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.
christmas-wish-list-dorm-room-essentials
student life

College Dorm Room Essentials for Your Christmas Wishlist

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 27, 2026
Putting together your Christmas Wishlist? It’s a great idea to make sure you have your spring college dorm room essentials! Maybe your friends had them in the fall you want them now too! No matter what the case is, these are great gift ideas awesome additions to the ultimate dorm room. A Compact Vacuum With …
A person holding a marker against a checklist.
college search, tips tools & advice

Planning Your College Search

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022
Juniors: With the new year, if you are planning to go to college, it’s time to get started on your college search! Do you know where to begin? If not – it’s okay! We’ve put together a quick checklist and some tools for you! Ask Yourself Questions Asking yourself some questions to start off your …
universal-deadline-reminder
college admissions, college applications

What is the universal college application deadline?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 20, 2025
Key takeaways: The universal application deadline is January 1 for regular decision submissions, but not every college uses this specific date. You’ll have to submit your application earlier if you wish to apply under Early Action or Early Decision. Most colleges won’t accept late submissions but may make exceptions for emergencies. Many colleges and universities …
student loans

What Are Student Loan Rehabilitation Programs?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Student loan rehabilitation programs are designed to offer students a structured path out of default. The U.S. Department of Education created this program specifically for federal Direct and FFEL loans. Federal Direct and FFEL loans go into default when the payment is not made for 270 days or more. This carries a series of serious …
Application-fees
college applications

What You Need To Know About College Application Fees

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 5, 2024
Key Takeaways: The average undergraduate college application fee is about $47, but fees vary by college. College application fees range from $0 – $500, but most cost within the $30-$90 range. In addition to the application fee itself, you may incur other application related expenses like test registration costs (AP, SAT/ACT), fees for pulling transcripts, …
scholarship search & applications, scholarships

How To Find Merit Scholarships You Can Qualify For

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 24, 2023
Academic and athletic scholarships are the two biggest merit scholarship categories, but they aren’t the only ones. Merit scholarships also encompass all scholarships that you are eligible for based on the sponsor’s criteria and they do not take financial need into consideration. Doing a general search for merit scholarships can throw up thousands of opportunities. …

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