hidden gems 2018

Hidden Public Gems: 2018

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

There is a pervading stereotype that private colleges are the ideal places to pursue a higher education—however there are numerous public colleges and universities that rival their private counterparts. This Hidden Gems list highlights the best public colleges that are diamonds in the rough. To qualify as a College Raptor Hidden Gem, a school must …

hidden gems 2018

Hidden Gems for Women in STEM: 2018

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

STEM fields are the fastest-growing career market out there, yet only 6.7% of college-going women graduate with a STEM degree–compared to 17% of men. There are many organizations, programs, and schools dedicated to encouraging young women to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors.  The following colleges are true hidden gems for women in STEM …

hidden gems 2018

Hidden Northeast Gems: 2018

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Beautiful landscapes, bountiful industry, and storied history fill the Northeast United States. It is an area chock-full of well-known colleges and universities, and the following Hidden Gems deserve some of that attention. For the purposes of this list, we’ve included the following states in the Northeast: ME, NH, VT, MA, NY, RI, CT, NJ, PA, …

hidden gems 2018

Hidden U.S. Gems: 2018

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

For this, our most prestigious Hidden Gems list, we’ve featured the highest-ranking gem school in each US state—including Washington DC! These schools are truly diamonds in the rough! At College Raptor, we help students find colleges that fit them financially, socially, and academically–which means looking at more than just big name universities. That’s why we’re …

tips tools & advice

Ideas For What To Include In Care Packages For Freshmen

By Roxie the RaptorLast updated on December 22, 2022

For most college students, nothing beats the joy and excitement of receiving care packages from home. It shows them that their family back home is thinking of them and gives them the feeling of renewed support and encouragement. So what should you include in the care package for your freshman? These few ideas can help. …

college search

How to Create a Pros and Cons List for Schools in Your College Search

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

When you have a few colleges or universities on your radar, it may be a bit difficult to choose between them, especially if you received acceptance letters from all your top choices. Creating a pros and cons list is an excellent way to help you narrow the schools down and see how they compare to …

questions & answers

What Are “Hidden Ivies?”

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on October 15, 2025

The Hidden Ivies are colleges that have an excellent reputation and academic programs but aren’t members of the Ivy League. All eight Ivy League schools are located in the Northeastern United States, while Hidden Ivies are found all over the country. Hidden Ivies tend to have higher acceptance rates, different programs, smaller student bodies than …

college search

How To Use Your Intended Major in the College Search

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

When searching for your potential future college, there will be quite a few things you will have to keep in mind. This may include the school’s dorm rooms, the location, the size of the school, the college’s reputation, and, of course, your major. Here’s how you can use your intended major in your college search. …

student life

How to Collaborate with Your Roomie About Dorm Decorating

By Jessica HerbineLast updated on June 27, 2024

Sharing a dorm room can be stressful, especially if this is your first time with a roommate or if you’re rooming with someone you’ve never met before. But the good news is that having drama isn’t inevitable. Here’s how to decorate a dorm room while collaborating with your roomie, so you can make the dorm …

2018 university rankings

Top 25 Best HSIs: 2018 Rankings

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Hispanic Serving Institutions, or HSIs, do just what their name implies. These schools are dedicated to serving Hispanic and Latino students in the United States. The mission of these schools is to increase the aid, support, and access to quality higher education for students of Hispanic descent—particularly first-generation and low-income students. However, HSIs open their doors …