CollegeVine Expert FAQ

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


Is the personal statement really optional for Clemson?

Hey everyone! I'm working on my Clemson app and I saw that the personal statement is 'optional'. Is it actually optional? Will it hurt my application if I don't submit one? I don't wanna miss out if i …

9 months ago

How to get a scholarship to an HBCU?

Hi y'all! I'm a junior looking at HBCUs and I'm trying to figure out the scholarship situation. How do scholarships at HBCUs work and what steps should I take to apply for them? Are there any scholars …

9 months ago

What are essential questions to ask at a college fair to make the most out of it?

Hey everyone, I’m prepping for an upcoming college fair and feeling a bit overwhelmed with the idea of speaking to college reps. Got any must-ask questions that could help me understand if a college i …

9 months ago

How do HBCU merit scholarships work?

Hey folks, I'm strongly considering applying to an HBCU for college, and I've heard a bit about merit scholarships they offer. But how do they actually work? Do all HBCUs have them, and what kind of g …

9 months ago

Looking for inspiration: any good essay prose examples for college apps?

Morning, friends! I'm trying to improve my essay writing style and was wondering if anyone knows where I can find some high-quality prose examples from successful college app essays. I need some inspi …

9 months ago

Which HBCUs accept the Common App, and should I consider them?

So I've started looking into my college application list, and I'm thinking HBCUs could be a good fit for me. Can someone drop a list of HBCUs that take the Common App? And if you've applied, what was …

9 months ago

Joining clubs or doing intramurals? Which is better for college apps?

Okay, so I've got limited time outside of classes, and I need to choose between clubs or intramurals for my extracurriculars. Which looks better to colleges? I like both, but I really wanna boost my a …

9 months ago

Impact of 8th Grade Grades on High School?

Hey everyone, I've been wondering, do middle school grades matter for high school placement or high school GPA calculations? I heard conflicting information about this, and I'm not sure how much effor …

9 months ago

What's the culture like at HBCUs vs PWIs?

Hey everyone, I’m trying to figure out which college atmosphere would be the best fit for me. I’ve been hearing a lot about HBCUs and PWIs, but I’m not sure I completely understand the cultural differ …

9 months ago

HBCUs with more forgiving SAT requirement thresholds?

Stressed junior here! Does anyone know of any HBCUs that are known for having lower SAT requirements? Test-taking isn't my strongest suit, and I want to have a good shot at picking a college that fits …

9 months ago

How are students handling the rising cost of college?

Hey guys, just a junior here starting to feel a bit anxious. With tuition prices going through the roof and me wanting to avoid a mountain of debt, how are y'all planning on managing the rising cost o …

9 months ago

What are the most effective attributes of a standout Common App example?

Hey pals, I’ve been trying to look at examples of successful Common App submissions to understand what makes them work. I'm not looking for essays to copy but more like trying to get the essence of wh …

9 months ago

Do HBCUs offer competitive swimming programs?

I'm a junior and a competitive swimmer trying to figure out what my college options are. I really admire HBCUs for their cultural and educational impact, but I can't find much information on their ath …

9 months ago

What colleges can you realistically get into with a 2.0 GPA?

Feeling a bit stressed because my GPA isn't the greatest. It's hovering around a 2.0, and I'm worried about my college options. Does anyone know which colleges might be more forgiving about GPAs and a …

9 months ago

How do HBCUs compare in terms of financial aid offerings?

Hey y'all, I'm trying to figure out my college list and I am considering HBCUs. I've heard that some schools offer great financial aid packages, but I'm not sure how HBCUs stack up in that department. …

9 months ago

How can I make the best use of the Common App extracurriculars section with examples?

Okay, so I've got a bunch of extracurriculars, but I'm really not sure how to put them down in the Common App in a way that makes them 'pop'. Anyone willing to share how they chose which activities to …

9 months ago

How do HBCU grad programs in social work compare?

Hey everyone, I’m currently a junior and starting to look at the bigger picture for grad school. I’m super interested in social work, and I’ve read that HBCUs can offer a unique perspective and strong …

9 months ago

Can we talk about HBCUs with strong STEM programs?

Hi y'all, I'm in the process of finalizing my college list and I'm very interested in STEM fields. I want to support and be a part of the HBCU legacy but also ensure I'm getting a robust education in …

9 months ago

Can My College Essay Impact My SAT Scores?

I've been super stressed about my SAT score and how it will play into my college applications. This might be a silly question, but does the quality of my college essay have any effect on how admission …

9 months ago

How do HBCU college fairs work?

What's up, everyone? So, I'm a junior starting to look into colleges and I've heard about these HBCU college fairs. Could someone walk me through what to expect at these events? Like, should I bring a …

9 months 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.