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.
You can use a megaphone to declare something, but what about declaring your major right away?
college majors & minors

Pros and Cons of Declaring Your College Major Right Away

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
When completing college applications, some schools may ask you which major you are interested in pursuing. However, even if you already know which major you’ll choose, there are pros and cons to declaring it so soon. Here’s what you need to know. Pro: It’s attractive to the school. Declaring your major on your applications may …
A business person offering a handshake.
careers & internships

11 Job Interview Tips for Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 11, 2023
Going to your first job interview as a college student can be intimidating. However, coming across as a professional adult is possible with just a bit of practice. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll feel, so take these 11 job interview tips for college students into account including dress to impress, brush up …
What exactly is job shadowing?
careers & internships

What is Job Shadowing?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
While deciding on your major and potential career, you may have heard the term “job shadowing” thrown around. But what exactly does it mean and how does it affect you? Here’s a quick run down on how job shadowing could be a vital part of your career planning process. What is Job Shadowing?  Job shadowing …
ACT & SAT

How to Hype Yourself up Before Taking the ACT/SAT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
You’ve studied for months and the day is nearly here. It’s time to officially take the ACT or SAT. You may be stressed leading up to the event, but it’s important to keep perspective, especially the morning of. Here are some ideas on how to hype yourself up before you sit down to take either …
Several schools in Ann Arbor hold summer events.
student life

College Towns with Exciting Summer Events

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Most students are only on campus from August to May, but quite a few also stay in their college town during the summer months, whether they call the area home, are taking summer courses, or they work in town. Attending college is about education, of course, but it’s also about the experience. The town you …
You should wear a watch to your SAT or ACT test session.
ACT & SAT

Why You Should Wear a Watch for the ACT/SAT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
When you’re heading in to take your ACT or SAT, you’re often told to bring certain items. They include registration documents, a permitted calculator, two pencils with erasers, photo identification, and a watch. It’s obvious why you need some of these items, but why a watch exactly? Here’s the reason you should add it to …
Why should you start paying your student loans while in school?
student loans

Why You Should Start Paying Back Student Loans While in School

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 6, 2025
Some loans, like direct subsidized or direct unsubsidized loans from the Department of Education, don’t require you to start paying back until after you graduate college or leave school. You will even be granted a six month grace period. However, that doesn’t mean you should wait to start paying the money back. Here are some …

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