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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 can I get accepted into UCLA even with bad grades?

Hey guys, so I really want to go to UCLA for their amazing film program, but my grades are pretty underwhelming. Apart from improving my GPA in my remaining time, what can I do to make my application …

2 years ago

When should I start studying for the ACT?

Hey all, I'm planning to take the ACT in the fall of my senior year, and I'm not sure when I should start studying for it. How far in advance did you start studying, and do you have any tips for creat …

2 years ago

What distinguishes an Ivy League school from other universities?

I've been researching colleges but I'm curious about what characteristics really set an Ivy League school apart. Is it the history, prestige, or something else? Would really appreciate any insight you …

2 years ago

Can someone explain what the term 'R1 Research University' means?

I've been researching universities for my applications and came across the term 'R1 research university.' Can someone help me understand what this means and whether it would be a good fit for my futur …

2 years ago

Should I write about a controversial topic for my college essay?

Hello everyone! I'm brainstorming ideas for my college essay, and I'm considering writing about a political issue that has played a major role in my life. Is it a good idea to discuss controversial to …

2 years ago

Which Ivy League school should I apply to?

Hi everyone, I need some advice on which Ivy League school to apply to. I'm considering Harvard, Yale, and Columbia, but I'm not sure which one would be the best fit for me. I want to study computer s …

2 years ago

What are some unique essay topics that can help me stand out?

Hi all, I'm trying to come up with a unique college essay topic that will help me stand out from other applicants. I don't want to write about something too common or cliché. Any suggestions or ideas …

2 years ago

Is a 34 ACT score sufficient for Ivy League admissions?

Hi everyone! I recently took the ACT and got a 34. I'm excited, but I'm not sure if it's good enough for the top-tier schools like the Ivy Leagues. Would this score be considered competitive for those …

2 years ago

How do I balance my workload in senior year?

Hi there, I'm a junior and I'm starting to plan my senior year schedule. I want to challenge myself, but I'm worried about taking on too much, especially with college applications on the horizon. How …

2 years ago

How do I balance college research with my current workload?

Hi there! I'm a junior, and I find myself being bombarded with school work, extracurriculars, and college research. How do you guys balance researching prospective colleges while keeping up with your …

2 years ago

How many AP classes should I take to be considered for Ivy League schools?

I'm a high school junior who's trying to figure out how many AP classes I should be taking to be competitive for Ivy League admissions. Is there a recommended number of AP classes that would maximize …

2 years ago

Is it better to have a higher GPA with easier classes or a lower GPA with harder classes?

Hello! I'm a little bit stressed about my course load for senior year. I'm not sure if I should take more challenging classes even if it means my GPA might drop, or if I should stick with easier class …

2 years ago

Is it better to attend a community college first?

Hi all! I'm a junior, and I'm considering attending a community college before transferring to a four-year university. I've heard that it can save money and help improve my chances of getting into a b …

2 years ago

How do I find the best financial aid packages?

Hey everyone! I'm a junior, and I'm starting to look into financial aid for college. How can I find colleges that offer the best financial aid packages? What resources should I use? Thanks for your he …

2 years ago

Can I get into an Ivy with a focus on community service instead of a prestigious national award?

Hi everyone, I've been heavily involved in community service throughout high school and even founded a volunteer organization for my city. However, I haven't received any prestigious national awards o …

2 years ago

Will retaking the SAT/ACT multiple times hurt my chances of getting into college?

Hey there! I'm a junior and I've taken the SAT/ACT a few times already, but I'm considering retaking it again to improve my score. I'm worried that retaking the test multiple times might hurt my chanc …

2 years ago

Thoughts on being an undecided major?

Hey guys! I'm currently a junior, and I'm unsure what I'd like to major in yet. Is it better to apply as an undecided major or should I choose a major for now and possibly change it later? I'll be app …

2 years ago

How can I showcase leadership skills on my application?

Hi all, I've heard that demonstrating leadership skills is important for college applications. What are some ways I can showcase my leadership skills, even if I don't hold an official leadership posit …

2 years ago

Is it fine to use first-person pronouns in a college essay?

Hi everyone! I noticed that I've used 'I' quite a lot in my college essay. Is it acceptable to use first-person pronouns or should I try to rephrase my sentences without them? I don't want my essay to …

2 years ago

Should I choose an established major or create my own?

Hey everyone! I'm interested in the intersection of biology and computer science, and I'm unsure if I should pursue an established major like bioinformatics or approach schools that allow me to create …

2 years ago
Displaying questions 174661-174680 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.