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.
Yellow and orange leaves in a pile.
tips tools & advice

The College Transition: Dealing with Change

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 17, 2023
College is supposed to be one of the greatest times in your life…and for the most part, it will be. You will explore new environments, make new friends, and discover things about yourself that you never knew. However, in your transition to college life, you will be dealing with change. Change is the only thing …
Student's coffee and laptop on a table at a campus coffee shop.
ACT & SAT

Do Colleges Prefer ACT or SAT? Which is More Popular?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you’re hoping to apply to college, you may be trying to decide which standardized test to take: the ACT vs. SAT. It will please you to hear that colleges do not prefer the SAT over the ACT or vice versa. We’ll cover the myth that the SAT is preferred over the ACT, as well …
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 28, 2023
In 2023, the average SAT score was 1028. 1,913,742 graduating high school seniors in 2023 took the SAT. The mean score for the Evidence-Based Reading section was 520 and the mean score for the Mathematics section was 508. SAT scores vary between different demographic groups and college acceptance histories. How do you stack up to …
A group of students at a pride event.
scholarships

7 Scholarships for LGBTQ+ Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on August 24, 2023
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.  1. Collin Higgins Youth Courage Award Amount: $15,000 Deadline: TBD  Collin Higgins’s movies featured characters who always stood up to adversity …
psat exam
ACT & SAT

Your Secret Weapon for Taking the PSAT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on October 10, 2023
When taking the PSAT and SAT, every bit of advantage helps. The PSAT can help qualify you for a scholarship and the SAT can help you get into your dream college. It’s no wonder students want the best scores they can get on these standardized tests. But one secret weapon you may have not realized …
A college student sitting on her bed, drinking coffee, and studying on a laptop.
tips tools & advice

12 FREE Online Study Tools for College Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 21, 2023
It’s easy to forget about school work when you’re on the internet. From cat videos on YouTube to Reddit to TikTok, there are so many rabbit holes to go down! But the internet has also made studying much easier. There are thousands of websites out there designed specifically for learning new skills, managing everyday life, …
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 …