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!
The Official SAT Study Guide best college prep books
ACT & SAT

Best SAT Prep Books: Your Guide to Success

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 15, 2026
Studying for the SAT is like studying for anything else. We all have strengths that we can feel confident in, weaknesses that we need to work on, and strategies we like to use. Figuring out the best way to study and prepare for the SAT is important since so many other important decisions may rest …
financial advice & planning

How To Pay for College When Times Are Tough

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 26, 2025
College is expensive and the price of tuition increases every year. Most families across America find it difficult to cover the full cost of college from their savings. And this is even during normal times. When finances are tight, paying for college becomes even more stressful. With stiff competition for limited resources, families have to …
Typical Student Schedule Template.
student life

A Day In the Life: What a Typical College Schedule Looks Like

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 30, 2024
Did sitting through seven hours of high school classes every day feel like a marathon you didn’t sign up for? Don’t worry—college is a whole new game. While college does bring more responsibility (think deadlines and study sessions), it also gives you way more freedom to plan your day and customize your class schedules. Let’s …
We put together a list of college essentials you might not have thought of bringing.
financial advice & planning

12 Hidden Costs of College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 9, 2023
Tuition, room, and board are not the only college expenses to consider when you start your education. There are also hidden college costs to account for as well. While tuition is often the biggest expense, smaller, hidden costs can add up and be almost just as much. It’s important to budget for these invisible college …
529 College Savings Day.
financial advice & planning

What is 529 Day and Why Is It Important?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 24, 2023
May 29 is observed across the U.S. as 529 Day or 529 College Savings day. It was introduced to increase awareness of these plans and encourage families to start saving toward future education expenses. A 529 plan is a type of education savings plan. It is designed to help families save towards future education expenses. …
College campus during the summer.
student life

What to Know About Staying at College During Summer

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 22, 2024
As the spring semester wraps up, you may be thinking about what your summer is going to look like if you’re staying on campus. College students stay at college during summer for various reasons, whether that be taking summer classes, doing an internship on campus, or not wanting to go home for the entire summer …
Dollar bills stacked on the corner of a laptop.
student loans

Can you get a student loan before enrolling in college?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 1, 2023
In short, yes, you can apply and secure funds for a student loan before enrolling into college. But you will not receive the funds until you start school. It’s important to know all the facts about student loans before you go to college. There are multiple loan types that have different interest rates, payback options, …

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