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.
defining freshman fears.
college admissions, myths

Conquering Freshman Fears

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 5, 2025
Entering college for the first time is definitely a major life change. You’re (likely) moving out of your house, leaving the K-12 system, leaving your friends, and entering a new chapter of your life. It’s no wonder it can be scary! But know you’re not alone. There are plenty of common fears that new college …
flexible jobs for college students.
questions & answers, scholarships

9 Flexible Jobs for College Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 24, 2023
Making money in college is a must for many students – it’s necessary to afford tuition, fees, food, books, and every other cost that comes with higher education. And even if your tuition is already covered, a job during school could help you save up for fun, or for the future. However, finding jobs with …
White flowers in front of a University of Central Arkansas campus building.
questions & answers, student life

When Do Spring Classes Start for College?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022
Although “spring” is usually in the term “spring semester,” spring classes actually tend to start in January. Here’s everything you need to know about these classes when you can expect the semester to end, and whether or not it’s a good idea to start your college year in the spring. When do Spring Classes Start …
Athlete with name image likeness.
questions & answers, student life

What is Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 30, 2025
Key Takeaways NIL stands for name, image, and likeness. It allows college athletes to profit from their personal brand. The NCAA changed its rules in 2021, marking a major shift in college sports. NIL opportunities include endorsement deals, sponsorships, and media partnerships. While NIL opens doors for student-athletes, it also raises challenges. These challenges involve …
College planning timeline and important milestones.
college admissions

College Planning Checklist

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 6, 2025
If you’re in high school, it’s never too early to start planning for college! There are quite a few things you’ll need to complete over the next four years, so this college planning checklist will help ensure you’re ticking off all the boxes of jobs you need to get done! 1. Get Involved Volunteer at …
Some internships offer college credits as compensation.
questions & answers

Types of College Credits

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 2, 2026
Key takeaways: Each college class is worth a set number of college credits, or credit hours, often ranging from one to four. You need 120 credits to earn a bachelor’s, which usually includes 60 general elective, 30 major, and 30 elective credits. A full-time student takes an average of 12 credit hours per semester, but …
Public Speaking to an audience.
college admissions, questions & answers

How to Be a Better Public Speaker

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 29, 2024
Whether you have to complete a debate project for your high school government class or you need to present your thesis, public speaking can be scary! Thankfully, there are ways to cut down on that anxiety and ensure you’re properly prepared. Here’s a rundown of why public speaking is so important plus some tips to …

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