CollegeVine Expert FAQ

I've heard the term 'first-generation college student' used a lot, but I'm not entirely sure what it refers to. Who qualifies as a first-generation student, and does it have any impact on college appl …

I'm trying to understand what exactly 'financial aid for college' means. How does it work, and what forms does it come in? Also, who qualifies for it and how do I apply? Any insights would be apprecia …

I've been researching top colleges and am curious about how competitive regular decision is compared to early decision. Does anyone have insights into acceptance rates for regular decision?

I'm planning to apply to Columbia University, and I'm curious about when their regular decision results are typically released. Does anyone know the usual timeline for hearing back?

I'm thinking about applying to the University of Maine but haven't decided on the application timeline. Does anyone have details on their regular decision deadlines and how long it takes to hear back?

I'm applying to The New School and I want to prepare for the waiting period. Does anyone know the notification timeline for regular decision, and should I expect any official communication right befor …

I'm anxiously awaiting my regular admission decision from Duke. Does anyone know when they typically release decisions for regular applicants, and is it through email or their portal?

I'm a QuestBridge participant eyeing the regular decision process. I'm curious if successfully matching with partner schools through regular decision means a guaranteed full-ride scholarship. Does any …

I've been accepted as a QuestBridge finalist and I'm curious about the regular decision process. Does it cover the application fees for partner schools, or do I still need to budget for some fees?

I'm considering applying to Penn State but I want to know if they have a regular decision application. How does their application process work and what are the deadlines?

I'm thinking about applying to NYU, but I'm not sure how their waitlist process works for regular decision applications. What are my chances of getting admitted from the waitlist, and when would I fin …

I'm trying to budget carefully for college applications, and I have an application fee waiver. Will this waiver still count if I decide to apply regular decision, or is it only for early applications?

I've heard mixed things about applying early for Regular Decision deadlines. Is there any advantage to submitting your application early, or does it make no difference at all?

Do we have to submit the application materials early even if we are applying for Regular Decision? I'm trying to manage my time and understand when everything needs to be in by.

For Regular Decision colleges, do they look at our first semester grades from senior year? I'm trying to figure out if I need to push extra hard this semester or if it's less important.

I'm curious if colleges take into account whether you applied Early Decision when they are reviewing Regular Decision applications. Does having applied early affect your application at all in the regu …

How do regular decision schools factor in first semester grades? I'm a bit worried about my senior year performance impacting my chances, so I want to know when they actually see these grades.

I'm applying regular decision to a few colleges and I'm wondering if they consider your first semester senior year grades. Do they typically wait for these grades before making a decision?

I've heard rumors that some colleges might offer acceptance letters before the official regular decision timeline. Is this true? If so, how does it work and which schools typically do this? Would love …

I've got my fingers crossed for Williams and am curious when they release regular decision results. Anyone have an idea from past years or know of an official timeline? Trying to figure out my schedul …