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.
30 year old adult college students listening in a class lecture.
college majors & minors, college search

How to start grad school after a long break from undergrad

By Hilary CairnsPublished on January 12, 2026
Key takeaways Students going back to graduate school after a long break from undergrad may feel overwhelmed and underprepared when re-entering the classroom. However, older graduates have work and life experience that can give them an edge over other students. To prepare for grad school, research programs that match your goals and schedule requirements and …
Many people lose out on student loan forgiveness because they assume they don't qualify
scholarships

What are ROTC scholarships?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on January 12, 2026
Key takeaways: ROTC scholarships are offered by the US Army, Air Force, and Navy at participating colleges and universities. Participants receive monetary awards to cover tuition, fees, room and board, and/or other education related expenses. ROTC graduates must serve as an officer in the military branch for a set period of time and meet other …
best calculator for sat exam
ACT & SAT

What calculators are allowed on the ACT?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on January 7, 2026
Key takeaways: All math questions on the ACT can be solved without a calculator, but some are tedious and complicated. You are allowed to bring 4-function, graphing, and scientific calculators to the ACT, or you can use the built-in calculator for the online exam at testing centers. You are not allowed to use calculators with …
Some students may not try to get a college degree.
college search, questions & answers

Associate’s degree vs. bachelor’s degree: uncovering the differences

By Hilary CairnsPublished on January 7, 2026
Key takeaways: An associate’s is a 2-year undergraduate degree usually awarded by community colleges. Bachelor’s degrees take 4 years on average and most often come from 4-year colleges and universities. Both degrees can open the door to more education and career opportunities, but there are typically more options and higher salary potential with a bachelor’s …
college comparisons, questions & answers

What are vocational schools?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on January 7, 2026
Key takeaways: Vocational schools are postsecondary trade or technical institutions that award certificates, diplomas, or associate’s degrees. Programs last between a few months to two years, and classes focus on career-specific hands-on learning. Common programs include animal care, cosmetology, culinary arts, machinery, and HVAC. Vocational schools are postsecondary institutions that prepare students for careers in …
Harvard University - Best Research Universities
questions & answers

Harvard College vs. Harvard University

By Hilary CairnsPublished on November 25, 2025
Key takeaways: Harvard University is a top ranked institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts, dating back to 1636. Undergraduates attend Harvard College, one of the 13 schools that make up Harvard University. Harvard is extremely selective, with an undergraduate acceptance rate of 3.7% You might use “Harvard College” and “Harvard University” interchangeably, but they’re actually slightly different. …
Spelman College - Best HBCUs
questions & answers

What are the Black Ivy League schools?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on November 21, 2025
Key takeaways: Black Ivy League schools are acclaimed HBCUs that are highly selective and offer outstanding academic programs to their students. There is no official list of Black Ivy institutions as there is with the Ivy Leagues. Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Hampton University are a few examples of schools often referred to as Black …
MIT is known for engineering majors. Students find a college and decide if it's a good fit for them
questions & answers

What are Ivy Plus (Ivy +) schools?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on November 21, 2025
Key Takeaways: Ivy Plus schools provide quality education programs and experiences that match or even surpass Ivy League offerings. Caltech, MIT, and Stanford University are often considered Ivy Plus institutions, but there is no official list. Students interested in applying to these schools need top grades, high SAT/ACT scores, and community involvement. Ivy Plus schools …
Vanderbilt University is ranked in the top 2 of best colleges in the southeast.
questions & answers

What are the Southern Ivies?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on November 21, 2025
Key takeaways: A Southern Ivy is a college in the Southern United States that provides top-rated academic programs to its students. They may also have outstanding research, study abroad, or unique job opportunities. Some institutions often called Southern Ivies include Rice University, Duke University, and Davidson College. Southern Ivies is a loose definition for select …