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.
Archway on a college campus.
college admissions

Myth: Ivy Leagues are the Most Selective Schools

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
It’s a common thought that Ivy League schools are the most selective schools of all the colleges and universities in the United States. You’ll find that’s not exactly the case. Ivy League Acceptance Rates Harvard is the most selective school out of the Ivy Leagues, selecting only 5% of applicants, with Yale right behind, only accepting …
These are questions to NOT ask during a college visit.
college admissions

What NOT to Ask During a College Visit

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
During your college visits, you may have a list of questions you want to ask, either as a student or a parent. These may include questions about campus life, classes, majors, or town. There are a few questions though that you will want to steer clear of. Here are some questions to NOT ask during a …
A gold "1" with a teal background.
myths

Myth: You Only Have to Submit the FAFSA Once

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
You hear it over and over your senior year of high school: You have to submit your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)! However, even though you may not hear about it much during college, don’t think the FAFSA is a “one and done” type deal that you only have to fill out before …
The PSAT and PreACT are actually quite important.
ACT & SAT

Why the PSAT / PreACT Shouldn’t be Overlooked

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Even if you’re not thinking too seriously about college during your junior year of high school, it’s definitely starting to be on your mind. However, that doesn’t mean you should be overlooking the PSAT or the PreACT. Here’s why you should be taking either one or both: You Could Qualify for Scholarships Did you know …
ACT & SAT

How to Help Your Student Prep for the ACT / SAT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Your student may have their ACT and SAT coming up and are busy studying every evening for this big exam! Even though they’re at their desk reading away or taking practice tests, there are plenty of things you can do as a parent to help them. Here are a few things you can do to …
Ask yourself these questions before applying early action or early decision.
college applications

Questions to Ask Yourself if You’re Considering Applying for College EA / ED

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
It’s nearly that time! Deadlines are quickly approaching for early action and early decision application programs for colleges and universities. Are you considering applying early action or early decision? There are a few questions you’ll want to ask yourself before you do. Are You Absolutely Sure This is the School for You? Obviously, if you …
Skipping questions on the SAT and ACT is perfectly fine!
myths

Myth: I HAVE to Answer My ACT/SAT Questions in Order

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
You may have heard it said before that you have to answer your ACT or SAT questions in exact order, but did you know that’s not exactly true? In any particular section, you can absolutely jump around from question to question! Here’s a bit of myth debunking on this so-called “fact:” Skip the Toughies Part …
Here are some unusual SAT and ACT test prep tips.
ACT & SAT

Unusual ACT & SAT Test Prep Tips

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
You’ve heard all the regular ACT and SAT test prep tips: Take the practice exams and check your answers. Focus on your weak areas. So here are a few tips that are a bit more unusual when it comes to your ACT and SAT study time. Use a Distraction Add On It’s easy to get …

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