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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.


Should I retake the SAT/ACT if my scores are below the average for my top-choice college?

Hello! I'm a junior in high school, and I've taken the SAT/ACT, but my scores are below the average for my top-choice college. Should I retake the test to try to improve my scores, or should I focus o …

2 years ago

How do I write a strong supplemental essay?

Hey everyone, I know that many colleges require supplemental essays in addition to the main application essay. Can someone give me some advice on how to write a strong supplemental essay that will hel …

2 years ago

What are some good ways to find colleges that fit my interests?

As I'm starting my college search, I'm finding it difficult to narrow down schools that fit my interests. I want to study something related to environmental science and I'm not sure which colleges wou …

2 years ago

Do colleges look at my social media profiles during the admissions process?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and I've heard that some colleges might look at applicants' social media profiles during the admissions process. Is this true, and if so, what should I be aware of when it c …

2 years ago

How can I demonstrate interest in a college?

Hey guys! I'm a junior and I've heard that demonstrating interest in a college can be beneficial during the admissions process. I was wondering what are some ways that I can show a college that I'm ge …

2 years ago

How can I improve my chances of getting into my dream college?

Hello everyone! I'm a junior and I have my heart set on a specific college. I want to do everything I can to improve my chances of being accepted. What are some things I can focus on to make my applic …

2 years ago

When should I start contacting potential recommenders?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and I've been thinking about who I should ask for letters of recommendation. When is the ideal time to start asking my teachers and other potential recommenders? I want to m …

2 years ago

What are some good resources for college research?

Hello! I'm a junior and I'm starting to research colleges to apply to. What are some good resources to help me find the best fit for me? Thanks in advance!

2 years ago

Are college rankings a reliable way to choose a college?

Hey, I'm a junior and I've been looking at college rankings to help me decide which college to apply to. I'm wondering if these rankings are really reliable, or if there are other factors I should be …

2 years ago

What colleges are stingy with aid?

I was wondering if anyone knows which colleges are known for being stingy with financial aid? I want to avoid applying to schools that won't offer much help. Thanks!

3 years ago

How do I know if a college is need-blind or need-aware?

Hey everyone, I'm researching colleges and financial aid, and I've come across the terms need-blind and need-aware. I'm not exactly sure what these terms mean, and I'm wondering how I can find out if …

2 years ago

What are some tips for nailing the college interview?

Hi there! I have a college interview scheduled in a couple of weeks, and I'm feeling pretty nervous about it. Does anyone have any tips or advice on how to make a great impression during the interview …

2 years ago

How do college admissions view upward trends in GPA?

Hi everyone, I'm a junior and I had a rough start to high school, but my grades have been steadily improving since then. I'm wondering how college admissions officers will view this upward trend in my …

2 years ago

Should I retake the ACT if I'm not happy with my score?

Hello! I recently took the ACT and received a score of 28. I'm not super thrilled with my score and I'm considering retaking it. Is it worth retaking, or should I focus on other aspects of my college …

2 years ago

What's the best way to prepare for the SAT?

Hi folks! I'm planning on taking the SAT in the next few months, and I'm feeling a bit stressed about it. What are the most effective study strategies or resources you've used to prepare? Any advice w …

2 years ago

Is it possible to balance a part-time job and college applications?

Hello! I'm a high school junior and I recently got a part-time job to help my family with finances. I'm worried about how this might affect my ability to work on college applications. Can anyone offer …

2 years ago

What is the role of standardized tests in college admissions?

Hi everyone, I'm a high school junior and I've been stressing about standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. What role do these tests play in college admissions, and how important are they compared to …

2 years ago

How can I prepare for college while still in high school?

Hey everyone! I'm a high school junior, and I want to make sure I'm as prepared as possible for college. What are some things I can do now to set myself up for success in college? Any advice would be …

2 years ago

Is it better to take harder classes or have a higher GPA?

Hey guys, I'm a junior, and I've been stressed trying to decide between taking harder classes and maintaining my GPA. What do colleges value more: a high GPA with easier classes or a slightly lower GP …

2 years ago

What are the advantages of attending a liberal arts college?

Hey guys, I'm a junior and I've been researching liberal arts colleges. What are the advantages of attending a liberal arts college versus a larger university? I'm trying to decide which type of schoo …

2 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.