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.
Why are there college application fees?
questions & answers

Do College Applications Cost Money?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 23, 2024
Many college applications do cost some amount of money. However, the fee, if any depends on the school. Some colleges and universities in the United States can charge over $75 to apply to the school while others completely waive the fee, inviting students to apply free of charge. But this college application fee is only …
Who takes the PSAT?
ACT & SAT

PSAT Guide: Who Is Eligible, Test Taking Tips, and More

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 24, 2024
Key Takeaways: The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), is a test administered by College Board with the participation of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). It tests students on reading, writing, and math. The PSAT is usually taken by high school students in their junior year. Scoring high on the PSAT can qualify students to …
Half of a rose-gold Timex classic alarm clock.
student life

Pros and Cons of Being a Part-Time Student

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 17, 2023
Being a part-time student might be a good option for those who have already begun pursuing a career and are on their way to becoming financially independent. You can also take care of any family responsibilities while simultaneously working towards a degree. According to research conducted by Times Higher Education, part-time students gain higher pay, …
College student interviews for a scholarship opportunity
scholarship search & applications

Common Scholarship Interview Questions

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on October 9, 2024
Common scholarship interview questions usually will focus on the student’s strengths, weaknesses, goals, personality, and academics. Others may ask about motivation, stress management, and extracurricular activities. No matter what the scholarship is for, a scholarship interview requires preparation and practice. What To Know About Scholarship Interviews Scholarship interviews are designed to help the organization better …
The ACT/SAT has fees attached to it. How do you get those fees waived?
ACT & SAT

Can I Get My ACT/SAT Fee Waived?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
When you go to register for the SAT or ACT, you may notice there are fees attached. The SAT costs $43, and with the essay is $54.50. The ACT costs $39.50 without the optional writing test and $56.50 with. There may be additional fees for changing your test date or receiving answer keys after grading. However, what …
What you need to know about the ACT Test Information Release
ACT & SAT

What You Need to Know About the ACT’s Test Information Release

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
After you take your ACT, you’ll often receive your scores for both the multiple-choice and essay sections in about a month. However, some students may be interested to see why they received the scores they did. Thanks to the Test Information Release from the ACT, also known as the TIR, that’s possible. What is the …
Multiple choice test sheet with shaded answers.
myths

Is the ACT harder than the SAT? Which Test Should You Take?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Is the ACT harder than the SAT? In general terms, no! It’s actually a myth that one is harder or easier than the other. However, one may be harder for you as a person compared to the next. Here’s what you need to know about these myths, what colleges think, and how you can personally …
What are the available accommodations for the SAT and ACT?
ACT & SAT

What ACT/SAT Accommodations Are Available For Students With Disabilities?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
As with most tests, the ACT and SAT makes accommodations for students with documented disabilities. There are a number of examples of accommodations, which depends on the student’s needs. But, here are some of the more common ones: Extended SAT Time Extended time is available for students who may need longer to complete specific sections …

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