I had the chance to chat with our most recent $2,500 scholarship winner—Brennan Ryan—about his college journey, search process, and the advice he’d give to young college-bound students!
Here’s what he had to say:
Tell us a little about yourself!
My name is Brennan Ryan. I’m currently in my fourth year of a five-year program at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA, double-majoring in Civil Engineering and Environmental Science. My goal in pursuing these degrees is to put myself in a position to be able to have a positive impact on as many people as possible in my lifetime. I’m a huge Philadelphia sports fan, my favorite food is a Philly cheesesteak. I bartend/bounce on the side at Senunas’ Bar and Grill while studying, I also played football here for two years.
What was the biggest obstacle in your college search process?
Choosing my major actually made my college search process very difficult. I was stuck between Engineering and Physical Therapy and eventually went with engineering based on which school was right for me instead of which career I was focused on, since I really couldn’t decide. I don’t recommend that mindset when choosing a college or career but it has worked for me since I have come to enjoy engineering and King’s College.
What were the biggest factors that played into your college selection?
Being able to play college football at a division 3 school attracted me since I loved the sport and it allowed me to make a lot of friends that I likely wouldn’t have met. I also liked the dual-major program that King’s offered.
What about King’s College drew you to it?
The campus felt like home from the first time I came for a visit. I was treated with nothing but respect by everyone I met on campus and had heard nothing but great things about the school before even applying or taking a visit. It has been a great fit for me.
What does the phrase ‘college fit’ mean to you?
To me, “college fit” is different for everyone since everyone is looking for different qualities or aspects of a school and has different needs or interests. College fit is what’s best for you and finding the place where you feel comfortable and appreciated.
In your essay you mentioned you’d recommend College Raptor to your brother; why is that?
My little brother just started high school and right now has no idea what he wants to do for a career, College Raptor would be a great way to get him to look at some schools and check out some different majors and get him headed in the right direction concerning college.
What’s one piece of advice you’d like to give to students searching for their ideal college?
Always visit a school before deciding to attend, you have to see how the campus feels to you. Also, don’t buy into other people’s opinions too much. It’s great to receive advice and guidance, but everyone has different needs and you may be surprised at some of the schools that feel like home to you. Good luck and enjoy the process.
Congrats again, Brennan! Everyone here at College Raptor wishes you continued success at King’s College!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
6.97%-15.03%* Variable
5.99%-14.00%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
6.37% - 16.70% Variable
4.50% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.98% - 16.70% Variable
4.07% - 15.66% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.07% - 11.31% Variable
4.39% - 10.39% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
6.22% - 16.08% Variable
4.09% - 15.66% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
6.54% - 11.08% Variable
3.95% - 8.01% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 18.26% Variable
4.11% - 15.90% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
4.98% - 12.79% Variable
8.42% - 13.01% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
