Hilary Cairns, Author at College Raptor | Page 73 of 91

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.

When you take an SAT or ACT practice test, it's important to review your mistakes.

ACT & SAT

The Importance of Understanding Your Mistakes on ACT/SAT Practice Tests

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

When you’re taking an SAT or ACT practice test, you’re doing it for more than just to see how many you can get right on your first try (or second or third). You should be timing yourself, but also seeing what mistakes you make and, more importantly, why you made that mistake so you can …

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 February 27, 2025

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 March 6, 2025

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 …

college majors & minors

Will Being an Undeclared Major Hurt My College Acceptance Odds?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re not quite sure what you’d like to major in by the time you complete your college applications, you may be tempted to put down “undeclared.” However, will that help or hurt your acceptance odds? It’s A Good Idea To Put Something Down In most cases, students who are leaning towards writing down “undeclared” …

affordability & college cost

How To Strike a Balance Between an Affordable College and a Dream School

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Quite a few students in high school already have their dream school chosen, but for some, it may be out of reach financially. Finding a balance between affording college and attending your dream school may present you with solutions. Investigate Scholarships and Financial Aid Through Your Dream School Many juniors and seniors in high school …

Here's how to figure out what to major in while you're in high school.

college majors & minors

How To Figure Out Your Intended Major During High School

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Choosing your intended major for college can be a daunting prospect, especially when you’re still in high school. However, there are some things you can do to help determine what field and subject will be a great choice for you. Here are some steps to take on how to figure out what to major in …

Is federal student loan consolidation or refinance an option?

questions & answers

Can You Refinance and Consolidate Federal Student Loans?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 6, 2025

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! …

student life

Advice for Incoming College Freshmen: Go Beyond the Minimum

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

You’ll have quite a few people offering their “best advice” as you head into the final weeks before your first year of college. There will be quite a bit to soak in as they will all have something to say. A good bit of it will be good advice too. But if I had to …

Overcome these common fears freshmen have about college.

student life

Common Fears About College and How to Overcome Them

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

There’s no doubt that college is a big step and a life-changing one. It can be jarring for quite a lot of freshman! Don’t worry though; you’re not alone in your fears. These are only a few common fears incoming college students have. Fear of Change College is change. You’ll be living in a new …

Hilary Cairns

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