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.
Bookshelf with text: gifts for english majors
student life

7 Lovely Literary Gifts for English Majors

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
At no extra cost to you, College Raptor may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.  There’s nothing quite like a good story. Nobody knows that better than an English major! Are you looking for the perfect gift for the book lover in your life? These seven suggestions are sure to be …
Woman on laptop with text: considering online colleges?
online colleges

Considering Online Colleges? How to Know if it’s Right for You!

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Have you been considering attending an online college instead of a physical location? Many people find them convenient options! There are a few things you need to think about before deciding if online colleges are right for you. Here are three questions to ask yourself. Can You Stay Organized and Self Motivated? The biggest question …
student looking at laptop with text: how to get grants for college
questions & answers

Should I Use Grants for College?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 28, 2023
Scholarships are one of the most popular ways to pay for college. And easily the most well-known. But what about grants? One common question that revolves around financial aid and college tuition is “Should I use grants for college?” Of course, the follow up is: how to get grants for college. We cover just that …
USB drive on a stump with text: great USB drives for college students
student life

5 Great USB Drives for College Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
At no extra cost to you, College Raptor may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.  One of the necessities of going to college is a USB drive! They can be super helpful for when a printer doesn’t seem to be working and you have to go to a different lab location. …
Student looking at city with text: student loan debt statistics
student loans

National Student Loan Debt Statistics: 2019

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
You hear quite a bit about student loan debt and the issues that arise from it here in the news. But have you ever had a chance to look at some of the statistics surrounding the money and debt involved? Here’s a quick rundown of some of the stats about Federal direct loans, private loans, …
Popcorn with text, college movies
student life

6 College Movies Great for Roommate Bonding Nights

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
At no extra cost to you, College Raptor may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.  If you don’t have roommate movie nights, it’s time to start a new tradition! Whether you’ve been watching them for months and you’re out of ideas or you’ve just started, these are six great college movies …
student holding cash with text: can I get tuition assistance
financial aid

How Can I Get Tuition Assistance?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
There’s no doubt college tuition can be expensive, which leads many students to look into ways to make their higher education options more affordable. Here are three ways you can work towards getting tuition assistance. Complete Your FAFSA One of your first steps for tuition assistance should always be completing your FAFSA. (The Free Application …
Hourglass with text: helpful study timer for college students
student life

5 Helpful Study Timer Options for College Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 1, 2023
At no extra cost to you, College Raptor may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.  Do you have trouble keeping on task when you have to study? Want to make sure you’re studying enough for an upcoming test or just over Or maybe you have a habit of studying too long …
A person holding a paper map while sitting in a car.
questions & answers

How Can I Research Colleges Near Me?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
One important factor to consider when searching for your college choices is do you want to go to school in another state, somewhere nearby, or somewhere in between? If you decide to go to college near your hometown, you’ll definitely want to search for “colleges near me.” Here are some tips to find and research …