CollegeVine Expert FAQ

Hey everyone! I'm beginning my college search and am looking for the balance between a research university and the tight-knit, discussion-focused environment of liberal arts colleges. Any suggestions …

Hey guys, as a junior, I'm starting to think about applying to some Ivy League schools, but I'm not exactly sure what they're looking for in an applicant. Can anyone shed some light on what qualities …

Hey guys! I've been looking into Yale and I'm wondering if it's typically referred to as a research university. How do the research opportunities available at Yale compare to those at other research u …

Hey everyone, I'm working on my college essay and I've noticed that it's getting pretty long. Are there any word limits that I should be aware of? Thanks for the help!

Hey everyone! I'm working on my college applications and I'm not sure if I should submit an optional essay. Is it better to submit one, or will it hurt my chances if I don't? Thanks for any advice!

I'm a junior and have been thinking about whether I should apply to in-state or out-of-state colleges. I live in Texas and there are some great in-state options, but I'm also intrigued by the idea of …

My high school grades aren't great, but I'm determined to go to college and turn things around. Can I still get a student loan to help with tuition and expenses, or will my grades be a determining fac …

Hey guys, I'm working on my college essays but I'm having a hard time brainstorming ideas. Are there any resources you've found helpful in generating ideas and organizing your thoughts? Thanks in adva …

Hello everyone! I have written a pretty strong essay for one scholarship, and I found another scholarship that has a similar prompt. Can I submit the same essay for both scholarships, or should I writ …

Hey guys, I'm a junior, and I'm trying to figure out the whole college application process. I know that letters of recommendation from teachers are important, but how do I ensure that I get a strong o …

Hey, everyone! I'm a junior, and I've held leadership positions in school clubs and nonprofit organizations. I want to display the skills and experiences I've gained as a leader in my college applicat …

Hey! I was just wondering, do colleges really prefer applicants who have taken AP classes? Are they significantly better than honors classes in the eyes of college admissions officers? Thanks!

I scored a 1500 on my SAT and I'm wondering if that's a competitive score for the Ivy League schools I'm considering applying to. Do I have a good chance with this score, or should I work on improving …

Hey everyone! I'm currently at a community college and want to transfer to an Ivy League school after completing my associate degree. Do Ivy Leagues look favorably upon transfer students from communit …

Hi everyone, I'm starting to think about college applications and I'm wondering how important teacher recommendations are. How much weight do colleges give to these recommendations, and do they really …

Hello! I'm a junior and I'm worried about my standardized test scores. I was wondering how much weight colleges put on these scores during the admissions process. Is it a major factor, or do they look …

Hi everyone! I'm a junior and I'm planning to visit some colleges in the spring and summer. I want to make the most out of my visits, and I was wondering if you have any tips on how to maximize these …

I'm weighing the options between attending a less prestigious college with a full-ride scholarship or going to a more prestigious university that doesn't offer as much financial aid. What's more impor …

Hey all, I'm a junior, and I live in a small town in the Midwest. I've heard that colleges like to have geographic diversity in their incoming classes. Will coming from a small town help or hurt my ch …

Hi everyone! I've been a dedicated athlete throughout my freshman and sophomore years, but I've now discovered a passion for the arts. If I decide to switch from sports to the arts (such as theater or …