CollegeVine Expert FAQ

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


Can abbreviations be used in college essays?

Hi everyone! I'm working on my college essay and I want to use some abbreviations to keep it concise. Is that okay, or should I spell everything out? I don't want it to seem unprofessional. Thanks for …

a year ago

Does choir count as an extracurricular activity?

Hi all! I've been singing in my school's choir for a couple of years now, and I was wondering if it can be considered as an extracurricular activity while applying to college? Thanks for your help!

a year ago

How do I talk about failure in my college essay?

I want to write about a failure I experienced and how I learned from it. But I'm afraid it might make me look weak or not good enough for college. How can I frame the failure in a positive light, and …

a year ago

Should I retake the ACT if my score is in the school's middle 50%?

My ACT score is currently within the middle 50% range for my top choice school. Is it worth retaking the test in an attempt to improve my score, or is it better to focus on other aspects of my applica …

a year ago

How can I write a compelling college essay?

Hey everyone, I'm starting to draft my college essays and I'm wondering if anyone has some advice on how to write a compelling and unique essay that will really grab the attention of admissions office …

a year ago

What are some tips for writing a first-generation immigrant college essay?

Hi everyone, I'm a first-generation immigrant and I want to write my college essay about my experiences adjusting to life in the US. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions for how to approach this t …

a year ago

What should I do if I don't know what I want to major in?

Hi friends! I'm a junior, and I still don't know what I want to major in. Is that normal? How do I choose a college if I don't know what I want to study? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

a year ago

Can I still get into Princeton with bad grades?

Hey there, I am aiming for Princeton, but I'm concerned about my GPA. I have a few bad grades in my transcript, but I have a high SAT score, strong extracurriculars, and good essays. How can I strengt …

a year ago

Can I send the same essay to multiple scholarship applications?

I wrote a really good essay for a scholarship application, and I found a few other scholarships with a similar prompt. Would it be okay to submit the same essay, or is it frowned upon? Should I rework …

a year ago

Is a 1400 SAT score competitive for Ivy League?

Hi everyone, I recently took the SAT and received a 1400. I feel like it's a decent score, but I'm not sure if it's strong enough to be considered for an Ivy League school. Any advice or insight? Shou …

a year ago

Will learning a new language on my own count as an extracurricular?

I've been learning Japanese for fun outside of school using apps and online resources. Although I'm not part of a formal class or club, would this still be considered an extracurricular activity on my …

a year ago

How can I improve my college application essay writing?

Hey guys! I've started working on my college essays, but I'm finding it difficult to really capture my experiences and make it stand out. What tips do you have for improving my essay writing skills an …

a year ago

How do you balance school, extracurriculars, and college applications?

Hi all, as a junior, I'm already feeling stressed about balancing school, extracurricular activities, and soon, the college application process. How do you manage your time and stay organized througho …

a year ago

How do I decide which extracurriculars to include in my college application?

Hello, I'm a high school junior starting to prepare my college applications. I've participated in various extracurriculars, but I'm unsure which ones are worth including. How should I choose the most …

a year ago

How does demonstrated interest affect admissions?

Hi everyone! I've heard that demonstrated interest can play a role in college admissions. Can you explain what it is and how it can impact the process? Thanks in advance!

a year ago

Is it bad to apply undecided for college?

Hi guys, I'm a junior and I'm a little bit stressed because I'm not really sure what I want to major in. Will applying undecided hurt my chances of getting into a good college? Do colleges prefer stud …

a year ago

Can I still become a doctor with bad grades in high school?

Hello, I've always wanted to become a doctor but my high school grades are pretty low (mostly B's and some C's). However, I'm really passionate about pursuing medicine and I'm willing to work hard in …

a year ago

How much time should I spend writing my college essay?

I’m a junior who wants to get a head start on writing my college essay, but I'm not sure how long it typically takes. Do I need to dedicate a few weeks, or is it possible to finish it in a few days? A …

a year ago

Do all Ivy League applicants get interviewed?

Hey guys, I'm curious if Ivy League schools conduct interviews with all their applicants or just a select few. What can I expect during the process, and do the interviews play a significant role in ad …

a year ago

Can I ask my teacher for a letter of recommendation via email?

Hi everyone! Can I ask my teachers for recommendation letters through email or should I do it in person? I'm a junior and I'm a bit nervous for this process. Thanks for your advice!

a year 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.