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.
You were accepted into college, but you haven't visited yet.
college search

What If You’re Accepted Into a College You Haven’t Visited?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Applying for colleges is a stressful and busy time; you may not have been able to visit them all before you sent in those applications. However, your acceptance letters have come in, and you’ve been accepted into a college you didn’t have time to visit. What now? If it’s a school you’re seriously considering, here …
A teacher is looking at the student's paper on the desk.
questions & answers

What is a TEACH Grant?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 28, 2023
While you’re filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA), you may have seen the TEACH Grant name tossed around a bit. What exactly is it? And more importantly, do you qualify? What is it? The TEACH Grant, which stands for The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education, is for students …
Your state government can also offer financial aid.
financial aid

What Financial Aid Can You Earn From The State Government?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 28, 2023
Almost all students know to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA), but many actually forget to check if their state government offers any financial aid. Here are some things you’ll need to know before you start the search. Your Options Depend on Your State Almost every state education department offers grants, …
Orientation is one of the student events that happens after you've chosen your college.
college admissions

Student Events that Happen After You Accept a College Offer

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Congratulations! You’ve chosen your college. You may be wondering what happens next. Every school is different, but here are a few student events you can expect to happen over the next few months. Orientation  Almost all colleges and universities have some sort of orientation for students. This is usually a “getting to know you” time …
A big question mark on a black board.
college majors & minors

What To Do If You Don’t Know What To Major In

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
You’re heading to college in a few months and you’re don’t know what to major in. A lot of students actually find themselves in this position but you do have a few options! Here are just a few you might want to consider: Go Undeclared or Declare a Major and Change It Later Most colleges …
Avoid these mistakes students make when picking a college
college search

Mistakes Students Make When Selecting a College to Attend

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
It’s the time of year that students are making their final college selections. Some already know where they’re heading but many also aren’t quite sure just yet. However, if you’re still on the fence, here are some mistakes you’ll want to avoid when it comes time to make your choice. Following the Pack Many freshman …
A graduating student with their hands out throwing glitter.
student loans

What You Should Do During Your Student Loan Grace Period

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 24, 2025
If you took out student loans during your college career and graduate or leave school early, you usually have a student loan grace period afterward. This period tends to be six months long, but some can be longer. Here are some things you should be doing during that window. Gather Your Information Over the last …

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