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.
Like with any decision, there are pros and cons to going to grad school.
college admissions

What Is Graduate School? The Pros and Cons

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 7, 2025
Key Takeaways: Graduate schools are colleges and universities that offer advanced educational programs and postgraduate degrees. Students can pursue master’s degrees, doctorates, and graduate certificates at grad schools. Scholarships, state grants, and federal student loans can help you pay for your graduate degree. What Is Graduate School? In the United States, graduate schools are colleges …
The GRE stands for Graduate Record Examinations.
college admissions

What is the GRE? A simple breakdown with study resources

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 27, 2026
Key takeaways:  The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized, computer-delivered test that students take to get into graduate school.  The test includes the Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning sections.  A good score can help you get into graduate school and potentially lead to scholarship opportunities.  There are many free resources and practice …
The GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test.
college admissions

A Basic GMAT Breakdown

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 27, 2026
Key takeaways  The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam designed for business school admissions.  The GMAT Focus Edition has 54 questions with a 2-hour 15-minute time allotment.  The exam covers three areas: quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights.  GMAT test scores range from 205 to 805, with each section carrying equal weight.  Most successful …
What are some summer activities for college applications?
college applications

What Summer Activities Will Help My College Application?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Looking to give your college applications a bit of a boost this summer? There are plenty of things you can be doing over the three months you’re off, even if you’re out of class. Here are just three examples of summer activities perfect for your college applications: Take Summer Courses There are plenty of options …
Portrait of gold Christmas balls.
ACT & SAT

SAT Subject Tests: Physics

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
You’ve taken (or will take) the SAT or ACT, but have you considered the benefits of the SAT Subject Tests? If you have a strong background in physics and are wishing to pursue a career in this science field, you can give your college applications a strong boost with the Physics test. Here’s a rundown …
Casio calculator placed over a math book and notes.
ACT & SAT

SAT Subject Tests: Mathematics Level 2

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you’re interested in a particular subject and want to let your school know about your passion for it and your knowledge of the subject itself, SAT Subject Tests are a great way to do just that. In this previous article, we covered Mathematics Level 1, but here’s what you can expect from Level 2. …
A portrait of a young man wearing a red graduation gown with his mom on his side.
myths

3 Myths About Financial Aid

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 24, 2025
There are plenty of misunderstandings when it comes to financial aid for college, particularly when it involves the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as the FAFSA. Here are just three you may have heard: FAFSA Equals Free Money Some parents and students apply for the FAFSA under the impression that any offers …

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