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!
A variable interest rate carries certain risks but is it worth it?
student loans

Is Choosing A Variable Interest Rate Worth The Risk?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 25, 2025
Federal student loans come with a fixed rate of interest, which remains constant till your debt is cleared. Private student loans come with fixed interest rates and variable rates. At the time of taking the loan, you will have to choose from one of these two options. This is no small decision to make. Variable-rate …
student loans
questions & answers

How Often Do Student Loan Variable Rates Change?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 24, 2025
In variable rate loans, the rate of interest fluctuates and changes several times over the lifetime of the loan. This is because variable rate loans are tied to market interest rates. Variable Rates and Market Trends When market conditions are bad, lenders reduce short-term interest rates to encourage lending. When this happens, the rate of …
A nickel balancing on a table.
questions & answers

What Are Interest-Only Repayment Plans?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
In an interest-only repayment plan, borrowers pay back only the interest that accrues on their loan every month. This is unlike standard repayment plans. Monthly payments are used to cover a part of both, interest as well as principal. While there are some benefits to choosing interest-only repayment plans, there are also a few downsides …
The SAT score choice lets you pick individual scores from multiple different tests.
questions & answers

What is SAT Score Choice?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you take the SAT multiple times, you get the option of choosing which scores to send as part of your college application and which scores remain undisclosed. This is known as SAT Score Choice. Should I Submit These Scores? Students who are not happy with their SAT scores often choose to retake the test …
Find some volunteer work that interests you this summer!
college applications

2 Ways to Find Volunteer Work That Suits You This Summer

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Did you know that volunteering can be a great way to boost your college application? It helps you develop crucial transferable skills, from communication and interpersonal skills to team working and leadership skills. You will also hone your time management, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. All of these skills can add serious weight to your …
Try talking with your high school counselor about scholarships
scholarship search & applications

An Underutilized Scholarship Resource: Your High School Counselor

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 25, 2025
You’ve scoured the internet, local newspapers and community notice boards in your search for scholarships, but have you thought of getting help from your high school counselor? High school counselors have vast experience with helping students in a variety of ways, from offering advice on how to be better prepared for the upcoming exams to …
There are pros and cons of refinancing your student loans
student loans

Pros and Cons: Refinancing Your Student Loans

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 13, 2024
Refinancing your student loans involves replacing your existing loans with a new private loan. It can be a way to better manage your payments and even result in major savings. However, there are downsides to refinancing. Below, we’ve covered the basics plus give you some insight into the pros and cons of refinancing your student …
Here are some frequently asked questions about federal student loans
student loans

FAQs About Federal Student Loans

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 25, 2025
Getting started with federal student loans? You likely have a bunch of questions. So we’ve gathered some of the most common questions people have about these loans and answered them for you! 1. What are federal student loans and how do they work? Federal student loans are loans that are offered by the government to …

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