college search

5 Tips on Working with Your School Counselor on Your College Search

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the national student-to-counselor ratio, is 478 to 1, nearly double the number recommended by the American School Counselor Association. Some states, like Minnesota, have a ratio of nearly 800 students for every school counselor, giving it the second-highest ratio in the nation, behind California.  Of course, …

college search

Finding the Right Size Colleges: Small, Medium or Large Campus?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 5, 2024

Whenever students are asked about their college preferences, one of the things students consider is the size of the school. The majority of college match tools, including College Raptor, ask about preferred college size. There are small, medium, and large size colleges, but how do students know what the right size is for them? Each …

college search

How To: Build Your College List

By Jessica VelascoLast updated on January 17, 2023

Starting to build your college list can be confusing. Some students start by putting down the names of colleges they know. Others ask for suggestions from people they trust. However, without knowing much about the colleges, those might not be the best way to build your college list. College is a huge investment in time …

college search

Junior Prep for College: 10 Easy Tips

By Jessica VelascoLast updated on May 24, 2023

As a third-year student in high school, it’s a great time to start thinking: What should juniors do to prepare for college? Instead of stressing about the process during the fall of your senior year, get ahead of the game, and start planning now. If you’re wondering what should juniors do to prepare for college, …

college search

Pros and Cons: Deciding Whether to Attend a State School as an Out-of-State Student

By Jessica VelascoLast updated on December 22, 2022

Many students want to go college far away from home. At first thought, many students think attending a state school will be cheaper. However, attending a state school as an out-of-state student is often much more expensive. There are pros and cons of attending a state school as an out-of-state student. Before making the decision …

college search

11 Ways to Make the Most of Your College Visit

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 22, 2024

Most college counselors will strongly recommend that you visit the colleges you are considering and they are right to do so. There are many benefits that come with a campus visit that you can’t find in a brochure or on a website. Touring a college is one of the best ways to know if it …

college search

5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Final College Visit

By Ashley GunnLast updated on December 22, 2022

You’ve applied, been admitted and now you have to decide where to spend your college years. If you’re not 100% sure about your college choice, this is a good time to visit or re-visit. Even if you’ve already visited a college before you applied, visiting a college after you’ve been accepted will help you focus …

college search

Happy New Year: Make a Resolution to Start Your College Search Early (And Keep It!)

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022

As we turn the page on 2014, a whole new class of high school students is making their New Year resolution and beginning to turn their thoughts toward their college search. Future college hopefuls and their families may consider putting off their search, as the process can be quite intimidating. But, keep in mind that …

college search

How to Choose a College Major

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 22, 2024

Future aspirations: How to choose a major in college even if you don’t know what you want to do How to choose a college major: Start with your passions and choose a general direction. Don’t be afraid to change your mind later. Most students do. For pre-professional programs, consider your undergraduate options carefully. Consider the …

college search

How to Choose a College: A Complete Guide

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 29, 2024

It can be intimidating to try to choose one college from nearly 6,000 options. Even after you’ve received acceptance letters, making this decision can be a tough one! Thankfully, there are ways to narrow down your choices and choose the college that best fits you. How to Choose a College in 9 Steps Start Your …