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.
college search

Your 3 City Guide to CollegeFest

By Hilary CairnsPublished on September 8, 2023
Does your city have a CollegeFest? Three major cities – Rochester, NY, Philadelphia, PA, and Boston, MA – have their own CollegeFests available for their students, but each one is very different! We outlined what you can expect at these events and why you should definitely plan to go to your city’s CollegeFest this year. …
Three students are sitting on their desk chair.
ACT & SAT

What is the ACT to SAT Conversion?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on September 5, 2023
When applying to colleges or scholarships, you might see some require you to have specific or minimum ACT or SAT scores to be accepted or eligible to apply. Understanding how the scores compare to one another – or convert – will help you determine the best test for you and your chances of being accepted …
financial aid

States that Offer Programs for Free or Reduced Cost Community College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 6, 2023
Did you know that several states offer free or reduced community college tuition to their students? Taking advantage of these programs can be a great way to start your education and save money! Below, we’ve outlined all of the states that currently have programs to make attending community colleges more affordable. States That Offer Free …
college search

Colleges in Alaska and Why You Should Go to School There

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 28, 2023
Alaska may not be on your radar just yet when it comes to searching for colleges, but it should be – especially if you enjoy the outdoors and don’t mind the cold! This unique state has plenty to offer adventurous students, and by attending a school in one of the state’s cities, like Anchorage, you …
college search

Why Alabama is a Great Place to go to College

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 22, 2023
Whether your home state is Alabama or you’re thinking about moving there for college, the state has plenty to offer its students! From amazing schools to unique educational opportunities to great beaches, you’ll be able to get an outstanding education while you have the opportunity to enjoy everything the state has to offer. Below, we’ve …
financial aid

State Grants for Oklahoma for College Students

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 15, 2023
For students planning to go to college in Oklahoma, the state has several different grants and scholarship programs to help make school more affordable. Keep reading to learn more about Oklahoma’s Promise, military scholarships, academic scholarships, and others. Oklahoma State Grants for College Students 1. Oklahoma’s Promise Oklahoma’s Promise is a program dedicated to helping …
financial aid

State Grants for Ohio College Students

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 15, 2023
The state of Ohio has several state grants and financial aid programs available to students who decide to attend college in the state. Below, we’ve detailed some of these awards, how you can apply, and where you can find further information on financial aid programs and attending college in Ohio. Ohio State Grants 1. Choose …
College of William and Mary - Best Colleges in the Southeast
college comparisons

Your Guide to the Public Ivies

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 15, 2023
The Ivy League schools, Harvard, Yale, etc., are household names. These private colleges and universities are often considered the best of the best. And for good reason! But did you know that there are “Public Ivies” that can be just as prestigious as ones in the Ivy League? These highly selective schools are academic powerhouses …

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