college search

Pros and cons of attending a state university: what you should know

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 12, 2026

Key takeaways State colleges and universities are public schools that often have lower tuition, especially for in-state students. State universities provide a wide variety of accredited majors and academic programs. Large campuses offer diverse student life and strong resources, but may include larger class sizes. Choosing the right college depends on your goals, learning style, …

college search

Is attending a private college right for you? Here are the perks

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 8, 2026

Key takeaways Private colleges are higher educational institutions funded by tuition fees, endowments, and alumni donations. Private colleges tend to have smaller enrollment numbers, smaller class sizes with favorable student to faculty ratios, and often have tight knit campus communities. While tuition is usually higher, financial aid can help lower the actual cost. Looking at …

college search

How I Chose My College: “The Stars Aligned”

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

I only applied to one school. As my high school friends went on college visits, compared campuses, and drafted applications to multiple schools around the country, I had my sights set on just one: the University of Iowa. People are often surprised when I tell them I only applied to Iowa, given that on average …

tips tools & advice

Step By Step Guide on Cleaning Up Your Social Media Before College Starts

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

There’s no doubt that college admission departments look at applicants’ social media profiles. It’s a must then, that before you head to college (or even send in your college application), that you clean up your social media pages. Here are some things you should be doing: Get Rid of Any Questionable Content You may have …

college search

How To Use Social Media To Narrow Your College Choices

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Social media has truly become a major part of our lives. We use social media to be informed and make so many decisions in our everyday lives. Why not use for narrowing down and eventually choosing a college? Why Use Social Media? More and more colleges are investing in a variety of marketing strategies to …

questions & answers

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 …

college majors & minors

Some of the Fastest Growing Undergraduate Majors

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 13, 2023

It’s normal for majors to become more popular or less popular over time. There are several majors in healthcare, engineering, computer science, and other areas of study that are getting more attention than ever before. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the five fastest growing occupations are: Wind turbine service technicians – 45% …

college search

How I Chose My College: “A Feeling This Was It”

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

In 2006, I graduated from high school and started attending SUNY New Paltz, where I would go on to major in English with a focus on creative writing. I wanted to share with you the process I went through and why I chose my college. My Parents Got Involved Part of why I chose my …

college search

How To Balance Feeling And Logic When Selecting A College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

There’s no denying that selecting a college can be difficult. You may want with all your heart to attend one college but logic often gets in the way and coaxes you to choose another option. The key to making the right choice lies in balancing both, feeling and logic. There are some things to consider …

college majors & minors

3 Main Benefits To Knowing Your Major Before College Starts

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

There’s a lot of decision making during the college process, and choosing a college major can be a nerve-wracking one—so much so, many students start college without actually deciding on a major. While having an undeclared major is not the end of the world, it could cause you to lose out on some of the …