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.
Sammy the Banana Slug is one of the weirdest college mascots.
student life

7 of the Weirdest College Mascots

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
On campus, mascots are legends. They serve as the icon for school athletics, symbols of the community, and a rallying figure for all students. Enthusiastic and filled with energy, mascots hype up any crowd and gets everyone involved in the excitement. Most college mascots aim to intimidate the other team as much as to stoke …
An empty classroom with desks, chairs and white board.
myths

Myth: My College Preparation Starts Senior Year of High School

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Nope. The college preparation process starts the moment you enter high school as a freshman. From that point on, each grade and test score really matter, as do the specific classes you take and extracurriculars you participate in. Start Planning Early This isn’t said to overwhelm you, but rather prepare you so you can make informed …
A red barn on grassy farmland with hills covered in trees behind it.
scholarships

4 Scholarships for Students in New Hampshire

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Despite the many scholarships available to students, it can be hard to find the perfect scholarship for you. Sometimes the scholarships that seem perfect have that one requirement that you can’t meet. Other times, the perfect scholarship has so many requirements that students get discouraged. However, College Raptor’s many articles attempt to assist students in …
Writing college admission essays can be tricky
college applications

Do’s and Don’ts: Writing College Admission Essays

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
In the midst of worrying about GPAs, test scores, academic rigor, and completing requirements, it might be easy to gloss over another important element of the college application process: the admission essays. For some the essay is a welcome relief from all the data crunching, for others, it is dreaded. As part of our ongoing …
No matter what your high school job is, like a barista, you're learning skills that can help you in college
tips tools & advice

How Your High School Job Will Prepare You for College

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Whether it’s retail, babysitting, life-guarding, flipping burgers, or anything along those lines, your high school jobs are teaching you valuable lessons. It may not feel especially worth it at the time–what with nagging bosses and annoying customers–but you are getting the benefits of life-lessons and experiences (and a paycheck, too). Your part-time job will prepare …
Red and white signs with a black question mark in the middle.
college admissions

Interview with College Admissions: Questions They May Ask You

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
When visiting a college you’re interested in, it’s a good idea to schedule an interview with a college admissions officer. While it’s not mandatory, this option is highly recommended. Don’t let this intimidate you though. We’ve compiled a list of common college interview questions that an admissions officer might ask, and answers so you know what …
Your college application essay doesn't have to be super serious
myths

Myth: My College Application Essay Has to Be Super Serious

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
The college search is pretty serious, working hard to earn good grades is serious, getting accepted (or rejected) by colleges is serious, so it would make sense that people would think that the application essays would have be serious too, right? Your essay doesn’t have to be super serious. Not entirely true. While you should definitely …
A part-time job, such as being a lifeguard, is a good way to spend your summer, and one of many summer activities
college admissions

Summer Activities that Will Impress Admissions Officers!

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Ah, summer. The time of late sunsets, BBQs, fireflies, and college prep. That’s right, summer is the perfect time to prepare for college and increase your odds of admission to boot. If that last sentence made you groan, never fret, because there are some great summer activities you can do (sometimes with friends!) to impress …

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