college search, questions & answers

Associate’s degree vs. bachelor’s degree: uncovering the differences

By Hilary CairnsPublished on January 7, 2026

Key takeaways: An associate’s is a 2-year undergraduate degree usually awarded by community colleges. Bachelor’s degrees take 4 years on average and most often come from 4-year colleges and universities. Both degrees can open the door to more education and career opportunities, but there are typically more options and higher salary potential with a bachelor’s …

college comparisons, questions & answers

What are vocational schools?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on January 7, 2026

Key takeaways: Vocational schools are postsecondary trade or technical institutions that award certificates, diplomas, or associate’s degrees. Programs last between a few months to two years, and classes focus on career-specific hands-on learning. Common programs include animal care, cosmetology, culinary arts, machinery, and HVAC. Vocational schools are postsecondary institutions that prepare students for careers in …

college search, questions & answers

What are the Seven Sisters schools?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 25, 2025

Key takeaways: The Seven Sisters are a group of private liberal art schools focused on women’s education in the Northeast United States. The seven institutions are Barnard College, Bryn Mawr College, Mount Holyoke College, Radcliffe College, Smith College, Vassar College, and Wellesley College. Most of the colleges only accept women to their undergraduate school, though …

questions & answers

Harvard College vs. Harvard University

By Hilary CairnsPublished on November 25, 2025

Key takeaways: Harvard University is a top ranked institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts, dating back to 1636. Undergraduates attend Harvard College, one of the 13 schools that make up Harvard University. Harvard is extremely selective, with an undergraduate acceptance rate of 3.7% You might use “Harvard College” and “Harvard University” interchangeably, but they’re actually slightly different. …

questions & answers

What are the Black Ivy League schools?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on November 21, 2025

Key takeaways: Black Ivy League schools are acclaimed HBCUs that are highly selective and offer outstanding academic programs to their students. There is no official list of Black Ivy institutions as there is with the Ivy Leagues. Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Hampton University are a few examples of schools often referred to as Black …

questions & answers

What are Ivy Plus (Ivy +) schools?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on November 21, 2025

Key Takeaways: Ivy Plus schools provide quality education programs and experiences that match or even surpass Ivy League offerings. Caltech, MIT, and Stanford University are often considered Ivy Plus institutions, but there is no official list. Students interested in applying to these schools need top grades, high SAT/ACT scores, and community involvement. Ivy Plus schools …

questions & answers

What are the Southern Ivies?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on November 21, 2025

Key takeaways: A Southern Ivy is a college in the Southern United States that provides top-rated academic programs to its students. They may also have outstanding research, study abroad, or unique job opportunities. Some institutions often called Southern Ivies include Rice University, Duke University, and Davidson College. Southern Ivies is a loose definition for select …

affordability & college cost, questions & answers

Understanding Dual Enrollment and the Benefits for Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 16, 2025

Key takeaways: Dual enrollment students take college-level classes while still in high school, getting a head start on their undergraduate degree. Class availability depends on the school, but common options are in English, Math, and Foreign Language. Opting for dual enrollment can speed up your graduation timeline, lower overall college costs, and increase your acceptance …

questions & answers

The Colleges With the Most 2024 Olympians and Medals

By College Raptor StaffPublished on December 19, 2024

Believe it or not, Olympians are just like the rest of us—minus the stacks of medals and world-class accolades. And yes, many of them go to college! You might be wondering how they manage to juggle intense training schedules, academic demands, social lives, and the occasional need for sleep. Our best answer? They’re Olympians for …

questions & answers, student life

From Failure to Success: What’s Next if You Fail a Class in College?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on December 10, 2024

Key Takeaways A failed class (<64%) can affect your GPA, graduation plans, financial aid, and potential transfer credits. If you are failing or have failed a college class you should seek academic help, evaluate why you failed, decide if you will retake the class, or possibly consider a different major. You can prevent failure in …