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!
Living on campus may make you homesick.
student loans

Can Student Loans Be Used For Living Expenses?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 2, 2023
The short answer is yes, you can use student loans for living expenses. Student loans aren’t meant to cover only tuition and textbooks. They are intended to make it easier for students to get the basic necessities so they can focus on their education instead of worrying about how they’re going to pay for college. …
Rows of books opened towards the camera, with one large textbook standing out.
affordability & college cost

College Costs Include More Than Just Tuition

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Tuition fees are the first thing most people think about when calculating the cost of college. And that is totally justified considering tuition fees are the largest expense associated with a college education. However, the tuition fee is not the only expense involved. There are a number of other expenses that need to be factored …
There are some myths surrounding student loan consolidation
student loans

3 Common Myths Surrounding Student Loan Consolidation

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Student loan consolidation allows you to combine multiple federal student loans into one loan so that you make only one payment every month instead of multiple payments. This option offers several benefits to borrowers. Unfortunately, the myths surrounding student loan consolidation cause a lot of confusion resulting in many students making the wrong decision, which …
student loans

What NOT To Do With Your Student Loan Money

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 28, 2023
Is it illegal to spend student loan money? Even if it isn’t illegal, should you spend your student loan money on unrelated purchases? The big question is, are you allowed to do that? When you apply for a federal student loan, the funds are disbursed directly to your school. The school’s financial office deducts what it …
A purple background with a dark green circle, with the number 529 in the center.
financial advice & planning

Pros and Cons of a 529 Savings Plan

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
529 plans are a type of tax-advantaged, custodial savings plan designed to help families nationwide cover education-related costs. They are also known as qualified tuition programs or Section 529 plans. Millions of families across America enroll in this plan for the many benefits it offers. However, as with any type of financial plan, it has …
Use our scholarship checklists to stay on top of your applications
scholarship search & applications

College Scholarship Application Checklists: Search, Prep, Submit

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
The whole scholarship application process can be nerve-wracking. After you’ve gone through hundreds of scholarships opportunities and made a note of all the scholarships you qualify for along with their requirements, it’s then time to put together and submit your applications. Making things even more complicated is the fact that each scholarship opportunity has its …
Here are 3 SAT tips.
ACT & SAT

3 Test-Taking Hacks For The SAT

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
There is a right way and a wrong way to answer the SAT. No matter how many practice tests you solve, if you are doing it the wrong way you could lose out on hundreds of points. Everybody knows that every point counts in this standardized test. These easy to implement SAT tips, tricks and …