CollegeVine Expert FAQ

I've been using Naviance in my college search process. Do colleges know students are using it for things like college lists and application tracking, or is it just a tool for us?

I'm applying to schools and I've been to a state Governor's School program. Do admissions folks actually understand what it is and recognize its value? I want to make sure it helps my app.

I'm worried about disclosing my learning disabilities on my application. Do colleges know about any disabilities automatically, or is it completely on me to share this information and explain how it a …

I'm listing a couple of clubs and volunteer work in my application. Do colleges have a way to check if all the activities I put down are legit? What should I do to prove my involvement if needed?

I'm considering transferring to another high school before I graduate. Do colleges need to know that I've attended more than one high school, and how will it affect my application?

I'm considering trade school as an option after graduation, and I'm curious about which trade school jobs offer the highest salaries. What are some of the top-paying trade careers I should look into?

If I took an AP class but chose not to take the AP exam, would colleges be aware of that? Does it affect my application if they know I didn't sit for the exam?

When applying to colleges, do they have access to all of my SAT scores even if I choose to send only some of them? How does the score choice process work?

I'm considering reusing an essay I wrote for one college when applying to another. Is there a way colleges can tell if I've used the same essay before, or is this generally considered okay?

I'm trying to understand how colleges determine financial aid packages. Do they automatically know if I'm eligible for the Pell Grant, or is it something I need to proactively report to them?

I'm interested in pursuing a biology degree in college, but I'm worried I might not know what to do with it after graduation. What are some career paths or further studies that I can consider with a b …

I'm a high school junior and everyone keeps asking me what I want to major in. I'm so unsure and the pressure is getting to me. Is it okay to not have a clear plan yet, and how do I deal with this pre …

I'm just starting my college applications, and I'm curious about the timing. How long after applying do most colleges notify you of their decision? Is it different for early action or regular decision …

I'm applying to a few CUNY colleges, and I'm curious about how they notify applicants of their decisions. Is there an online portal, or do they send out acceptance letters? Any insights would be appre …

I submitted my FAFSA a while ago, but I'm not sure if my college received it. Is there a way to confirm that they got it and everything is in order? I want to make sure there are no issues with my fin …

I'm working on my college essay, and I really want to make sure it's strong. What are some signs that my essay is in good shape or needs more work? Should I ask teachers or peers to review it?

I'm trying to keep track of my college credits, but I'm not sure where to find the most accurate information. Is there an online portal or a specific office at school I should check with?

In what ways can I demonstrate interest in a college? Do they track visits, emails, or something else? I'm trying to ensure they know I'm serious about applying.

When colleges email you, can they track if you actually open the emails or not? Does this affect my application in any way? I'm worried about missing out on any demonstrated interest points due to uno …

I'm planning to take the ACT a few times to improve my score. Will colleges be aware of how many times I sat for the exam, or do they only see my best score? How might multiple attempts impact my appl …