Allison Wignall

Allison is the Editor & Content Manager of College Raptor. In addition to writing and editing posts, she also works on marketing and special projects. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in English: Creative Writing.
Two arrows diverging on a blue background.
ACT & SAT

Should I Take the ACT or the SAT?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
As you well know, there are two major college entrance exams—the ACT and the SAT. Some students take one over the other based on where they live (certain areas of America seem to have a different preference), and others simply take both. But if you’re asking yourself the question: which should I take? Ask yourself …
Here's how you can nail a college interview
college admissions

How to Nail a College Interview

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
There are many elements to impressing a college during the application process—your GPA, ACT/SAT scores, essays, extracurricular activities, honors, the application itself. But there’s another way you can boost your chances—nail a college interview. If you’re very interested in a specific college, you can meet with an admissions officer during your visit and have a …
A student receives an acceptance letter after going through the college application process
college applications

How to Apply to Colleges: A Complete Guide

By Allison WignallLast updated on April 7, 2023
Applying to colleges can feel overwhelming, especially while you’re dealing with your senior year of high school! Thankfully, there is a clear series of steps you can take and follow to ensure you’re getting everything done ahead of deadlines. Here are 11 steps you can follow in order to apply to your colleges from identifying …
Student loan debt in America is now around $1.3 trillion.
questions & answers

America’s Student Loan Debt is $1.3 Trillion: How Much is That Exactly? (INFOGRAPHIC)

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Many college-bound students turn to student loans as a way to pay for college, and while loans can certainly be helpful in that respect, they must first be understood. In 2016 the average college student graduated with about $37,000 in student loan debt. Collectively, Americans have about $1.26 trillion in student loan debt, across several …
A student writing down on a notebook.
tips tools & advice

The Different Learning Styles: Which Student Are You?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Remember in elementary school the different learning styles? To learn shapes, you’d be given a bunch of different wooden shapes to play with and you’d put them together to make other shapes. Or you’d sing a silly song to learn the 50 states. When getting ready for spelling tests, maybe your teacher would repeat the …
How do you increase your class rank?
questions & answers

How Can I Improve My Class Rank?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Class rank is one of the many elements of a college application. Along with GPA, ACT / SAT test scores, extracurricular activities, achievements, and others, class rank helps paint a picture of you as a student. Admissions officers want as much information as they can about a student so they can make the most informed …

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