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 …
How much does an online MBA cost for students?
online colleges

How much does an online MBA cost?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 23, 2026
Key takeaways: The average tuition and fee cost for an online MBA degree was $10,964, per the most recently released data by the NCES. Affordable online MBA programs start at just $9,700, while some programs can cost more than $125,500. You can pay for or lower the cost of a graduate degree by completing the …
Here's what you'll learn in online MBA programs.
online colleges

A quick guide to online MBA programs

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 29, 2026
Key takeaways: Many institutions offer online Masters of Business Administration (MBA), a graduate degree. Core coursework covers finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, and more, and students can choose a specialization based on their goals. To find the right MBA curriculum for you, review admission requirements, cost, specialization availability, and other factors. An MBA can help you advance …
What is a good PSAT score and how do you achieve a good score?
ACT & SAT

What is a Good PSAT Score?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 24, 2024
A “good” PSAT score is usually in the 75th percentile, or 1075 to 1130 in recent years. Often seen as the “practice SAT,” the PSAT lays the groundwork for your SAT prep, helping you better understand where you are and where you want to be. However, score in the 99th percentile and you could actually …
College applications can be ridiculously expensive, especially with the application fee
college applications

What If I Can’t Afford the College Application Fee?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 22, 2025
Key Takeaways: College applications can cost anywhere from $0 to $100 each, but many students pay around $50 per application. Students may qualify for college application fee waivers by demonstrating financial need. If you’re not eligible for waivers, you can save money by applying to schools with free or low-cost applications. One college application at …
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 …
Dual Dell monitor on a desk with white coffee cup.
online colleges

10 Common Bachelor’s of Business Administration (BBA) jobs

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 26, 2026
Key takeaways: A Bachelor’s of Business Administration (BBA) is an undergraduate degree for students interested in business, entrepreneurship, and management. Popular majors include Marketing, Finance, and Accounting, but options can include everything from Hospitality to Business Ethics. Some common jobs for those with BBAs include Accountant, Real Estate Agent, Entrepreneur, and Financial Advisor. If you’re …
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 …

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