CollegeVine Expert FAQ

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


Does babysitting count as an extracurricular activity?

So, I've been babysitting my younger siblings and some neighborhood kids for the past couple of years, and I'm not sure if I can include this as an extracurricular activity on my college application. …

a year ago

How can I get involved in research as an undergraduate?

Hey guys! I'm a high school junior and I'm really interested in doing research in college. How can I get involved in research as an undergraduate? Are there any specific programs or opportunities I sh …

a year ago

How long does it typically take to write a solid college essay?

I'm starting to work on my college essay, but I'm feeling a bit stressed about how long it might take to write something really good. For those of you who have already written your essays, how long di …

a year ago

Is tutoring considered an extracurricular activity?

Hi everyone, I've been tutoring some students in math and science as a volunteer and was wondering if this would be considered an extracurricular activity when applying to college? If so, is there any …

a year ago

Is it better to take AP courses or dual enrollment classes?

Hey everyone, I'm trying to decide between taking AP courses or dual enrollment classes at my local community college next year. I've heard that both options can be helpful for college admissions, but …

a year ago

How can I demonstrate my interest in a college?

Hey guys, I'm a high school junior and I've been researching colleges. I've found a few that I'm really interested in, and I want to make sure they know that I'm genuinely enthusiastic about attending …

a year ago

How can I improve my writing skills for college application essays?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior, and I want to start working on my college application essays. I know they're a crucial part of the application, and I want to make sure my writing skills are up to par. What …

a year ago

Are recommendation letters a must for college applications?

Hey, I'm a junior and I'm starting to think about college applications. I was wondering if recommendation letters are always required or if it depends on the college. Also, any tips on how to ask teac …

a year ago

Is babysitting considered as an extracurricular activity?

Hey guys, I've been babysitting my younger siblings and some neighborhood kids quite often. I wanted to know if including babysitting as an extracurricular activity on my college applications would be …

a year ago

What's the best way to brainstorm essay ideas?

Hey everyone! I'm having a difficult time coming up with unique and meaningful essay topics for my college applications. Can anyone share some effective brainstorming techniques or tips to help me fin …

a year ago

Should I retake the ACT if my score is just below my target schools' average?

Hey guys! I recently took the ACT and my score is slightly below the average of my target schools. Should I retake the ACT to increase my chances of getting in, or focus on other parts of my applicati …

a year ago

Is it worth applying Early Decision to my top choice?

Hi everyone! I've been thinking about applying Early Decision to my dream school, but I'm worried about the binding aspect. Is it really worth it, and does it significantly increase my chances of gett …

a year ago

Should I retake the SAT if my score isn't what I wanted?

Hey guys, I'm a junior and I recently took the SAT, but my score isn't as high as I'd like it to be. Should I retake the test? How many times is too many times to take it? I'm worried about how it wil …

a year ago

Can I consider choir as an extracurricular activity?

Hey everyone, I've been actively participating in my school's choir for the past few years, and I'm wondering if that counts as an extracurricular activity when it comes to college applications? Does …

a year ago

Can I write my college essay about a failure?

Hi everyone, I'm thinking about writing my college essay about a failure I experienced and how I learned from it. Is this a good topic, or will it make me seem like a weak candidate? I want to show my …

a year ago

What should I be doing during college visits?

Hey guys, I'm a junior and I'm planning on visiting some colleges soon. I want to make the most of my visits, but I'm not sure what I should be doing while I'm on campus. What are some things you did …

a year ago

Can going to the gym be listed as an extracurricular activity?

Hi! I'm really into fitness and spend a lot of time at the gym working out. I'm not a part of any sports team, though. Can I list going to the gym as an extracurricular activity on my college applicat …

a year ago

What are the benefits of applying Early Action?

Hey everyone! I'm a high school junior, and I've been hearing a lot about applying Early Action to colleges. I'm not quite sure what the benefits are, though. Can anyone explain why applying Early Act …

a year ago

Can I write my college essay about a fictional character?

There's a fictional character that has had a huge impact on my life and personal growth. Is it okay to write my college essay about them, or would it be better to stick to real-life experiences? Thank …

a year ago

How to best organize my time for managing college applications and schoolwork?

I'm starting to feel overwhelmed with balancing schoolwork, extracurriculars, and college applications. Any tips on how to best manage my time during junior and senior years so I don't burn out? Thank …

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.