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.
Here are 10 tips to help you get the best score on the SAT or ACT.
ACT & SAT

10 Tips to Help You Score Your Best on College Entrance Exams

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 13, 2025
The ACT and SAT aren’t tests where you can memorize and regurgitate the content. College entrance exams require specific techniques and preparation if you want to earn a top score. These 10 simple tips will help you score your best on the ACT or SAT. 1. Keep your cool. With adequate preparation, you can have …
Rows of sociology books on bookshelves.
tips tools & advice

How to Select the Right Research Topic in 6 Easy Steps

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 10, 2025
Being able to choose suitable research topics is an important skill for any student to have. Why? Well, when you select a topic that resonates with you, it tends to make all the difference in your writing. Choosing the right research topic isn’t just about getting a good grade, it’s imperative for helping the process …
A student holding an open textbook in their lap.
scholarship search & applications

The Right Time to Apply for Scholarships

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 7, 2025
Key Takeaways It’s never too early for students to start their scholarship hunt—there are scholarships available for all ages throughout the entire year. You can find scholarships using scholarship finders (i.e., College Raptor), your high school, local organizations, and college financial aid offices. The best times to apply for scholarships are whenever there is an …
college majors
careers & internships

College Degrees that Guarantee a Job After Graduation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
While no degree is “worthless” (even though there are myths that say so!), there are definitely degrees that are in demand each year. As a result, you’re more likely to find a full-time job quickly after graduation if you study in an “in demand” field compared to those that are in less demand. So we …
Colleges are offering more learning disability resources.
student life

6 College Resources for Students with Learning Disabilities

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 24, 2025
Colleges want all of their students to succeed. Just like high schools, colleges and universities in the United States have resources for students with disabilities, including learning disabilities. From note-taking services to extended time on tests, exact services can depend on the school in question. Below, we’ve outlined six examples of college resources for students …
questions & answers

What Exactly is College Readiness and Why Does It Matter?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 23, 2025
Key Takeaways: College readiness is a series of benchmarks high school graduates should meet before heading to college. Students should have a well-rounded education in a variety of subjects, along with self-awareness and various skills, including critical thinking and communication. Schools measure a student’s college readiness by looking at their GPA, academic rigor, social skills, …
You can still turn things around during a bad semester
questions & answers

What is Academic Misconduct?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 20, 2025
Key Takeaways: Academic misconduct refers to gaining, attempting to gain, or helping others gain unfair advantages in school. Consequences range from having to re-do the assignment to expulsion, depending on the severity. Students accused of academic dishonesty can appeal their instructor’s decision. Academic misconduct, which includes plagiarism, falsifying data, and more, is when you are …

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