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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.


Can someone explain how a 'B' in an honors class translates to GPA?

Hey guys! I’m kinda confused about how my GPA will be calculated after I got a B in my honors English class. How does this grade get factored into my overall GPA, considering the honors weight? Is the …

2 years ago

What’s the likelihood of Columbia University sending out likely letters?

Just curious here - does anyone know if Columbia University sends likely letters? I know they're a stretch for anyone, but just wondering how they notify potential successful applicants prior to the f …

2 years ago

Can CLEP exams fulfill prerequisites or help with placement at universities?

I'm a junior working through my college prep and came across the CLEP exams. I became quite interested because they seem like a solid way to show proficiency in subjects and I heard they can be used f …

2 years ago

Real talk: How long is the PSAT for 11th graders?

I know that as an 11th grader, the PSAT is kind of a big deal because of the whole National Merit thing, but I'm still not exactly sure about the length of the test. Can someone fill me in?

2 years ago

CLEP Exam Score Range Clarifications

So I just took a CLEP exam and I'm trying to figure out what the score range actually means. Can someone explain the scoring system for these exams and possibly what score is considered passing? I'm w …

2 years ago

What high school classes should I take to prepare for college?

Hello! I’m trying to plan my courses for next year. What classes did you take in high school that you felt gave you an edge in the college admissions process, or just generally prepared you better for …

2 years ago

How do admissions officers interpret a 2.7 GPA?

So here's the deal: my GPA isn't amazing. It's a 2.7. I know it might not be the end of the world, but I'm curious about how admission officers see a GPA like this. Can I still aim high with good essa …

2 years ago

Does the University of Minnesota accept the Common App?

I'm currently a junior and starting to look at colleges. I've got my eye on the University of Minnesota, so I'm wondering if they're part of the Common App system. It'd be super helpful to just have o …

2 years ago

How does a high school biomedical class impact college admissions for a prospective STEM major?

Currently, as a sophomore in high school, I'm interested in STEM and considering taking a biomedical science class next year. For those of you who took such classes, did it help with your college admi …

2 years ago

Prepping for a Career in Medicine - High School Classes?

Juniors unite! So, I'm aiming for a career in medicine, hopefully as a doctor. What classes have you all taken or are planning to take to get a head start on pre-med requirements? Do you think taking …

2 years ago

What do recommenders see on the Common App?

Hey guys, I'm a bit anxious about asking my teachers for letters of recommendation. Can anyone tell me exactly what information recommenders can see when I invite them on the Common App? I want to be …

2 years ago

Does studying abroad in high school give you an edge in college admissions?

I’ve always been interested in experiencing new cultures and I’m thinking about applying for a high school study abroad program. From an admissions standpoint, does having international experience hel …

2 years ago

Community vibe at Saint Michael’s College?

Hey guys! Junior here aiming to apply to Saint Michael’s College next year but I’m a bit anxious about the community. I thrive in friendly, close-knit environments so can anyone share what the vibe is …

2 years ago

What items should I take with me to a CLEP exam?

Hey everyone, so I'm planning on taking a CLEP exam soon and I really want to make sure I'm fully prepared. Can anyone tell me what I should definitely bring with me to the CLEP test center on the exa …

2 years ago

Deciphering Common App Activity Section: Characters Count?

Quick question about the Common App, guys. How many characters do we get for detailing our activities? I want to make sure I can effectively showcase what I’ve been involved in without getting cut off …

2 years ago

Are there colleges that don't require the SAT for admission?

Hey, peeps! So, I've got a dilemma. I'm not the best test-taker and the SAT hasn't been my friend. Do you guys know of any colleges that don’t require the SAT for admission? Or maybe some schools wher …

2 years ago

How to neatly arrange my activities section in the Common App?

Okay, so I’m sitting here staring at the activities section in the Common App and wondering how to fill this out. Should I list my activities by the time committed or by importance to me? It’s kinda s …

2 years ago

School Email vs. Personal Email for Common App

Alright, I'm setting up my Common App account, and I'm at a crossroads – should I use my school email for common app or go with my personal one? I’ve heard different takes on this, but what’s the actu …

2 years ago

Need to take chemistry to apply to college, or can I skip it?

Quick question – I'm juggling my junior year schedule and wondering if I need to fit in chemistry. Is chemistry a high school class that colleges are looking for? Or can I focus on other subjects with …

2 years ago

Optimizing my community college experience before transferring?

I'm currently at a community college but planning to transfer to a four-year university. Should I be joining more clubs or looking for internships to make my transfer application stand out?

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.