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.
tips tools & advice

10 Study Habits to Break BEFORE College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 20, 2023
Study habits are made in high school and for some, come pretty easily. In college, you may find that you need to tweak those habits as courses and schedules may be more difficult. Professors will expect you to think critically, analyze information, and defend an opinion. Studying hard will be important to your success. If you …
average ACT score
ACT & SAT

Average SAT Scores – What Does the Average Student Score on the SAT?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 8, 2024
In 2024, the average SAT score was 1024. The 50th percentile was 1010. 1,973,891 graduating high school seniors in 2024 took the SAT. The mean score for the Evidence-Based Reading section was 519 and the mean score for the Mathematics section was 505. SAT scores vary between different demographic groups and college acceptance histories. How …
ACT & SAT

SAT Score Percentiles and Rankings: What’s Good

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 6, 2024
The answer to “What is a good SAT score?” isn’t always straightforward. There is no single answer; it depends on what you mean and your own goals! One way to define “good” is to see how your score compares to your peers and other students at the colleges you’re hoping to attend. Many schools will …
A group of students at a pride event.
scholarships

10 Scholarships for LGBTQIA+ Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 15, 2024
Scholarships are as diverse as the student body and there are several that are dedicated to LGBTQ+ students. Below, we’ve listed 7 that may be awards you qualify for and should consider applying for.    Scholarships are as diverse as the student body itself and there are several dedicated to LGBTQIA+ students. These scholarships are …
These extracurricular activities can impress a college admissions board.
college comparisons

Federal College Scorecard: What Students and Parents Need to Know

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 1, 2025
With almost 6,000 colleges and universities in the United States, comparing each one carefully would take you decades! However, the federal “College Scorecard” is an excellent resource to learn about the statistics of a college – from the first-year retention rate to typical earnings after graduation. Here’s a look at how the College Scorecard can …
types of colleges
college search

What Are the Different Types of Colleges?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 21, 2023
There are several different types of colleges including community colleges, colleges, universities, and vocational colleges All offer different programs, degrees, and educational opportunities. Students should know how colleges differ from one another as it could impact their search for the best school for their needs, wants, goals, and budget. As you explore different types of …
University of Washington
college search

Finding the Right Size Colleges: Small, Medium or Large Campus?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 5, 2024
Whenever students are asked about their college preferences, one of the things students consider is the size of the school. The majority of college match tools, including College Raptor, ask about preferred college size. There are small, medium, and large size colleges, but how do students know what the right size is for them? Each …

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