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.
Like this flexible pencil, there's also such thing as test-flexible and test-required
questions & answers

What Does Test-Flexible and Test-Required Mean?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Though the names themselves might be somewhat self-explanatory, many are surprised to hear that some colleges don’t actually require incoming students to submit ACT / SAT scores. Yes, you read that correctly. With all the emphasis put on ACT / SAT prep, test day, and results, it might seem strange that some colleges don’t actually …
Reassure your stressed-out student.
tips tools & advice

Parents: Here’s How to Reassure Your Stressed-Out College Student

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Going to college is a big transition, no doubt about it. And even eager students who were excited to venture away from home to go to a college—sometimes states away—can find themselves feeling overwhelmed and stressed as the semester gets rolling. With the sudden influx of responsibilities—anything from managing their own schedule to doing laundry—and …
Stay healthy in college so you don't miss any valuable days
tips tools & advice

Tips on How to Stay Healthy During College

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Some of these may seem obvious, but it’s better to stay healthy and keep these tips in mind rather than get sick and miss valuable days. Fall is right around the corner, which means cold and flu season is coming with it. Whether you’re at a large university or a smaller college, you’ll be interacting …
A crossing light showing a green man walking.
questions & answers

What Exactly is College Readiness?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
“College readiness” might just sound like a phrase thrown around during the college search and application process. On the surface, it seems like a generic “are you ready for college?” sort of question, but in truth it’s much more specific than that. College readiness refers to the set of skills, knowledge, and behaviors a high …
College Raptor Rankings star badge that says "Top 25 Best Private Colleges 2017".
college comparisons, 2017 university rankings

Top 25 Best Private Colleges: 2017 Rankings

By Allison WignallLast updated on June 21, 2024
Unlike public colleges—which are funded by local and state governments—private colleges and universities are funded by private sources—like tuition and fees. Many assume that private colleges are too expensive; however, students who attend private colleges rarely pay the entirety of the “sticker price”, instead, they have significant financial aid pay for a good portion of …
College Raptor Rankings star badge that says "Top 25 Best Large Colleges 2017".
college comparisons, 2017 university rankings

Top 25 Best Large Colleges: 2017 Rankings

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
These colleges are large and in charge. Definitions of “large” colleges might change depending on who you ask, but for the purposes of this list, we’re considering any school that has 10,000 or more undergraduate students. (Note: “student enrollment” within these summaries includes both undergraduate and graduate students). Check out College Raptor’s list for the …
College Raptor Rankings star badge that says "Top 25 Best Small Colleges 2017".
college comparisons, 2017 university rankings

Top 25 Best Small Colleges: 2017 Rankings

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
These schools are the very definition of small but mighty. Though small in size, each of these colleges and universities packs a big punch when it comes to academics and other factors. For the purposes of this list, we’ve defined “small” as having fewer than 2,000 undergraduate students. (Note: The information ‘Student Enrollment’ featured in …
College Raptor Rankings star badge that says "Top 25 Best Colleges in the Southwest 2017".
college comparisons, 2017 university rankings

Top 25 Best Colleges in the Southwest: 2017 Rankings

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
The Southwest region of the United States is full of rich history, fascinating landscapes, and plenty of notable colleges and universities. We analyzed hundreds of colleges in the region based on various measures, including campus diversity, student outcomes, selectivity, and more. (Note: For the purposes of these rankings, we included states west of Louisiana, including Texas.) 25. …

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