Hilary Cairns

101 number in circular steel and is attached to wood.
student loans

Student Loan Borrower Protections 101

After you graduate college, you (and your co-signer if you have one) will be responsible for repaying any student loans you’ve taken out, private, federal, or both. Some loans, like federal loans, will have a six month grace period after you graduate or leave school, while others will require payment immediately. However, before you get …
If you're attending a parent orientation, here are some do's and don'ts.
college admissions

What To Expect at Parent Orientation

Key takeaways: Some colleges offer parent orientation, which highlights valuable information for parents to help their students make the most of their college experience. Sessions during orientation can cover financial aid, campus life, health and safety, academics, and more. Parents can sign up for their orientation online, through the student’s college portal. Colleges usually require …
College freshman orientation is over. Now what?
student life

What To Do After College Orientation

Summer is drawing to a close and many of you have already attended your college freshman orientation. If you haven’t already, it’s most likely on the horizon. There are a few things you’ll want to do after orientation and before school starts: Select Your Dorm Some colleges have you select your dorm at the orientation, …
We have some words of wisdom for parents who has a kid going to college.
tips tools & advice

Words of Wisdom for Parents of College Bound Students

If your child is heading off to college, especially if it’s your oldest, you know it’s a life-changing experience and can be nerve-wracking. You’ll have advice for your children, of course, but here are some words of wisdom for you as well as they head away from home. Keep in Touch But Don’t Helicopter You’ll …
Don't leave your answers blank!
ACT & SAT

Pro Tip: NEVER Leave an Answer Blank on the ACT/SAT

If your SAT or ACT exam is coming up, we’re sure you’re studying hard! By this time, you’ve heard quite a few test-taking tips regarding each of them, which may have included “never leave an answer blank”. Here is how you should approach more difficult questions and why you should never leave them blank. Skip …
college tips for incoming freshmen
tips tools & advice

Best Pieces of Advice for Incoming College Freshmen

If you’re heading to college this fall as a freshman, there is no doubt that you’ve received dozens of pieces of advice from everyone! This includes your parents, older siblings, teachers, co-workers, and neighbors. A lot of it will be good tidbits. Just in case you haven’t heard though, here are some college tips for …
A student holding money.
student loans

Are There Student Loans That Go Directly to You?

Key Takeaways: Most federal and private student loans go directly to the college. After the college balance is paid, any leftover loan money can be transferred to the student. Only direct-to-consumer private student loans are sent directly to the student to cover education-related expenses. Many students need loans to cover the cost of college. While …

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