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.
tips tools & advice

Complete College Packing Guide with Printable Checklist

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 29, 2024
You’ve received your college acceptance letter, submitted your deposit, and the countdown to your first semester has begun. One aspect you’ll have to give thought to over the next few months is your dorm room. Packing up to go off to college can be daunting, especially during your freshman year, but it’s not the only …
Yellow and orange leaves in a pile.
tips tools & advice

The College Transition: Dealing with Change

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 17, 2023
College is supposed to be one of the greatest times in your life…and for the most part, it will be. You will explore new environments, make new friends, and discover things about yourself that you never knew. However, in your transition to college life, you will be dealing with change. Change is the only thing …
What is a good PSAT score and how do you achieve a good score?
ACT & SAT

What is a Good PSAT Score?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 24, 2024
A “good” PSAT score is usually in the 75th percentile, or 1075 to 1130 in recent years. Often seen as the “practice SAT,” the PSAT lays the groundwork for your SAT prep, helping you better understand where you are and where you want to be. However, score in the 99th percentile and you could actually …
Student's coffee and laptop on a table at a campus coffee shop.
ACT & SAT

Do Colleges Prefer ACT or SAT? Which is More Popular?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you’re hoping to apply to college, you may be trying to decide which standardized test to take: the ACT vs. SAT. It will please you to hear that colleges do not prefer the SAT over the ACT or vice versa. We’ll cover the myth that the SAT is preferred over the ACT, as well …
tips tools & advice

10 Study Habits to Break BEFORE College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 20, 2023
Study habits are made in high school and for some, come pretty easily. In college, you may find that you need to tweak those habits as courses and schedules may be more difficult. Professors will expect you to think critically, analyze information, and defend an opinion. Studying hard will be important to your success. If you …
average ACT score
ACT & SAT

Average SAT Scores – What Does the Average Student Score on the SAT?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 8, 2024
In 2024, the average SAT score was 1024. The 50th percentile was 1010. 1,973,891 graduating high school seniors in 2024 took the SAT. The mean score for the Evidence-Based Reading section was 519 and the mean score for the Mathematics section was 505. SAT scores vary between different demographic groups and college acceptance histories. How …
ACT & SAT

SAT Score Percentiles and Rankings: What’s Good

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 6, 2024
The answer to “What is a good SAT score?” isn’t always straightforward. There is no single answer; it depends on what you mean and your own goals! One way to define “good” is to see how your score compares to your peers and other students at the colleges you’re hoping to attend. Many schools will …

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