college admissions, questions & answers

Guide to Khan Academy (And How It Can Help Your Education)

By College Raptor StaffPublished on August 22, 2023

For the classroom-loving students in the room, more school outside of school may sound super fun. And for the not-so-classroom-loving students, it may not sound so appealing. Regardless of how you initially feel, it can boost your education. Let’s rewrite the script on outside-of-the-classroom learning. This resource may just become your new best friend so …

hidden gems 2024

Hidden Gem HBCUs | 2024 Rankings

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 23, 2023

Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, are schools that have a history of providing education to African Americans and underrepresented communities in the United States. Some are more well-known than others, but we wanted to shine some light on 25 amazing “hidden gem” HBCUs.  In order to be considered for this Hidden Gems list, …

hidden gems 2024

Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southeast | 2024 Rankings

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 24, 2023

If you love warm weather and good food, the Southeast United States may be the perfect location for you to continue your studies! Already home to some of the oldest and most impressive schools in the country, these states are also home to some of the best hidden gem colleges we could find. Keep reading …

student life

Back to School Checklist for High School Students

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 26, 2024

Back to school can be an exciting time of year, even though it means the summer months are coming to an end. Regardless of how you feel about getting back into the school year, it’s important to stay on top of what you need to do each summer before the next year of high school …

questions & answers

What Happens to Financial Aid If You Drop a Class?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 26, 2025

If you drop (or withdraw from) a class, your financial aid could be affected. It depends on: The terms of the loan, grant, or scholarship. When you accepted the aid. And how the dropped class affects your academic progress or enrollment status. To know what happens to financial aid if you drop a class, it …

financial advice & planning

Your Guide to Health Insurance for College Students

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 4, 2025

Which college will you choose? How will you decorate your dorm room? Do you live with a pre-selected roommate or a friend? Should you get an apartment or live on campus? There are so many things for students to consider when preparing to go to college… including health insurance.  That’s right, setting up your own …

college search

Why Focusing on Your “Best Matched” College Is More Important Than Ever

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 8, 2025

For most people, choosing a college to attend is not an easy choice. This is because it’s essentially picking where you will be living for the next four years of your life—or sometimes longer depending on your major and education path. As simple as choosing a college may sound on paper, it tends to be …

tips tools & advice

Responsible Ways to Show Your Independence

By College Raptor StaffPublished on August 3, 2023

You finally made it. College! After twelve years of school in your hometown, you now have the opportunity to break free and discover who you are, who you want to be, and where you want to go. Now is the time for you to be selfish, adventurous, and curious about the world around you. This is …

financial advice & planning

7 Smart Ways to Use Your Graduation Money

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 6, 2025

You’ve graduated – Congratulations! Graduation day marks a major milestone in your journey toward adulthood. For the first time in your life, you’ll be truly independent and responsible for making your own decisions, personal and financial. The big question now is – what are you going to do with your college graduation money?  On graduating, …