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.
College Raptor Rankings star badge that says "Top 25 Best Rural Colleges 2017".
college comparisons, 2017 university rankings

Top 25 Best Rural Colleges: 2017 Rankings

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Not every great college is located in the Big City. In fact, there are numerous colleges set in rural areas that are equally prestigious as their urban-dwelling counterparts. Here are College Raptor’s Top 25 Rural Colleges for 2017! 25. Asbury University Location: Wilmore, KY Student Enrollment: 1,879 College Type: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above Asbury …
Sea grant colleges focus on marine science.
questions & answers

What is a Sea Grant College?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
What is it? In 1966 Congress passed an act called the National Sea Grant College Program Act. In partnership with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the program would promote research, education, training, and projects in relation to conservation of coasts, marine areas, and Great Lakes resources. There are 33 colleges and universities taking part …
Adventure management is one of the more interesting majors offered.
college majors & minors

5 Bizarre College Majors in the U.S.

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
For every ordinary, there is extraordinary. A majority of college students might find themselves pursuing more traditional degrees. However, for some college-bound scholars traditional is not the way to go. There are a number of bizarre and unusual majors out there in the wide world of college. For example, in the UK you can major …
Sophomores can start prepping for college!
college applications

A High School Sophomore’s College Planning Guide

By Allison WignallLast updated on April 20, 2023
You may think college prep can wait another year, but current college students will tell you otherwise. Sure, college applications and the FAFSA don’t have to be turned in until your senior year, but, the early bird gets the worm and early sophomores get the jumpstart on college. Starting your college planning as a sophomore …
Keep away from these six student tuition and loan mistakes
financial aid

College Tuition and Loan Mistakes that Parents Should Avoid

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
There’s no way around it: college is expensive, more so than ever. Even though the cost of college may actually be more affordable than you think, there are still mistakes to avoid while paying college fees. Tuition, room and board, textbooks, and other cost of living expenses must be taken into consideration while making a …
Three students meeting with their academic advisor inside her office.
student life

Do’s and Don’ts: Meeting Your Academic Advisor for the First Time

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Academic advisors (sometimes called college counselors) are one of the greatest resources for college students. Libraries can help with research projects, writing centers can help with essays, academic advisors can help with your entire college career—from classes, to programs, to career prep. Here are a few tips and tricks to meeting with a college academic …
You're on your own during college, but that also means paying attention to what you buy. How do you decide if something's worth it or not?
tips tools & advice

How to Decide if a Purchase is “Worth It” in College

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Recently two freshmen girls from Ole Miss have gone viral thanks to their dorm room makeover–overhaul might be a better word. The two coordinated through email to completely redecorate the standard dorm room and turned it into something straight out of a fancy home decor magazine. The transformation elicited two reactions: 1) This is so …

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