Hilary Cairns

Hilary Cairns is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz and has a BA in English/Creative Writing. She's an established freelance writer who also has a hand in marketing, social media, and editing for various businesses across the United States.
Here are the top 10 SAT test taking tips.
ACT & SAT

Top 10 SAT Test Taking Tips

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 29, 2024
Sitting for the SAT can be daunting! After all, your score on this exam can affect your admission chances at many colleges and universities across the United States. If you have an SAT date on the horizon, here are some helpful tips for taking the SAT. 10 SAT Study and Test Taking Tips 1. Use …
A black calculator with orange buttons showed in half. Black pen beside it.
financial advice & planning

FAQs About Net Price Calculators

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
When searching for your future college, price may be important, but you should be looking past the sticker price. A net price will give you a more accurate and personalized feel for the cost of attending the school. Every college and university is actually required to have a calculator on their website, but you may …
There isn't just one perfect school for you.
myths

Myth: There is ONE Perfect School for Me

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
While you’re looking at schools, you may have it in your mind that there is one perfect school for you, a “soulmate”. However, most students find that’s simply not the case. There Are Good Fits, Not Perfect Schools We all want there to be that “perfect” school, but that just isn’t the case. There’s no …
Boxes with a blue X's inside.
financial aid

FAFSA Deadlines You Need to Be Aware of

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 15, 2024
Key Takeaway: When you file FAFSA, the Federal FAFSA deadline (June 30 of the award year) isn’t the only important date to consider. You also need to factor in the College’s FAFSA deadline and the State FAFSA deadlines. These dates vary by institution, state, and program, so check with your school’s and state’s websites to …
Archway on a college campus.
college admissions

Myth: Ivy Leagues are the Most Selective Schools

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
It’s a common thought that Ivy League schools are the most selective schools of all the colleges and universities in the United States. You’ll find that’s not exactly the case. Ivy League Acceptance Rates Harvard is the most selective school out of the Ivy Leagues, selecting only 5% of applicants, with Yale right behind, only accepting …
These are questions to NOT ask during a college visit.
college admissions

What NOT to Ask During a College Visit

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
During your college visits, you may have a list of questions you want to ask, either as a student or a parent. These may include questions about campus life, classes, majors, or town. There are a few questions though that you will want to steer clear of. Here are some questions to NOT ask during a …
The PSAT and PreACT are actually quite important.
ACT & SAT

Why the PSAT / PreACT Shouldn’t be Overlooked

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Even if you’re not thinking too seriously about college during your junior year of high school, it’s definitely starting to be on your mind. However, that doesn’t mean you should be overlooking the PSAT or the PreACT. Here’s why you should be taking either one or both: You Could Qualify for Scholarships Did you know …

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