CollegeVine Expert FAQ

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


What is the role of an admissions interview?

Hey there! I've been hearing about admissions interviews, and I'm curious about their importance in the college application process. I know that not all colleges require them, but I'm wondering if the …

a year ago

Should I retake the SAT or focus on other parts of my application?

Hello! I'm a high school junior and I recently took the SAT. My score was decent, but not amazing. Should I retake the test or focus on improving other parts of my application, like my extracurricular …

a year ago

How many AP classes should I take in my senior year?

Hi guys! I'm a junior in high school and I'm starting to think about my senior year schedule. I want to challenge myself with AP classes, but I don't want to spread myself too thin. How many AP classe …

a year ago

Do I need a college counselor?

Hi! I'm a junior, and I've been thinking about getting a college counselor. Is it necessary, or can I navigate the college application process on my own? Thanks for your advice!

a year ago

How do I balance my time between school, extracurriculars, and college applications?

Hey there! I'm a junior and I'm starting to feel overwhelmed with balancing school, extracurriculars, and thinking about college applications. How can I effectively manage my time and prioritize my ta …

a year ago

Is it a good idea to apply to colleges with an undecided major?

Hello! I'm a junior and I'm still unsure about what I want to major in. I'm worried that applying as undecided might hurt my chances of getting accepted. Is it better to choose a major, even if I'm no …

a year ago

What's the difference between need-based and merit-based financial aid?

Hey applyingtocollege! I've been hearing about need-based and merit-based financial aid, but I'm not exactly sure what the difference is between the two. Can someone explain how they work and how I ca …

a year ago

What resources are available for financial aid?

Hello! I'm a junior and I'm starting to think about college expenses. What resources are available for financial aid? Are there any scholarships or grants I should be aware of? Any advice on where to …

a year ago

How do I decide whether to attend an in-state or out-of-state college?

Hi all! I'm a junior and I'm trying to decide whether to attend an in-state or out-of-state college. What factors should I consider when making this decision? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

a year ago

How do I decide which teacher to ask for a recommendation letter?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and I'm starting to think about who I should ask for a recommendation letter when the time comes. I have a couple of teachers in mind, but I'm not sure which one would write …

a year ago

How do I show my passion for a subject in my college application?

Hello! I'm a junior, and I have a strong passion for a specific subject. I want to convey this passion in my college application, but I'm not sure how to do so effectively. What are some strategies fo …

a year ago

How do I find scholarships to help pay for college?

Hello! I'm a high school junior, and I'm starting to think about how I'll pay for college. I know scholarships can be a big help, but I'm not sure where to find them or how to apply. Can anyone give m …

a year ago

How can I improve my essay writing skills?

Hello everyone! I'm a junior and I'm starting to think about my college essays. I'm not the best writer and I want to make sure my essays are strong. Can anyone recommend resources or tips for improvi …

a year ago

What are some good questions to ask during a college tour?

Hi everyone! I'm a high school junior, and I'll be going on some college tours soon. I want to make the most of the experience, so I was wondering what are some good questions to ask during the tour t …

a year ago

How do I write a strong conclusion for my college essay?

I'm wrapping up my college essay, but I'm struggling with the conclusion. How do I end it on a strong note that leaves a lasting impression? Any tips or advice would be appreciated!

a year ago

Is it okay to write about a common topic in my college essay?

Hey guys, I'm brainstorming ideas for my college essay and I'm worried that my topic might be too common. Do you think it's okay to write about a common topic as long as I put my own unique spin on it …

a year ago

How many paragraphs should be in a college essay?

I'm outlining my college essay and I'm not sure how many paragraphs it should have. Is there a specific number or range that I should aim for? Thanks for any help!

a year ago

When should I start contacting college coaches for athletic recruitment?

Hello! I'm a junior and I'm interested in being recruited for college athletics. When should I start reaching out to college coaches and what's the best way to get their attention? Also, should I be m …

a year ago

Will my class rank impact my chances of getting into a top-tier college?

Hey guys! I'm a high school junior and I'm currently ranked 15th out of 300 students in my class. While I'm doing well academically, I'm worried that my rank might not be high enough for top-tier coll …

a year ago

Can I submit my application without my test scores?

Hi there, I'm a high school junior and I'm not too confident in my SAT/ACT scores. With some colleges going test-optional, is it better to submit my application without my test scores if they're not v …

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.