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.
College student wearing a green graduation robe jumping.
tips tools & advice

How to Increase Your Odds of Graduating College in 4 Years

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
The stats are less than encouraging to look at. One study shows that nationally only 19% of full-time students at non-flagship schools earn their bachelor’s degrees within four years. Even at flagship and research schools, the rate isn’t much better — 36%. Yikes. While attending college for more than four years is common, it also …
Survey about the new SAT
college news & trends

Survey Says: Student Reactions to the New SAT

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
A few months ago, proctors administered the new SAT format for the first time, and there’s plenty of talk about what students thought of the changes. The College Board hosted an online survey for the first group of students that took their refreshed test. In total, the College Board asked 8,089 students several questions about …
A red barn with a small pond in front of it.
scholarships

5 Scholarships for Students in Ohio

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Ohio has a host of nicknames. The Buckeye State, the Mother of Presidents, Birthplace of Aviation, and the Heart of it All. If you’re lucky enough to call Ohio home, take a look at some of these unique scholarships. Beat the Odds Program Amount: $5,000 Deadline: Varies (Opens Fall 2020) The Children Defense Fund of …
Harry Potter: Harry Potter's interest in being an Auror, so it makes sense that he would be in a homeland security program.
college news & trends

What Harry Potter Characters Would Major In

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
With all the hype and information JK Rowling recently released about Ilvermorny–the North American equivalent of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry–we got to thinking: If Harry Potter characters went to college in America, what would they major in? Harry Potter Major: Homeland Security The titular character is no stranger to kicking bad-guy butt and protecting …
College is your journey.
tips tools & advice

Note to My College-Bound Self: This is Your Journey

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
My transition to college was, in a word, rough. Like many others, I dealt with homesickness (despite home only being two hours away), the weight of new responsibilities, and the worry of fitting in. My roommate and I were opposites. When I wasn’t in class or on the marching band practice field, I was in …
A pile of Scrabble tiles.
ACT & SAT

ACT/SAT Vocabulary Words (Beginners Guide)

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Crack open the dictionary and pick up a thesaurus, it’s time to talk about a new word–specifically many new words you should know for the ACT / SAT tests. Vocabulary has always been a large element of the ACT, but the newly redesigned SAT will feature a greater emphasis on words and definitions as well. …
celebrity commencement speaker
college news & trends

Class of 2016: 4 Celebrity Commencement Speakers

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Every year celebrities are asked to give commencement speeches at notable universities across the country. From movie stars to authors, to politicians, and directors, these celebrities impart moving wisdom to the graduating class they address. But these pieces of life advice aren’t only for their specific audience, but for the world over. Take a look …
Two students studying outside on a blanket surrounded by books.
tips tools & advice

Pros and Cons of Different Study Spaces

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
When you need to hunker down and study hard, where do you go? In college, there are a lot of options for study venues, but each one has upsides and downsides. One study space might be beneficial to one student and distracting to another. Here are some pros and cons of the various places to …

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