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!
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questions & answers

Do Employers Care About Your ACT/SAT Score?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Most employers do not even think about checking out standardized test scores when hiring candidates. This is especially if the applicant has had some amount of work experience under their belt already. However when hiring applicants who have recently graduated and who do not have a lot of work experience, employers do not have any …
ACT Workkeys is a unique assessment.
ACT & SAT

What is ACT WorkKeys?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
ACT WorkKeys is a unique skill assessment system. It measures various job-related foundational and soft skills, crucial to success in the workplace. Students and job-seekers, as well as experienced professionals, can use the ACT WorkKeys test to assess their own skills and get a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. They can then use …
Student displays her painting in contest scholarships
scholarship search & applications

The Pros and Cons of Contest Scholarships

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Contest scholarships are unusual in that they are not based on a student’s GPA or their community service. Applicants are asked to submit one or more entry, such as a creative essay, art piece, short film, practical invention—the list is endless. Pros of Contest Scholarships Students can (sometimes) submit multiple entries, increasing their chances of …
Living on campus may make you homesick.
student loans

Can Student Loans Be Used For Living Expenses?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 2, 2023
The short answer is yes, you can use student loans for living expenses. Student loans aren’t meant to cover only tuition and textbooks. They are intended to make it easier for students to get the basic necessities so they can focus on their education instead of worrying about how they’re going to pay for college. …
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affordability & college cost

College Costs: What You Should Expect to Pay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 24, 2024
Tuition is the first thing most families think about when calculating college costs. And that’s totally justified considering tuition fees are the largest expense associated with college education. However, there are several other college related expenses to factor in when calculating the total cost of college. Here, we breakdown those expenses and give some tips on …
There are some myths surrounding student loan consolidation
student loans

3 Common Myths Surrounding Student Loan Consolidation

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Student loan consolidation allows you to combine multiple federal student loans into one loan so that you make only one payment every month instead of multiple payments. This option offers several benefits to borrowers. Unfortunately, the myths surrounding student loan consolidation cause a lot of confusion resulting in many students making the wrong decision, which …
student loans

What NOT To Do With Your Student Loan Money

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 28, 2023
Is it illegal to spend student loan money? Even if it isn’t illegal, should you spend your student loan money on unrelated purchases? The big question is, are you allowed to do that? When you apply for a federal student loan, the funds are disbursed directly to your school. The school’s financial office deducts what it …
A purple background with a dark green circle, with the number 529 in the center.
financial advice & planning

Pros and Cons of a 529 Savings Plan

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
529 plans are a type of tax-advantaged, custodial savings plan designed to help families nationwide cover education-related costs. They are also known as qualified tuition programs or Section 529 plans. Millions of families across America enroll in this plan for the many benefits it offers. However, as with any type of financial plan, it has …

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