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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 do I build a strong college resume?

Hello! I'm starting to work on my college resume, and I want to make sure it's as strong as possible. What are some tips for building a strong resume, and what should I include to make sure I'm showca …

a year ago

What should I be doing during the summer before senior year?

Hey everyone! I'm a high school junior, and I've been thinking about how to make the most of my summer before senior year. I want to use my time wisely to prepare for college applications and improve …

a year ago

What factors should I consider when creating a list of colleges to apply to?

Hi there! I'm trying to put together a list of colleges to apply to, but there are so many options that it feels a little overwhelming. What factors should I consider when narrowing down my list and d …

a year ago

Is it better to submit a Common App or a Coalition App?

Hey everyone! I'm a junior, and I'm starting to think about my college applications. I've heard about the Common App and the Coalition App, but I'm not sure which one is better to use. Do colleges pre …

a year ago

Is it possible to take the IB exam without the course?

Hey guys! I've heard that some people take the AP exams without taking the actual courses, and it got me wondering if it's possible to do the same with IB exams? Has anyone here done this or know if i …

a year ago

What are the pros and cons of applying early decision?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior in high school and I'm considering applying early decision to one of my top-choice colleges. What are the pros and cons of applying early decision, and how does it affect my …

a year ago

How important are extracurriculars in my college application?

Hey there! I'm currently a junior and I've been hearing a lot about how important extracurriculars are in the college admissions process. I have a few activities that I'm passionate about, but I'm not …

a year ago

Could learning a language on your own be considered an extracurricular activity?

Hey there, I've been teaching myself Japanese for fun throughout high school, and I've made significant progress. Would learning a language on my own count as an extracurricular activity for college a …

a year ago

Are college essay titles common practice or not?

Hey, I'm a junior currently starting to brainstorm ideas for my college essays. Should I be thinking about a title for the essay? Do most people give their essays titles, or is it not required? Thanks …

a year ago

How do colleges view dual enrollment classes?

Hello! I'm a junior and I've been taking a few dual enrollment classes at my local community college. I was wondering how these classes are viewed by colleges during the admissions process. Are they c …

a year ago

Is it worth applying to colleges I'm not sure I can get into?

Hi everyone, I'm a junior and I've been researching colleges. There are some schools that I really like, but I don't know if I have a realistic chance of getting in. Is it worth applying to these reac …

a year ago

Are college visits necessary for making a good impression?

Hi everyone! I've heard that some students visit colleges they're interested in to get a feel for the campus and make a good impression on the admissions office. Is this true? Do college visits really …

a year ago

Is it better to take a difficult class and get a lower grade or take an easier class and get an A?

Hey guys, I'm planning my schedule for senior year and I'm not sure if I should take AP Calc BC or stick with regular Calculus. I think I can manage a B or maybe a low A in BC, but I'd definitely get …

a year ago

Any tips for transfer students when applying to competitive colleges?

Hi everyone, I'm currently a college freshman, and I'm thinking about transferring to a more competitive school for my sophomore year. My dream schools are schools like Cornell and Vanderbilt. Do you …

a year ago

Does study abroad count as an extracurricular activity?

Hey all, I'm lucky enough to have been able to participate in a study abroad program last summer. I'm not sure whether I should include this experience as an extracurricular activity on my college app …

a year ago

Can my college essay be about a fictional character?

Hey guys, I have an idea for my college essay. I want to write about how a particular fictional character has had a major impact on my life and influenced my perspective and beliefs. Do you think this …

a year ago

How long does it typically take to write a good college essay?

Hey guys, I'm a junior and I'm starting to think about college essays. I'm curious about how long it took you all to write your college essays. I want to make sure I give myself enough time to write a …

a year ago

Chances of getting into West Point with low grades?

Hi, I'm a high school junior, and West Point has always been my ultimate goal. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, my grades suffered in 9th and 10th grades. Is it still possible to get into West Po …

a year ago

How to choose between applying for financial aid or merit-based scholarships?

Hi everyone, I'm a high school junior and I'm starting to think about how to pay for college. I'm wondering if I should focus on applying for financial aid or merit-based scholarships. What are the di …

a year ago

How important is demonstrated need in receiving a merit-based scholarship?

Hello, I'm starting to look into scholarships and I've noticed that some are need-based, while others are merit-based. Am I correct in assuming that my family's financial situation won't impact my cha …

a year ago
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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.