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!
Is grad school worth it?
college admissions

Reasons to Consider Attending Grad School

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Every undergrad student faces this dilemma after they graduate—should they start job hunting right away so they can start earning and pay off their debt, or should they go to grad school? There’s an ongoing debate: going to grad school means taking on more debt, but advanced degrees will help you earn substantially more money than …
financial advice & planning

What is the Coverdell ESA College Savings Plan?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 24, 2025
The Coverdell ESA Plan is an excellent option for family members who are looking for ways to save for a child’s college education. It works as a long-term investment, where you put some money away every year towards your designated beneficiary’s education. Benefits of the Coverdell ESA Plan The Coverdell ESA (Education Savings Account) Plan …
A surfer riding a wave.
scholarships

Scholarships For Surfers

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 27, 2025
Did you know that all those hours you spent having fun riding those awesome waves could actually earn you some money towards college? If you are a surfing enthusiast, this is great news for you. After all, what could be better than getting paid to have fun? All of the surf scholarships listed below are …
You're less likely to get denied student loan with cosigner
student loans

What To Do If You’re Denied For Student Loans

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 26, 2025
Getting denied for student loans can be disappointing, but it doesn’t have to stop you from affording your college education. In fact, there are multiple ways you can work around being denied a student loan and still cover your college costs! Find a Cosigner Before you get started, the first thing you should do is …
College orientation can be fun and informative
student life

FAQs About College Orientation

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
College orientation is essentially your introduction to college life. At your college orientation you will get to meet other students, familiarize yourself with the campus, and ease the transition from the high school to college. What happens at college orientation? Every college may structure orientation differently but essentially the day is organized in a way …
You'll learn valuable internship skills and lessons.
careers & internships

10 valuable lessons you learn from an internship

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 13, 2026
Key takeaways Internships offer real-world experience you can’t get in a classroom. You can build communication, problem-solving, and time management skills. Internships can help you explore careers before committing long-term. Mentors and networking from internships could open doors for future opportunities. Experience gained can boost your confidence and look great on resume. An internship is …
A pink piggy bank on a pink background.
student loans

How To Get A Private Student Loan

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 6, 2025
Though private student loans are considered a last resort, since they are more expensive than federal student loans, it is good to know you have this option if your financial aid package not enough to cover all your college expenses. Here’s how to get a private student loan: Start By Doing Exhaustive Research On Private …
student loans

Qualifying For Student Loan Refinancing

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Many people turn to student loan refinancing to lower their loan interest rates. However, student borrowers do not get automatically approved for refinancing. Student loan refinancing is only offered by private lenders and they require borrowers to meet certain requirements in order to qualify for refi. Although lenders vary in their specific criteria for approving …
The GRE is an example of a graduate school exam.
college admissions

A guide to grad school exams: GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, and more

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 26, 2026
Key takeaways:   The four most common grad school exams are the GRE, GMAT, MCAT, and LSAT.  Some fields require specialized exams like the DAT for dental school or the OAT for optometry.  International students applying to U.S. grad programs typically need to submit proof of English proficiency.  Not all grad schools require entrance exams since some programs have shifted to test-optional or holistic admissions.  Starting your test prep …

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