Hilary Cairns

You can still turn things around during a bad semester
questions & answers

What is Academic Misconduct?

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 …
The internet, social media and education
tips tools & advice

The Internet and Social Media in Education

Social media has significantly impacted society since the introduction of the internet. While first seen as a way to connect friends and family online, both locally and on a global scale, it has exploded into what it is today and has gone beyond just the “post an update for your friends” purpose. Social media is …
Set S.M.A.R.T goals to take aim and focus on your next endeavor
tips tools & advice

How High School and College Students can Set S.M.A.R.T Goals

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. SMART goals help high school students, college students, and even employees design realistic goals. Setting these types of goals can potentially increase the chance of achieving them. SMART goals could be exactly what you need to meet your newest goals or resolutions you set this year! …
The front of a building on a college campus with trees surrounding it.
college applications, questions & answers

What is the Coalition Application?

You’ve probably heard of the Common Application, but what about the Coalition Application? It came out a few years ago, and it may be worth your time to explore the differences. Here’s what you need to know about the Coalition Application, its pros and cons, and how it stacks up against the Common App. What …
6 college major become writer
college majors & minors

Can You Switch College Majors? And is it a Good Idea?

Key Takeaways Students can switch their majors in college. However, there are hurdles to changing areas of study, including increased costs, delayed graduation dates, and limited availability of certain majors. Students shouldn’t change their majors simply on a whim or because of outside pressure, as this can lead to burnout and other problems. Those looking to …
So, what's the difference between a college and a university?
questions & answers

What’s the Difference Between a College and a University?

Key Takeaways: A college is generally a higher education institution that only offers up to bachelor’s degrees. A university offers bachelor’s degrees in addition to postgraduate degrees, such as master’s or doctorates. Experiences can vary depending on the type of school, so students should compare college vs. university before applying. In the United States, “college” …
A "university" sign on the side of a building.
questions & answers

What is a flagship university?

Key takeaways Flagship universities are public schools in the United States and are often the oldest and largest institutions in the state. These schools are classified as Doctoral Universities with high or very high research activity. Each state has at least one flagship university. Some states like New York, Indiana, and Texas have two or …
questions & answers

What is the National Merit Scholarship?

The National Merit Scholarship is an award given to students who score very well on the PSAT and meet the requirements to be named a National Merit Scholar. All students who take the PSAT are automatically entered into the program, but only a select few will be named Finalists and earn money to put towards …
A red theater curtain lit by spotlights.
scholarships

6 Scholarships for Theater Majors

There’s nothing quite like a night at the theater. But what the audience may not know or always remember is all of the hard work, dedication, and people it takes! Actors, playwrights, set designers, lighting specialists, stage managers, costume designers, technicians, sound designers, directors, composers, conductors, and more make a show come to life. A …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join thousands of students and parents learning about finding the right college, admissions secrets, scholarships, financial aid, and more.