CollegeVine Expert FAQ

I have a hobby that I'm really passionate about, but I'm not sure if it's significant enough to include in my college essay. Can sharing my hobby help my application, or should I focus on more academi …

Hi, I'm a high school junior and I'm beginning the college application process for the Ivy League schools. I have the Common App essay figured out, but I'm not sure when to start working on the supple …

Hi all! So, I've been stressing a little bit about my GPA and test scores. My GPA is pretty good, but my test scores aren't as high as I'd like. How do colleges weigh these two factors when considerin …

I had a rough freshman year and my GPA wasn't great, but I've been working hard ever since and have shown significant improvements. When applying to Ivy League schools, how should I address the low GP …

Hi everyone! I'm a high school junior and I want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to prepare for the college application process. What steps should I be taking now to ensure I'm ready when it's …

Hey everyone, just a stressed junior here looking at the application options for various colleges. What are the benefits of applying early decision, besides getting an answer sooner? Are there higher …

Hi everyone! I recently took the SAT and scored a 1400. I've been considering applying to some Ivy League schools, but I'm worried my score isn't high enough. Is a 1400 SAT a deal-breaker for Ivies? A …

Hello, I'm a high school junior and I've been researching Early Action. Is it possible to apply to multiple schools through EA, or am I limited to just one? Thanks for your help!

Hi everyone, I'm in my junior year, and I've been a bit confused about class rank and GPA on college applications. Which is more important to colleges? Should I focus more on improving my rank or GPA, …

My parents have been divorced for a few years, and I'm unsure how to navigate the FAFSA process. Should I list both of their incomes, or just one? Would really appreciate some advice from someone with …

Hi, I'm a little stressed as I'm starting my college search. I've been hearing mixed opinions about Ivy League schools. Are they really worth it? Or are they just overhyped schools that overcharge for …

I've often wondered how colleges fund the numerous research projects they take on. Are there any implications of this funding process on undergraduate students? For instance, does it affect tuition or …

Hello, I scored a 1480 on my SAT and am thinking about applying to schools like Dartmouth and Columbia. Do you think my score is competitive enough, or should I try to improve it?

I took the ACT and got a 33, and now I'm worried if it's good enough for Ivy League colleges. Has anyone here applied and gotten in with a similar score? I'm trying to figure out if I should retake it …

Hi, I've come across the term 'yield protection' while researching college admissions. Can someone please explain what it means and how it affects the admissions process? Thanks for your help!

I've been trying to write my college essay for weeks now, but every time I sit down to write, I can't think of anything. Do you guys have any tips for overcoming writer's block and getting started on …

Hey guys! I'm a junior, and my high school offers both AP and IB courses. I'm wondering how colleges view these two types of classes when evaluating applicants. Do they have a preference for one over …

Hi all, I'm a high school junior looking to apply to research universities, and I came across New York University (NYU). Does NYU have a strong research focus? Should I consider it on my list of resea …

Hey guys! I'm curious to know what some of the most common mistakes students make on their college applications are, so that I can avoid them during my own application process. Any insights or tips yo …

Hello collegevine, I'm a high school junior who dreams of attending a top-tier university. I have good grades and extracurriculars, but I know the competition is extremely tough. What can I do to impr …