student loans

A Step By Step Guide: How to Take Out Student Loans

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Learning how to take out student loans is an important skill in the college application process. Most families in America can’t afford to pay for their kid’s college tuition using their personal finances alone. After exhausting scholarships, grants, and work-study programs, students turn to loans to pay for college. When you start looking for student loans, …

questions & answers

Should You Write About Money in Your College Essay?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

There are several stories online about students who impressed colleges with their outstanding college essays that revolved around money. However, what you don’t read about are the thousands of college essays about money that failed to serve their purpose. So don’t get blindly swayed by these news articles and success stories. Writing about money in …

questions & answers

What is Estimated Family Contribution (EFC)?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The Estimated Family Contribution or EFC is a calculated measure of your family’s financial strength. It is an index number that colleges use to determine your eligibility for different need-based financial aid programs. What EFC is NOT: Your EFC is not an indication of the amount you or your family are liable to pay towards …

questions & answers

How Is EFC Calculated Exactly?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

EFC (click here to check out more acronyms) or Estimated Family Contribution is calculated using the information that you provide on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA and CSS) application. The calculation is done according to a formula established by the U. S. Department of Education’s Federal Methodology Calculation. It takes into account the …

student loans

What Does Forbearance Mean?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Forbearance is a special type of program that gives students temporary relief from making their loan payments. This is a great alternative for students if money is tight and they cannot afford to make their scheduled loan payments. Unlike when you defer your student loans, where the outstanding payment does not accrue any interest, under forbearance …

ACT & SAT

3 Mistakes To Avoid On The SAT Math Section

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

All students, whether they are good or bad in high school math, can make the same mistakes on the SAT math section. These are some of the common mistakes that all students tend to make and how you can avoid them. Mistake #1: Not Writing Out All Of The Steps Writing out all the steps …

college search

Advice On Making Your Final College Choice

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 9, 2023

Your hard work right through your high school years has paid off and you’ve received several acceptance letters. Congratulations! Now it’s time to make that huge decision that will influence your next few years. Here is some advice when choosing a college. Receiving multiple acceptance letters can be exciting. But, if you do not have …

student loans

Are You Eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

According to the National Student Loan Data System for Students, around 25% of the American workforce may be eligible for forgiveness programs. However many people lose out of the benefits of student loan forgiveness simply because they presume they are not eligible. Take the time to learn about how student loan forgiveness works and also …

scholarship search & applications

Can Parents Apply for Scholarships for Their Child? Here’s How You Can Help.

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 20, 2023

Parents should not apply for scholarships on behalf of their child. However, you can assist them in the process by: Helping them hone their time management skills. Brainstorming essay topics together. Proofreading their applications and essays. Helping students search for scholarships. Completing FAFSA While parents can technically apply for scholarships for their children, it’s recommended …