myths

Myth: There is ONE Perfect School for Me

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

While you’re looking at schools, you may have it in your mind that there is one perfect school for you, a “soulmate”. However, most students find that’s simply not the case. There Are Good Fits, Not Perfect Schools We all want there to be that “perfect” school, but that just isn’t the case. There’s no …

college comparisons

7 Colleges with the Best Writing Centers

By Tom JagerLast updated on December 22, 2022

No matter, if you are a freshman at a college or have been a student for a long time, you might need assistance in writing various essays or research papers. That’s what college writing centers are for: you go there to ask for assistance when it comes to some difficulties in your writing tasks. College …

student life

Time Management Tips For Freshmen In College

By Jim RaychrudhuryLast updated on December 22, 2022

Pulling an all-nighter and cramming for tests, spending endless hours in the library, trying to reach the minimum word count requirement for an essay assignment, going heavy on coffee and energy drinks to survive the exams week… This is basically what all freshmen go through. But does it have to be this way? The reasons …

college search

How to Search for Colleges Based on Your Personal Factors

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 6, 2023

Picking a college to attend is a big decision – and one that requires careful thought! Sometimes it’s easy, especially if you got into your dream college, but you should compare your options. But how exactly should you go about that? It’s important to keep your needs, wants, and other factors in mind when selecting …

questions & answers

What Is An Alternative (Or Non-Traditional) High School?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Alternative, or non-traditional, high schools are special schools. They provide a learning experience completely different from those provided by traditional means. This is a rather broad explanation, however. Within this definition, there can be significant variations from one school to another. There is no one thing that differentiates alternative schools from traditional schools. Some may …

college majors & minors

When Do You Declare A Major?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

As a general rule, students are expected to be declaring a major by the end of their 3rd or 4th semester. Every college has their own rules and guidelines on when and how students are required to declare a major. It is important not to presume anything. You must find out about your college’s rules so …

tips tools & advice

13 tips to help you study the subjects you absolutely hate

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 18, 2025

Key takeaways Studying for a subject you strongly dislike can feel intimidating and leave you with very little motivation. With a changed perspective, a game plan in place, identifying what is easy and hard, rewarding your progress, and keeping the end in mind, you can find that studying is a lot more manageable—and a lot …

tips tools & advice

4 Tips to Minimize the Odds of Dropping Out of College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The statistics on college dropouts are alarming—about 45% of students who enroll in college end up dropping out of college without graduating. That’s a scary thought, especially when you consider the expenses they would have incurred towards the terms completed. College tuition is expensive. For most students, the only way to afford a college education …

tips tools & advice

How To: Manage Your Workload at College

By Caileigh FlanniganLast updated on December 22, 2022

As you’ll soon find out, the workload at college and university is much heavier than what many people are used to. Each class will have tests, exams, and assignments due, and it’s up to you to stay on top of it all. Managing your time effectively is one of the best skills you can have …

questions & answers

Why Are the Ivy League Schools Called the “Ivy Leagues?”

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 10, 2025

The term “Ivy League” dates back to the 1930s, when a sports writer coined the phrase. Today, the Ivy League conference consists of eight schools – Harvard University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, Columbia University, Brown University, Dartmouth College, and Cornell University. Take a trip back in time with us to see what …