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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.


Can I apply for financial aid before I'm accepted to a college?

Hi, I'm a junior and I'm starting to think about applying for financial aid. I know that the cost of college can be a big factor in deciding where to go, but I'm not sure if I can apply for aid before …

3 years ago

Test-optional schools: to send or not to send my SAT/ACT scores?

Greetings everyone! I'm currently considering applying to some test-optional schools, but I'm unsure if I should send my SAT/ACT scores or not. Could you please offer some advice on how to make this d …

3 years ago

Can I use the same essay for multiple college applications?

Hey everyone, I'm starting to work on my college essays and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. Is it generally okay to use the same essay for multiple college applications, or should I write a unique essa …

3 years ago

What are the pros and cons of attending a large vs. small college?

Hello! I'm a junior and I'm trying to decide if I'd prefer attending a large or small college. Can anyone provide some insight on the pros and cons of each? I want to make sure I choose the right envi …

3 years ago

What are the benefits of going to a smaller college?

Hi everyone, I'm a junior, and I've been considering applying to some smaller colleges. Can anyone share some of the benefits of attending a smaller school over a larger one? I'd appreciate any input. …

3 years ago

What can I do to improve my chances of getting into a top-tier college?

Hi all! I'm a junior and I've been really stressing out about the college application process. My grades and test scores are solid, but I feel like I need to do something more to stand out. What are s …

2 years ago

How important are letters of recommendation in college applications?

Hey, I'm a junior in high school, and I've been thinking about who I should ask for letters of recommendation for my college applications. How important are these letters in the admissions process? Al …

3 years ago

What are the benefits of attending a community college before transferring to a four-year university?

Hey folks! I'm a high school junior, and I'm considering attending a community college before transferring to a four-year university. What are the benefits of doing this, and how can it affect my coll …

3 years ago

What resources are available to help with college applications?

Hello everyone! I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with the college application process and I'm looking for some guidance. What resources are available to help me navigate the process and improve my chance …

3 years ago

Should I retake the SAT/ACT if my score is average?

Hey guys, I recently took the SAT/ACT and my score is pretty average. I'm wondering if it's worth it to retake the test in hopes of improving my score, or if I should focus on other aspects of my appl …

3 years ago

What are the best ways to prepare for the SAT or ACT?

Hey everyone! I'm planning to take the SAT or ACT soon, and I want to make sure I'm well-prepared. What are some tips or resources you've found helpful for studying? I'd appreciate any advice you can …

3 years ago

Are college application deadlines flexible?

Hello! I'm a junior, and I'm starting to think about the college application process. I know there are deadlines for everything, but I'm wondering how flexible these deadlines are. If something unexpe …

3 years ago

Should I take a gap year before going to college?

Hello! I've been considering taking a gap year before starting college, but I'm not sure if it's the right decision for me. What are the pros and cons of taking a gap year? How do colleges view gap ye …

3 years ago

How can I improve my application if I have a weak freshman year?

Hi, I'm a junior who's a bit stressed about college applications. My freshman year wasn't the best academically, and I'm worried it might hurt my chances of getting into a good college. What can I do …

3 years ago

Which college essays can I begin working on before the official application season starts?

Hello, I hope everyone is doing well! I'd like to get a head start on my college essays, but I'm not sure which ones I can begin working on before the application season officially begins. Can anyone …

3 years ago

Can I get college credit for my AP/IB scores?

Hey guys! I've taken a few AP and IB courses, and I'm wondering if my scores on the exams can earn me college credit. Do most colleges accept these scores for credit, or does it vary by school? Thanks …

3 years ago

Do colleges really look at your social media?

Hi, guys! I've heard that some colleges look at applicants' social media accounts during the admissions process. Is this true? Should I be worried about what I post online? Thanks for any insight!

3 years ago

Do colleges look at weighted or unweighted GPA?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior in high school, and I'm trying to get a better understanding of how colleges evaluate GPA. My school calculates both a weighted and unweighted GPA, and I'm not sure which one …

3 years ago

What are some common mistakes to avoid in the college application process?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior in high school, and I'm starting to think about college applications. I want to make sure I don't make any serious mistakes that could hurt my chances of getting into a good …

3 years ago

How heavily do colleges weigh standardized test scores?

Hi all! I'm a high school junior and I'm a bit stressed about my standardized test scores. I was wondering how important they are in the college admissions process, especially for selective schools. D …

3 years 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.