Skip to main content

CollegeVine Expert FAQ

Explore our collection of admissions FAQs. Each answer is expert-approved by our team to help you reach your goals.


Will a detention appear as a disciplinary action on my Common App?

I got a detention last year for being late a few times too many. Does something like this count as disciplinary action that I need to report on my Common App? Not sure how strict they are with this se …

2 years ago

Is there a common app for applying to colleges in Canada?

I was looking into international schools, and Canada has some great universities! Just out of curiosity, do Canadian colleges use something like the Common App, or do they have a different system for …

2 years ago

Do colleges ever ask for PSAT scores, or are they irrelevant for admissions?

Maybe it's a silly question, but I’m genuinely curious if colleges ever consider PSAT scores as part of the admissions process, or are they strictly for practice and scholarships?

2 years ago

Sophomore year PSAT—is 1020 a decent score?

Just received my PSAT score and I'm sitting on a 1020. For a sophomore, is this an okay start? I'm thinking ahead to college admissions and wondering how much I need to up my game. Tips and feedback f …

2 years ago

Can I center my college essay around a movie that changed my perspective?

There's a movie that really hit home for me and offered a lot of insight into who I am. I want to write about it for my college essay, but I'm slightly concerned that it might not be 'significant' eno …

2 years ago

PSAT Test Date Information Needed

Hey everyone! I'm trying to plan out my study schedule and I can't seem to find the upcoming PSAT test dates. Does anyone know when they typically are or where I can find this info? Thanks!

2 years ago

Clarification needed: What does 'college prep' signify on the Common App?

Hey folks, when inputting my classes on the Common App, I saw the 'college prep' designation and got a bit confused. Does this refer to any class that prepares you for college, or is it a specific typ …

2 years ago

Are PSAT tests standardized?

Kinda curious and a little confused—I've heard some upperclassmen mention that not all PSAT tests are the same? I thought standardization was the whole point. Does that mean the difficulty can vary ye …

2 years ago

Does paying for the PSAT make sense?

As a bit of a stressed junior here, just found out there's a fee for the PSAT at my school. I'm wondering does the PSAT cost money everywhere, and is it really worth the investment? Could use some adv …

2 years ago

What are the advantages of using the Common App?

Hey folks! So I'm planning my application strategy and I've heard a lot about the Common App. Can anyone tell me the real benefits of using the Common App over individual school applications? Does it …

2 years ago

Is it a good strategy to guess on the PSAT questions I'm unsure about?

So I'm working on my PSAT prep and I was wondering about the guessing penalty. If I come across questions I'm not 100% sure on, should I guess or skip them? What's the best strategy here so it doesn't …

2 years ago

Is one week enough to craft a strong college essay?

Hey everyone, I could really use some advice here. I've been super busy with school and extracurriculars, and deadlines are creeping up on me. Realistically, is one week enough time to write a college …

2 years ago

What subject areas does the PSAT measure?

Hey guys, I'm starting to prep for the PSAT, and I'm a bit overwhelmed. Could someone break down the specific subject areas that the PSAT covers? I know it's kinda like a mini-SAT, but I want to be su …

2 years ago

Total number of colleges listed on Common App?

I'm getting started with my college list and was wondering—how many colleges are actually on the Common App? I want to make sure I explore all my options and don’t miss out on some hidden gems there!

2 years ago

Do colleges require the PSAT for admissions in states like California?

I'm feeling a bit anxious here—can someone tell me if the PSAT is required for college admissions, especially in California? I know it's tied to the National Merit Scholarship and all, but does it act …

2 years ago

Is a 1300 PSAT score solid for a sophomore?

So I got my PSAT results back and I’m at a 1300. As a sophomore, should I be happy with this score? How much improvement is typically expected by the time I’m a junior?

2 years ago

Essential Components of the Common App—What Am I Missing?

Hey guys, so I'm trying to get a head start on my Common App and I'm wondering if someone could break down the components for me? Like, besides the essay, what are all the parts I need to know about t …

2 years ago

How does the Common App calculate cumulative GPA?

Feeling a bit anxious here… My school has a weird weighting system for grades. Does the Common App have its own method to calculate our cumulative GPA, or do they just use whatever our transcript says …

2 years ago

Where do I find the FERPA waiver on the Common App?

Kinda lost here, can anyone guide me on where to find the FERPA waiver section on the Common App? Not sure what I'm supposed to do with it and I don't want to mess this up.

2 years ago

How do you determine course level on the Common App?

Hey fam, I'm filling out the Common App and I've got a mix of honors, AP, and regular classes. How do I correctly list the course level for each class? Any tips so I don't mess this up?

2 years ago
Displaying questions 171621-171640 of 178042 total
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.