Throughout the college search process, finances can often create barriers for many students. College Raptor scholarship winner and first-year Stanford University student Addison knows firsthand how navigating finances plays a vital role on the road to your dream school.
Addison spoke with her guardians before applying to school to gain an understanding of where she stood financially. She shared that they encouraged her to apply for as many scholarships as possible, “and then, obviously, to work on my own to be able to fund this,” she added.
In addition to applying for scholarships, Addison has always been proactive about earning and managing her own money. She worked at a restaurant during the school year, and in the summers, she took on odd jobs like babysitting and pet sitting. Many students today are juggling multiple commitments, and Addison believes learning to be responsible with finances in high school is great preparation for handling money in college.
College Raptor offers resources that help students not only find scholarships but also build financial literacy and confidence. Addison shared that the articles have inspired her to take another step toward financial independence. “I actually just opened up a credit card,” she said. “A lot of the articles on College Raptor don’t just deal with college or scholarships—they expand to finances, which is really helpful,” she added.
Addison’s story is a reminder that managing money early on can make a big difference. Whether it’s applying for scholarships, taking part-time work, or learning about credit, every step helps prepare students for the financial responsibilities that come with college life.
Apply for the College Raptor Scholarship today, and you can receive a $2,500 scholarship to help boost your college journey. College Raptor awards scholarships quarterly, no purchase necessary*.
*No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. The $2,500 College Raptor Scholarship Contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States, D.C., and U.S. Territories, who are 16 years of age or older, and are students or prospective students who are enrolled or intending to enroll in an accredited undergraduate/graduate post-secondary institution no later than Fall 2027. The Contest begins at 12:00 AM ET on 10/01/25 and ends at 11:59 PM ET on 12/31/25. See Official Rules for details
