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!
A high school student taking a college prep course on her laptop.
college applications

5 Free Online College Prep Courses

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
The thought of attending college can be tremendously exciting. However, it’s not without its challenges. College is nothing at all like high school. Taking a few college prep courses can help to make this transition smoother. Fortunately, you don’t have to pay for these. We’ve put together 5 online college prep classes that can help. …
Student taking an online test at home.
financial aid

Is There College Financial Aid For Homeschooled Students?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 24, 2023
Financial aid helps students pay for higher education. That includes students who studied at home. Homeschooling has come a long way since a few years ago in terms of college admissions as well as financial aid. Today, colleges welcome homeschool students as long as they meet the school’s eligibility criteria. As for financial aid for …
Student searching for scholarships
scholarship search & applications

What Can I Use Scholarship Money For?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
A scholarship is a free monetary award given to students who meet the funding organizations requirements. Some scholarships are awarded for academic achievements, others for athletic or extracurricular accomplishments. Still others may be awarded for students from a certain demographic or those who demonstrate financial need. But you may ask yourself: what can I use …
A student holding a red binder.
student loans

What’s The Difference Between Preapproved And Prequalified For Student Loans?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
‘Preapproved’ and ‘prequalified’ are sometimes used interchangeably when discussing student loans. That’s not right however. The only similarity between the two is that they are both parts of the student loan process. Other than that, both of these terms are completely different. What Is Prequalification? Prequalification is basically an estimate of how much you may …
The Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise.
financial aid

How To Overcome Financial Aid “Gapping”

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
To make the cost of college more affordable, many schools offer financial aid packages to accepted students. These packages are customized for each student based on the information submitted through the FAFSA. Schools usually try and cover 100% of the student’s financial need through a mix of grants, scholarships, work study and loans. However, many …
Student sitting at a desk with notebooks and a laptop studying for her SAT.
ACT & SAT

How To Get In Test Prep Practice With A Busy Schedule

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Preparing for the SAT and ACT takes time. It can take several months to be really prepared to ace these tests. Unfortunately, time in a luxury when you’re in high school. Your schedule is already packed with school work, homework, assignments, and searching for scholarships and colleges. Then of course, there’s life. It’s important to …
Student thinking about offer letters
financial aid

FAQs About College Financial Aid Offer Letters

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 23, 2024
When you receive an acceptance letter to a college, you’ll also receive a customized financial aid package. This is known as a college offer letter, though it can also be called a merit letter or financial aid award letter. Regardless of the exact name they use, all acceptance letters serve the same purpose – they …

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