Tyler Hakes

Tyler Hakes is the former Director of Marketing at College Raptor. He writes about topics related to the college search, admissions and financial aid. He's always looking to tell great stories about students discovering their perfect school.
There are ways that you can qualify for student loan forgiveness
student loans

2 Ways Anyone Can Qualify for Student Loan Forgiveness

By Tyler HakesLast updated on February 25, 2025
Wishing your student loans would magically disappear? You’re not alone. Did you know that you may qualify for student loan forgiveness? Unfortunately there is not a magic wand that will let you quickly wipe out your debt. But, there are some perfectly legitimate ways for all kinds of people to have their student loan debt …
A black and red speedometer with a red light next to it.
student loans

How to Pay Off Your Student Loan Debt Faster

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022
Some students are looking to save money on their monthly student loan payments. Others are looking to pay off their loans as fast as possible–either just to get out of debt, or to save interest over the long term. These two goals usually run contrary to one another, since lowering your monthly payment will likely …
A teacher standing in front of a whiteboard.
student loans

Student Loan Forgiveness for Teachers

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you’re a teacher now, then you’re probably right in the midst of experiencing the troubles that many other teachers face–generally low starting salaries despite having a stack of student loans that seems like it could reach to the moon and back. You’ve probably heard rumblings about teachers being eligible for forgiveness of their student …
These strategies can help you start saving money on your student loans.
student loans

3 Strategies for Saving Money on Your Student Loans

By Tyler HakesLast updated on February 25, 2025
Are you feeling stressed about your student loan payments? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Each year, hundreds of thousands of students graduate from college with debt. Some borrowed more than others, but almost all students agree that paying back your student loans can affect everything from buying a new car to buying your first house or even …
Refinancing your student loans could save you a lot of money. You may be wondering when to refinance your student loans
student loans

When to Refinance Your Student Loans: 5 Signs Now Is the Time

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022
Many students go through similar experiences with their student loans. When you’re in college, it all seems like some sort of distant reality. You know you’re accumulating student loan debt, but you haven’t considered how much you’ll ultimately owe, or what the payments will look like. Understandably so, because school is your main focus. But, …
Here's our guide to refinancing your student loans.
student loans

Student Loan Refinancing 101: 5 Steps to Start Refinancing Your Student Loans

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you’re like most students thinking about student loan refinance, then you’re probably feeling a whole lot of anxiety. You know that you could save money by refinancing (maybe?) but trying to unravel the process is like untangling your headphones after you’ve carried them around in your backpack all day. Consolidation? Refinance? Income-based repayment? What’s …
A teacher reading a book at a sandy beach during summer.
ACT & SAT

ACT Reading Test Prep: What You Need to Know to Crush It

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022
Students reading this guide to test prep for the ACT Reading portion are probably asking themselves (either literally or rhetorically), “How the heck do you study for a reading test?” Of course, this is a common issue. Many students struggle with how to properly prep for the ACT Reading section. Should students just read more to prepare? …
Studying for the ACT English section
ACT & SAT

ACT English Test Prep: What You Need to Know to Crush It

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022
The ACT English portion will test your reading and writing abilities. Students will be asked to read and make corrections to a number of passages. Sometimes no changes will be needed, other times there will be subtle grammatical or syntax errors that need to be addressed. When preparing for this portion of the test, it’s important to …

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