Hilary Cairns

questions & answers

Important Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

If you’re earning your bachelor’s degree, you’re going to have to meet certain requirements. Bachelor degree requirements usually include a minimum GPA in your classes as well as a mix of general education, major, and elective courses that add up to at least 120 credits. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know …
college admissions

A Complete Guide to AP Exams

So you’ve signed up for an Advanced Placement (AP) class. At the end of your school year, you’ll be tasked with taking an AP exam. Doing well on this test can help you get credit for your college education and give you a head start on your degree. Use this complete guide to AP exams …
college admissions

When Do AP Exam Scores Come Out?

Key Takeaways: AP tests are regularly scheduled over a 2-week period in May, with late exams available the following week. Students can expect to see their AP exam scores released early to mid-July. Testers can view results through the My AP Account on the College Board. Students who don’t see their test results by August …
A person holding a blue pencil writing in a notebook.
college admissions

How Long Are AP Exams?

Most AP exams are between two and three hours long, but the exact length of the test depends on the subject. Many of the tests are closer to three hours than two, and every AP exam has a break in the middle. Here’s what you need to know about the length of AP exams, their …
Student studying to earn college credits in high school.
college admissions

Can You Retake an AP Exam?

Yes, you can retake an AP exam. However, AP exams are only held in May, which means you will have to wait a year to retake the test. But should you? Here are some things you need to know about AP test scores, college credit, and retaking the exam. How are AP Exams Scored? AP …
Here's some advice to those getting their online masters degree in education
tips tools & advice

A Guide to Coursera

From Khan Academy to Udemy, there are plenty of online resources for learning. One that should be on your radar is Coursera. It’s a website that offers online courses on a wide range of subjects. Here’s what you can expect when using the tool. What is Coursera? Coursera is an online marketplace for virtual courses …
majors & industries

10 Hardest College Majors

Key takeaways: Major difficulty is subjective, and students should consider their strengths and weaknesses when choosing an area of study. The most difficult majors require extensive study time, more STEM courses, and a solid foundation in math. Chemistry, engineering, and physics are generally considered some of the hardest college majors available to undergraduates. Choosing a …
Austin Community College
college search

What is Community College?

Community colleges are institutions of higher learning that offer associate’s degrees and technical certificates. Some community colleges offer bachelor’s degrees in select subjects. They tend to be less expensive compared to 4-year institutions and can help students save thousands of dollars in tuition and fees. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect at a …
Hoover Tower in Stanford University campus aerial shot.
college search

How to get into Stanford University

Key takeaways: Stanford University was ranked the #6 college in the United States by College Raptor in 2026. Stanford is one of the most selective schools in the country, accepting only 3.6% of applications. Students can increase their chances of receiving an acceptance letter by taking challenging courses, getting involved in their community, and applying …

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