College Raptor Staff

Applying to college can be challenging, and so we at College Raptor feel it's our duty to make that process as easy, smooth, and rewarding as possible. We work hard to clarify dense material, dispel myths, uncover information, and help you learn what you need to know!
Here are some college prep activities to do over the summer so you aren't as stressed later.
college applications

How to Balance Summer College Prep Activities

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
For most students, summer means free time, friends, family, and fun. Although unwinding before entering senior year is important, it is just as important to make time for a few college prep activities to help alleviate impending senior year stress. Summer Reading Just because you aren’t enrolled in Advanced Placement doesn’t mean you can’t read …
Three students are discussing while holding their tabs on a green field - with cows in the background.
financial aid

How To Get A Work Study

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Funding your lifestyle remains one of the largest concerns for students entering college. Students turn to many forms of financial assistance. Of the many forms of federal financial aid, work study is often overlooked by students. Often, students will think the program doesn’t apply to them and not look further into it. However, just like …
Two cats sleeping on top of a red blanket.
scholarships

Scholarships for Animal Lovers

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Whether you want to work towards the welfare of amphibians or reptiles, pet cats or horses, you will find plenty of scholarship opportunities that offer financial aid for college-going animal lovers like you. Check out these interesting scholarships for animal lovers and apply to those that you qualify for. A Voice for Animals Essay Contest …
Here's how to boost your GPA this summer.
college applications

3 Ways to Boost Your GPA This Summer

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you are disappointed with your last year’s grades, it’s not too late to take steps to improve your GPA. Here are a few things you can do over the summer vacation to boost your GPA to not jeopardize your college applications. Get a Tutor for Your Weaker Subjects Whether you are struggling with chemistry …
Three stack of coins with green shoots growing behind each stack.
student loans

What You Need To Know About The Standard Repayment Plan

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you do not choose a specific repayment plan when you take a federal student loan, the Standard Repayment Plan is considered as your default choice. Details of the Standard Plan With a Standard Repayment Plan, you pay off your loans within 10 years. Under the terms of this plan, your entire loan (principal plus …
A variable interest rate carries certain risks but is it worth it?
student loans

Is Choosing A Variable Interest Rate Worth The Risk?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Federal student loans come with a fixed rate of interest, which remains constant till your debt is cleared. Private student loans come with fixed interest rates and variable rates. At the time of taking the loan, you will have to choose from one of these two options. This is no small decision to make. Variable-rate …
student loans
questions & answers

How Often Do Student Loan Variable Rates Change?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
In variable rate loans, the rate of interest fluctuates and changes several times over the lifetime of the loan. This is because variable rate loans are tied to market interest rates. Variable Rates and Market Trends When market conditions are bad, lenders reduce short-term interest rates to encourage lending. When this happens, the rate of …
A nickel balancing on a table.
questions & answers

What Are Interest-Only Repayment Plans?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
In an interest-only repayment plan, borrowers pay back only the interest that accrues on their loan every month. This is unlike standard repayment plans. Monthly payments are used to cover a part of both, interest as well as principal. While there are some benefits to choosing interest-only repayment plans, there are also a few downsides …

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