CollegeVine Expert FAQ

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


Is it okay to write my college essay in the first person?

Might be a silly question, but can I write my college essay in the first person? I've been told different things, and I'm not sure if using 'I' might make the essay seem too self-centered. Anyone else …

9 months ago

Liberal arts colleges with a creative and progressive culture like Sarah Lawrence?

Hi, does anyone know any colleges besides Sarah Lawrence that promote individualism and creativity? I'm really attracted to the progressive and artistic culture at SLC, so I want more options just lik …

9 months ago

Concluding the Common App Essay

Stressed junior here needing some advice! How did you guys end your Common App essay? I want to make sure my conclusion is strong and leaves an impression. Any strategies or things to consider for the …

9 months ago

What's the average high school GPA for students in Illinois?

Can anyone tell me what the average high school GPA is in Illinois? I'm trying to gauge how I compare to other students in my state, and I think that info would be really helpful. Plus, it might give …

9 months ago

Fall 2023 Common App start date??

So I'm a bit behind and want to start my applications ASAP. When does the Common App officially open for fall 2023 applicants?

9 months ago

Are Free Online High School Courses Worth It?

So I stumbled upon some free high school courses online and I’m wondering if they’re worthwhile. They’re not for credit or anything, but could taking them help beef up my college app or are they just …

9 months ago

Crafting the Common App Activities List

I'm a bit stressed about how to list my extracurriculars on the Common App. What are some tips for writing a strong activities section? I want to make sure I present my involvement effectively without …

9 months ago

What college classes are beneficial to take during high school?

I have the opportunity to take some college classes at my local community college while still in high school. Which ones would boost my college app? Are there specific subjects that look better than o …

9 months ago

Do PSAT scores matter to colleges?

I've heard varying opinions on this, but do colleges actually care about PSAT scores? Or should I not sweat it much and focus more on my SAT prep?

9 months ago

Getting into Honors Classes Early

Hey peers, I'm in middle school and aiming to get into honors classes. Any tips on how I can prepare or improve my chances?

9 months ago

Optimal number of extracurriculars for the Common App?

I'm a bit concerned: trying to figure out how many extracurriculars should I list on the Common App without looking like I have no focus or, conversely, that I do absolutely nothing with my life. Any …

9 months ago

Any advice on utilizing business case studies in high school?

So I'm thinking about majoring in business, and I've heard that analyzing case studies is a big part of business school. As a high school junior, does it make sense for me to start looking at business …

9 months ago

Strategies for not skipping classes?

Okay, so I've had a bit of a problem with attendance this year and I really need to stop skipping class. Any advice on how to motivate myself to go to every class and not fall behind?

9 months ago

Are Plato classes in high school viewed favorably by colleges?

I've heard about Plato classes at my school that are used for credit recovery or alternative learning. Do colleges see these classes as rigorous, or should I be wary of taking them if I'm aiming for a …

9 months ago

How Does One Choose a Major Area of Study in High School?

Okay, so as I'm getting ready to select my classes for next year, I keep hearing about focusing on a 'major' area of study in high school. How does that work and why is it important for college admiss …

9 months ago

Northeastern Huskies: How's it actually like on campus?

I've read up on Northeastern and their co-op program, but what I'm really looking for is personal stories. What do you guys think about the balance between work and play, and is the co-op as beneficia …

9 months ago

How vital are AP classes for college admissions compared to honors?

Hello peeps, I'm trying to map out my senior year classes and I'm torn between stacking up on APs or honors. Do colleges prefer AP over honors? I've got a decent mix of both but I'm aiming for some se …

9 months ago

Does University of Alabama recognize CLEP exam credits, and what are the guidelines?

Roll Tide! I'm interested in attending the University of Alabama and have a few CLEP exams under my belt. Does anyone here know how the University of Alabama treats CLEP exams for incoming freshmen? L …

9 months ago

Summer classes for high school credit – worth it?

Hey fam, with summer around the corner, I'm thinking of taking extra classes to get ahead. How do you even go about finding and enrolling in summer classes for high school credit? Also, for those who’ …

9 months ago

What colleges look for 4 years of science in high school?

Hey everyone! I'm in the process of narrowing down my college list and I'm realizing that I'm not sure if the schools I'm interested in require 4 years of high school science. Does anyone here know ho …

9 months ago
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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.