CollegeVine Expert FAQ

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


How to address a low first-year GPA when applying to Ivy League schools?

I had a rough freshman year and my GPA wasn't great, but I've been working hard ever since and have shown significant improvements. When applying to Ivy League schools, how should I address the low GP …

11 months ago

What should I be doing now to prepare for college applications?

Hi everyone! I'm a high school junior and I want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to prepare for the college application process. What steps should I be taking now to ensure I'm ready when it's …

11 months ago

Are there any benefits to applying Early Decision?

Hey everyone, just a stressed junior here looking at the application options for various colleges. What are the benefits of applying early decision, besides getting an answer sooner? Are there higher …

11 months ago

Will a 1400 SAT score hold me back from Ivy League schools?

Hi everyone! I recently took the SAT and scored a 1400. I've been considering applying to some Ivy League schools, but I'm worried my score isn't high enough. Is a 1400 SAT a deal-breaker for Ivies? A …

11 months ago

Can I apply to more than one Early Action school?

Hello, I'm a high school junior and I've been researching Early Action. Is it possible to apply to multiple schools through EA, or am I limited to just one? Thanks for your help!

11 months ago

Class Rank vs. GPA: Which matters more for college applications?

Hi everyone, I'm in my junior year, and I've been a bit confused about class rank and GPA on college applications. Which is more important to colleges? Should I focus more on improving my rank or GPA, …

11 months ago

Does anyone have experience applying for FAFSA with divorced parents?

My parents have been divorced for a few years, and I'm unsure how to navigate the FAFSA process. Should I list both of their incomes, or just one? Would really appreciate some advice from someone with …

11 months ago

Are Ivy League schools actually overrated?

Hi, I'm a little stressed as I'm starting my college search. I've been hearing mixed opinions about Ivy League schools. Are they really worth it? Or are they just overhyped schools that overcharge for …

11 months ago

How do universities fund their research projects and how does this impact undergraduates?

I've often wondered how colleges fund the numerous research projects they take on. Are there any implications of this funding process on undergraduate students? For instance, does it affect tuition or …

11 months ago

Is a 1480 SAT score good enough for Ivy League applications?

Hello, I scored a 1480 on my SAT and am thinking about applying to schools like Dartmouth and Columbia. Do you think my score is competitive enough, or should I try to improve it?

11 months ago

Is a 33 ACT score competitive for Ivy League applications?

I took the ACT and got a 33, and now I'm worried if it's good enough for Ivy League colleges. Has anyone here applied and gotten in with a similar score? I'm trying to figure out if I should retake it …

11 months ago

What is yield protection in college admissions?

Hi, I've come across the term 'yield protection' while researching college admissions. Can someone please explain what it means and how it affects the admissions process? Thanks for your help!

11 months ago

Do you have any tips for overcoming writer's block when writing a college essay?

I've been trying to write my college essay for weeks now, but every time I sit down to write, I can't think of anything. Do you guys have any tips for overcoming writer's block and getting started on …

11 months ago

How do colleges view AP courses versus IB courses?

Hey guys! I'm a junior, and my high school offers both AP and IB courses. I'm wondering how colleges view these two types of classes when evaluating applicants. Do they have a preference for one over …

11 months ago

Can I consider NYU as a research university?

Hi all, I'm a high school junior looking to apply to research universities, and I came across New York University (NYU). Does NYU have a strong research focus? Should I consider it on my list of resea …

11 months ago

What are the most common mistakes on college applications?

Hey guys! I'm curious to know what some of the most common mistakes students make on their college applications are, so that I can avoid them during my own application process. Any insights or tips yo …

11 months ago

How can I improve my chances of getting into a highly competitive school?

Hello collegevine, I'm a high school junior who dreams of attending a top-tier university. I have good grades and extracurriculars, but I know the competition is extremely tough. What can I do to impr …

11 months ago

Is it possible to apply for financial aid after receiving an acceptance letter?

Hey everyone! I'm curious if it's possible to apply for financial aid after receiving an acceptance letter. I'm not sure if my family will need financial assistance, but I want to be prepared in case …

11 months ago

When should I start applying to colleges?

I'm a junior and I'm starting to feel a little stressed about the whole college application process. When should I actually start applying to colleges? Is there a specific timeline I should follow? Th …

11 months ago

How to decide between pre-med programs at different schools?

Hi everyone! I've recently been accepted to a few colleges with strong pre-med programs (Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and UPenn), and I'm finding it really tough to decide which one to attend. What factors …

11 months ago
Displaying questions 113821-113840 of 116977 total
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.