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A person holding a marker against a checklist.
college search, tips tools & advice

Planning Your College Search

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022
Juniors: With the new year, if you are planning to go to college, it’s time to get started on your college search! Do you know where to begin? If not – it’s okay! We’ve put together a quick checklist and some tools for you! Ask Yourself Questions Asking yourself some questions to start off your …
Two high school girls visiting a college before applying to it.
college search

The Benefits of Visiting a College Before Applying

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022
 College visits are an essential part of the selection process. After all, it’s one thing to read about a school on paper, and another thing entirely to actually stand on the campus. These visits give students an in-person look at the school, campus, town, and overall atmosphere. Though college visits have decreased recently, primarily due …
Three high school friends discuss college acceptance odds.
college search

What You Need to Know About College Acceptance Odds

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 9, 2025
A college acceptance rate is the ratio of students who applied and were accepted to the school. Colleges and universities generally want well rounded applicants, with strong grades, high SAT/ACT scores, and extracurriculars. To improve your overall college admission chances, create a list of reach, match, and safety schools that meet your education goals. College …
A student in a lab coat performs an experiment at her research university.
college search

What is a Research University?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022
When searching for a college to attend, you may come across the phrase “research university” as the school’s classification. What does it mean though? And how does it differ from other classifications for colleges and universities? Is it right for your education? What is a Research University? A research university is a school that focuses …
Two students standing in their liberal arts college library
college search

What is a Liberal Arts College?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022
Have you ever seen a school called a “Liberal Arts College?” The term “liberal arts” can vary quite a bit depending on who you ask. Some even think it’s not worth getting a degree in liberal arts! However, that’s very far from the truth. There are plenty of lucrative careers that can be achieved with …
A student watches a professor on her laptop during an online class in her hybrid program.
tips tools & advice

What You Need to Know about College Hybrid Programs

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022
The world of higher education is always changing but has made more significant changes in the last few years due to the pandemic. You may have heard about college hybrid programs recently. Understanding what this term means and determining whether or not it’s the right type of program for you is essential. Here’s an explanation …
college comparisons

Which Colleges Rank at the Top when Test Scores are Thrown Out?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 21, 2022
College entrance exams have long been a key element of the application process. However, in recent years, more and more schools have decided to make the tests optional or not required at all. Additionally, many schools chose to go test-optional during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the increased number of colleges becoming test-optional, it begs the …
hidden gems 2022

Hidden Gem Colleges for Healthcare Majors | 2022 Rankings

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 21, 2022
Those working in healthcare fields are true heroes in the best of times. During the pandemic, however, they are true beacons of hope, health, and compassion. We wanted to salute our brave and dedicated healthcare workers and cheer on those studying to join them. This Hidden Gem list features the best colleges for healthcare majors. …
hidden gems 2022

Hidden Gem Colleges That Don’t Require Test Scores | 2022 Rankings

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 21, 2022
There is an ongoing trend of more colleges dropping their ACT / SAT requirements. Though the decline started before the pandemic, the COVID-19 challenges have caused more schools to go test-optional. These colleges prefer a more holistic approach to reviewing the college applications of potential students. All that said, we wanted to highlight some colleges …

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