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!
scholarship search & applications

10 qualities that scholarship winners have

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 10, 2025
Key takeaways Scholarship winners share consistent traits. They research the scholarship thoroughly, stay organized, communicate well, and present their strengths and weaknesses with confidence. Strong scholarship applications won’t have cookie-cutter answers. Instead, they have clear, authentic stories that show who you are, what you value, and why you’re worth investing in. You may not win …
Establish these good college habits to start your freshman year right.
student life

5 Habits to Start Your Freshman Year of College Off Right

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Nothing is quite as exciting or rewarding than beginning your freshman year of college. As a freshman you may be looking forward to making new friends, being a member of exciting clubs, and soaking in a completely new social environment, you shouldn’t neglect the reason you’re really there—to learn and to acquire skills you will …
A student in the library starring at her black mac laptop.
scholarship search & applications

Scholarship Tip: Get to Know the Sponsor

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Scholarships are a large part of the college search; students often choose colleges that offer them large amounts of scholarship money. Sometimes, scholarships amounts are large enough to fund a student’s entire tuition.  You are sure to have come across many tips and tricks for winning scholarships, but  students tend to overlook one of the …
Students are writing on their desks.
ACT & SAT

SAT Pro Tip: Watch Out for “Absolute” Language

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
The SAT is definitely a test where it pays to focus your attention on language. Whether it’s the word choice, phrasing, structure, or vocabulary of the questions being asked, you should definitely pay attention. The Language of Absolutes Examples of absolute language include words such as ‘all, none, must, except, every, not, always, just, only, …
Columbia University Library with people on the foreground.
college admissions

How to Get into Ivy League Schools

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
It is no easy feat to be accepted to the Ivy League and top-tier universities throughout the U.S. The Ivy League acceptance rates are very low compared to other schools. Just because it isn’t easy doesn’t mean it’s not possible! So, how to get into ivy league schools? Well, thousands of students get accepted into …
The Big Question Mark Sculpture at Ipswich Campus.
financial aid

FAQ About Estimated Family Contribution (EFC)

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
When you are filling out your FAFSA, there are some factors that help calculate your personal EFC. Every student’s EFC is different. There is no “magic number” that will guarantee whether you will receive aid or not, but your EFC is a huge contributing factor! Listed below are some frequently asked questions regarding the EFC, …

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