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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 does a 1060 on the PSAT measure up for college prep?

Juniors unite! I’m stressing a bit because I got a 1060 on my PSAT. Is this score solid or should I be hitting the books harder to prep for the actual SAT? I’m aiming for some pretty competitive schoo …

2 years ago

Can You Take the PSAT Online?

Hi guys, this might sound like a noob question, but is there an option to take the PSAT online, especially with the current situation we're in? I've done some searching and can't find a definitive ans …

2 years ago

Writing about childhood experiences for a college essay - good idea or too elementary?

I've got a bunch of neat stories from my childhood that really show who I am today, but I'm a bit unsure if that's suitable for a college essay. Do colleges expect more 'mature' topics, or can childho …

2 years ago

Is it appropriate to write about mental health in my college essay?

I've been through a lot and I'm considering sharing my mental health journey in my college essay. Will colleges think it's too much, or is it seen as being open and honest about my struggles? Anyone g …

2 years ago

Strategies for boosting PSAT Writing and Language score?

Hey everyone! I'm in a bit of a pickle here because my PSAT Writing score is dragging down my composite. Grammar isn't my strong suit. Any tips on how to work on this would be super helpful!

2 years ago

Is writing about indecision a bad topic for my college essay?

I've been grappling with indecision in a lot of areas, and it's something I've grown from. But I'm a bit anxious that writing about my experience with being indecisive might make me seem unsure of mys …

2 years ago

Is the PSAT timed similarly to the SAT?

I know the PSAT is shorter than the SAT, but are the sections timed in the same way? I struggle with timing on tests so I'm trying to figure out how to pace myself for the SAT based on my PSAT experie …

2 years ago

Are there any consequences to not passing the PSAT?

Hey team, I'm sorta stressing out after hearing some stuff about the PSAT. Is there an actual pass/fail, and if you don't do well, are there any negative consequences? Or is it more of an informal mea …

2 years ago

Any chance of retaking the PSAT — or is it a one-shot deal?

I just took the PSAT and I'm not too confident about my performance. I've heard people talk about retaking the SAT, but can the same be done for the PSAT? If so, what are the rules around it and when …

2 years ago

What do I absolutely need to bring with me on PSAT test day?

This might be a dumb question, but I'm getting a little stressed out about not forgetting anything on test day. What are the essentials that I need to bring with me for the PSAT? I know my ID and penc …

2 years ago

Writing Section on the PSAT: Yay or Nay?

Guys, is there a separate writing section on the PSAT? I've been practicing my essays, but I'm not sure if I even need to for this test. Can't seem to find a straight answer anywhere, help a junior ou …

2 years ago

Are PSATs actually significant for college admissions?

I’ve heard mixed things about the PSAT... Does it really matter for college apps? Do colleges see your scores? Any advice on how to approach the PSAT would be awesome!

2 years ago

What PSAT score can help you get a scholarship, and how does it work?

I've heard that doing well on the PSAT can actually help you get scholarships, which sounds awesome. But what score range should I be aiming for if I want to qualify for a scholarship? Also, how exact …

2 years ago

Do college essay prompts typically change each year?

Okay, so I started looking at some college essay prompts, and I've got to ask: do they change these up every year or can I expect them to be the same when I apply next cycle? Not trying to write essay …

2 years ago

Using the Common App as a Transfer Student, Is It Viable?

Hi folks, transferring feels daunting, and I’m wondering if I can use the Common App as a transfer student? Help a stressed out sophomore out, please?

2 years ago

Is a 1400 on the PSAT a good indication of college readiness?

I’ve been kind of stressed about college admissions and I just got a 1400 on the PSAT. Does this reflect that I’m on the right track for college or should this be a wake-up call to buckle down and stu …

2 years ago

Common App School List - What's the Deal?

Hi everyone, currently a bit stressed, not gonna lie. I need to find out what colleges are on the Common App. Is there a quick way to check which schools use it without going through each college’s ad …

2 years ago

Should I be happy with an 810 on the PSAT as a sophomore?

Sooo I'm a sophomore and I got an 810 on my PSAT. I'm wondering if this is a good baseline to start with? What should my target score be by junior year when it really counts for National Merit Scholar …

2 years ago

Common App website is glitching — anyone else experiencing this?

Super stressed out because the Common App site keeps crashing for me. Is anyone else facing this issue right now or it’s just my bad luck? How do you even deal with this during application season?

2 years ago

Cost for taking the PSAT?

Hey everyone, I'm getting ready to plan out my standardized testing schedule, and I just realized I don't know how much the PSAT is going to cost. Does the price vary by school or area, or is it a set …

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.