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!
You're at your dorm room and ready to move in!
tips tools & advice

Complete College Packing Guide with Printable Checklist

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 9, 2025
Key Takeaway: Moving into college as a freshman is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming when it comes to figuring out what you need to bring. We’ve put together a complete college packing list that you can print with everything you’ll need, including: Clothing Toiletries and Hygiene Dorm Room Bedding Dorm Room Organization Cleaning …
Young boy in grad cap and gown - many families wonder about the best 529 plans
college news & trends

What’s the Earliest Someone Has Graduated from College? Meet the 11 Youngest College Graduates

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 12, 2025
Key Takeaways The youngest ever college graduate is Michael Kearney. Other young college graduates include Moshe Kai Cavalin, Laurent Simons, Clovis Hung, Sho Yano, Gregory Robert Smith, Erik Demaine, Alia Sabur, Carson Huey-You, Eugenie Carys de Silva, and Kathleen Holtz. From earning college degrees before age 13 to completing a Ph.D and working at NASA …
A Federal work study program is a way for students, like the ones pictured, to get more aid by working for the college.
questions & answers

What is a Federal Work Study Program?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 5, 2025
Work Study is a program offered by the federal government that allows students to earn money to cover their college expenses. You have to complete the FAFSA to be eligible. Priority is given to students who demonstrate financial need although all students can apply. If you’re accepted into the program, it’s your responsibility to find …
A student writing a paper. There are do's and don'ts of writing a paper
tips tools & advice

5 Do’s and Don’ts: Writing an Essay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 25, 2024
Do you think of yourself as a writer? There are many different essay writing methods but they all provide the same outcome—a finalized essay! It doesn’t matter how you get the essay written, it matters that you produce a resourced-packed, well-written paper. Regardless, you should keep a few things in mind when figuring out your writing …
A pile of Scrabble tiles.
ACT & SAT

100 Must-Know ACT and SAT Vocabulary Words

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 12, 2025
Key Takeaways: When taking the ACT or SAT, you’ll come across a variety of vocabulary questions that require you to use context clues to answer them—but knowing the words beforehand gives you a major advantage. Building your vocabulary and practicing definitions can help increase your confidence and knowledge on test day. From A-Z, we’ve compiled …
A college student stretching their leg while leaning against a railing.
financial advice & planning

25 Ways to Stretch Your Budget

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 6, 2023
Budgets serve a great purpose to keep your spending to a minimum and save you money for your future. Are you struggling to stick to your budget? Or finding it difficult not to purchase the things you want? Well, we have 25 helpful tips on how to stretch your budget as a college student that …
Two students studying outside on a blanket surrounded by books.
tips tools & advice

The Best Places To Study in College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 17, 2025
Key Takeaways The best study places are the library, coffee shops, study rooms, empty classrooms, at home, your dorm, outside, common spaces, bookstores, and going abroad. When looking for a study space that works for you, you should consider the noise level, atmosphere, location, and comfort level. Wherever you study, you should remember to put …
Military personnel saluting.
scholarships

10 Scholarships for Students in the Military

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 28, 2023
Military scholarships aim to show appreciation and give back to the brave men and women who fight for the country. Several military-dependent scholarships extend financial aid to the spouses and children of service men and women. Most military scholarships require supporting documentation to show that the applicant meets the strict eligibility requirements. Several organizations offer …

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