CollegeVine Expert FAQ

Hey all, I'm a junior, and I'm trying to figure out what I should focus on before I start applying for colleges. I feel like my GPA and test scores could both use some improvement, but I'm not sure wh …

Hi people, I'm interested in applying to UCLA, but my GPA isn't the greatest. Have any of you been successful in getting accepted despite having a low GPA? If so, can you kindly provide me with some a …

I have a friend who has a felony on their record, and they're worried about how it will affect their ability to get financial aid for college. Does anyone know if it's still possible to receive financ …

Hi everyone! As I'm planning my high school experience, I'm wondering how many extracurricular activities I should be involved in to be competitive for Ivy League admissions. Should I focus on quantit …

Hey guys, I'm a first-generation immigrant and I want to write my college essay about my experiences. Do you have any tips or advice for making my essay stand out? Thanks for your help!

I just got my SAT scores, and I got a 1480. I'm thrilled, but is it good enough for Ivy League admissions? I'm considering schools like Dartmouth and Columbia, and I don't know if my score might hold …

My grades haven't been too great all of high school, but I've done well in extracurriculars and volunteering. I really need financial aid to attend college. Is it possible for me to still get scholars …

Hi everyone, I recently took the ACT and scored a 33. It seems like a solid score, but I'm nervous it's not enough for an Ivy League school. Do you think I should retake the test, or is a 33 ACT good …

Hi everyone! I'm applying for multiple scholarships and I was wondering if it's okay to submit the same essay for different applications. I have a strong essay that I think would fit well for many of …

Hi everyone! As a junior in high school, I'm trying to compile a list of potential colleges and universities to apply to. I keep coming across the term 'Research 1' university. Can someone please expl …

Hi everyone, I'm wondering if Purdue University is considered a research university and how this may affect their undergraduate programs. Will I have more opportunities for hands-on research experienc …

Hey guys, I'm considering applying ED to Cornell, but my stats are a little below average for their applicant pool. I heard that applying ED might give me a better chance, but I'm scared that I might …

Hi all, I'll be applying to colleges next year, and I'm wondering if research universities are considered better when compared to non-research universities. Is it more advantageous to attend one, and …

Hi everyone, I'm an international student considering applying to US colleges. I know the competition can be tough, so what can I do to make my application stand out as an international applicant? Do …

Hi CollegeVine community! I'm a junior in high school, and I'm already feeling stressed about the college application process. I want to make sure I'm staying on top of everything, but I don't want to …

I recently took the SAT and scored a 1520. I'm thinking about applying to a few Ivy League schools, but I'm not sure if my score is good enough. Has anyone had success with a similar score? Any feedba …

I'm in the process of editing my college essay, and I noticed I used some contractions. I was wondering if this is okay or if it would be better to avoid them and use the full phrases like 'do not' in …

I attended a summer program at a university last year, and I really enjoyed the campus and the experience, but I'm not sure if it helps my chances of getting accepted there. How do colleges view the s …

Hey all! I'm considering applying to the University of Southern California and I was wondering if they are considered a research university. If so, does this influence the undergraduate learning envir …

Hello everyone! I was wondering what makes a school part of Ivy League, and why these schools are so prestigious? Is it due to their location, history, or academic programs? I'm trying to understand t …