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!
Student searching for scholarships
scholarship search & applications

What Can I Use Scholarship Money For?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
A scholarship is a free monetary award given to students who meet the funding organizations requirements. Some scholarships are awarded for academic achievements, others for athletic or extracurricular accomplishments. Still others may be awarded for students from a certain demographic or those who demonstrate financial need. But you may ask yourself: what can I use …
A student holding a red binder.
student loans

What’s The Difference Between Preapproved And Prequalified For Student Loans?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
‘Preapproved’ and ‘prequalified’ are sometimes used interchangeably when discussing student loans. That’s not right however. The only similarity between the two is that they are both parts of the student loan process. Other than that, both of these terms are completely different. What Is Prequalification? Prequalification is basically an estimate of how much you may …
A college student applying for a stimulus check on her phone.
financial aid

What is the Student Aid Index?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 7, 2025
The Student Aid Index, or SAI, is the number colleges use to determine how much financial aid you’re eligible for based on the information you provide on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Here’s a rundown of how the SAI works and why it matters for students and families trying to pay for …
The Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise.
financial aid

How To Overcome Financial Aid “Gapping”

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 6, 2025
To make the cost of college more affordable, many schools offer financial aid packages to accepted students. These packages are customized for each student based on the information submitted through the FAFSA. Schools usually try and cover 100% of the student’s financial need through a mix of grants, scholarships, work study and loans. However, many …
Student sitting at a desk with notebooks and a laptop studying for her SAT.
ACT & SAT

How To Get In Test Prep Practice With A Busy Schedule

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Preparing for the SAT and ACT takes time. It can take several months to be really prepared to ace these tests. Unfortunately, time in a luxury when you’re in high school. Your schedule is already packed with school work, homework, assignments, and searching for scholarships and colleges. Then of course, there’s life. It’s important to …
Student standing on finish line
college admissions

When Should I Have My Final College Choice?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
The college search and application processes are long journeys. Between researching, visiting, applying, and comparing, it can feel like you ran a marathon. Deciding on your final college choice is the home stretch. Wondering, “When Should I Have My Final College Choice?” We’ll answer that question and more here. Timeline for Narrowing College Choices This …

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