questions & answers

When Should You Start Visiting Colleges?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 17, 2024

As you start to think about attending college in the coming years, you’re often presented with the question: when to start visiting colleges? While there’s no single “best” time to begin your campus tours, there are a few recommendations depending on where you are in your college search. Below, we highlight why it’s important to …

questions & answers

Is Attending An Elite College Right For You?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The thought of attending an elite college can sound very appealing but the truth is, this may not be the right decision for everyone. Attending an elite college has its fair share of advantages and a few disadvantages as well. Getting to know both sides of the picture will help you make an informed decision. …

questions & answers

What is an HSI?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 9, 2024

HSI is an abbreviation for Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Around 510 institutions currently meet the specific requirements to be designated as HSI. Holding the HSI designation qualifies higher ed institutions for receiving substantial federal funding as well as grants from other organizations. You may have seen the term “HSI” pop up during your college searches. HSI stands …

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What Is An HBCU?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

In your college explorations, you’ll hear the term “HBCU” tossed around every now and then about a school. These letters stand for “Historically Black College and/or University”. The name conveys a few facts about the associated schools. What is an HBCU? By hearing this acronym, you understand that people established these schools with the primary …

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How Are Non-Profit Colleges Different From For-Profit Colleges?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

As you explore different colleges, you will likely find that all schools are categorized as either ‘for-profit’ or ‘non-profit.” So what exactly do these terms mean and how does it affect you? How do they rank against one another, and what can you expect from them? Keep reading to discover more about nonprofit vs for …

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What Does “Overall Match” and “Academic Match” Mean on CollegeRaptor.com?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

College Raptor is a college discovery website. We can help match you to colleges you may not have considered, or show you your acceptance odds and overall match for colleges you’re already interested in. But what do we mean by match? Specifically, what does “overall match” and “academic match” mean? Academic Match When you filled …

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Should I Pick a College Far From Home or Nearby?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Some students can’t wait to get away from their hometown to explore somewhere far from home, others are a little hesitant to venture too far. This is a big conundrum that many (if not most) students face during their college search process. But a lot of factors go into picking which college you attend, and …

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What’s the Right Mix of Safety Schools vs. Reach Schools on Your College List?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 21, 2024

When building your college list, you’ll want to the right mix of “safety schools”, “match schools” and “reach schools.” But what does that mean? And how many should you have of each? What Does Safety Schools, Match Schools, and Reach Schools Mean? There are three different “types” of schools when it comes to the chance …

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How Can I Decide on Which Colleges I Should Visit?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

College visits allow you to get a first-hand look at your shortlisted institutions. You get a feel of the community and environment, enabling you to narrow down your list of preferred colleges even further. Here’s how to choose which colleges to visit if you can’t visit them all: Ideally, you visit all of them. Ideally, …

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What is the Difference Between an Accelerated Degree Vs. Dual Degree Program?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Most undergraduate students tend to go to college for four years and focus on one Bachelor’s degree. If they pursue other degrees, it is usually after graduation. However, there are other options available to students, including Accelerated Degree and Dual Degree Programs. Choosing which is right for you depends on your desired career path and …