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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.


How secure is the Common App for submitting applications?

Hey everyone! I'm starting to get all my documents together for college apps and I just wanted to ask, how secure is the Common App when it comes to submitting personal info and application materials? …

2 years ago

University Rep for SMU?

Hey guys, I'm curating my college list and I've stumbled upon Southern Methodist University. Can anyone tell me what unique strengths or programs SMU is renowned for? Trying to figure out if it fits m …

2 years ago

How essential is taking a high school class that covers cell structure for a biology-related major?

Hey everyone, I'm planning on majoring in something related to biology when I get to college. Is a high school class that specifically covers cell structure super important for my future major, or wil …

2 years ago

Looking for colleges similar to JMU with a strong sense of community?

Hey everyone! I've been visiting campuses and really loved the feel of James Madison University. I'm all about that strong campus community vibe mixed with good academics. Can anyone suggest more scho …

2 years ago

Early Action application process on the Common App—Help?

Yo, could someone tell me how to apply for Early Action using the Common App? I understand the concept of EA but I'm not entirely sure how to indicate this on the application. Is there a box I need to …

2 years ago

The True Brown Experience?

Hey folks! Brown is one of my dream schools, but I'd love to hear from actual students—what's your day-to-day like? Is the Open Curriculum as freeing as they say, and how do people generally feel abou …

2 years ago

Where to find summer physics courses for high school students?

Physics is my passion and I want to dive deeper this summer. Any leads on where high school students like me can find intensive summer physics courses?

2 years ago

Is taking the PSAT as a freshman advisable or unnecessary stress?

I'm a freshman and some of my peers are planning on taking the PSAT this year. Is there an actual benefit to taking it so early, or is it just adding to our already busy high school life? Do colleges …

2 years ago

Common App Additional Information Section Help!

Hey everyone, so I'm putting the final touches on my Common App and I've heard the additional information section can be pretty important. How do you approach writing the additional info on the Common …

2 years ago

Summer High School Courses—Worth the Time?

Hey everyone, I've been thinking about taking some summer courses to get ahead, but I'm not exactly sure if it's worth sacrificing my break. What are the benefits of taking high school courses over th …

2 years ago

Should the Common App be submitted prior to receiving all teacher recs?

Okay, so I'm a bit stressed here. My English teacher, who's writing one of my recommendations, is super swamped and I'm worried she won't get her letter done by the time I'm ready to submit my applica …

2 years ago

Are high school weight lifting classes taken seriously by colleges?

Hey folks, just thinking about my physical health and how to improve it within the school setting. I'm considering signing up for the weight lifting class at my school. Does anyone know if colleges ca …

2 years ago

Is it worth taking a high school chemistry summer course to get ahead?

Hey friends! I'm trying to decide if I should take a chemistry summer course at my high school to free up my schedule for other classes during the school year. Does anyone think this is a good move? W …

2 years ago

Looking for colleges similar to Furman?

Hey all, I'm super into the vibe at Furman University with its liberal arts focus and beautiful campus. Can anyone suggest some schools with a similar feel, that are maybe also strong in environmental …

2 years ago

Does 'Graduating Class Size' matter on the Common App?

Quick question, fellow applicants, does the 'Graduating Class Size' section on the Common App affect our application in any significant way? Should I just enter the number or does the context of a sma …

2 years ago

Interpreting a 1000 PSAT score – how do I stand?

I'm feeling a bit anxious here. I just got my PSAT score back and it's a 1000. Can someone explain what this score means in terms of college readiness? And are there any particular strategies I should …

2 years ago

Specializations of the University of East Anglia?

So, there's this university I came across, the University of East Anglia. Anyone here know what they're particularly esteemed for, academically speaking?

2 years ago

Strategies for tackling Common App essay prompts?

Hey fellow juniors, I'm feeling pretty over my head here. How are you all approaching the Common App essay prompts? Any strategies for picking a prompt and brainstorming stories to tell? Would love to …

2 years ago

What high school courses do I absolutely need to graduate?

Heyy, I’m getting ready to plan my senior year, and I'm a bit stressed. Does anyone know what the specific course requirements are to graduate from high school? I want to ensure I've got everything co …

2 years ago

What courses should I focus on for being competitive at Ivy league schools?

I’ve been stressing a bit about my course load. As a high school junior aspiring to apply to Ivies, what type of courses should I be focusing on to be a competitive applicant? Do they expect more AP/I …

2 years ago
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About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ
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.