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.
A red theater curtain lit by spotlights.
scholarships

6 Scholarships for Theater Majors

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 17, 2023
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 …
A red flag on the sea side.
college search

College red flags you shouldn’t ignore

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 26, 2026
Key takeaways: College red flags include no accreditation, low retention and graduation rates, and unhappy students.  Knowing a school isn’t right for you can also come down to personal preferences – you should be able to see yourself at the school.  To find the right college for you, compare your options, research majors, and visit campuses.  When you search …
A high school student sitting in a classroom working on an assignment.
myths

Myth: the second half of my high school year doesn’t matter

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 2, 2026
Key takeaways Many students believe the second half of senior year doesn’t matter, but staying consistent and finishing strong is still important. Even with an acceptance letter, colleges may request final transcripts and can even revoke offers if your grades drop significantly. To finish high school strong, stay committed to your classes and activities, keep …
Land-grant colleges focus on agricultural studies.
questions & answers

What is a Land-Grant College or University?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 27, 2026
Key takeaways: Land-grant universities were created due to the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890 and the Equity of Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994.  They include schools that originally focused on agriculture, military tactics, mechanical studies, or educating African Americans, as well as tribal institutions.  There are more than 100 land-grant universities, including University of Iowa, University of California …
ACT-SAT-Tips
ACT & SAT

Colleges that don’t require the SAT or ACT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on June 2, 2026
Key takeaways: Over 2,000 colleges and universities offering bachelor’s degrees have adopted test-optional policies for the SAT or ACT, while 75 institutions are entirely test-free. Some top test-optional schools include the University of Chicago, Columbia University, and Northwestern University. Even if a school is test-optional, they may still recommend submitting standardized test scores – doing …
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 …

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