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.
Alchemist statue, by Jaume Plensa, at MIT Campus.
ACT & SAT

How to Get Into MIT: 9 Important Factors

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 29, 2026
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a top ranking school, well known for its dedication to science and technology. However, it’s not easy to get accepted. Nearly 27,000 students submitted applications to the school in the 2023 admissions cycle, but only 1,345 were accepted (or 5%). Students applying to MIT need to have a …
A college campus building with trees in front of it.
college search

Colleges with non-traditional academic schedules

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 16, 2025
Key takeaways Traditional college schedules use a two-semester plan, with one term in the fall and one term in the spring. However, some colleges use non-traditional academic schedules that focus on fewer courses per term or are shorter than a standard semester. Consider how you learn and compare colleges to determine if a non-traditional schedule …
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 …
A building at Lafayette College surrounded by trees.
college comparisons

The 25 best suburban colleges

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 3, 2026
Key takeaways: Suburban schools can offer many of the same experiences as big cities with a quieter atmosphere. Some of the best suburban colleges include Stanford University, University of Notre Dame, and Swarthmore College. Campus visits can help you decide if a school and the surrounding area is right for your college experience. Love the …

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