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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.


Is a 1490 SAT score strong enough for Ivy League schools?

Hey guys, I recently got a 1490 on the SAT and I'm wondering if that's considered a strong score for Ivy League admissions. Should I be satisfied with this or consider retaking the test for a higher s …

2 years ago

Do I need to explain a low GPA in my college application?

Hi all! I'm a junior, and my GPA isn't as high as I'd like it to be. I've faced some personal challenges that have affected my grades, and I'm wondering if I should explain this in my college applicat …

2 years ago

What are the best ways to research colleges?

Hey everyone, I've just started looking into different colleges, and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. Can you share your best tips or resources for researching colleges so that I can find the schools …

2 years ago

How does major selection impact admissions?

I've heard that certain majors are more competitive than others at some schools. Is it true? Are my chances of being admitted better if I choose a less popular major, or is that just a myth?

2 years ago

Seeking advice: Applying for engineering programs with average test scores?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior interested in applying to engineering programs at Georgia Tech, Michigan, and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Sadly, my SAT scores are quite average which is making …

2 years ago

Can low-income students afford top-tier colleges?

Hello! I'm a high school junior from a low-income background, and I'm worried about the cost of attending a top-tier college. I know that these schools often offer generous financial aid packages, but …

2 years ago

Should I write about a personal struggle for my college essay?

Hey everyone, I'm starting to work on my college essays and I'm considering writing about a personal struggle I've been through. However, I'm worried it might come across as too negative or oversharin …

2 years ago

How important is class rank in the admissions process?

Hello everyone! I'm a junior with a decent GPA (3.7) but my class rank is not that great (top 25%). I'm wondering how much this will hurt my chances of getting accepted into competitive colleges. Do c …

2 years ago

Is college confidential accurate?

I've been browsing College Confidential recently and have seen a lot of different opinions on admissions chances, extracurriculars, and essays. How accurate and helpful is this information? Should I b …

2 years ago

What's the best way to get strong letters of recommendation?

Hi there! I know that letters of recommendation are an important part of college applications, but I'm not sure how to go about getting strong ones from my teachers. Do you have any tips on how to bui …

2 years ago

How do I write a college essay about a difficult experience?

I want to write about a challenging experience I went through, but I'm worried it might come across as too negative. How can I write about this in a way that shows my growth and resilience? Thanks for …

2 years ago

What do colleges look for in your Social Media presence?

I've heard that colleges sometimes look at your social media profiles during the admissions process. I'm a bit concerned because I don't post much online, but when I do, it's mainly just silly stuff m …

2 years ago

How do I know if a college's campus culture is right for me?

Hey guys, I'm a junior in high school and I've been visiting some college campuses. I'm trying to get a feel for the campus culture, but it's hard to know if a college is a good fit just by visiting. …

2 years ago

Is it easier to transfer into an Ivy League compared to entering as a freshman?

Hey, I'm considering applying to Ivy League schools like Princeton and UPenn, but I've been hearing that transferring into an Ivy League is easier. Is this true? If so, what are the benefits or disadv …

2 years ago

Can someone explain the benefits of attending a liberal arts college?

Hey guys, I've been hearing a lot about liberal arts colleges but I'm not exactly sure what sets them apart from other schools. What are the benefits of attending a liberal arts college, and why might …

2 years ago

What should I highlight in my college application if I don't have many extracurriculars?

Hey, I'm a junior, and I'm worried about my lack of extracurriculars when it comes to applying to college. What are some things I can highlight in my application to make up for this? Are there any tip …

2 years ago

How much does demonstrated interest matter for selective colleges?

Hey everyone, I've heard the term 'demonstrated interest' lately, and I'm curious how much it matters in the admissions process, particularly for selective colleges. Is it worth putting in the effort …

2 years ago

What's the best way to showcase extracurricular activities in college applications?

Hi all, I'm trying to figure out the best way to present my extracurricular activities in my college applications. Should I focus on a few key activities or try to include everything I've been involve …

2 years ago

What are the benefits of early decision and early action?

Hey there, I've heard that applying early decision or early action can increase my chances of getting into my top-choice college, but I'm not sure about the pros and cons of each option. Can anyone ex …

2 years ago

If I have bad grades in high school, can I still become a doctor?

I am passionate about pursuing a career in medicine, but my high school grades haven't been the best. Can I still become a doctor if I work hard in college and improve my GPA?

2 years ago
Displaying questions 175081-175100 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.