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 apply to college undecided?

Hello! I'm a high school junior and I'm not sure what I want to major in when I go to college. Is it okay to apply as an undecided major, or will that hurt my chances of getting accepted? I'm worried …

a year ago

Is a 1480 SAT score good enough for the Ivies?

Hey everyone! I just got my SAT scores back and I received a 1480. I know the Ivy League schools are extremely competitive, so I'm wondering if a 1480 SAT score will be competitive enough for these co …

a year ago

Is a 1400 SAT score competitive enough for the Ivy League?

I got a score of 1400 on my SAT, and I've been debating on whether it's good enough for the Ivy League schools. My dream is to get into Brown or Cornell. Do you think my score is competitive enough, o …

a year ago

Is 1490 a competitive SAT score for Ivy League schools?

Hi everyone, I just received my SAT score and I got a 1490. I'm both excited and nervous, but I'm unsure if this score is good enough for Ivy League schools. Any thoughts or advice? Is it worth retaki …

a year ago

What's the importance of demonstrated interest?

I've heard that some colleges value demonstrated interest from applicants. How do I show that I'm really interested in a particular school without coming off as insincere or pushy? Is it even that imp …

a year ago

Are interviews required for all college applications?

Hey guys, I've heard some colleges require interviews as part of the application process, while others don't. Can anyone provide some insight? Is it common for colleges to require interviews, or is it …

a year ago

Should I retake the ACT if I have a 33?

I just got a 33 on the ACT, and I'm considering retaking it to get a higher score. I'm planning to apply to schools like Carnegie Mellon and Northwestern, and I'm worried that my current score is not …

a year ago

How many extracurricular activities should I have for Ivy League applications?

Hi everyone! I'm trying to plan my junior year and I'm curious about how many extracurricular activities Ivy League schools typically expect from applicants. I don't want to spread myself too thin, bu …

a year ago

Can I still become a nurse with below-average grades?

Hey there! I'm a junior who's always wanted to become a nurse, but my GPA is around 2.9 due to some struggles with anxiety during my freshman and sophomore years. Is it still possible for me to pursue …

a year ago

How essential are college visits?

Hello! As a junior, I'm starting to think about visiting colleges. Are college visits essential to choosing the right school, or can I rely on virtual tours and online research? Due to Covid, travelin …

a year ago

Would having a job be considered an extracurricular activity?

Hi, I am a junior and I've been working a part-time job for the past 2 years. I was wondering if having a job counts as an extracurricular activity or if it's considered something separate when I appl …

a year ago

Can participating in a choir be considered as an extracurricular activity?

Hello everyone! I'm a high school junior and I've been part of my school's choir for two years. Does this count as an extracurricular activity on college applications? I've put quite a lot of time and …

a year ago

Is a 1490 SAT score good enough to apply to Ivy League schools?

I recently received a 1490 on my SAT exam and I'm wondering if this score is good enough for a competitive application to Ivy League schools like Harvard and Princeton. Should I consider retaking the …

a year ago

Gap year before college: Pros and Cons?

Hi all! I'm a junior and I've been contemplating the idea of taking a gap year before starting college. Can anyone share their experiences or thoughts on the pros and cons of taking a gap year? Thanks …

a year ago

How do I ask teachers for letters of recommendation?

Hi there! I'm a junior and I need to start thinking about getting letters of recommendation for my college applications. I'm not exactly sure how to approach my teachers about it. What's the best way …

a year ago

How important is an internship in the college admissions process?

I'm a junior, and I have the opportunity to do an internship this summer. How important are internships when it comes to college admissions? Will it significantly improve my application, or are there …

a year ago

How do I explain a gap year on my college applications?

I took a gap year after high school and I'm worried about how it will look on my college applications. How can I explain my gap year in a positive way so it doesn't hurt my chances of getting accepted …

a year ago

Is there such a thing as too many AP classes?

Hi guys! I'm a junior and I'm currently taking 4 AP classes. I've been able to keep up so far, but I have been feeling increasingly stressed. Does it look bad if I drop one of the AP classes? My main …

a year ago

Is traveling considered an extracurricular activity for college applications?

Hey everyone, I've been fortunate enough to do a lot of traveling with my family. I feel like these experiences have shaped me and contributed to my growth a lot. Can I include travel as an extracurri …

a year ago

How should I explain bad grades on my college application?

Hello everyone! I had a rough sophomore year, and my grades suffered due to some personal issues. How can I best explain this to colleges in my application? I want them to know that I have overcome th …

a year 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.