College Raptor Staff

Applying to college can be challenging, and so we at College Raptor feel it's our duty to make that process as easy, smooth, and rewarding as possible. We work hard to clarify dense material, dispel myths, uncover information, and help you learn what you need to know!
US map - you can make out of state tuition more affordable
affordability & college cost

8 Ways to Make Out-of-State College Affordable

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 1, 2024
Key Takeaways: Although in-state students typically pay less than out-of-state students, there are ways to reduce the higher tuition costs. Start by completing your FAFSA and look into financial aid options like scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. Establishing residency or attending a school in an academic common market can help cover school expenses. How To …
Textbooks on a desk with an iPad laying on an open textbook.
college applications

Pros And Cons Of Taking AP Tests

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Advanced Placement or AP classes offer ambitious high school students a great way to boost their college applications. Over 60% of high schools in the US offer a list of AP classes. If your high school doesn’t, you could still boost your college application by signing up for the most challenging courses that your high …
Oregon State University campus - do high college acceptance rates equate the the quality of the school?
myths

Myth: Colleges with High Acceptance Rates Aren’t as Good

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 28, 2025
Many equate the acceptance rate to the quality of the school. As a result, they believe a school with a low acceptance rate is “good,” while one with a higher acceptance rate is “bad.”  While college acceptance rates can help you understand how competitive a college is, it doesn’t always correlate to the quality of …
Thank you banner - it's important to send a scholarship thank you letter
scholarship search & applications

Why You Should Write Scholarship Thank You Letters

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Scholarships play a key role in helping students reduce their overall debt while working towards achieving their academic goals. Students understand the importance of scholarships and work hard looking for and applying to opportunities to win some free money. Unfortunately, many award recipients fail to write a scholarship thank you letter to their benefactor. With …
Student on campus - choosing early action vs early decision makes a big difference
questions & answers

What Are the Advantages of Applying EA or ED?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Some of your classmates are choosing early application and others are considering early decision, but you are not sure whether either one is right for you. That’s not surprising. Many students are not sure how they may benefit by applying EA or ED and whether they should choose either of these routes. Understanding early action …
Ripped red paper - always be aware of student loan scams and red flags
student loans

Student Loan Scams: 4 Red Flags

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 18, 2024
With student loan debt soaring into the trillions, an unsolicited e-mail or phone call from a company claiming that they can help forgive and eliminate your student loan debt may seem like a dream come true. But beware—this dream is more likely to turn into a nightmare. Student loan scams are more rampant than you may …
Coin jar - it's important to learn how to get scholarships. Even small awards add up.
scholarship search & applications

How Small Scholarships Can Add Up

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Applying for scholarships can be a time-consuming task. You have to first search for opportunities that you qualify for and then put together a customized application that meets all the specifications. When you consider the time and trouble that it takes to put it all together, you may wonder whether it is worth it at …

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