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.
Avoid losing your scholarship with these tips
scholarship search & applications

How to Avoid Losing Your Scholarship!

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you have a scholarship or multiple scholarships, first off: congratulations! Second: did you know you could lose it? Yikes. It’s an unfortunate reality that scholarships are pretty conditional. After all, there were requirements for you to be eligible for the scholarship, so it makes sense that there are also requirements for you to be …
Millions of students take the ACT and SAT annually! Here are the national average sat score 2016 and act score 2016
ACT & SAT

National Average Scores for the ACT and SAT (2016 Data)

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Ever wonder where you fell on the spectrum of other ACT/SAT test-takers? In the 2016 cycle, nearly 2.1 million students in the US took the ACT test, while about 1.7 million took the SAT. That’s a lot of tests! Take a look at the national average SAT and ACT scores in 2016 (and their sub-tests) …
Raising hand peace sign against the trees.
careers & internships

Pros and Cons of a Dual Degree Program

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Also known as a Combined Degree Program, this college path allows you to study for two different degrees simultaneously. That’s right, if you want to earn your associate’s and bachelor’s, or bachelor’s and master’s, or two master’s degrees at the same time, there’s likely a program out there for you. While it may sound enticing, …
money brief case to pay your student loans for college
student loans

How Much Should I Borrow in Student Loans for College?

By Allison WignallLast updated on March 24, 2025
Did a little chill slither down your spine when you read “student loans”? It can be an intimidating topic to many college-bound students and their families. There are a lot of questions and concerns (especially for first gen or firstborn students). One of the big questions is: just how much money should I take out …
Here are some frequently asked questions about federal student loans
student loans

What Information is Needed to Apply for a Student Loan?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
There are a lot of famous sayings and phrases about preparation. “Fortune favors the prepared” and “Failing to plan is planning to fail” chief among them. So, it always pays to be prepared. If you’re planning on taking out a student loan, be sure to do plenty of research, and go in with these bits …
Should you send additional materials?
questions & answers

Should I Send Extra Materials with My College Application?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
After you’ve provided an application with all of the requested materials—high school transcript, ACT/SAT scores, honors, and awards, etc.—you might find a little section that says “Additional Materials”. If the option is there, it must mean you should send something, right? Should you send additional materials? Not necessarily. If possible, it’s best to show your …

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