Hilary Cairns

Should you use the Common Application when applying to colleges
questions & answers

Why Isn’t There a Common App for Scholarships?

If you’re completing scholarship applications, you may be a bit overwhelmed by the number of forms you have to fill out and essays you need to complete. You wouldn’t be the first student to ask, “Why isn’t there a Common App for scholarships like there is for college applications?” Sadly, there are no standardized applications …
financial aid, questions & answers

How to Find State Grants For College

In order to locate state grants, high school seniors, graduates, and college students should first look into their state’s Department of Higher Education. However, there are some things you should understand about grants before you get started on your search, like how they compare to loans. Here are some of the basics, plus a list …
college financial aid resources
financial aid

What Federal Grants are Available?

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) isn’t only about loans – there are actually grants you could qualify for depending on your family, need, and career choices. There are four federal grants available from the United States government: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Iraq and Afghanistan Service …
Students walking at the University of Maryland.
student life

Transfers: Your Guide to Transferring Colleges

Have you entered your first year of college and discovered that this particular college, although you fell in love with it on paper, is just not for you? Or maybe you’re in your junior year and you’re frustrated with your major’s program? Well this guide to transferring colleges is for you. Finding out the school …
Two high school girls visiting a college before applying to it.
questions & answers

How Much Harder is High School Than Middle School?

As you get ready to head into freshman year of high school, there’s no doubt there are some jitters. That’s okay! You might be pleasantly surprised to learn, however, that high school isn’t necessarily harder, but it is certainly different. High School vs. Middle School: Is It That Much Harder? It’s natural for classes to …
dorms in college.
questions & answers

Requesting Dorms? How to Play the Game

Getting that perfect dorm room in the right location in the correct housing can be a bit stressful. If your dorm selection date is on the horizon, you need to know how to play the game, how selecting one works well ahead of time, and why you should never wait until last minute. Here’s the …
Avoid these mistakes on the ACT writing section
ACT & SAT

Tips for Succeeding on the Writing Section of the ACT

The ACT Writing section is optional, but, if you sign up for it, that doesn’t mean you should wing it! Colleges and universities will see you’re taking the extra step to take this portion of the exam, but they’ll also want to see you score well. So succeeding on the writing section of the ACT …
Hardest SAT Math Questions.
ACT & SAT

A Quick Guide to Solving the Hardest SAT Math Questions

Are you dreading the SAT Math section? You’re definitely not alone. If you struggle in this subject, you may have a bit of anxiety over this portion of the exam, even though you’re allowed a calculator for part of it! That’s okay. Knowing what to expect is really half the battle. Here’s what you need …

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