financial advice & planning

Unexpected Expenses to Budget for In College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 29, 2024

College is already expensive before you even step foot on campus, and when you get to your school, you’ll quickly realize you’re not done paying just yet! From laundry costs to club fees, you’re going to be paying a little bit here and a little bit there for the next four years. Planning for these …

student loans

What is APR for Student Loans?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 12, 2023

There are several factors you need to consider to find the best student loan option for you. The three top things to look at are the loan type, interest rate of the loan, and the APR. Regarding loan type, there are two to choose from – federal and private student loans. When it comes to …

college applications

What You Should Do The Summer Before Your Freshman Year Of College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The summer before your freshman year of college is the perfect opportunity to pursue activities that will help you be better prepared for college. Not sure exactly what types of activities you should consider? These few ideas will help you get started: Get A Taste Of A Potential Future Career: Internships Start by looking for …

student loans

When Do I Need to Pay Back My Federal Student Loans?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

What exactly is a ‘good income”? If you have a student loan that you are still paying off, a good income is one that allows you to make your loan payments comfortably every month while still leaving a substantial amount to cover all your necessities as well as some luxuries. While you have earned the right …

ACT & SAT

Pros And Cons Of Taking The ACT/SAT In The Summer

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Taking the ACT and SAT in the summer may seem like a terrible way to spend your break. However, thoughts of ‘wasting’ your summer on preparing or taking the SAT or ACT test is just one downside. Other than this one con, there are several advantages of taking the ACT/SAT in the summer. You have …

financial advice & planning

These Tips Will Help You Handle Those Ever-Increasing College Fees

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Skyrocketing tuition fees and other college costs have got parents across the country concerned about how they are going to raise or save enough to pay for their child’s college education. It’s tough, there’s no arguing about that but there are a few things you can do to make it easier to handle these increasing …

ACT & SAT

4 Mistakes To Avoid On The ACT Math Section

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you find yourself getting overly stressed about the ACT Math section, you’re not alone. For many students, the most stressful part of the SAT exam is the Math section. In a way, it’s intentional. The ACT math test is designed to baffle you and trip you up. The first thing you should understand and …

college admissions

What Is The Difference Between Need-Aware And Need-Blind Admission Policies?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 10, 2024

Is applying to a need-aware or need-blind school better? While need-aware schools will take your financial decision into account during the admission process, need-blind schools only focus on your academics. Both of these financial aid policies have their benefits and drawbacks, but the best fit will vary from student to student. It all depends on …

questions & answers

Should You Lower Your Student Loan Payments Or Not?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

For many college students, student loans are inevitable. That also means someday repaying those loans, budgeting for repayment, and dealing with interest rates. When it comes to whether or not you should lower your student loan payments, there is no one answer that is right for everyone. In general, lowering loan payments is not recommended …