking about attending college, the price of higher education is likely on your mind. Most colleges and universities offer less expensive tuition rates for in-state students compared to out-of-state students. However, there are several affordable out-of-state colleges out there for students who want to leave their home state. Some even offer the same …

student life, tips tools & advice

25 Good Persuasive Speech Topics

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 29, 2026

Key Takeaway A good persuasive speech aims to change someone’s mind by making them believe, feel, or do something. When crafting a speech that will engage and captivate your audience, the last thing you want is to be stuck on the first step: choosing the right topic. To help, we’ve put together a list of …

student life, tips tools & advice

Essay Guide: How Long is an Essay?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on July 1, 2024

Several factors determine the length of an essay including the type, purpose, and the assignment itself. When you receive an assignment with a specified word count, use it as a guide to plan your essay, ensuring that you cover all necessary points. While the length is important, so is its quality. Whether it’s 500 words …

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What is a military college? A guide to service and education

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on June 2, 2026

Key takeaways A military college is a school where you earn a standard degree while also training to become a leader in the armed forces. These schools provide a structured lifestyle that includes military uniforms, daily drills, and strict rules for all students. Students at these colleges are often called cadets or midshipmen, and they …