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.
Should high schools require students to take a financial aid and literacy class
questions & answers

Should High Schools Require a Financial Aid & Literacy Class?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
When students bring up college, one of the very first conversation topics typically revolves around the cost. From tuition, to student loan debt, to scholarships, and more. But there seems to be one thing missing from a lot of those conversations—the availability of financial aid. Thus, should high schools require a financial aid and literacy …
A word "researched" is encircled in a textbook.
scholarship search & applications

Why You Should Research Scholarship Donors

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
The scholarship hunt and application process is already lengthy enough, why would you bother tossing in additional research about the person / organization / group funding the scholarship itself? What are the benefits? You may be surprised to discover that there are many. Essay Booster If the scholarship requires an essay, knowing just who the …
Colorful envelope icons swirling around.
questions & answers

Why Are My Offer Letters So Different from One Another?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Comparing your offer letters from different schools you’ve been accepted into is one of many factors that can help you make your final college choice and where you’ll attend. You can weigh how much aid each school is willing to give against other perks or drawbacks in order to narrow down the list. But sometimes …
Don't forget about local scholarships!
scholarship search & applications

Don’t Overlook Local Scholarship Opportunities!

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
When it comes to scholarships, it can be very tempting to set your sights on big national opportunities with large payouts. As such, smaller, local scholarships can sometimes get overlooked. But small things can pack a big punch, and that is very true of local scholarships. Local scholarship opportunities: Companies, organizations, groups, and individuals in …
Eyeglass is on the top of white papers.
questions & answers

How Are Scholarship Winners Determined?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
You put a lot of time and effort into crafting a scholarship application. You likely create and submit dozens in order to help fund your college education. But have you ever wondered what it’s like to be on the other end of a scholarship application? What do scholarship sponsors go through to pick a winner? …
scholarships for college
questions & answers

Should I Focus on One Scholarship Category or Several?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Once you’ve found something that works, it can be hard doing it any other way. So when a student finds their talent, skill, or unique factor that can be used in their scholarship search, they might only search for those relevant opportunities. For example, if a student is on their school’s student council, they may …
Spring break is a time to relax and visit college campuses
college search

College Visits: Spring Break Edition

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Spring break is a wonderful time to, well, take a break from the stresses of school. While you certainly owe it to yourself to take some relaxation time, it’s also a prime time to visit colleges. You’ve got the time, so use it! While you’re on break, you don’t have classes to get in the …

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