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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.


Do PSAT scores actually matter or are they just for practice?

Kinda stressed about this and could use some advice. I'm trying to figure out what PSAT scores actually mean for college admissions. Are they something that colleges look at, or are they just importan …

2 years ago

Using dialogue in college essays - does it work?

How do you guys feel about including dialogue in college essays? Does it add to the narrative, or is it just taking up valuable space? Anyone had success with this approach?

2 years ago

Can my college essay revolve around a song that's meaningful to me?

Okay, so there's this song that's been basically the soundtrack to all my high school ups and downs. Do you think I could weave my college essay around it, or is that just not deep enough? Does anyone …

2 years ago

How many fee waivers for the Common App is possible to get?

Money’s tight at home and these app fees are daunting 😔 I’ve heard you can get fee waivers for the Common App - does anyone know how many a person can receive? And maybe some tips on how to go about g …

2 years ago

Listing Honors in Common App

Hi friends! Quick question: how do I list my honors and awards in the Common App? There's not a lot of space, and I'm not sure what's considered 'impressive' enough to include. Would love some guidanc …

2 years ago

Does University of Arkansas Use the Common App?

I'm planning my application strategy and trying to streamline everything. For those in the know, does the University of Arkansas accept the Common App or should I start preparing for a different appli …

2 years ago

Can my passion for video games shine through in my college essay?

Video games have been a huge part of my life, teaching me about storytelling and even coding. Do you think this could make for a compelling college essay, or should I avoid it since it might not be se …

2 years ago

Is Purdue Under the Umbrella of Common Application Schools?

Does anyone applying to engineering programs know if Purdue University is one of the schools on the Common App? Or will I need to do a separate application for them?

2 years ago

Representing Honors and Awards Properly in Common App

I'm kinda at a loss on how to mention my honors and awards from high school in the Common App. I definitely don't want to underplay them, but I'm worried about taking up too much space. Can someone gu …

2 years ago

Decoding the PSAT

Quick q: What exactly is on the PSAT? I know it's sort of a mini-SAT, but I'm not sure what types of questions or subjects to expect. Has anyone got a simple breakdown of what areas it covers?

2 years ago

To list or not to list AP Scholar with Distinction on Common App?

Okay, so I’ve been lucky enough to earn the AP Scholar with Distinction award and I'm pondering over whether I should include it in my Common App. Would colleges care about this, or is it considered a …

2 years ago

What's a strong PSAT score for a 9th grader?

Hello fellow stressed high schoolers! I just took the PSAT as a freshman and am wondering, what's considered a good PSAT score for someone in 9th grade? I know it's early in the game but I want to set …

2 years ago

Max number of activities on Common App?

Feeling a bit stressed because I've got a lot on my plate. Does anyone know the max number of activities you can list on the Common App? I’ve done a lot over my high school career, and I'm worried I m …

2 years ago

How do you reach out to the Common App support?

There's something wrong with my Common App and I can't seem to figure it out. Does anyone know how you can contact the Common App help center or support team? I think I might need to call them but whe …

2 years ago

What exactly are PSAT scores used for in the college admissions process?

So I just got my PSAT score back, and I’m trying to figure out how this number is going to affect my future. Can anyone explain what colleges use the PSAT scores for? Is it just for scholarships, or d …

2 years ago

What's the deal with using contractions in college essays?

Hi peeps, just wondering if anyone knows whether contractions are frowned upon in college essays? I want my essay to sound conversational, but don't want to come off as unprofessional. Thoughts?

2 years ago

When does the Common App typically open each year?

Just trying to plan out my summer before senior year and I want to make sure I start my applications early. Anyone know when the Common App usually becomes available? Want to hit the ground running!

2 years ago

PSAT scoring breakdown: What's each question worth?

Sooo, I've been thinking about the PSAT and how to best approach it. Does anyone know how much each question on the PSAT is worth? Is it the same for each section or different?

2 years ago

What's the best way to include my resume in the Common App?

I'm polishing up my application and I've got a solid resume that highlights all my work and extracurriculars, but I'm not sure where or how I'm supposed to add my resume in the Common App. Can someone …

2 years ago

Is there a Common App essay for transfer students?

Hey everyone, I'm planning to transfer and I heard that the Common App has some kind of essay. Can someone clarify if there's a specific Common App essay for transfer students or how it's different fr …

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.