CollegeVine Expert FAQ

My school doesn't offer IB courses, but I've heard that they can look impressive on college applications. Is it possible to self-study and take the IB exam without being in an official IB course? Has …

Hey guys, I've been working on my essay and I noticed I've been using contractions throughout the whole thing. It makes the essay feel more like a conversation, but I'm worried that it might come off …

Hey there! I know that some colleges require or offer interviews as part of the admissions process, but how important are these interviews in the decision-making process? Thanks for your help!

Hi everyone! I'm a junior, and I've been going to the gym regularly throughout high school. Is this something I should include on my college applications as an extracurricular activity or not? Thanks …

Hey everyone! I've taken a few online courses during high school, and I'm wondering how colleges view these on a transcript. Will they be seen as less rigorous or valuable compared to traditional in-p …

Hi everyone, I'm a junior and I'm starting to research colleges to build my list. I'm not sure how to determine which schools are reaches, targets, and safeties for me. Also, how many colleges should …

Hi everyone, I'm a junior who will be applying to colleges in the fall. I need to start thinking about who I'll ask for letters of recommendation, but I'm nervous. Any advice or tips on how to ask and …

Hi, I'm a junior trying to figure out my application strategy for next year. How many colleges should I apply to? I don't want to spread myself too thin, but I also want to make sure I have enough opt …

Hey everyone, I'm feeling really overwhelmed trying to fit all my emotions and experiences into a 650-word college essay. How the heck do I do this? Any tips on condensing a lot of thoughts into such …

Hello everyone, I'm a junior and I need to decide whether to take the SAT or the ACT. What are the main differences between these two tests, and how should I choose which one to take? Any advice would …

I'm finding it difficult to keep up with my academics while also participating in extracurricular activities. Does anyone have any tips on how to balance these commitments, especially with college app …

Hi all, I'm working on my college essay and I'm struggling with writing a strong conclusion. What are some tips for ending my essay on a high note and leaving a lasting impression on the admissions of …

Hello! I'm a junior from outside the US, and I'm planning on applying to American colleges. I've heard that some colleges are need-blind in their admissions process, but I'm not sure if this applies t …

Hi there! I'm currently a junior learning a third language online in my free time. I'm not taking any classes in school for it, but I'm making solid progress. Can I list this as an extracurricular act …

Hi! I've heard the term 'superscoring' thrown around quite a bit, but I'm not exactly sure what it means. Can someone explain the concept of superscoring and which colleges use it for standardized tes …

I want to write an essay that really shows my passion for my chosen field. Any tips on how to convey this effectively without sounding too generic?

I have a part-time job and I'm wondering how much it will help me in the college application process. Is it seen as a valuable extracurricular, or will colleges prioritize other activities over it? Th …

Hey guys! I'm a junior, and I'm worried that I don't have any leadership positions in my extracurricular activities. Will this hurt my chances when applying to college? Can I still get into a good sch …

Hi everyone, I'm a high school junior, and I'm trying to decide whether to attend an in-state or out-of-state college. What factors should I consider when making this decision? How can I determine whi …

Hi everyone! I'm a junior, and I'm starting to work on my college essays. I want to write about a personal challenge I've faced, but I'm not sure how to approach it. How do I write about this in a way …