Hilary Cairns

Two high school girls visiting a college before applying to it.
college search

The Benefits of Visiting a College Before Applying

 College visits are an essential part of the selection process. After all, it’s one thing to read about a school on paper, and another thing entirely to actually stand on the campus. These visits give students an in-person look at the school, campus, town, and overall atmosphere. Though college visits have decreased recently, primarily due …
A student reads a book while a laptop rests on her legs as she studies for the SAT and ACT
ACT & SAT

How to Prep for the SAT and ACT At the Same Time

Are you considering taking the SAT and the ACT? It is possible to prep for both tests at the same time, but you’ll need a game plan. Follow these tips to create a stress-free strategy that sets you up for success on exam days. 1. Consider Your Schedule and Goals Before you commit to taking …
A white building on a college campus.
college applications

How Big Should My College List Be?

It’s a good idea to apply to more than one college during your senior year of high school, but should you stop at 2? What’s the recommended amount of colleges you should apply to? And how do you narrow down a larger list? If you find yourself asking the question “how big should my college …
Three high school friends discuss college acceptance odds.
college search

What You Need to Know About College Acceptance Odds

AccepWhen researching, you should look into how schools decide who they’ll accept. Knowing your acceptance odds at any particular college will help you determine which schools you should apply to. After all, you don’t want to apply to too many schools that are likely out of your reach. Here is what you need to know …
A college student sits on a desk, researching tuition insurance on her laptop.
financial advice & planning

What is Tuition Insurance for College?

From pet insurance to health insurance, there’s quite a lot of coverage options available for different aspects of life. There’s also tuition insurance, believe it or not. Here’s a rundown of what it is, what it covers (and doesn’t cover), and how you can get a policy. What is Tuition Insurance? Some colleges and universities …
A student in a lab coat performs an experiment at her research university.
college search

What is a Research University?

When searching for a college to attend, you may come across the phrase “research university” as the school’s classification. What does it mean though? And how does it differ from other classifications for colleges and universities? Is it right for your education? What is a Research University? A research university is a school that focuses …
Two students standing in their liberal arts college library
college search

What is a Liberal Arts College?

Have you ever seen a school called a “Liberal Arts College?” The term “liberal arts” can vary quite a bit depending on who you ask. Some even think it’s not worth getting a degree in liberal arts! However, that’s very far from the truth. There are plenty of lucrative careers that can be achieved with …
A student watches a professor on her laptop during an online class in her hybrid program.
tips tools & advice

What You Need to Know about College Hybrid Programs

The world of higher education is always changing but has made more significant changes in the last few years due to the pandemic. You may have heard about college hybrid programs recently. Understanding what this term means and determining whether or not it’s the right type of program for you is essential. Here’s an explanation …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join thousands of students and parents learning about finding the right college, admissions secrets, scholarships, financial aid, and more.