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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.


Would you classify Northwestern as a research university?

Hey guys, I'm currently a junior exploring different colleges to apply to in the coming year. I'm particularly interested in research opportunities, so I wanted to know if Northwestern University is c …

2 years ago

Can I use abbreviations in my college essays?

Hey everyone! I was wondering if it's acceptable to use abbreviations in my college essay, like 'US' for 'United States' or 'NBA' for 'National Basketball Association'. Are abbreviations okay, or shou …

2 years ago

Reapplicant: How can I show that I've improved since the last application cycle?

Hey there, I applied to my dream school last year but was rejected. I'm planning on reapplying, and I want to show them that I've worked on improving myself since my last application. Is there a certa …

2 years ago

Does submitting a music supplement help?

I'm not planning to major in music, but I'm skilled at playing an instrument and interested in participating in music ensembles in college. Would submitting a music supplement to non-music programs gi …

2 years ago

Are legacy admissions at Ivy League schools still a major factor?

Hey everyone, my family members have a history of attending Ivy League schools, and I'm curious if this legacy status still plays a big role in admissions? I'm trying to gauge my chances and see if it …

2 years ago

What questions should I ask during college tours?

Hi! I'm a high school junior planning to visit some colleges soon. I want to make the most of my time on campus and get a good feel for each school. What are some important questions to ask during col …

2 years ago

Am I aiming too high with my college list?

Hi everyone, I'm a junior planning on majoring in computer science, and I have a 3.85 GPA and 1460 SAT score. I'm hoping to apply to MIT, Stanford, and some Ivies, but I'm also considering UC Berkeley …

2 years ago

How can I make my college application more competitive?

Hi all! I'm a junior in high school, and I'm working on my college applications. I want to make sure my application is as competitive as possible. What are some things I can do to improve my applicati …

2 years ago

Do I need to take both the ACT and SAT?

I'm a bit confused about standardized testing. Do I need to take both the ACT and SAT for college applications, or is it enough to take just one of them? Which one do colleges prefer? Thanks for your …

2 years ago

How to make the most out of college fairs and info sessions?

With college application season around the corner, I want to take full advantage of college fairs and information sessions to get a better understanding of the schools I'm interested in. How can I eff …

2 years ago

How do I decide whether to live on-campus or off-campus?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior and I'm starting to think about my living situation in college. I'm not sure if I should plan to live on-campus or off-campus. Can you guys share some pros and cons of each o …

2 years ago

What's the difference between reach, match, and safety schools?

Hi everyone! So I'm a junior starting my college search, and I'm a bit confused about reach, match, and safety school classifications. Could someone give me a rundown of the differences? Thank you!

2 years ago

How do I determine which AP classes to take?

Hi everyone! I'm in the process of selecting my courses for next year, and I'm not sure which AP classes I should take. How can I decide which ones are the best fit for me and my college goals? Thanks …

2 years ago

Should I have someone else read my college essay before submitting?

I've been working on my college essay and I'm wondering if I should have someone else read it before I submit it. Is it a good idea to get feedback or should I trust my own judgement?

2 years ago

What can a university researcher typically expect to earn?

Hey guys, I'm seriously considering a career in academia and I'm curious about the salary prospects for university researchers. Is there a typical range or average that you guys are aware of? Would lo …

2 years ago

How research-oriented is UCLA?

As a junior, I'm starting to look more closely at colleges. UCLA seems like a great option, but I'm wondering if anyone can tell me about its status as a research university and what research opportun …

2 years ago

Should I retake the SAT/ACT if my score is slightly below my target school's average?

Hello! I recently took the SAT/ACT and my score is just a bit below the average for my top-choice college. Should I retake the test to try and improve my score, or should I focus on other aspects of m …

2 years ago

How do I decide between a public and a private college?

Hello! I'm a junior, and I'm trying to decide whether to apply to public or private colleges. I've heard that there are pros and cons to both, but I'm not sure how to weigh those factors. Can anyone g …

2 years ago

What are some schools with strong engineering programs?

Hi everyone! I'm a high school junior interested in majoring in engineering. What are some colleges with great engineering programs that I should consider? Thanks for the suggestions!

2 years ago

Is it better to get a B in an AP class or an A in a non-AP class?

Hi everyone, I'm trying to decide which courses to take next year, and I'm not sure if it's better to take AP classes and possibly get a B or stick to regular classes and maintain an A. What do colleg …

2 years ago
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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.