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!
Prepare for your IB or AP exams!
college admissions

How To Prep For AP And IB Exams in High School

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
While good grades are not the only criteria used to assess your application, they do play a major role in the overall admission process. One fantastic way to boost your app is by taking academically rigorous classes—like AP or IB courses. But with academic rigor comes challenge, and AP / IB exams are harder than …
early decision
ACT & SAT

What You Should Do Now That You Have Your ACT/SAT Score

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
After weeks of waiting, that long-awaited day has finally come, you’ve got your ACT/SAT results and you know how you have fared. Now it’s time to make crucial decisions. To Retake, or Not to Retake? That is the Question… The first decision you will have to make is whether you need to retake the test. …
small colleges
college search

Pros & Cons Of Small Colleges

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
When creating their shortlist of colleges, most students take into consideration the school’s academic program, the non-academic program they are interested in, and the school’s location. Another important factor is the size of the college. The size of the college can make a considerable difference to your overall college experience. It is an important factor …
Side view of student looking through the microscope.
financial aid

How Financial Aid And Work Study Affect Each Other

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 27, 2025
All students who submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), are awarded some sort of financial aid by the federal government. The financial aid offered is different for every student. Your package is calculated based on the information you provided on the FAFSA form.  The financial aid package typically includes a combination of scholarships, …
first college visit
college search

How To Prepare For Your First College Visit

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
College visits are highly recommended. They allow you to get a closer look at prospective colleges so you can make a more informed decision about which college is the best fit for you. However, they can be a huge investment of time and money. You want to make sure that you get your money’s worth …
A red-bricked building on a college campus with students walking around.
questions & answers

How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
“How many colleges should I apply to?” is one of those questions that come up every year as a new batch of high school graduates starts their college application process. It is a valid question. Everyone will tell you how important it is to create a list of colleges. While that is great advice, it …
Oregon State University campus during winter.
questions & answers

Parents’ Change of Income Can Affect Financial Aid

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 26, 2025
When you fill in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you have to provide detailed information about your family finances and assets as on the day you submit the application. Your Student Aid Index (SAI) and financial aid eligibility are calculated based on the information you provide. But what if something changes? What …

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