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For Colleges & Universities

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.
Getting good high school grades doesn't mean you don't need to study for the SAT or ACT.
college admissions, questions & answers

What is the Difference Between Weighted and Unweighted GPA?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on October 30, 2025
Key Takeaways Unweighted GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale and treats all classes equally, regardless of difficulty level. Weighted GPA accounts for course rigor by assigning higher point values to advanced courses like AP, IB, and Honors classes, typically using a 5.0 scale. Colleges understand that high schools use different GPA systems and will …
questions & answers

Ultimate Graduation Checklist For Parents

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 2, 2026
Key takeaways: Parents can help their students prepare for college by visiting campuses, reviewing potential majors, and completing the FAFSA with them. As graduation approaches, help them compare their financial aid offers, review college options, and plan their graduation party. During the summer before college, spend quality time together, consider attending parent orientation, and assist …
Man and woman shaking hands during Penn State Fall Career Days Fair.
student loans

Companies That Help Pay Student Loans

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 24, 2023
As your college graduation draws near, you may wonder, how will I pay off these student loans? There’s no doubt that college is expensive and while scholarships and grant aid can help, many students are required to take out loans to bridge the gap. Thankfully, you may not be alone in paying it back. Some …
What are some of the benefits of going to college online if you're a veteran?
college admissions

6 Great Alternatives to Traditional 4-Year College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022
Is a traditional four-year college program just not for you at the moment? Whether you don’t know what you want to do career-wise or the idea of four years in college straight out of high school, there are options available to you! Check out some great alternatives to traditional college below. Why should you consider …
Grounds of campus in Northeast Indiana.
financial aid, scholarships

State Grants for Indiana Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 12, 2025
Indiana has quite a few scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for its students! We’ll give you the rundown on a few down below plus some additional information and resources that can make college more affordable for Indiana students. Indiana College Grants 1. 21st Century Scholarship The 21st Century Scholars program is an early college …
financial aid, scholarships

State Grants for Illinois Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 28, 2023
The state of Illinois has several grants available to students within the state. We’ll cover some of them below and supply further resources so you can get more information on financial aid available to Illinois students. Illinois College Grants 1. Monetary Award Program (MAP)  MAP is available to Illinois students who have demonstrated financial need …
Chart of SAT 2022-2023 dates.
ACT & SAT

How to Sign Up for the SAT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 7, 2023
So it’s time to take your SAT! Before you can actually sit for the exam, you do need to sign up for it. But how do you do that, and what do you need to know before you even register for the college entrance exam? We’ll cover everything you need to know about signing up …
A Carnegie Classification is mainly used for educational and research purposes in order to identify groups of comparable institutions.
questions & answers

Carnegie Classifications: What Do They Mean?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 22, 2024
‘Carnegie Classification’ is the shortened version of ‘Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’. The classification, for educational and research purposes, identifies groups of comparable institutions. Here’s the rundown on everything you need to know about Carnegie Classifications, how colleges and universities use them, and what they mean for you. History of the Carnegie Classification …

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