College Raptor Staff

A notebook, pencils, paperclips and protractors scattered on a desk.
college search

What is a Technical School?

A technical school is an educational institution that helps students gain the specific knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a definite career path. This is an alternative option for students who don’t want to attend traditional college after high school graduation. If you’re interested in pursuing a particular career, you could benefit from attending a …
College student sitting in the dark, glaring at his laptop.
ACT & SAT

How to Avoid ACT and SAT Prep Scams

When getting ready to take the ACT or SAT, you’ll find various ACT/SAT prep options including tutors and ACT/SAT prep course materials you can use at home. While you’re researching the best form of preparation for you, you need to be aware of ACT/SAT prep scams. Unfortunately, there are a number of scammers out there …
A veterinarian holding a dog on a table.
majors & industries

Majors for Veterinarians

Key Takeaways Most students take a pre-vet or related major to meet vet school requirements. Strong undergraduate majors include Veterinary Science, Biology, General Science, and Zoology. Expect coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and animal science. Having hands-on experience with animals can help your application. Apply to multiple schools and check all prerequisites before applying. …
A solar photovoltaic installer holding a tool and looking out over solar panels.
college search

What is a Trade School?

Do you dream of styling hair for a living, or maybe making food? What about working on cars? Trade schools can turn those passions into careers! These programs offer fast-tracked, hands-on training in just a few months to two years, and they’re often cheaper than college. You’ll graduate with the skills you need to land …
Student thinking about loan forbearance
questions & answers

Is Student Loan Forbearance Right For Me?

Forbearance is an option that allows borrowers to postpone loan payments while they’re in school. What’s important to know is that interest does not stop accruing during the time. This accrued interest increases the cost of the loan considerably. However, delaying paying off your student loans can also help you focus on finding a job …
Various coins coming out of a black piggy bank.
financial advice & planning

What Are Tuition Payment Plans?

Tuition payment plans allows students to split their total tuition payment into equal monthly installments. This makes it easier for families to manage college expenses without breaking the bank. Some colleges may call it a tuition installment plan or deferred payment plan. This is different from a standard plan where the full tuition is spread …
College student on phone with her student loan lender
student loans

Student Loans Cost More Than Just The Principal Balance

Everybody knows that student loans are not free money – they come at a price. Unfortunately, many students underestimate exactly what that price is. There are interest and fees and sometimes even penalties. All in all, student loans cost more than just the principal balance. Let’s break it down.  The True Cost of Student Loans …
A high school student taking a college prep course on her laptop.
college applications

5 Free Online College Prep Courses

The thought of attending college can be tremendously exciting. However, it’s not without its challenges. College is nothing at all like high school. Taking a few college prep courses can help to make this transition smoother. Fortunately, you don’t have to pay for these. We’ve put together 5 online college prep classes that can help. …
Student taking an online test at home.
financial aid

Is There College Financial Aid For Homeschooled Students?

Financial aid helps students pay for higher education. That includes students who studied at home. Homeschooling has come a long way since a few years ago in terms of college admissions as well as financial aid. Today, colleges welcome homeschool students as long as they meet the school’s eligibility criteria. As for financial aid for …

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