CollegeVine Expert FAQ

So I'm thinking about taking AP Environmental Science next year, cause I'm really into topics about the environment and sustainability. Could someone give me a rundown of what the main topics are? Lik …

So I’ve been grinding through high school and have a 3.9 unweighted GPA. I'm pretty proud, but also a little stressed about whether that’s competitive for admissions to highly selective colleges. Do a …

I'm kinda stressed about the ACT Reading section. What types of skills do I need to develop to do well, and how are these skills applied in the context of the exam?

Hey everyone, just got my PSAT score back and it's a 900. I'm kinda stressing about how this will play into my college applications. Should I be worried? How much do colleges actually look at PSAT sco …

I've come across both terms 'HBCU' and 'PBI' and I'm a bit confused about what distinguishes one from the other. Could someone clarify the main differences between Historically Black Colleges and Univ …

As I start drafting my essays for college applications, how crucial is it to include imagery, and does anyone have strategies for incorporating it effectively without overdoing it?

With the SAT going digital in some places, does anyone know if score release times are faster, or are they the same as paper tests? Trying to figure out how this might impact my application timeline.

Hey guys, I've got an 'A' average GPA so far in my high school years. Is that considered competitive for schools like the Ivies, or do I need to push for more 'A+' grades?

ACT day is coming up, and I want to be fully prepared. Can anyone suggest the absolute essentials I need to bring to the test center to ensure everything goes smoothly?

Hey folks, I'm a bit on edge waiting for my ACT results. How long does it usually take for ACT scores to be released after taking the test? If anyone's gone through this recently and can give me a hea …

Hello! Anyone knows when the College Board releases AP scores? How does the scoring work, and should I be panicking if I don't hit a 5?

As I plot my course toward a degree in Computer Science, I’m keen to know which HBCUs I should consider that have solid programs in CS. Anyone else here planning to pursue CS at an HBCU and has some a …

I keep hearing about FAFSA, but what exactly does it involve? Is there a best time to start the process, and what information will I need to have on hand?

I'm a dancer and would love to continue in college, preferably at an HBCU. What are some of the top dance teams, and what should I look for in their programs when I'm applying to schools? Would love t …

Junior here who just got a 1190 on the PSAT. Is this a good indicator of what I might expect on the SAT, or should I be prepping to aim much higher? Thoughts?

Hey folks, just a bit stressed out here. I’ve managed to get a 3.8 GPA so far and I’m wondering if that’s solid for schools like the Ivies or other top-tier institutions. Would a 3.8 GPA be competitiv …

So, I've heard about the PreACT and that it's sort of like the PSAT but for the ACT. When do these generally happen, and are they offered multiple times a year or what? Any tips on when to take it for …

Just got my PSAT scores back and I'm kind of okay with them, but how should I use these results to plan my next steps towards college? Are they a good predictor for the SAT or should I be looking at t …

Hello everyone! I've racked up about 100 hours of community service over my high school years—do you think this is impressive for college apps, or should I aim higher?

I'm interested in taking some accelerated classes next year, but I'm wondering how colleges view these courses. Does it significantly boost my application if I do well in them?