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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 important are leadership roles in Ivy League applications?

I hold a few leadership positions in my high school extracurricular activities, but I'm worried that it won't be enough for the Ivy League. How much weight is given to leadership experience when evalu …

2 years ago

What distinguishes a public research university?

Hi folks! As I continue my college search, I've noticed that some universities are referred to as 'public research universities'. Could someone clarify what that means? Is there a significant differen …

2 years ago

What is the average salary for a university researcher?

Hi, I was curious about the average salary for someone who works as a researcher at a university. I'm considering pursuing a research career in the future and would love a better understanding of the …

2 years ago

Should I prioritize research or internships for Ivy League applications?

I'm considering applying to Ivy League colleges for a STEM major, and I'm unsure if I should focus on seeking research opportunities or internships in my field. Which would be more impressive on my ap …

2 years ago

Ivy League admissions with a 'B' on my transcript, do I still have a chance?

Hey everyone, I'm a little stressed because I got a B in a difficult class this semester. Is it still possible to get into an Ivy League school with a B on my transcript? Other than this one grade, I …

2 years ago

Would Columbia University be classified as a research university?

Hey! I've been considering applying to Columbia University, but I'm not exactly sure if it's considered a research university. My main interest lies in urban development and policy research. Can someo …

2 years ago

Is pursuing art outside of school an extracurricular activity?

Hi all, I've been passionate about art and I've been taking art classes outside of school. Would that be considered an extracurricular activity for college applications, or should I look for something …

2 years ago

Is Stanford widely known as a research university?

Hello everyone! I'm considering Stanford for its prestigious reputation, but I'm curious if it's widely recognized as a research university. Are there abundant research opportunities for undergraduate …

2 years ago

How much do college interviews impact admissions decisions?

Hey everyone, I have a few college interviews coming up and I'm wondering how much they actually impact the admission decision. Should I be really concerned about nailing them or are they just a small …

2 years ago

Is Greek life common at Ivy League schools?

Hey everyone! I'm interested in getting involved in fraternities or sororities in college, and I'm wondering how prevalent Greek life is at Ivy League schools? Do most of the Ivy League schools have a …

2 years ago

How do I know if test-optional is the right choice for me?

I've taken the SAT once and, while my score isn't terrible, it's not as high as I'd like it to be. Many colleges have gone test-optional this year, and I'm considering not submitting my SAT score. How …

2 years ago

Help with researching universities: Where should I start?

Hey guys, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed as I begin researching universities. There's so much information out there, and it's hard to know where to start. What websites, resources, or tips would you …

2 years ago

Is UCLA known for its research focus?

Hey guys, just wanted to ask a quick question: is UCLA renowned for its research efforts? I'm very passionate about research and want to make sure that UCLA provides ample opportunities for undergradu …

2 years ago

How would you define a public research university?

Hello, I've come across the term 'public research university' several times during my college search. What makes a university a research institution, and how does being public affect it? Are public re …

2 years ago

Can I still get a student loan if my grades aren't great?

Hi everyone, I'm a junior and I'm worried about how I'm going to pay for college. My GPA is around 2.8 and I know that's not very good. I was wondering if I can still get a student loan with my curren …

2 years ago

How do I know if my college essay topic is unique enough?

Hi, I'm struggling with deciding on a college essay topic. I want to make sure it's unique and stands out, but I'm not sure how to do that. Does anyone have any tips for selecting a good topic or ensu …

2 years ago

LGBTQ+ friendly schools: How to choose?

Hi everyone, I am a high school junior looking to apply to colleges next year, and it's important for me to attend a LGBTQ+ friendly campus. I'm considering schools like NYU, UCLA, and Brown, but I'm …

2 years ago

What's the meaning of 'Research 1 University'?

Hey guys, I've heard a lot of talk about 'Research 1 Universities.' What does this term mean, and should I be targeting these universities for my college applications given my interest in research?

2 years ago

How do I get more involved in research opportunities?

Hey all, I'm a high school junior and I'm really interested in getting involved in research opportunities, but I'm not really sure how to get started. Do you have any tips or advice on how to find res …

2 years ago

Are AP classes mandatory for getting into top universities?

My high school doesn't offer many AP classes, and I'm worried that I'll be at a disadvantage when applying to top universities. Are AP classes necessary, or can I still have a strong application for c …

2 years ago
Displaying questions 174361-174380 of 178040 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.