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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.


For college admissions, is an 860 on the PSAT good?

Just got my PSAT score (860) and I'm trying to gauge where I stand. Could you guys tell me how this looks from a college admissions point of view? Is this a strong score, or should I be putting extra …

2 years ago

What are the standout traits of New Mexico State University?

Hey all, I came across New Mexico State University in my college search, and I'm wondering if there's anything specific that they're known for. Is there anything about their academics or campus life t …

2 years ago

Are there any universities comparable to ASU with strong online degree options?

I'm in my junior year and seriously considering ASU for their online degree programs since I'll need to study from home. I'm wondering if there are other universities like ASU that offer a variety of …

2 years ago

How much do college essays impact admissions decisions?

Hey everyone! As a junior starting to think about applications, I'm wondering about the REAL impact of college essays. Like, do they actually tip the scales for an applicant, or are they just a formal …

2 years ago

What's the hype around Johns Hopkins University?

So I've heard a lot about Johns Hopkins and its prestige, but I'm kinda wondering what specifically about JHU's programs or campus life makes it such a sought after school? Any insider info or persona …

2 years ago

Where can I find schools with an engineering focus like Lehigh University?

Hey peeps! I'm drawn to Lehigh University for its strong engineering programs and their project-based approach, plus I've heard about their awesome campus culture. What other schools should I be consi …

2 years ago

Are high school honors classes worth more credits?

Just curious, do honors classes in high school typically give you more credits than standard classes? How does this affect my high school GPA and is it something colleges consider when looking at my a …

2 years ago

Is it mandatory to take a physics course for most college programs?

I'm currently planning out my senior year courses, and I'm trying to figure out if I need physics to be a competitive applicant. Physics isn’t really my strong suit, so I’m wondering, do a lot of coll …

2 years ago

Feeling uneasy about discrimination—what's the real deal with racism in schools these days?

I've been kinda stressed about the social climate in universities lately—does racism still play a part in campuses across the US? How do schools address these issues, and what can students do to foste …

2 years ago

How much do honors classes impact my GPA?

Hey everyone! I'm currently a junior and wondering about how honors classes are weighted in terms of GPA. How is the value of an honors class calculated compared to regular classes? Also, do colleges …

2 years ago

What are schools in Spain like compared to the US?

Hey guys, I’m curious about the differences between high schools in Spain and the US, as I might be studying abroad next year. Can anyone shed light on their academic environment, how they prepare stu …

2 years ago

Where's the best place to get more info on the PSAT?

Hey all, I'm a junior and I'm starting to think about the PSAT. I've heard it's kind of a big deal because of National Merit Scholarships and all that. I don't know too much about it, though. Does any …

2 years ago

Which colleges want four years of a foreign language?

Hey everyone! I’m starting to plan out my senior year courses, and I’m not sure if I should take a fourth year of Spanish. Does anyone know if a lot of colleges actually require four years of foreign …

2 years ago

How do Embry-Riddle admissions view leadership roles?

So I'm a junior and I've been looking into schools with strong aerospace programs, and Embry-Riddle is at the top of my list. I’m the president of my school's model rocketry club, and I’m wondering ho …

2 years ago

What's the PSAT and when should I take it?

Hey everyone! I'm a junior and keep hearing about the PSAT but I'm not totally clear on what it is or when I'm supposed to take it. Is there a specific year it's meant for, and what does it actually t …

2 years ago

Alternative universities to NYU with a strong urban campus?

Hey guys! I’m pretty much in love with NYU's location and the opportunities that come with it. Are there other schools that have that same urban feel and strong connections to the city they're in? I'm …

2 years ago

Can you give me a taste of student life at Penn State?

Penning down some options and Penn State's in the mix. For all you Nittany Lions or knowledgeable folks out there, are there fun facts or aspects of student life at Penn State University that make it …

2 years ago

Importance of African American studies in high school curriculum for college?

Hey fam, I’m currently exploring elective courses for my senior year, and I’m thinking about taking African American studies. Do you think colleges appreciate seeing that kind of course on your transc …

2 years ago

How does Lasell University stand out?

Hey everyone, as a junior starting to explore colleges, I'm curious about what makes each one special. Can anyone share what Lasell University is particularly known for? Are there unique programs or c …

2 years ago

What is the average PSAT score most students get?

I'm trying not to obsess over this but curious minds wanna know – what's the average PSAT score that students typically get? Is there a benchmark we should be aware of, or does it not really matter?

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.