CollegeVine Expert FAQ

I'm a junior planning to apply to several Ivy League schools next year, and I'm curious about what factors they prioritize. I know they're extremely competitive, but which aspects of my application sh …

I've struggled with mental health challenges during high school, which has impacted my academics and extracurriculars. I want to provide context in my application, but I'm not sure how to discuss this …

Hi all! I've been curious about the criteria that make a school an Ivy League institution. It seems like they're not always just about academic prestige. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Hi! I've been considering applying to Ivy League schools, but I am planning on majoring in humanities (specifically English). Is it worth applying to these schools for a humanities major, or should I …

Hey guys, I got a 4 on one of my APs. I know it's not the highest score possible, but is it good enough for Ivy League schools? Should I report it on my application, or will it hurt my chances since i …

Hi everyone! I'm in the process of editing my college essay and I noticed that I've used a few contractions (like I'm, don't, etc.). I've heard mixed opinions on whether or not to use them. Should I k …

Hi everyone! I'm starting to think about my college application essays and I was wondering if you have any tips or advice on how to approach the Common App essay? What are some things I should keep in …

Hey guys, quick question: should my college essay be double spaced, or is it okay to leave it single spaced? I'm trying to make my essay look as clean and professional as possible. Thanks for the help …

I am an international student from India with strong test scores (SAT: 1550) and extracurricular activities. I want to apply to Ivy League schools, but I'm unsure about getting enough financial aid to …

I just got my ACT scores back, and I got a 33. Is this score high enough for me to be considered for admission to an Ivy League school? I'm feeling a little stressed over the competitiveness. Help!

Hello! I do quite a bit of painting and drawing in my free time and was wondering if I could list that as an extracurricular activity for my college applications. Would it be considered a valid extrac …

Hi guys, as a junior I'm starting to get really stressed about college applications. I've heard about demonstrated interest, but I'm not quite sure how important it actually is. Can anyone help me und …

I've always thought that MIT is one of the most prestigious schools in the country, but I recently found out that it's not an Ivy League institution. Can anyone explain why MIT isn't part of the Ivy L …

Hey everyone, I'm currently working on my college essay and I was wondering if it's okay to include a few swear words. I want to be authentic and true to my voice, but I don't want to come off as disr …

Hey everyone, I recently got my ACT scores and I got a 33. I'm pretty happy with it, but I wanted to know if this score is strong enough to be considered for admission to Ivy League schools. I appreci …

I have the chance to take part in a volunteer project abroad, helping with education and community development. While I'm motivated to do this for personal growth, I'm also wondering if it will help h …

Hi everyone, I'm in the process of building my college list, and I'd like to include at least one ivy league school. How do I determine which one would be the best fit for me? I want to major in inter …

Hey everyone, I am currently in 11th grade, and I'm wondering how important leadership roles are in extracurricular activities when it comes to college applications. I'm involved in a few clubs, but I …

Hello! I'm an international student from Australia, and I'm planning on applying to top universities in the U.S., especially some of the Ivy League schools. I have strong academics but I'm unsure abou …

Hey guys! As I'm working on my college list, I've been wondering if Duke is considered a research university. I'm really interested in research opportunities, and it might affect my decision to apply …