All College Search Articles

A college arena with a statue of a man on a horse in front of it.
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Beyond Campus: Why a College Town Matters When Picking a School

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Many things factor into finding your ideal college fit, but one element that sometimes gets overlooked is the surrounding college town or city. Students and parents become so hyper-focused on the school and its campus, that they don’t take the time to explore the nearby town during a visit. Here’s why it’s important to consider …
Smiling alumni wearing violet and orange shirts that say "Campus Pride".
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10 Important Questions to Ask College Alumni

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 4, 2023
If you get the opportunity to ask an alumnus about the school they chose, definitely take it! The chance may come during a college interview or you may know a neighbor who attended the university that’s on your shortlist. You might even want to reach out and ask questions to college alumni online through LinkedIn …
state university
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Pros And Cons Of Attending State Colleges

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Private vs. public colleges is an age-old debate. State colleges may be different from private colleges in several aspects but the fact is neither one of them is necessarily better or worse than the other. The right choice for you will depend on your unique circumstances and what you are looking for. Understanding the pros …
going to a private college
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Pros And Cons Of Attending Private Colleges

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
You know private colleges are quite different from state schools but how do you decide which one is the better choice for you? Each one has its own merits and downsides that make them a good fit for some students but not so good a fit for others. Understanding the pros and cons of going …
when the stars align
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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 …
here's why I chose my college
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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 …
Should you visit colleges again after you've been accepted
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Should I Visit Colleges Again As An Accepted Student?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you visited the campuses of the colleges you applied to, you might think that visiting the campuses again is not really necessary. You’ve seen the colleges and their facilities up close, you liked what you saw, and that’s why you went ahead with your applications to those institutions. So why visit colleges again? Will …

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