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 light bulb drawn on a board with scribbles on a wall behind it.
scholarships

The Gates Scholarship

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
On the lookout for scholarships? If you’re a minority, you’ll definitely want to look into the The Gates Scholarship. Here’s what you need to know about its history, how you can apply, and more. What is The Gates Scholarship? The Gates Scholarship is a “highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from …
Scholarship application form surrounded by pens and notebooks.
scholarship search & applications

7 Common Scholarship Information Requirements

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 26, 2024
Common scholarship requirements include your basic contact information, proof of high school graduation, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, financial details, and more. Every scholarship is different, from who it is for to the amount awarded. And while award applications can be similar, organizations will often have different scholarship requirements you’ll need to meet to apply. Before …
NFTS.
financial advice & planning

Should I Invest in NFTs to Pay for College?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
You may have heard of the recent financial advice that recommends you invest in NFTs to help you pay for college. However, it’s important to know what exactly an NFT is and your options before making a decision. What are NFTs and How do They Work? An NFT, or a non-fungible token, is a virtual …
Check out our college prep checklists to help you stay on track through your freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior year of high school
college admissions

How to Prepare for College in 10th Grade: A Quick Guide

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
10th Grade College Planning Checklist Start Thinking About Your Future Take the PSAT Get Involved in the Community College prep isn’t something that starts in junior year. Younger students, including 9th and 10th graders, can (and should) be taking steps to prepare for college. How to prepare for college in 10th grade starts with thinking …
scholarships

When to Start Looking for Scholarships

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 24, 2023
When to start looking for scholarships? The short answer is: whenever you can! A common myth is that only high school seniors can or need to apply for scholarships. However, not only are scholarships available to all high school grade students, but they are for all college students too! There are billions of dollars in …
Avoid these mistakes on the ACT writing section
ACT & SAT

ACT Writing Prompts

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
While you won’t know the ACT writing prompt you’ll be getting ahead of time, there are definitely ways to practice for this section of the exam. There are several example prompts straight from the ACT so you may even get a real prompt that’s similar to your practice ones! What is the ACT Writing? The …
Preping for College 9th Grade Checklist.
questions & answers

College Prep: 9th Grade College Planning Checklist

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 31, 2023
Did you know that students shouldn’t wait until their junior or senior years to start prepping for college? That’s right! Younger students should be prepping, too. So, what should 9th graders be doing to prepare for college? When you’re just entering high school, you should focus on your interests, create a plan for your high …
person in interview.
college admissions

What NOT To Do in An Admissions Interview

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
We recently covered how to properly prepare for an admissions interview, but do you know what you shouldn’t be doing? When it comes to these meetings, you absolutely shouldn’t be showing up late, dressing inappropriately, seeming disinterested, or chewing gum. DON’T Go In Unprepared One of the worst things you can do when it comes …
What's the role of social media in college applications?
tips tools & advice

How to Use Social Media Wisely for Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022
Did you know that colleges often check your social media if you applied to their school? The things you post there could greatly impact your admissions chances, so it’s important to take steps to make your social media work for you rather than against you. Here’s a checklist of how to use social media wisely …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join thousands of students and parents learning about finding the right college, admissions secrets, scholarships, financial aid, and more.