Skip to main content

CollegeVine Expert FAQ

Explore our collection of admissions FAQs. Each answer is expert-approved by our team to help you reach your goals.


Is it better to focus on one extracurricular or have a variety?

Hey, I'm a junior and I've been wondering if it's more beneficial to focus on one main extracurricular activity or to have a variety of activities on my college applications. I'm involved in several c …

3 years ago

Should I apply for financial aid even if I think my family makes too much?

Hi everyone, I'm a junior and I've been researching financial aid for college. My family's income is relatively high, but I'm not sure if we'll be able to afford my dream school without help. Should I …

3 years ago

How can I start preparing for the college application process?

Hey everyone, I'm a high school junior and I want to start preparing for the college application process. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and I'm not sure where to begin. Can someone provide some adv …

3 years ago

How can I make my college application essay stand out?

Hi everyone! I'm starting to brainstorm ideas for my college application essay, and I want to make sure it's unique and memorable. Do you have any tips or suggestions on how to write an essay that sta …

3 years ago

AP classes vs. Dual Enrollment - what's better?

Hi everyone, I'm a junior and my school offers both AP classes and dual enrollment options. I'm not sure which one to choose for my senior year. What are the benefits of each and which one do colleges …

3 years ago

Is it worth it to apply for honors programs?

Hey, I'm a junior in high school, and I've been looking into honors programs at different colleges. Is it worth it to apply for these programs? What are the benefits, and how competitive are they? Tha …

3 years ago

What steps should I take to inform colleges about my high school's unique GPA calculation method?

Greetings! My high school calculates GPAs differently than most, and I'm concerned about how this will be perceived by colleges during the admissions process. Could you please advise me on how to conv …

3 years ago

How important is it to have a well-rounded application?

Hi all! I'm a junior who's starting to think about college applications, and I'm worried that my application isn't well-rounded enough. I have a strong academic record, but my extracurriculars are mos …

3 years ago

Is it better to take challenging courses and risk a lower GPA?

Hi guys, I'm a high school junior, and I'm trying to decide whether to take more challenging courses next year. I've heard that colleges like to see rigor on your transcript, but I'm worried that chal …

3 years ago

What should I do if I have a low GPA?

Hello, I'm a high school junior, and I'm worried about my GPA. I know it's not as high as I'd like it to be, and I'm not sure if it will negatively impact my college applications. CollegeVine, can you …

3 years ago

What are the most important factors for college admissions?

Hey guys! I'm curious about what factors colleges consider the most when evaluating applicants. Is it GPA, test scores, essays, or something else? I want to make sure I focus on the right things durin …

3 years ago

How can I demonstrate my leadership skills in my college applications?

Hi collegevine, I've held leadership positions in several clubs and organizations throughout high school, and I'd like to showcase these skills in my college applications. Can you offer any advice on …

3 years ago

Are there any advantages to taking both the ACT and SAT for college applications?

Hey guys, quick question: is there any point in taking both the ACT and SAT for college apps? Just wondering if it'd help or just be a waste of time. Thanks!

3 years ago

Is it important to visit colleges before applying?

Hello! I'm a junior and I'm trying to decide if I should visit colleges before applying. Is it important to visit in person, or can I get a good sense of the school through online resources? Any tips …

3 years ago

How do I write a strong personal statement?

Hello everyone! I'm a high school junior and I'm working on my college applications. I know that a strong personal statement is crucial, but I'm not sure how to make mine stand out. Can anyone share s …

3 years ago

What should I look for in a college campus visit?

Hey guys, I'm planning some college campus visits and I want to make the most of my time there. What should I look for during my visit, and what questions should I ask to get a better understanding of …

3 years ago

How do colleges view homeschoolers?

Hello everyone, I'm a junior and I've been homeschooled throughout my high school years. How do colleges view homeschoolers in the admissions process, and are there any specific things I should emphas …

3 years ago

Should I retake the SAT/ACT?

Hi everyone! I'm a high school junior and I recently got my SAT/ACT scores back. While my scores are decent, I think I could do better. Should I retake the test to try and improve my scores, or should …

3 years ago

How do I decide whether to live on or off campus?

Hey guys, I'm a junior and I've been thinking about where I want to live when I go to college. I know that some students live on campus, while others live off campus, but I'm not sure which option is …

3 years ago

How do colleges evaluate transfer students?

Hey collegevine, I'm considering transferring to a different college after my freshman year. Can you explain how colleges evaluate transfer students and what factors they consider when reviewing appli …

3 years ago
Displaying questions 177301-177320 of 178025 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.