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.
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 …
Student studying to earn college credits in high school.
college admissions

5 Ways to Earn College Credits in High School

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022
Who says you have to wait for your first year of college to get a start on your degree? You can get a head start on your college credits while still in high school! We’ll cover just five in this article but there may be additional options available to you depending on where you are …
Trade job plumber inspecting job.
careers & internships

10 High Paying Trade Jobs (No Degree Needed)!

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 9, 2026
Key takeaways: Some high-paying trade jobs that typically don’t require a degree include boilermaker, aircraft mechanic, and nuclear power reactor operator. Trade careers usually require certification, paid apprenticeship, a trade school education, or a combination of the three. Trade schools and apprenticeships cover hands-on training and classroom instruction to prepare students for the workforce in …
financial aid

Types of college financial aid that don’t have to be paid back

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 19, 2026
Key takeaways: Scholarships, grants, and money from work-study programs are types of college financial aid that typically don’t have to be paid back. Apply for these awards by completing the FAFSA, using scholarship databases, visiting your colleges’ financial aid office websites, and researching your state’s programs. Student loans almost always need to be paid back, …

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