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.
Austin Community College
college search

What is Community College?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on March 22, 2024
Community colleges are institutions of higher learning that offer associate’s degrees and technical certificates. Some community colleges offer bachelor’s degrees in select subjects. They tend to be less expensive compared to 4-year institutions and can help students save thousands of dollars in tuition and fees. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect at a …
Hoover Tower in Stanford University campus aerial shot.
college search

How To Get Into Top Rated Stanford University

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 5, 2024
Stanford University is regularly named a top school in the United States. Getting in can be tough! In the recent application cycle, Stanford only accepted 3.7% of applicants. Understanding how to get into Stanford University could give your application the boost it needs to see a coveted application letter in your email or mailbox. Below, …
financial aid

State Grants for Virginia College Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 13, 2024
Are you thinking about staying in your home state of Virginia to attend college? The state, through the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, has several college grants available to its residents and students to make college more affordable. Here’s what you need to know. Virginia State Grants 1. Virginia Commonwealth Award  For undergraduate …
questions & answers

How to Graduate College Early: The Pros and Cons

By Hilary CairnsPublished on March 12, 2024
Key Takeaways Graduating college early can be done by planning ahead, taking AP classes in high school, maximizing semester credit hours and taking summer courses. Pros of graduating early include saving money and starting your career or graduate school earlier. Those who graduate early from college should consider they will likely have a heavy workload …
Photograph of the campus of the University of Vermont. A final campus visit can help you solidify your decision
financial aid

State Grants for Vermont College Students

By Hilary CairnsPublished on February 28, 2024
Vermont only has two state grants for its residents and students: the Vermont Grant and the Short-term Training: Advancement Grant. However, the state does offer a number of resources to help its students better afford college including a whole booklet of Vermont Student Assistance Corp (VSAC) assisted scholarships. We’ve outlined these two college grants for …
financial aid

State Grants for Texas College Students

By Hilary CairnsPublished on February 23, 2024
Texas is home to some amazing colleges and universities – and state grants, loans, and other financial aid programs for students. Many students don’t even realize their home state can help them afford college! Here are some Texas college grants you need to be aware of. State Grants for Students in Texas 1. Toward EXcellance, …

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