Allison Wignall

Allison is the Editor & Content Manager of College Raptor. In addition to writing and editing posts, she also works on marketing and special projects. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in English: Creative Writing.
Here's how to narrow down your college major options.
college majors & minors

Narrowing Down Your College Major Options

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Picking a college major isn’t always easy, and nobody should refer to eenie-meenie-minie-moe to choose. If you have a couple of options on the table, here’s how to narrow down your college major options. Start with a Career and Work Backwards Sometimes you may have two or three different passions you’re interested in pursuing. (Personally, …
A bunch of hanging dolls in doll exhibit main library.
scholarships

Scholarships for Students Who Love to Collect Things

By Allison WignallLast updated on February 27, 2025
Got a cool collection you love to brag about? Well, that passion can actually win you scholarship awards! Here are a few great opportunities for gift aid based on your love of collecting! ANA College Scholarship Amount: $1,000 Deadline: March  Let’s start off with a classic collection item: coins! These metallic forms of currency are …
A chocolate cupcake with a raspberry on top.
scholarships

Scholarships for Students with a Sweet Tooth

By Allison WignallLast updated on February 26, 2025
Got a taste for sugary goodness? We all have our indulgences and guilty pleasures (I’m a sucker for chocolate peanut butter cups, myself). However, in this case, it may not be a “too much of a good thing” situation. In fact, your sweet tooth might lead you to some tasty scholarship opportunities. John Kitt Memorial …
Image of a smiling black woman standing in the hallway.
student loans

How to Be a Responsible Student Loan Borrower

By Allison WignallLast updated on February 25, 2025
There are plenty of mistakes you’ll want to avoid when it comes to student loans. It’s far better to prevent trouble than to dig your way out, after all. Here’s how to be responsible with your student loans from the get go. Do Your Research Instead of applying to any student loan you’re eligible for, …
Here's everything you need to know about a student loan graduated repayment plan.
student loans

Things to Know About the Student Loan Graduated Repayment Plan

By Allison WignallLast updated on March 25, 2025
When you select a student loan, you also select a repayment plan. There are various repayment plans for students to choose from, so they can have the best option for their personal situation. One of the federal student loan repayment options is a graduated plan. What is a Graduated Repayment Plan? A graduated repayment plan …
A student writing in a small notepad with a laptop next to them.
questions & answers

What the NMSQT is and Why is it so Important?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
The NMSQT refers to the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and it’s what you need to take to be in the running for the National Merit Scholarship. But there’s a bit more you should know. High school is a busy time, and it’s also the time to start thinking about college. As you’re preparing for …
A young female student smiling while holding a $2500 College Raptor Scholarship certificate.
scholarships

Chatting With Scholarship Winner Phuongthao Hoang!

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
I got the chance to speak with Phuongthao Hoang—winner of the first-ever $2,500 College Raptor scholarship—about her personal college prep journey! She hopes by sharing her story, she will help other students going through the college search and prep process. Here’s what she had to say: Tell us a little about yourself! My name is …
Are high school internships worth doing the summer before college?
careers & internships

Should Seniors Do An Internship The Summer Before Their Freshman Year Of College?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Are high school internships worth doing the summer before college? People are pretty evenly divided on this question. Some argue there are other things the soon-to-be-freshman should be focusing on, others say it’ll be a great experience before the busyness of college. Internships aren’t just for college students. Here are some of the pros and cons …

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