CollegeVine Expert FAQ

Hey folks! As a high school junior trying to get ahead, I’ve been looking into taking some CLEP exams. I’ve heard they can be pretty tough though. Does anyone know where I can find some free sample CL …

Hey guys, I'm considering taking the CLEP Math exam to cover some gen-ed requirements ahead of time but I'm doing it all on my own. Any tips on self-studying for this? How difficult did you find it an …

Hi friends! So, I've been researching colleges and West Coast University caught my eye because of their tight-knit community and career-focused programs. However, I'm not sure if it's the best fit for …

I'm a section leader in our marching band and I’m working on my Common App activities section. With limited space, what aspects should I focus on? Is it more important to highlight leadership, time co …

Hey everyone, I’m a bit stressed about my class rank. I’m currently ranked just outside the top 10% of my class and I’m worried about how this might influence my chances at some of the more selective …

Hey all! I'm a bit nervous here - do you think the Common App allows you to submit your application after the official deadline has passed, or is that a hard no-go? I hope it doesn’t come to that, but …

Hey guys, I've been wondering, what's considered a high GPA in high school? I know that a 4.0 is technically perfect, but I've heard of weighted GPAs going above that, so I'm a bit confused. What GPA …

So I'm prepping for the ACT, and I'm wondering if colleges even look at the writing section anymore. Do they require it or is it basically optional at this point? I'm trying to decide if I should inve …

Hello fellow future healthcare pros! I'm really keen on sports medicine and was wondering if any of you have taken classes related to that in high school. Which ones do you recommend, and how have the …

Quick question—for the Common App, should I use my school email or create a new, professional one? I want to make sure colleges can always reach me, and I'm not sure if using my school email is the be …

Okay, so I've watched a ton of movies and the high schools always look so cool (or terrifying). How accurate is this portrayal and does the social scene really affect how you should prep for college o …

Hey everyone! I'm currently a junior considering UMass Amherst, and I've heard a lot about their strong programs. Could someone shed some light on how UMass Amherst stands academically in comparison t …

Hi folks, I just stumbled across Alcorn State University during my college search. What's the general vibe like, and are there specific academic strengths or extracurricular opportunities that Alcorn …

I'm a bit confused about converting my grades to the 4.0 GPA scale. Could someone explain how to accurately calculate it for high school? Do weighted classes like AP/IB factor in differently than regu …

So, I'm starting high school this fall and I'm a little bit nervous. Can anyone share what their first day was like? I'm curious about the classes, making friends, and the overall atmosphere. How did …

Just out of curiosity, if someone didn't do so hot in a few high school classes, can they retake those classes after graduating to boost their GPA for college applications, or is that GPA set in stone …

Hey everyone, currently a junior in HS and thinking ahead. If I want to transfer colleges after my freshman year, will colleges still consider my high school GPA? Just trying to understand how much it …

Ok, so I'm a bit confused about CLEP and DSST exams. Can someone explain the differences between the two? Pros and cons? And maybe which subjects are available for each exam type? Trying to figure out …

Hey folks! I'm really interested in biology and stumbled across this online marine biology course for high school students. I'm curious if these kinds of specialized online courses add value to a coll …

Application fees are adding up and I'm trying to see if I can save some money. Does anyone know the steps to get a fee waiver for the Common App?