Hilary Cairns

financial aid, questions & answers

How to Find State Grants for College

Key Takeaways: Many states offer grants for college that help its residents better afford higher education. You can apply for most state grants by completing the FAFSA, but some also require a state-specific financial aid form. Grant availability and eligibility varies depending on your location, academic achievements, and financial need. College students can often locate …
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

Key Takeaways Before requesting your dorm room, decide what type of housing best fits your lifestyle and preferences—a traditional single or double room, suite style, or apartment style. It’s important to understand how the dorm request process works at your school and know your preferences beforehand. While some will go by orientation dates, others will …
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 …
Khan Academy
ACT & SAT

Is Khan Academy Good For SAT Prep (+ Other Top Resources)

The Khan Academy is a great resource for the SAT! It offers a number of features and tools to help you study for this standardized exam. They also have resources for educators and parents. Check out all the benefits, plus a few other resources you can take advantage of: Is the Khan Academy a Good …

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