For Colleges & Universities

College Raptor Staff

A person walking down a narrow alleyway.
college applications

8 Ways To Narrow Down Your College List

If you’ve found yourself overwhelmed by the number schools you are interested, it’s time to narrow down that college list. It’s common to have a long list of options, but applying to too many can be expensive, stressful, and make it hard to give each application the attention it deserves. Whether you’re unsure where to …
A kinesthetic learner learns best with a hands-on approach.
tips tools & advice

How to Study if You’re a Physical Learner

Key Takeaways If you’re a physical learner, you might find that sitting still or watching lectures doesn’t help your brain retain information. This is because physical learners learn best with movement and hands-on experiences when learning. To help you stay focused and feel more confident when studying, we’ve outlined 10 tips below for physical learners: …
Private student loans can help you afford college, but here are some things you need to know
student loans

Your Guide to Private Student Loans

Private student loans, also known as private education loans or alternative education loans, can help fund your education gap when federal aid, scholarships and savings don’t fully cover the cost of school. Private loans are offered by many banks and each have their own requirements, interest rates, and protections. Before you borrow money for college, …
A student standing in front of papers stuck to a wall.
student loans

Important Things to Know About Stafford Loans

Stafford Loans are a type of federal student loan offered by the U.S. Department of Education.  The Stafford Loan program was established in 1988. It was named after Senator Robert Stafford who was instrumental in passing legislation that transformed the Higher Education Act of 1965. As of 2010 however, the Stafford Loan program was renamed …
So you want to be a research assistant
student life

What is a research assistant?

Key takeaways A research assistant helps lead researchers collect data, organize files, and run experiments. To become a research assistant, you should have a strong academic background, great attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of your subject area. These positions are available in colleges, government agencies, and private companies. Being a research assistant provides …
A student receives an acceptance letter after going through the college application process
college applications

Your complete guide to the college application process

Key takeaways The college application process includes researching schools, submitting applications, applying for financial aid, and waiting for admissions decisions. Researching colleges early can help you build a good list of reach, match, and safety schools. Staying organized can help prevent you from missing important application deadlines. Strong essays, recommendation letters, and academic achievements can …
One option to save for college is a 529 savings plan
questions & answers

What is a 529 Savings Plan?

Key Takeaways: 529 College Savings Plans are tax-advantaged investment accounts that can be used for education-related expenses. All states have 529 Plans and you don’t have to live in the state in which you open an account. That gives savers a lot of options to find a plan that works for them. If a beneficiary …

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