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.
dorms in college.
questions & answers

Requesting Dorms: How to Play the Game

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on June 12, 2025
Key Takeaways Before requesting your dorm room, decide what type of housing best fits your lifestyle and preferences—a traditional single or double room, suite style, or apartment style. It’s important to understand how the dorm request process works at your school and know your preferences beforehand. While some will go by orientation dates, others will …
Avoid these mistakes on the ACT writing section
ACT & SAT

Tips for Succeeding on the Writing Section of the ACT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022
The ACT Writing section is optional, but, if you sign up for it, that doesn’t mean you should wing it! Colleges and universities will see you’re taking the extra step to take this portion of the exam, but they’ll also want to see you score well. So succeeding on the writing section of the ACT …
Hardest SAT Math Questions.
ACT & SAT

A Quick Guide to Solving the Hardest SAT Math Questions

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022
Are you dreading the SAT Math section? You’re definitely not alone. If you struggle in this subject, you may have a bit of anxiety over this portion of the exam, even though you’re allowed a calculator for part of it! That’s okay. Knowing what to expect is really half the battle. Here’s what you need …
Khan Academy
ACT & SAT

Is Khan Academy Good For SAT Prep (+ Other Top Resources)

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
The Khan Academy is a great resource for the SAT! It offers a number of features and tools to help you study for this standardized exam. They also have resources for educators and parents. Check out all the benefits, plus a few other resources you can take advantage of: Is the Khan Academy a Good …
A girl covering her face with an open book while holding another book on the left hand.
ACT & SAT

How to Improve SAT Reading Scores | 8 Easy Steps

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Are you struggling with your SAT reading, or want to improve your score to result in a better SAT Composite Score? There are plenty of ways to study for this particular section of the exam. To improve your SAT reading, you should first know what to expect and what common mistakes other students made. Then …
Best Teacher mug gifts for future teachers
student life

10 Ways To Show Teacher Appreciation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 16, 2025
Key Takeaways Teacher Appreciation Week falls on the first week of May, giving students and families an opportunity to show teachers how much they’ve meant to them. There are creative ways to tell your teacher “Thank you” without spending a dime: write them a letter, have the class sign a card, create a wall of …
Hello in foreign languages.
college admissions

What is the Foreign Language Requirement for College?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
All college admissions offices have general education requirements including foreign language requirements for college. Language proficiency is one of them. Most schools are looking for students who have completed at least two years in these courses. But that number can vary by each school and admissions office.   Even after high school, most colleges require …

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