CollegeVine Expert FAQ

Hi fellow juniors, I’m trying to figure out if I should self-report my ACT/SAT scores on the Common App. My scores are pretty good but not stellar. How do colleges view self-reported scores, and is it …

Hi friends! Quick Q: how do you calculate your GPA for the Common App? My school has a different system and I'm not sure how to convert it. Is there a specific formula I should use, or is this somethi …

Hey everyone! I'm gearing up to take the PSAT soon and I was wondering, how crucial is it to have a calculator for the math section? I'm pretty comfortable with math, but I'm not sure if the PSAT is d …

I was hoping to start prepping for the PSAT, but I'm not totally clear on what subjects I'll be tested on. Can someone give me a quick rundown of what areas I should be focusing on? I'm aiming to do r …

Okay, so I’m hearing a lot of mixed messages about the PSAT. Some people say it’s super important, while others say it’s just practice. How much studying do you all really think is necessary for the P …

I've been told different things by different people, but I want to set the record straight—is the PSAT basically just another version of a practice SAT or does it have its own significance that I shou …

Hey friends, I'm a bit tight on space in my activities section of the Common App. Can I use abbreviations to fit in more info, or should I write everything out? How do colleges view this?

Just out of curiosity, what's a perfect score on the PSAT and how common is it to get one? I’m aiming high and would love any tips from those who nailed it or came close.

Quick question about accelerated courses—when I'm entering my courses on the Common App, do accelerated classes need to be marked in a special way or will my transcript make that clear? I want to make …

Hey guys, I've heard that your PSAT score can qualify you for National Merit Scholarships, but I'm not sure how the scoring works or how much you need to score to be considered. Can anyone explain the …

Hey fellow students, I'm aiming to really knock the PSAT out of the park this year. I've heard it can set you up nicely for the SAT and also contribute to scholarship opportunities. Does anyone have s …

My school is pushing for underclassmen to take the PSAT and I'm just a freshman. Is this mandatory or just a 'strongly recommended' kind of thing? I want to focus on my grades but not sure if I can sk …

Hey everyone, I'm sitting down to brainstorm ideas for my Common App essay and I want to make sure it really stands out. Any advice on themes or approaches that might resonate with admissions officers …

I've been hearing so much about the Common App, but can someone break it down for me? What are the main things the Common App does and how does it affect our application process? Feels like there's a …

Seeing a lot of conflicting advice about sports essays. I've got some solid experiences with track and field that have shaped me. If I decided to write about this, what are some tips to make it stand …

Feeling a little down because my PSAT score wasn't great, which has me worried about the SAT. For juniors who have been through this, how do you determine what is a 'low' PSAT score, and what did you …

Hey guys, just took the PSAT as a freshman and got a 1030. I'm kinda nervous about it; is this a good starting point? How should I plan my prep to really kill it junior year when it counts for Nationa …

Okay, so I've been studying for the PSAT and heard it can qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship. Does anyone know what the cutoff score is for that, or where I can find the most recent cutoff …

Hey folks! I'm a sophomore and our school offers the PSAT 10. I know junior year PSAT scores can qualify you for National Merit Scholarships, but do scores from the PSAT 10 also matter for scholarship …

I wasn’t able to take the PSAT on the official test date due to a family emergency. Does anyone know if there’s a makeup day or a way to still take the PSAT, or do I have to wait until next year? Feel …