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CollegeVine Expert FAQ

Explore our collection of admissions FAQs. Each answer is expert-approved by our team to help you reach your goals.


What's the expected format for a college essay?

I've heard a ton about personal statements and supplemental essays, but I'm kind of lost on how to structure them. Is there a standard college essay format that admissions officers prefer, or does it …

2 years ago

Evaluating HBCU Basketball Programs for a Prospective Athlete

Hey guys, I'm a junior in HS and I'm starting to look at colleges where I might want to play basketball. HBCUs are on my list but I'm having trouble figuring out which ones have strong basketball prog …

2 years ago

Best Time to Take the ACT the First Time?

What's up everyone! Quick question - when is the best time to take the ACT for the first time? Is the end of junior year too late? Just trying to balance this with all the other stuff going on.

2 years ago

Can someone explain what HBCU/MSI designation means for a college?

I keep seeing colleges labeled as HBCU/MSI and I'm a bit confused about what that means. How does this designation affect the college experience and what should I know as a prospective student?

2 years ago

Have HBCUs seen an enrollment increase recently?

I caught wind that some HBCUs have been experiencing an enrollment boost. Can anyone shed some light on this? I’m genuinely fascinated to know why this might be happening and how it impacts the campus …

2 years ago

Ideal Timeline for College Applications?

Hey guys, I'm sure this has been asked before but when should I really start the college application process? I'm looking for any advice on not just when to start, but also things like when to visit c …

2 years ago

Are there still any states where the SAT is mandated?

I heard that after the pandemic some states dropped the SAT requirement, but is that still the case, or are there states that have brought it back as a requirement? I'm trying to plan whether I need t …

2 years ago

Can you share some famous alumni from HBCUs?

I've been hearing a lot about the notable network and successful alumni from HBCUs. Could someone list some famous HBCU alumni who’ve made significant impacts? This could be really inspiring and might …

2 years ago

Does an associate's degree guarantee transfer credits to all colleges?

Hey everyone! I'm considering going to community college first and getting an associate's degree before transferring to a four-year university. Do you guys know if these credits will transfer to any c …

2 years ago

Best HBCU Programs for Aspiring Entrepreneurs?

Hey everyone, I've been really interested in pursuing a degree in business and I know HBCUs have a rich history and strong communities. Can anyone shine some light on which HBCUs are known for their s …

2 years ago

Writing Contests: Any Recommendations for a High Schooler?

I love writing and want to add some awards under my belt before application season. Can anyone recommend some reputable writing contests for high school students that colleges might look favorably upo …

2 years ago

Exploring HBCU Volleyball Opportunities for College Apps?

I’m a passionate volleyball player and I’ve heard some HBCUs have amazing teams. How would I go about highlighting my volleyball skills and interest in HBCUs in my college applications?

2 years ago

Does TCU have an HBCU, and if so, what’s it like?

Haven’t been able to find much info—is there an HBCU associated with Texas Christian University? If there is, how does it integrate with the larger university environment?

2 years ago

HBCU Marching Bands —How do they impact campus life?

Hey everyone! I'm super interested in the vibrant culture at HBCUs, especially the marching bands. Can anyone share how being in or just experiencing the marching band can impact your college experien …

2 years ago

Inquiry About HBCU Soccer Programs

I'm all in on joining a strong soccer program and I'm considering HBCUs. Could any student-athletes from HBCUs share what the soccer culture is like? How are the facilities, coaching staff, and team d …

2 years ago

Information on female kickers at HBCUs?

This is a bit specific, but has anyone heard of or know about female kickers at HBCUs? I’m all about gender equality in sports, and it would be cool to know if there are any such trailblazers at these …

2 years ago

How crucial is swag at HBCU events?

Hey fellow juniors, I've been thinking about the college culture a lot and I'm really interested in HBCUs. I heard that events like the swag surf are a big deal. Can anyone share how important is it t …

2 years ago

What distinguishes a #1 public HBCU from other universities?

Hey fellow juniors, as I'm crafting my college list and thinking a lot about HBCUs, I've been wondering what really sets the #1 public HBCU apart from other schools, be it in terms of academics, campu …

2 years ago

How do HBCU lacrosse programs compare to others?

Hey guys, I'm really into lacrosse and considering applying to an HBCU. Does anyone know how competitive their lacrosse programs are, compared with non-HBCU schools? Are there any notable differences …

2 years ago

SAT/ACT Studying Schedule Advice?

Hello peeps! Starting to feel the pressure to study for the SAT/ACT but I'm not sure how much time I should give myself. For those who've gone through it, how long before the test did you start prepar …

2 years ago
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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.