CollegeVine Expert FAQ

Hi everyone, I've taken several AP classes but didn't do as well as I hoped on some of the exams. I'm wondering how important these scores are for schools like Columbia and Yale. Will a lower AP score …

Hey guys! Due to the pandemic, many colleges have implemented a test-optional policy. If I choose not to submit my SAT or ACT scores, will my chances of admission be higher at a test-optional school, …

Hello CollegeVine! I've heard about sending update letters to colleges after submitting my application, but I'm not sure what to include or how to format the letter. Can you give me some guidance on w …

Hi everyone! I volunteer at my local church every weekend. Does this count as an extracurricular activity on college applications? I'm trying to make sure I have a strong list of activities to include …

Hi guys, I've seen a lot of people mentioning reach, match, and safety schools on this subreddit. Can someone explain what these terms mean and how to determine which category a school falls into for …

Hi! I'm just a high school junior who's beginning to research colleges, and I'm wondering if anyone could enlighten me about whether Harvard University is categorized as a research university. Does it …

Hey, I'm so fortunate to have received acceptances from multiple Ivy League schools, and it's so hard to pick one. What are some factors you guys think I should consider in making a decision?

I've heard that college essays should be personal, but I'm not sure how much detail I should include. Is there a line between being open and oversharing? I want to make sure I strike the right balance …

Hey everyone! I've recently been hearing a lot about students partaking in research programs during their time at university, and I'm really curious to learn more about what these entail. Could someon …

Hey guys, I'm concerned about getting student loans to pay for college since my grades aren't that great. Will this have a negative impact on my eligibility for loans? If so, what other options do I h …

Hey guys, I'm feeling a little bit stressed about choosing the right colleges to apply to. There are so many options and I don't want to regret my decisions later on. How did you guys narrow down your …

Hello! I'm starting to work on my college applications and I'm not sure whether I should use the Common App or the Coalition App. Can anyone share the pros and cons of each? Thanks a lot!

Hey there, I'm a junior, and I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to manage school, extracurriculars, and college prep. Do you have any tips on how to balance everything and stay organized? Feel …

Hello everyone, I enjoy creating art in my free time and have even sold some of my pieces to friends and family. I was wondering whether or not I could include art as an extracurricular activity on my …

I was just wondering which looks better on college applications: volunteering for a cause I'm passionate about or pursuing an internship related to my intended major? I only have time for one, and I w …

Hi guys! I'm a junior in high school, and I've been researching different colleges to apply to. I have a pretty specific major in mind, and I've noticed that not all colleges offer it. Should I still …

Hey there! I'm a junior and I've heard of honors colleges within larger universities. What are the benefits of attending an honors college, and is it worth considering for my college applications? Tha …

Hello everyone, I recently got my SAT score and I'm not sure if a 1520 is good enough for Ivy League admissions. Should I retake the test or just focus on other parts of my application? I could really …

I noticed that some people add titles to their essays, and I'm wondering if I should do the same for my college essay. What do you think? Does it make a difference to the admissions officers? Thanks i …

Hello, I have a felony on my record, and I'm worried about how it might affect my chances of getting financial aid for college. Do any of you know if having a felony disqualifies someone from receivin …