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.
University of Chicago
college news & trends

The University of Chicago Becomes Test Optional

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you’ve been following the recent news, you may have heard that the University of Chicago is making the SAT and ACT optional. They will not be required to be submitted along with your application. Here’s what that means for you: Not the First The University of Chicago is not the first college or university …
Here are some tips on college essay editing.
college applications

Tips For Editing Your College Essay

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 14, 2024
College Essay Editing Steps: Take a break first Captivate your reader Read the essay aloud Have someone proofread it Double-check spelling, grammar, and sentence structure Crafting your college application essay, a challenge that extends to scholarships, fellowships, and specific grant programs, can be one of the most daunting tasks in your application journey. As a …
Three students are sitting on their desk chair.
ACT & SAT

FAQ About the SAT Subject Tests

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Many students, while they’ve heard of the ACT or SAT, have never heard of SAT Subject Tests. Therefore, there are many questions high school juniors and seniors will have about these exams. Here are some of the more frequently asked questions surrounding the Subject Tests: What Are the SAT Subject Tests For? The SAT Subject …
careers & internships

So You Want To Be A Lawyer: Here’s What You Need To Know

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 23, 2025
Key Takeaways Your journey to becoming a lawyer starts in high school, where you’ll need to prioritize academic excellence to set yourself up for success. To get into law school, you must maintain a strong GPA, obtain your bachelor’s degree, pass the LSAT, and prepare a stand-out application. From your undergraduate degree to law school, …
There are SAT subject tests dedicated to many different languages
ACT & SAT

SAT Subject Tests: Languages

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Are you fluent in another language? Maybe even two? Impress your future school by taking one of the SAT Subject Tests dedicated to a language. The tests are available in a variety of different languages. Here’s what you need to know about the available exams. Languages Overview The SAT Subject Tests in Languages has 12 …
What is a student loan principal balance?
questions & answers

What is Student Loan “Principal Balance?”

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 27, 2025
When you’re applying for (or repaying) student loans, you’re going to come across quite a few terms that you may not quite understand. One of these terms is your student loan “principal balance.” Here’s a quick rundown of what that means for your student loan debt. What is “principal balance?” The principal balance is the …
A hotel lobby decorated with orange furniture.
scholarships

Scholarships for Hospitality Majors

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 25, 2025
Are you planning to major in hospitality or a related field? Keep an eye out for hospitality major scholarships! Like other majors, there are also plenty of awards in the hospitality field.  From travel to event management, there’s something out there for you. Below are three scholarships to help you start searching. Restaurant Association of …

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