questions & answers

How Can Financial Aid Night Help You? Frequently Asked Questions

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 28, 2025

In the fall, many schools across the United States hold a “Financial Aid Night,” designed to help students and their parents better understand and navigate the complex financial aid process. With college costing tens of thousands each year, knowing what money is available to you, how it can help you pay for your degree, and …

myths

Myth: Fixed Student Loan Interest Rates Are Always Better Than Variable

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 24, 2025

As with anything related to student loans, there is no one option that is best for everyone. The best way to decide whether a fixed student loan interest rates or variable student loan interest rates is a better option for you is by weighing the pros and cons of each. Pros & Cons Of Fixed …

college applications

People Who Can Review Your College Application

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Getting someone to review your college application is always a good idea. A fresh pair of eyes is more likely to spot a typo, some awkward sentence, or a wrong detail that you may have overlooked. Of course, asking the right person is important. When looking for someone to review your college application, these are …

ACT & SAT

Alternatives To The ACT And SAT: Other Great Ways to Boost Admissions Chances

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 5, 2025

Key Takeaways While the ACT and SAT are well-known college entrance exams, over 80% of schools no longer require them for application. Schools that don’t require these exams are categorized as test-optional. Even with many schools going test-optional, some students may choose to take alternative exams like the CLT, AP tests, or GED for various …

financial aid

College Prep Financial Aid Checklist for Juniors and Seniors

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Are you a freshman who just started high school? Or a senior staring down the barrel of your impending graduation? Organizational checklists and being prepared are keys to success. We’ve compiled a college financial aid checklist with handy tips to help you keep track of important financial aid information so you do not miss out …

scholarship search & applications

3 Things To Know Before Accepting A College Scholarship

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Winning a scholarship award may seem like the solution to all your college funding problems. It is free money after all. How could anything be better than that? Sure you have to work hard to beat the competition to win the scholarship, but considering you do not have to pay it back, it’s worth it, …

financial aid

Why The FAFSA Should Be Your #1 Priority in Paying for College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Every year, thousands of prospective college students lose out on federal student aid that they are eligible for, simply because they did not complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. Even though the FAFSA should be your priority, it may not be. There’s one primary reason students do not complete the FAFSA. …

student life

28 Must Have Items for Your Freshman Dorm Room

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 20, 2026

Key Takeaway Packing for college? We’ve made your college dorm checklist complete with everything you’ll need and want. Here are 28 must-have items for your freshman dorm room: Sheets Pillows Mattress Topper Blankets Towels Wall Art Lights Rugs Picture Frames Storage Portable Drawers Calendars & Planners Whiteboard Desk Organizers Laundry Hamper Lamp Power Strip Fan …

college comparisons

Pros and Cons of Public vs. Private Colleges

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

There’s plenty of myths and commonly held beliefs about public schools vs. private ones. But what are the concrete differences? What’s a misconception? Is there a difference between a state-funded school and a privately-funded one? Is one better than the other? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each so you can better …