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.
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 …
How to look for colleges
college search

Search Smart Not Hard: The Best Way to Look for Colleges

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
The time to search and apply for colleges is just around the corner, so searching smarter rather than harder is key. Doing so can save you plenty of time and headaches, in addition to saving you money on applications to schools that are less than perfect for you. Here are some of the best ways …
Is federal student loan consolidation or refinance an option?
questions & answers

Can You Refinance and Consolidate Federal Student Loans?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
When it comes time to pay off your federal student loans, you may find yourself overwhelmed. Many who have either graduated or left school ask if it’s possible to refinance or consolidate these debts. So, is federal student loan consolidation or refinancing an option? Yes, You Can Refinance and Consolidate Your Federal Student Loans! Yep! …
Four post-it notes stuck to a surface.
college search

How to Start Your College List

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Before you begin sending out applications for colleges this year, you should be creating a list of potential schools first. This will help ensure that you’re only applying to schools that are right for you. Do you know how to get started on your college lists? Start Early You should be starting to create your …