tips tools & advice

How to Use Color to Perform Better in School

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

There are countless stimuli in our everyday lives that can affect us in subtle ways. Sights, tastes, smells, and sounds can all trigger emotional or psychological responses on a subconscious level. But what if there was a way to control some of those stimuli and use them to our advantage? Colors have been thoroughly researched …

college search

Finding the Perfect College: Reality or Myth?

By Katelyn McAdamLast updated on December 22, 2022

Growing up you are told that there is one perfect college out there that will meet all of your needs. All you have to do find the perfect college. If you use a really great college search engine, plug in all of the things you are looking for, and then visit each school, one of …

tips tools & advice

15 simple brain hacks to improve your memory

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 8, 2026

Key takeaway Memory isn’t fixed. It can be strengthened with habits like regular exercise, visual aids, making associations, mindfulness, repetition, healthy foods, and memory exercises. Short-term memory is the information your brain remembers for a short time, while long-term memory is the information you hold on to for years. Stress, diet, sleep, and exercise are …

college search

How to Find The Right School For You

By Kaeli Nieves-WhitmoreLast updated on December 22, 2022

Trying to find the right school for you can be incredibly overwhelming. There are hundreds to choose from and each one is doing their best to make you choose them. It may seem like it would be easier to just have someone tell you where to go and what to do. But, the result would …

college search

What to Do if Your Student Doesn’t Want to Go to College Yet

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

Bamboo grows quickly, but its flowers can take quite some time to bloom, much like many teenagers. Their bodies may grow bigger. Their feet have quickly grown through kid’s shoes and well into the adult sizes. But this does not mean their brains have matured for such adult tasks as being academically, socially, or emotionally …

college search

7 Must-Ask Questions for Every College Visit

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

Campus tours are sometimes referred to as “the golden mile” and tour guides have been called a campus’ most important employee. Both the tour guide and the campus tour are tools for the college to reel you in, educate you about the school, and entice you to apply and perhaps enroll. The college visit is, …

college comparisons

Best Colleges in Iowa – 38 Colleges and Universities in Iowa Ranked

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022

Known for its pivotal role in our nation’s agriculture production, the state of Iowa has more to offer than just corn and soybeans. The state is known for having a strong public education system, with its three regent universities (University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and University of Northern Iowa) students from around the country …

questions & answers

#CollegeAnswered Q&A – October 21, 2015

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

In the first installment of our #CollegeAnswered Q&A series, I’ll be answering questions on a range of topics related to financial aid, college costs, and identifying college options. All of these questions were submitted by students and parents either via CollegeRaptor.com, Facebook, Twitter, or email. If you have a question you’d like me to answer, …

tips tools & advice

Get Answers to Your College Admissions and Financial Aid Questions with #CollegeAnswered

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

For answers to the first set of questions published Oct 21), please click here. For nearly 20 years, I have been working with students of different backgrounds, academic abilities, and socioeconomic groups, helping to guide them through the college process. Over this time, I’ve answered some very interesting questions. I’ve helped students with a variety …

college comparisons

College Raptor’s 2016 Best Colleges Rankings

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022

The 2016 College Raptor Best Colleges rankings are intended to be just that—a ranking of the best colleges in the nation. Beyond that, we’ve divided this recognition into many segments, allowing prospective students and parents to more easily find schools that fit with what they’re looking for—whether it’s a top-notch college with a lot of …