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.
A group of students at a pride event.
scholarships

10 Scholarships for LGBTQIA+ Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 15, 2024
Scholarships are as diverse as the student body and there are several that are dedicated to LGBTQ+ students. Below, we’ve listed 7 that may be awards you qualify for and should consider applying for.    Scholarships are as diverse as the student body itself and there are several dedicated to LGBTQIA+ students. These scholarships are …
These extracurricular activities can impress a college admissions board.
college comparisons

Federal College Scorecard: What Students and Parents Need to Know

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 1, 2025
With almost 6,000 colleges and universities in the United States, comparing each one carefully would take you decades! However, the federal “College Scorecard” is an excellent resource to learn about the statistics of a college – from the first-year retention rate to typical earnings after graduation. Here’s a look at how the College Scorecard can …
types of colleges
college search

What Are the Different Types of Colleges?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 21, 2023
There are several different types of colleges including community colleges, colleges, universities, and vocational colleges All offer different programs, degrees, and educational opportunities. Students should know how colleges differ from one another as it could impact their search for the best school for their needs, wants, goals, and budget. As you explore different types of …
University of Washington
college search

Finding the Right Size Colleges: Small, Medium or Large Campus?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 5, 2024
Whenever students are asked about their college preferences, one of the things students consider is the size of the school. The majority of college match tools, including College Raptor, ask about preferred college size. There are small, medium, and large size colleges, but how do students know what the right size is for them? Each …
A group of students standing together in front of a chalk board.
college admissions

Organizations that Help Students in Low-Income Households go to College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on August 4, 2025
Key Takeaways: A majority of careers require an associate or bachelor’s degree. High tuition costs and limited resource access make it difficult for students from low-income households to go to college. Several organizations advocate for change, provide mentorship, and offer resources to improve college access for low-income families. Due to the high cost of college, …
A pair of glasses sitting on top of a journal.
questions & answers

How Many Times Should I Take the ACT or SAT?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
First: There is no magic number for how many times a student should take the ACT or SAT. For some students, taking the test once may be enough. Others may need to take the test twice or even three times. There are no penalties for taking the tests multiple times or choosing to take both …
how to start the college search process
questions & answers

How to Start Searching for Colleges: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 8, 2024
Searching for colleges is a process that requires time and dedication. Resources like College Match can help students find the colleges and universities that meet their unique needs and wants in a school. Students thinking about attending college should consider location, size of the school, majors, career options, and more. With nearly 6,000 community colleges, …

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