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.
college admissions

Junior Year Checklist: Your College Prep Guide

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 7, 2025
Key Takeaways: Start listing colleges, majors, and careers that interest you during your junior year of high school. Most juniors take the PSAT in October, but plan to take your first SAT/ACT in the spring. Talk to your parents about affording college and start creating a financial plan to help you tackle the cost. College …
where did presidents go to college
college search

Where did every U.S. president go to college?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 1, 2025
Key takeaways Harvard University has educated the most presidents. Eight of them attended Harvard: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Rutherford B. Hayes, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. 8 presidents never attended college, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Grover Cleveland. Most modern presidents earned a bachelor’s …
what is a gender studies degree
majors & industries

What is a Gender Studies Degree?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Gender Studies Degrees generally focus on gender identity, sexual orientation, and similar topics, and how they can shape or change behaviors, feelings, power dynamics, domestic violence and more. They tend to be interdisciplinary fields. Although it got its start as “Women’s Studies,” the degree programs have definitely branched out in recent years. If you’re looking …
pets in college
student life

Pets in College: A Benefit or a Distraction?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022
Did you know that some colleges allow you to have pets in your dorm room? This can definitely influence your decision in college, but will having your pet with you benefit your college experience or prove to be a distraction? We’ll cover just that in this article, but we do believe it is a case-by-case …
college majors & minors

Colleges with Special Education Majors

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022
Are you thinking of pursuing a career in special education? It’s important to get into the right program and classes for your goals. It’s also important to note that you may need more than a bachelor’s degree to land a job. Here’s what you can expect from colleges with special education majors. What Can You …
what to do on a long weekend
student life, tips tools & advice

What To Do On Your Long Weekend

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022
Presidents’ Day is just around the corner – do you have plans yet for the long weekend? If not, we’ve put together a short list of ideas you can take advantage of during the three day holiday. Have a Staycation You don’t have to travel to have a vacation! A staycation can be just as …
Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
financial aid, scholarships

Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 22, 2025
Did you know there are specific financial aid programs for students with disabilities? You may qualify for federal aid, scholarships, state assistance, or additional school aid designed for you as well as other sources of financial aid. Below, we’ve outlined some ways you can make college more affordable, including several scholarships dedicated to future and …
difference between sticker and net price
affordability & college cost, tips tools & advice

The Difference Between a School’s Sticker Price and Net Price – And How to Estimate It

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on October 10, 2023
When you’re looking at the price of attending a year of college, the costs can be a bit staggering. In many cases, it can scare students off from applying to that particular school. But that number you’re seeing is likely the sticker price, and the amount you actually pay could be significantly less! Understanding the …