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.
What are hidden ivies?
questions & answers

What Are “Hidden Ivies?”

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 29, 2024
The Hidden Ivies are colleges that have an excellent reputation but are not considered Ivy League schools. You’ve heard of the Ivy League Schools – Harvard, Yale, Brown, Columbia, Princeton, Dartmouth, Cornell, and the University of Pennsylvania. These eight research universities consistently top the list of the most prestigious higher education institutions in the United …
Use your intended major to find a college
college search

How To Use Your Intended Major in the College Search

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
When searching for your potential future college, there will be quite a few things you will have to keep in mind. This may include the school’s dorm rooms, the location, the size of the school, the college’s reputation, and, of course, your major. Here’s how you can use your intended major in your college search. …
Like a gap on a sidewalk, gapping is when a college can't meet the full financial needs of a student.
financial aid

A Guide to Funding the Financial Aid Gap

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 1, 2023
Although many schools offer financial aid packages to help make college more affordable for its students, some individuals find themselves unable to cover the entire cost of their education even with these packages. This is what they call a financial aid gap. If a student is in this situation – what are their options? Finding …
Your high school counselor can actually help you
college applications

Things Your High School Counselor Can Do For You

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Every high school student has at least one, but when is the last time you visited your guidance counselor? Many students don’t take full advantage of all the benefits the office has to offer. Here are just three things you counselor can do for you, freshman year to senior. Academic Assistance from Your Counselor Most …
The personal qualities you develop from extracurricular activities should be mentioned in college applications.
college applications

Qualities Earned From Extracurricular Activities and How to Show Them on College Apps

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
There are a lot of items you will have to include for each of your college applications, from basic information to work experience. When you’re completing each application, make sure you’re also including your personal qualities. What have you learned from extracurricular activities? Here are some ways to think about this question and how to …

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