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.
Chart of College enrollment rates.
college admissions

Higher Ed Trends: Declining College Enrollment

By Hilary CairnsPublished on October 9, 2024
Undergraduate college enrollment has been steadily declining since peak enrollment in 2010. The decline has become even more pronounced in recent years after the COVID-19 pandemic. But what’s driving students to not enroll in college in the past 14 years? Birth rates, high costs, low value, and other factors are at play. We cover everything …
careers & internships

20 Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree

By Hilary CairnsPublished on October 1, 2024
While a college degree is required in some fields and careers, it’s not always the best path to achieve your goals – especially if you want to work in an industry or position that doesn’t require a degree. Understanding your personal goals, career aspirations, and financial situation can help you make the best decision for …
Follow up with the colleges you applied to.
college admissions, college applications

A Simplified Guide to QuestBridge and Which Colleges Use it

By Hilary CairnsPublished on September 24, 2024
QuestBridge is a nonprofit organization in the United States that matches high-achieving students from low-income households with leading colleges and universities. Its primary program, the National College Match, helps students gain admission and full scholarships to top-tier schools. If you’re from a low-income household, here’s how you can take advantage of Questbridge. What is the …
part of the common data set form.
college comparisons, college search

The Common Data Set: Insight into College Applications & Admissions

By Hilary CairnsPublished on September 16, 2024
Key Takeaway: The Common Data Set (CDS) initiative is a collaboration of schools, publishers, and the higher education community to publish data relevant to college students, application processes, financial aid, and more. Common Data Set can provide insight into acceptance rates, SAT/ACT scores, college costs, and factors that can influence a student’s decision on whether …
A student reads a book while a laptop rests on her legs as she studies for the SAT and ACT
ACT & SAT

8 Must Know SAT Grammar Rules

By Hilary CairnsPublished on September 9, 2024
How is your grammar? The SAT tests more than your reading comprehension — it also tests that you know the rules of grammar. To tackle this portion of the exam, here are 8 grammar rules you should know before you sit for the SAT test. 1. The Subject and Verb Must Agree Every complete sentence …
fed student loan
questions & answers, tips tools & advice

Do Colleges Look at Attendance? What You Need to Know about Going to Class

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 25, 2025
Key Takeaways Colleges generally do not directly consider attendance in admissions decisions. Attendance affects GPA and participation, which are important for college applications. Regular class attendance can help you earn strong recommendation letters. Attending class helps you learn, meet deadlines, and stay on track for graduation. Good attendance can support your extracurricular participation and academic …
A valedictorian is the student with the highest academic achievements in their graduating class.
college admissions

What is a Valedictorian and How Do You Become One?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 15, 2025
Key Takeaways: A valedictorian is the student with the highest academic achievements in their graduating class. Valedictorian status is usually determined by unweighted GPA, weighted GPA, or class rank. To become valedictorian, plan early, take rigorous classes, and ask for help when you need it. Dreaming of finishing at the very top of your class? …

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