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 red theater curtain lit by spotlights.
scholarships

6 Scholarships for Theater Majors

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 17, 2023
There’s nothing quite like a night at the theater. But what the audience may not know or always remember is all of the hard work, dedication, and people it takes! Actors, playwrights, set designers, lighting specialists, stage managers, costume designers, technicians, sound designers, directors, composers, conductors, and more make a show come to life. A …
A high school student sitting in a classroom working on an assignment.
myths

Myth: The Second Half of My High School Senior Year Doesn’t Matter

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 22, 2024
After you submit your college applications, it can feel like it’s time to finally relax. And many do just that – they fall into the trap of feeling like the second half of their senior year in high school simply doesn’t matter. After all, the colleges have your grades, your SAT/ACT scores, your extracurriculars – …
Many students end up asking for a letter of recommendation.
tips tools & advice

Do’s and Don’ts: Asking for Letters of Recommendation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Whether it’s for a college application, a scholarship, an internship opportunity, or something else, odds are you’ll be required to produce a letter of recommendation at multiple points in your education. These letters serve as a sort of testimony to you as a person, student, and member of society. Written by teachers, coaches, and other …
tips tools & advice

Complete College Packing Guide with Printable Checklist

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 29, 2024
You’ve received your college acceptance letter, submitted your deposit, and the countdown to your first semester has begun. One aspect you’ll have to give thought to over the next few months is your dorm room. Packing up to go off to college can be daunting, especially during your freshman year, but it’s not the only …
Yellow and orange leaves in a pile.
tips tools & advice

The College Transition: Dealing with Change

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 17, 2023
College is supposed to be one of the greatest times in your life…and for the most part, it will be. You will explore new environments, make new friends, and discover things about yourself that you never knew. However, in your transition to college life, you will be dealing with change. Change is the only thing …
Student's coffee and laptop on a table at a campus coffee shop.
ACT & SAT

Do Colleges Prefer ACT or SAT? Which is More Popular?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you’re hoping to apply to college, you may be trying to decide which standardized test to take: the ACT vs. SAT. It will please you to hear that colleges do not prefer the SAT over the ACT or vice versa. We’ll cover the myth that the SAT is preferred over the ACT, as well …
tips tools & advice

10 Study Habits to Break BEFORE College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 20, 2023
Study habits are made in high school and for some, come pretty easily. In college, you may find that you need to tweak those habits as courses and schedules may be more difficult. Professors will expect you to think critically, analyze information, and defend an opinion. Studying hard will be important to your success. If you …

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