tips tools & advice

Parent’s Guide to Emotionally Preparing to Send Your Kids to College

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 15, 2023

Getting ready for the first semester of college is an exciting as well as stressful time for students. They could be leaving their hometown, their home state, or even the country to attend their dream college. They’re leaving the K-12 system, their friends, and, of course, their parents.  For parents getting ready to send their …

college comparisons

Your Guide to the Public Ivies

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 23, 2025

Key Takeaways: Ivy League schools are some of the most prestigious private institutions in the country. Public Ivies are public colleges and universities that offer comparable experiences to the eight Ivy League schools. Today, there are 30 Public Ivies, some of which include Michigan State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and the University of Arizona. The Ivy …

tips tools & advice

5 Tips to Help Your Chances of Making the Dean’s List

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 11, 2023

If you made the honor roll in high school, you might very well be considering how to make the Dean’s List in college! But what exactly is this list, what are the benefits, and most importantly: how can you make the Dean’s List and stay on it? We answer these three questions and more below! …

student life

Back to School Checklist for High School Students

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 26, 2024

Back to school can be an exciting time of year, even though it means the summer months are coming to an end. Regardless of how you feel about getting back into the school year, it’s important to stay on top of what you need to do each summer before the next year of high school …

college comparisons

Why is Harvard University a Top-Rated School?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 6, 2025

Key Takeaways: Harvard University was named the #2 Top Best College by College Raptor in 2026. Founded in 1636, the school has produced influential individuals, including CEOs, world leaders, and Olympians. Harvard is highly selective, but students can improve their admissions chances with a high GPA, rigorous schedule, and well-rounded application. Year after year, Harvard …

college search

Why Focusing on Your “Best Matched” College Is More Important Than Ever

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 8, 2025

For most people, choosing a college to attend is not an easy choice. This is because it’s essentially picking where you will be living for the next four years of your life—or sometimes longer depending on your major and education path. As simple as choosing a college may sound on paper, it tends to be …

college comparisons

Top 25 Best Sustainable Colleges

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on August 11, 2023

Sustainability has been an important topic for people, businesses, and colleges in recent years, especially in the face of climate change. If sustainability is important to you, you plan on entering the energy industry, or you just want to make sure you’re leaving less of a mark on the earth, you might want to consider …

questions & answers, tips tools & advice

Considerations for Choosing a Dorm vs an Apartment

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 7, 2023

When it’s time to head to college, you might be presented with the question, “Should I dorm or get an apartment?” A majority of 4-year colleges and universities do require first-year students to remain on campus, but upperclassmen and students attending schools without this requirement have options. Below we cover the differences between dorms and …

tips tools & advice

Responsible Ways to Show Your Independence

By College Raptor StaffPublished on August 3, 2023

You finally made it. College! After twelve years of school in your hometown, you now have the opportunity to break free and discover who you are, who you want to be, and where you want to go. Now is the time for you to be selfish, adventurous, and curious about the world around you. This is …

tips tools & advice

The Art of Learning from Failure

By College Raptor StaffPublished on August 2, 2023

We all know what failure feels like. Everyone has been there at one point or another. Maybe it was a teeny tiny mishap or maybe it was something super important and it just didn’t end up how you wanted it to. Whatever the “failure” may be, there is always a chance of learning and growing …