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.
Summer classes at a college.
college majors & minors

How to Use this Summer to Pick Your College Major

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
The summer is the perfect time to start doing some research into your future education! This includes your college major. While not strictly necessary, there are many benefits to knowing your major before you start college. Here are three steps to get you on the right track to use this summer to find your college …
A clock on the wall.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Student Loan?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Have you applied for student loans? You may be wondering: how long does it take to get a student loan? It can be quite stressful, and understandably so, to have to wait and make sure you’re actually receiving the money you need to attend college. When you receive the loan really depends on the type …
College student researching financial aid on her laptop at campus.
scholarships

Are There Transfer Scholarships for Community College Students?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 24, 2023
Often, students who attend community college decide they want to continue their education at a four year college or university after they’ve received their Associate degree. While you can still apply for FAFSA and may be eligible for some grants, you may be wondering if there are scholarships available to you. The short answer is: …
A student sitting and reading a book.
college applications

How to Prep for AP Courses Over the Summer

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Are you starting any AP Courses this fall in high school? You definitely don’t want to wait for first day to get ready. Preparation needs to start over the summer to ensure a good grade and a smooth semester. Here are some tips for prepping for AP courses over the summer.  Complete Your Summer Assignments …
A brick college building covered in ivy.
questions & answers

Are You Guaranteed a Scholarship From the College You Attend?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Did you know that many scholarships come from the colleges themselves? They’re known as institutional scholarships. While many students rely on institutional scholarships to help pay for college, you are never guaranteed a scholarship from a college you attend. Although you may be granted one, it is never set in stone. However, there are ways …
College student with money
questions & answers

Can You Use Scholarships to Pay off Student Loans?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 25, 2025
When you’re trying to pay off your student loans, it’s a good idea to explore all your options. Some students wonder if they can pay off their loans with scholarships. If you received a scholarship your junior year, for example, can you use it to pay off a student loan from your freshman year? The …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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