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.
Should you use the Universal College Application?
college applications

Pros and Cons of Using the Universal College App

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 24, 2023
Do one (or more) of your schools accept the Universal College App? You could save time by using the program – you may only have to do your application once to apply to the schools on your list. But should you? Or can you? Let’s review exactly what centralized college apps are and then go …
financial aid

Financial Aid Timeline: Know What to Do and When

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 13, 2024
The financial aid process can be a bit daunting. Different forms of aid have different formalities, eligibility requirements, and deadlines. The key to benefiting from the various financial aid opportunities is to understand and keep track of the requirements and deadlines. Financial aid is typically distributed on a first come first served basis, so the …
campus related to how to get a college scholarship
myths

Myth: I Can’t Apply for Scholarships During Second Semester

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Did you think scholarships were only for high school students and incoming freshman? Not quite! There are actually quite a few scholarships you can apply to while you’re in college. Some of the scholarships listed below have due dates in January, designed to be applied for right during the start of your second semester of …
Start your second semester off on the right foot
student life

How to Start off Second Semester Right

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
How did your first semester go? We hope it went well! No matter the results though, it’s important to start your second semester off on the right foot. These are a few great tips for any semester though, so make sure to remember them for later years or even if you starting college this fall! …
Reconsider asking your favorite teacher for a letter of recommendation
myths

Myth: I Should Pick My Favorite Teacher to Write My Letter of Recommendation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
It’s time to ask your teachers for the letters of recommendation for your college applications, but who do you ask? Most juniors and seniors instantly think of their favorite teacher as the answer. While it may be a great choice, it shouldn’t always be the default selection. Here’s why you should consider some alternative options: …
Why are letter of recommendations so important?
questions & answers

Why Are Letters of Recommendation So Important?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
In addition to your high school transcripts, essay, and FAFSA paperwork, colleges will often require letters of recommendation as part of your application to the school. But why? They’re actually a huge part of the process and can provide a boost to your application. Here’s a few reasons why they’re so important: A View Into …
What will happen during your college tour?
questions & answers

What Will I Experience on a College Tour?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 17, 2024
Visiting a college before you agree to attend is a great way to determine if the school is for you. It’s a chance for students to make the college “real” in their minds and see if they can envision themselves there for the next four years. Many schools offer in-person college tours (or online versions) …
A brandname college may not be perfect for you, but a small college could be
college search

Brandname Isn’t Always Best: Colleges That Change Lives

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
When you’re searching for your college, it’s always recommended to do some research into which school is a good fit for you. This includes taking a close look at their majors and minors, investigating their employment rate after graduation, and checking their tuition, but it can also involve taking a trip to the university to make …

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