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 …

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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 …

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How Many Colleges On Your List Should You Visit?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it comes to college visits, there is no fixed number that works best for everyone. How many schools should you visit on your college list then? Use these guidelines to decide which colleges to prioritize and how many schools you should ultimately visit. The Importance of College Visits Visiting just one college on your …

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Is It A Good Idea To Live At Home As A College Student?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The college you’ve finally decided to attend is close to home and immediately, you’re faced with another decision—should you stay at home as a college student, or should you live in the dorm or apartment? The first factor that comes to mind is, of course, money. The thought of being able to save a substantial …

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When Should You Start Visiting Colleges?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 17, 2024

As you start to think about attending college in the coming years, you’re often presented with the question: when to start visiting colleges? While there’s no single “best” time to begin your campus tours, there are a few recommendations depending on where you are in your college search. Below, we highlight why it’s important to …

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Is Attending An Elite College Right For You?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The thought of attending an elite college can sound very appealing but the truth is, this may not be the right decision for everyone. Attending an elite college has its fair share of advantages and a few disadvantages as well. Getting to know both sides of the picture will help you make an informed decision. …

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What is an HSI?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 9, 2024

HSI is an abbreviation for Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Around 510 institutions currently meet the specific requirements to be designated as HSI. Holding the HSI designation qualifies higher ed institutions for receiving substantial federal funding as well as grants from other organizations. You may have seen the term “HSI” pop up during your college searches. HSI stands …

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What Is An HBCU?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

In your college explorations, you’ll hear the term “HBCU” tossed around every now and then about a school. These letters stand for “Historically Black College and/or University”. The name conveys a few facts about the associated schools. What is an HBCU? By hearing this acronym, you understand that people established these schools with the primary …

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How Are Non-Profit Colleges Different From For-Profit Colleges?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

As you explore different colleges, you will likely find that all schools are categorized as either ‘for-profit’ or ‘non-profit.” So what exactly do these terms mean and how does it affect you? How do they rank against one another, and what can you expect from them? Keep reading to discover more about nonprofit vs for …

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What Does “Overall Match” and “Academic Match” Mean on CollegeRaptor.com?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

College Raptor is a college discovery website. We can help match you to colleges you may not have considered, or show you your acceptance odds and overall match for colleges you’re already interested in. But what do we mean by match? Specifically, what does “overall match” and “academic match” mean? Academic Match When you filled …