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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.


Any tips on getting into UCLA with not-so-great grades?

Hi people, I'm interested in applying to UCLA, but my GPA isn't the greatest. Have any of you been successful in getting accepted despite having a low GPA? If so, can you kindly provide me with some a …

2 years ago

Can students with a felony still receive financial aid?

I have a friend who has a felony on their record, and they're worried about how it will affect their ability to get financial aid for college. Does anyone know if it's still possible to receive financ …

2 years ago

How many extracurricular activities should I participate in for Ivy League admissions?

Hi everyone! As I'm planning my high school experience, I'm wondering how many extracurricular activities I should be involved in to be competitive for Ivy League admissions. Should I focus on quantit …

2 years ago

Advice for writing a first-generation immigrant college essay?

Hey guys, I'm a first-generation immigrant and I want to write my college essay about my experiences. Do you have any tips or advice for making my essay stand out? Thanks for your help!

2 years ago

Is a 1480 SAT score good enough for Ivy League schools?

I just got my SAT scores, and I got a 1480. I'm thrilled, but is it good enough for Ivy League admissions? I'm considering schools like Dartmouth and Columbia, and I don't know if my score might hold …

2 years ago

Getting a scholarship with not-so-great grades... is it possible?

My grades haven't been too great all of high school, but I've done well in extracurriculars and volunteering. I really need financial aid to attend college. Is it possible for me to still get scholars …

2 years ago

Is a 33 ACT competitive for Ivy League admissions?

Hi everyone, I recently took the ACT and scored a 33. It seems like a solid score, but I'm nervous it's not enough for an Ivy League school. Do you think I should retake the test, or is a 33 ACT good …

2 years ago

Can I use the same essay for different scholarship applications?

Hi everyone! I'm applying for multiple scholarships and I was wondering if it's okay to submit the same essay for different applications. I have a strong essay that I think would fit well for many of …

2 years ago

What does the term 'Research 1' university mean?

Hi everyone! As a junior in high school, I'm trying to compile a list of potential colleges and universities to apply to. I keep coming across the term 'Research 1' university. Can someone please expl …

2 years ago

Does Purdue University have a strong research focus?

Hi everyone, I'm wondering if Purdue University is considered a research university and how this may affect their undergraduate programs. Will I have more opportunities for hands-on research experienc …

2 years ago

Is it worth it to apply Early Decision (ED) to a reach school?

Hey guys, I'm considering applying ED to Cornell, but my stats are a little below average for their applicant pool. I heard that applying ED might give me a better chance, but I'm scared that I might …

2 years ago

Are research universities better than non-research universities?

Hi all, I'll be applying to colleges next year, and I'm wondering if research universities are considered better when compared to non-research universities. Is it more advantageous to attend one, and …

2 years ago

How can an international applicant stand out in college applications?

Hi everyone, I'm an international student considering applying to US colleges. I know the competition can be tough, so what can I do to make my application stand out as an international applicant? Do …

2 years ago

How to manage stress during the college application process?

Hi CollegeVine community! I'm a junior in high school, and I'm already feeling stressed about the college application process. I want to make sure I'm staying on top of everything, but I don't want to …

2 years ago

Considering a 1520 SAT score, is it competitive enough for Ivy League admissions?

I recently took the SAT and scored a 1520. I'm thinking about applying to a few Ivy League schools, but I'm not sure if my score is good enough. Has anyone had success with a similar score? Any feedba …

2 years ago

Are contractions appropriate for use in a college essay?

I'm in the process of editing my college essay, and I noticed I used some contractions. I was wondering if this is okay or if it would be better to avoid them and use the full phrases like 'do not' in …

2 years ago

How do colleges view summer programs?

I attended a summer program at a university last year, and I really enjoyed the campus and the experience, but I'm not sure if it helps my chances of getting accepted there. How do colleges view the s …

2 years ago

Is USC known for being research-driven, and how does this impact undergraduates?

Hey all! I'm considering applying to the University of Southern California and I was wondering if they are considered a research university. If so, does this influence the undergraduate learning envir …

2 years ago

What characteristics define an Ivy League school?

Hello everyone! I was wondering what makes a school part of Ivy League, and why these schools are so prestigious? Is it due to their location, history, or academic programs? I'm trying to understand t …

2 years ago

What are some of the top research universities in the US?

Hi, I'm a high school junior and I'm interested in attending a research university for college. Can anyone provide me with a list of some of the top research universities in the US or point me towards …

2 years ago
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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.