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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.


Common App vs School-specific Applications - Which Should I Go For?

Hey folks, junior here getting a tad overwhelmed with the application process. I've seen you can apply through the Common App or directly to a school's own portal. What are the advantages of using Com …

2 years ago

How much do colleges actually care about PSAT scores?

I know the PSAT isn’t the SAT, but do colleges ever see your PSAT scores? Just a junior trying to figure out if I need to be as stressed about this test as the actual SAT.

2 years ago

Submitting Grades on Common App without Transcript

Hey, I'm in a bit of a pickle. How do I fill out my grades in the Common App if my school hasn't given me an official transcript yet? Should I just base it on report cards? Thanks for the help!

2 years ago

Number of Common App essay prompts to answer?

Quick question for the seasoned Common App users out here: how many essay prompts do you have to answer from the list provided? Is it just one or more? Thanks in advance for clearing up the confusion!

2 years ago

Does taking the PSAT come with a fee, or is it covered by my school?

I heard some of my classmates mentioning PSAT fees, and I’m a bit confused—do we have to pay to take the PSAT, or is it something that the school takes care of?

2 years ago

Common App crashed - what happens to my application?

Okay, totally stressing out here. I was working on my Common App and it just crashed on me. What happens to all my information now? Do I need to start over or does it save automatically? Any advice wo …

2 years ago

Applying to Virginia Tech - Common App Experiences?

Hey all, I'm in the weeds with college research and Virginia Tech seems interesting. Does VT accept the Common App? Would appreciate any insights into the application process there!

2 years ago

What's considered a good first-time PSAT score?

Took the PSAT for the first time and I'm trying to gauge where I stand. What should I be aiming for as a good benchmark on my first try?

2 years ago

Can't access my PSAT scores?

Sorta stressed here because I've been refreshing my College Board account like crazy and I still can't see my PSAT scores. They were supposed to be out by now, right? Is anyone else having this issue …

2 years ago

Locating Common App Application ID

This might be a silly question, but where do I find my application ID on the Common App? I'm trying to coordinate with my counselor and they've asked for it. Please help a worried junior out! Thank yo …

2 years ago

Is the PSAT offered online or only in-person?

Hey everyone, so I've been prepping for the PSAT and I'm curious—is the PSAT available to take online, or do I need to be at a testing center/school to take it in-person? Has anyone here taken it onli …

2 years ago

Could a college essay about losing friends come across as negative?

The theme of lost friendships and what I've learned from those experiences was what I had in mind for my essay. But I'm worried it could be interpreted as negative or that I'm unable to maintain relat …

2 years ago

How do I check my application status after submitting through Common App?

I've finally submitted my applications through the Common App, and now I'm anxiously waiting to hear back. Does anyone know how to check the status of your application through Common App, or is there …

2 years ago

Feeling overwhelmed with Common App essay choices, how do you pick the right one?

Okay, so there's like a million (okay, not literally) Common App essay prompts to choose from, and I’m sort of freaking out about which one to pick. How did you all decide on the best one for you? Doe …

2 years ago

What's the deal with Geometry on the PSAT?

Can anyone tell me how much Geometry I need to know for the PSAT? I’ve heard mixed things about it, like there’s not a lot on the test, but I wanna make sure I’m prepped adequately. Do I need to cover …

2 years ago

Does Georgia Tech Accept the Common Application?

Hey guys, I'm putting together my college application plan and trying to streamline things as much as possible. Does Georgia Tech use the Common App for their application process?

2 years ago

Can anyone explain what an academic evaluation is on the Common App?

Hey everyone, I'm going through the Common App and I'm just not sure what exactly they mean by 'academic evaluation.' Is it the same as a letter of recommendation, or is it something my teachers need …

2 years ago

What's the correlation between PSAT and SAT scores?

Hey everyone, I'm trying to get a sense of how my PSAT score might predict my future SAT score. Are there like, conversion charts or formulas? Any tips from those who've taken both tests would be supe …

2 years ago

How are PSAT scores structured and what do they mean?

Just got my PSAT scores back and I'm trying to decipher them. Can someone break down how the scoring system works and what the scores actually indicate? How do they relate to the SAT scores?

2 years ago

PSAT Strategizing: When is the ideal year to take it?

Alright, I've been hearing different things, and I'm a little confused now. Should I be taking the PSAT in sophomore year, or is junior year the time when it really counts? I want to be strategic abou …

2 years ago
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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.