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

Great Tips to Study the Subjects You Absolutely Hate

By Rachel BarteeLast updated on December 22, 2022

You really need to study for one of your classes, but you’re in agony and incredibly bored just thinking about it. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Students often want to study the subjects of their choice—their chosen major—but what about all of the additional classes? Those topics can seem unnecessary, but they are still important for …

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 …

hidden gems 2018

Hidden Southeast Gems: 2018

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Known for its good food and rich history, the Southeast is also home to several hidden gem schools. We’ve highlighted the top three hidden gem schools per state. For the purposes of this list, we’ve included the following states in the southeast: AR, LA, AL, MS, FL, GA, TN, SC, NC, VA, and KY. To …

hidden gems 2018

Hidden Midwest Gems: 2018

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The Midwest is America’s heartland, and often an overlooked region of the country. But these “Flyover” states have a number of hidden gems among them that shouldn’t be counted out. We’ve highlighted the top three hidden gem schools per state. For the purposes of this list, we’ve included the following states in the northwest: IA, IL, …

hidden gems 2018

Hidden Northwest Gems: 2018

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The Northwest region of the United States is known for its scenic beauty. There are a number of hidden gem-worthy colleges in the region as well. We’ve highlighted the top three hidden gem schools per state. For the purposes of this list, we’ve included the following states in the Northwest: AK, Northern CA, ID, MT, …

hidden gems 2018

Hidden Southwest Gems: 2018

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Known for its dynamic landscapes, rich history, and diverse wildlife, the Southwest region should also get credit for its higher education programs. A number of hidden gems reside in these states, and deserve the spotlight. For the purposes of this list, we’ve included the following states in the southwest: AZ, NV, NM, UT, CO, TX, …