college comparisons

How many credit hours do you need for an associate degree?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on March 27, 2026

Key takeaways Most associate degree programs require 60 credit hours, and most students earn it in two years or less.  To earn an associate degree, you’ll need to take general education classes and courses specific to your major.  When you earn an associate degree, you can get a job or transfer your credits and pursue a bachelor’s degree.  Each college, university, and program has different requirements …

tips tools & advice

9 tips and techniques to study for exams

By College Raptor StaffPublished on March 26, 2026

Key takeaways: Spreading your study sessions out over several days is usually more effective than cramming the night before an exam. Active recall is one of the strongest study techniques for long-term retention.  Taking practice tests under realistic conditions may help reduce test anxiety and reveal gaps in your knowledge.  Short, focused study sessions with …

student life, tips tools & advice

What is recitation in college?

By Gallagher, CatherinePublished on March 25, 2026

Key takeaway Recitation in college is a small-group, interactive session that typically meets once a week to cover course material and deepen your understanding. Recitations are different from lectures because they have fewer than 30 people, are led by teacher assistants, and require students to be hands-on and participate, rather than just listen and take …

questions & answers

When is Ivy Day 2026? Your guide to the big reveal

By College Raptor StaffPublished on March 9, 2026

Key takeaways Ivy Day is an annual event when all eight Ivy League schools release their regular admissions decisions at the exact same time. Ivy Day in 2026 will fall on Thursday, March 26. High school senior applicants should have their login credentials ready for each school’s official website ahead of time. While the day …

college search

Black Colleges and Universities in Texas

By Hilary CairnsPublished on March 9, 2026

Key takeaways HBCUs are historically Black colleges and universities that were founded prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and focused on educating African Americans. There are nine Black colleges and universities in Texas including Prairie View A&M University, Texas Southern University, Texas College, Huston-Tillotson University, Jarvis Christian University, Paul Quinn College, Southwestern Christian …

college search

Aerospace Engineering schools

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 3, 2026

Key takeaways Aerospace Engineering is the study of aircraft, rotorcraft, and spacecraft design, development, and theory. It’s a very challenging major, requiring advanced math and problem-solving skills with heavy time commitment. Some top Aerospace Engineering Schools include the United States Air Force Academy, Georgia Tech, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Aerospace Engineering is a challenging …

college search

Best accredited online MBA programs

By Hilary CairnsPublished on March 3, 2026

Key takeaways: An MBA, or Master’s of Business Administration is a graduate degree that typically takes full-time students one to two years to complete. Graduates taking online programs can balance school, life, and family, as classes can be taken on their schedule. Some of the best accredited online MBA programs come from Indiana University-Bloomington, Babson …

college comparisons

Most prestigious Law schools

By Hilary CairnsPublished on February 4, 2026

Key takeaways: Some of the most prestigious Law schools include Harvard, Georgetown, Yale, and Fordham. Harvard and Yale’s incoming Law students had a median 174 LSAT and 3.96 GPA. To improve your admission chances, craft a well-rounded application, tell a story, prepare for an interview, and choose your undergraduate major wisely. Harvard University, Yale University, …

college majors & minors, college search

How to start grad school after a long break from undergrad

By Hilary CairnsPublished on January 12, 2026

Key takeaways Students going back to graduate school after a long break from undergrad may feel overwhelmed and underprepared when re-entering the classroom. However, older graduates have work and life experience that can give them an edge over other students. To prepare for grad school, research programs that match your goals and schedule requirements and …

college search, questions & answers

Associate’s degree vs. bachelor’s degree: uncovering the differences

By Hilary CairnsPublished on January 7, 2026

Key takeaways: An associate’s is a 2-year undergraduate degree usually awarded by community colleges. Bachelor’s degrees take 4 years on average and most often come from 4-year colleges and universities. Both degrees can open the door to more education and career opportunities, but there are typically more options and higher salary potential with a bachelor’s …