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!
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student loans

First-Time Student Loan Borrower Mistakes To Avoid

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 6, 2025
While some mistakes can simply be brushed off as a part of the learning process, mistakes that you make when borrowing money can turn out to be very expensive. Far better to spend some time learning about the do’s and don’ts for the first-time student loan borrower BEFORE taking any loan instead than paying for …
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myths

10 Common Scholarship Myths

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 14, 2023
Believing one or more of the many prevailing scholarship myths can stop you from applying for free money that you can use to pay for college. Scholarships are the most well-known form of financial aid, and for good reason: scholarships and grants make up about 57% of all aid awarded each year. But just because they’re well-known …
student loan programs
questions & answers

What is a Master Promissory Note?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 6, 2025
When you take out any loan, the lender will ask you to sign a promissory note stating that you agree to the terms and conditions of the loan, and that you promise to repay the loan with interest within the agreed time. This is no casual note. A promissory note is a legally binding contract …
Your SAT and ACT scores matter for scholarships
ACT & SAT

Why ACT/SAT Scores Matter for College Scholarships

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Students find scholarships awarded for all sorts of reasons, from being a Hispanic student interested in Engineering to being fluent in Klingon. These diverse scholarships have equally diverse requirements for eligibility. Scholarships typically ask for certain SAT and ACT scores. Academic Scholarships A large number of private organizations and colleges go out of their way …
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scholarships

5 Scholarships for Political Science and Government Majors

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 27, 2025
Political science students graduate with a diverse skillset that makes them eligible to pursue challenging careers not just in politics but also in government, law, advocacy, nonprofit, education, journalism and research among others. Besides financial aid and grants, winning a scholarship or two is also a great way to get some much-needed free money towards …
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student loans

How To Understand Your Student Loan Disbursements

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 6, 2025
Student loan disbursement refers to the manner in which you will receive the money that you’ve borrowed. There is no standard procedure for disbursing student loans. The loan disbursement method varies considerably from one college to another and also on the type of student aid that you receive. How Student Loans are Distributed In most …
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questions & answers

Common Questions About Work Study Programs

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 3, 2025
Work study programs are need-based student aid programs that allow students with financial need to earn an income through part-time employment while they are still in college. The work study program is funded by the federal government. The aim of the program is to give needy students the opportunity to earn money that can be …
Here's what to do the week before the SAT or ACT.
ACT & SAT

ACT/SAT Week Before Test Prep Schedule

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 22, 2025
You’re a week away from your ACT/SAT test and the countdown has begun. While you should have started your prep weeks ago for this exam, the next seven days are important, too. If you haven’t started studying, there’s still time to fit some practice in. Below, we’ve shared two schedules that help you prep for …

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