questions & answers

When Do I Have to Declare a College Major?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 20, 2025

Key Takeaways: Most students have to declare a college major by the end of their sophomore year or the start of their junior year. Students may declare their major earlier to apply for competitive programs or access advanced courses. Choosing an intended major in high school helps you find the best college for your goals …

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Are Graduation Rates an Indicator of a College’s Quality?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

A very debated topic, it’s still not entirely decided whether a college’s graduation rate is a good indicator of the school’s quality or not. Whether this number gives you a clear picture or not really depends. Look Beyond the Numbers There is one fact that stands, even among the debate, for a school to be …

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Should I Attend A Faith-Based College? Pros and Cons

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Are you considering attending a faith-based college? It could be a great choice if you are looking for the kind of environment and benefits that a faith-based college offers. However, there are a few downsides to attending such a college. Before you choose a faith-based college, it pays to understand the cons too so that …

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What is a College Endowment and Why Does it Matter?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on August 26, 2025

Key Takeaways: College endowment is the total amount of funds an institution has from donors. Schools often invest this money, using a small percentage of the income each year to help fund college operations. Harvard University, Yale University, and Stanford University have some of the largest total endowments in the United States. College endowment refers …

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Transfer: What If Your New School is More Expensive Than Your Current One?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If your first school choice wasn’t quite what you dreamed of, it may be in your best interest to transfer to another college that best fits your career goals, needs, and wants. However, if the cost of education is higher at your newer school than your current one, it could cause some financial issues. Here’s …

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What is a 2+2 College Program?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Across the country, 2+2 programs are becoming increasingly popular. You may have come across the term during your college prep, but what exactly does it mean? Is a 2+2 program right for you? Community College to a 4-Year Institution Simply put, a 2+2 program is attending a community college for two years, then transferring to …

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How Far is “Too Far” For Your Student to Move to College?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

“How far is too far?” is one of the many questions parents wrestle with when it is time for their students to move to college and as with all aspects of going to college, there is no one answer that is right for every family. Some parents impose restrictions regarding the distance of the college …

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Should You Let Your Student Stay On Campus Over Night For A Visit?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

In most cases, doing an overnight college visit is a good idea. It allows your student to get a better sense of the overall mood of the campus away from the classroom. It also gives them an idea of what it will be like to live with other students in a dormitory. This is especially important …

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Should Parents Come on College Visits?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 25, 2024

If it’s time for your child to start visiting schools, you might find yourself asking, “Do parents come on college tours?” The answer is yes! Though it’s not required, it is quite common for parents to go on college tours with their children. Campus visits offer a firsthand experience of the college environment and can …

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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 …