Ellen Andersen

Ellen is a guest blogger for College Raptor. She is a recent graduate of the University of Iowa. She holds a BA in English with Creative Writing and Psychology. Her current focus is applying to the Fulbright Scholar program.
Two people interviewing a college graduate.
myths

College Myth: There are No Jobs for Liberal Arts Degrees

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
Some of your parents might be worrying because you want to go to a liberal arts school. “How are you going to get a job with a Liberal Arts degree?” they might ask. “Being a Business major is a surefire way to land a job, right? Or in some niche fields like Computer Science?” Liberal …
One of the weird traditions is to jump in a lake.
student life

6 More of the Weirdest College Traditions

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you’ve been to college or university, you know that each campus body tends to have its quirks, something that sets it apart from others. Several of the long-standing traditions have also evolved over time. Others have seen an increase in student participation. Here are six more weird traditions celebrated on college campuses: Mirror Lake …
College student standing on top of a rock overlooking a lake.
questions & answers

Should I Take a Gap Year Before College?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
There is a point in time in many high school students’ careers when every adult is suddenly asking them what they want to do with their lives. It is no longer the slightly endearing question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Instead, it becomes “Where are you going to college? What …
Five graduate female students posing for a picture taking.
college search

Why You Should Consider Attending a Same-Sex College

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on May 4, 2023
When you’re looking for schools, you check them out based on location, programs available, how big they are, how much it costs to attend; the list goes on. Maybe you have an idea of the experiences you think are a given in college. Like the late-night study sessions, joining organizations and clubs, finding a group …
Take great notes in class so you're prepared for tests
tips tools & advice

How To Take Great Notes!

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
Notes are essential to the successful college student. Good notes can be the difference between passing a test and failing. I know I took my first year or two to discover how I needed to take great notes. Here is a short list of suggestions to help new students out: Organize The biggest thing I …
A group of ducklings sitting on the ground.
scholarships

6 More Unique Scholarships

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
Most scholarships can be neatly divided by specific categories. There are scholarships for the everyday student, for specific majors, for athletes, for minorities–the list goes on. But there are also some wacky, out-of-the-box scholarships available. Here are six more unique scholarships. National Potato Council Scholarship Amount: $10,000 Deadline: Mid-June, Annual (Opens Spring 2020) Are you …
A picture of Mt. Rushmore.
scholarships

5 Scholarships for Students in South Dakota

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
South Dakota. A vast land where buffalo once wandered freely. The beauty of the Badlands and the Black Hills holds a special place for many. Though the state hosts the 5th smallest population of the United States (6th if you count Washington D.C.), it is home to one of the most memorable monuments to four presidents–Mount …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join thousands of students and parents learning about finding the right college, admissions secrets, scholarships, financial aid, and more.