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.
A student and an administrator conducting a college interview while sitting at a desk.
college admissions

Questions YOU Should Ask in a College Interview

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Typically, when it comes to a college interview you’re the one answering the questions instead of asking them. However, when the interview draws to a close most interviewers will ask the student, “Do you have any questions for me?” Your answer should always be YES! What Should You Expect in a College Interview? Not all …
scholarship search & applications

Questions To Ask Your Scholarship Provider

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Don’t know something? Ask! It’s always important to seek clarification to confirm or clear up confusion. This rings especially true when dealing with financial aid and your future college education. So if you have questions surrounding a scholarship, best ask the provider themselves! Here are a few things you should definitely clarify: How much is …
Bookshelves filled with books.
ACT & SAT

What are SAT Subject Tests?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
The standard SAT format includes sections on Reading, Math, Writing & Language, and an optional essay. But did you know there are additional, optional tests you could take? In fact, there are twenty! What are the SAT Subject Tests? The SAT Subject Tests focus on specific subjects and are an opportunity for a student to …
Are scholarships taxable income?
questions & answers

Are Scholarships Considered Taxable Income?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Money always seems to be fraught with complications. Who wants to worry about taxes while figuring out financial aid and how to pay for your college education. Hopefully, this article will help clarify and simplify some questions you may have. So, are scholarships taxable income? It depends on what you use their funds for. Tuition …
A dark green background with text overlayed that says "this or and that" with "or" crossed out.
questions & answers

Can a Student Receive Both Merit-Based and Need-Based Aid?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
While you’re applying to financial aid, you may come across need-based and merit-based aid. What do those two terms mean though? Need-based aid is awarded on the basis of financial need. Students can (and should) file the FAFSA to discover need-based award opportunities. Those come in the forms of scholarships, grants, work studies, and loans. …
A visual of Google Translate, translating from English to Japanese.
questions & answers

Can I Take the ACT or SAT in Another Language?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Students who have learned English as a second language might find the ACT and SAT tests to be intimidating since they rely pretty heavily on written English—particularly when it comes to the Reading, Writing, and Verbal sections. So is there a way an ESL or bilingual student could take the test in a language besides …
College Raptor wants you to know what "overall match" and "academic match" mean
questions & answers

What Does “Overall Match” and “Academic Match” Mean on CollegeRaptor.com?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
College Raptor is a college discovery website. We can help match you to colleges you may not have considered, or show you your acceptance odds and overall match for colleges you’re already interested in. But what do we mean by match? Specifically, what does “overall match” and “academic match” mean? Academic Match When you filled …
Do you choose a college far from home or one nearby?
questions & answers

Should I Pick a College Far From Home or Nearby?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Some students can’t wait to get away from their hometown to explore somewhere far from home, others are a little hesitant to venture too far. This is a big conundrum that many (if not most) students face during their college search process. But a lot of factors go into picking which college you attend, and …

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