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 some things not to do at college orientation?
college admissions

What NOT To Do at College Orientation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you’re heading to college this fall, you will most likely have an orientation coming up this summer. Your future school will tell you what to expect, such as what events are planned, what placement tests you need to take, and more. However, there are things you should not do at college orientation. Do Not …
Here's how to change your student loan repayment plan.
student loans

How to Change Your Student Loan Repayment Plan

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Your student loans will generally come due about six months after you graduate or leave college, though some loans will not have that grace period. You may discover at this point that you can’t quite afford the current repayment plan. Here’s how you can change your student loan repayment plan. Talk to the Lender The …
how to decide on a college
college search

Common Things People Overlook when Selecting a College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
When it’s time to start the college search, it’s easy to overlook aspects of each school. You’re often concentrating on your intended major and the academics. However, there are some things that many students overlook when they’re thinking about how to decide on a college These below are only a few examples. Freshman Retention Rates …
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 …
Scrambled letters arranged as the word "Do not give up".
scholarship search & applications

How to Keep Up Scholarship Search Motivation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
During your junior and senior years of high school, there is not doubt that you have a lot going on. You have your regular classes, the extensive college search that includes campus visits, applications, essays, and more, potential part time jobs, applications for financial aid, and other responsibilities. In addition to all this, you should …
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 …