CollegeVine Expert FAQ

Hi everyone! I'm pondering over when I should schedule my ACT retake. Got my scores and I'm short of my target by a few points. Any tips on how much time I should give myself before the next attempt? …

Hey guys, just trying to plan out my workload. Does every college ask for supplemental essays or are there some that only need the main Common App essay? Does it vary much between schools?

Hey guys! A little stressed here because I can't seem to figure out how to upload my SAT scores to the Common App. Could someone explain the steps, or is it automatically done by College Board?

Hey folks, I'm a sophomore and wondering how early I should start preparing for the PSAT? Any tips or resources that are especially helpful at this stage in high school?

Quick question: I've got my unofficial transcript, and I'm wondering if I can upload it to my Common App? Or is this something that my counselor has to send in for me? Anyone else tackled this yet?

I've been saving up to pay for my college applications, but I'm not entirely sure how the payment process works on the Common App. Does anyone know the steps for paying the Common App fee, and are the …

I'm currently filling out my Common App and stumbled upon the demographics section. Is it really necessary to fill out all the demographic details? Would colleges look at my application differently ba …

So I've been working on this passion project for a couple of years now and it's a big part of who I am. Where should I talk about my passion project in my Common App to make sure admissions officers u …

Hey everyone, I've been brainstorming ideas for my college essays and I'm kinda stumped. Can my essay be about literally any experience or topic, or are there unwritten rules about what colleges prefe …

Hey folks, I just got my PSAT scores and I got an 1100. I know it's not super high, but considering I didn't prep at all, is it a decent place to start for a junior? What score range should I aim for …

I'm thinking about applying to a CUNY school. Does anyone know if they accept the Common App, or do they have their own application process?

So, I've been going through my essay topics and I've got this really personal story about overcoming hardship. It's a big part of who I am, but I'm a bit worried it might come off as too sad or heavy …

So I’ve heard some rumors that the SAT is actually easier than the PSAT. Does anyone have personal experience with both that could weigh in on this? Need to know how to adjust my prep if this is true!

Just wondering if I can repurpose my Common App essay for my National Merit application. They sound like they're looking for similar things, but does anyone know if that's a bad idea? Thoughts?

Hi fellow juniors, I’m trying to figure out if I should self-report my ACT/SAT scores on the Common App. My scores are pretty good but not stellar. How do colleges view self-reported scores, and is it …

Hi friends! Quick Q: how do you calculate your GPA for the Common App? My school has a different system and I'm not sure how to convert it. Is there a specific formula I should use, or is this somethi …

Hey everyone! I'm gearing up to take the PSAT soon and I was wondering, how crucial is it to have a calculator for the math section? I'm pretty comfortable with math, but I'm not sure if the PSAT is d …

I was hoping to start prepping for the PSAT, but I'm not totally clear on what subjects I'll be tested on. Can someone give me a quick rundown of what areas I should be focusing on? I'm aiming to do r …

Okay, so I’m hearing a lot of mixed messages about the PSAT. Some people say it’s super important, while others say it’s just practice. How much studying do you all really think is necessary for the P …

I've been told different things by different people, but I want to set the record straight—is the PSAT basically just another version of a practice SAT or does it have its own significance that I shou …