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 worth retaking the SAT/ACT if I have a decent score?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior and I recently took the SAT/ACT for the first time. My score is pretty good, but I think I might be able to do better if I retake it. Is it worth trying to improve my score, …

a year ago

Is it better to take a lighter course load and get higher grades or challenge myself with harder classes?

Hi everyone! I'm a high school junior, and I'm trying to decide on my course load for senior year. Is it better to take a lighter course load and get higher grades, or should I challenge myself with h …

a year ago

Is it worth applying for scholarships?

Hi! I'm a high school junior and I've heard that scholarships can be a great way to help pay for college. However, I also know that applying for them can be time-consuming. Is it really worth it to sp …

a year ago

Is demonstrated interest important for college admissions?

Hello! I've heard that demonstrated interest can be a factor in college admissions, but I'm not sure how much it matters. Is it really important to visit campuses, attend college fairs, and reach out …

a year ago

How much does the rigor of my high school schedule matter?

Hey guys, I'm a junior, and I've been wondering how much the rigor of my high school schedule matters for college admissions. I've taken a mix of regular, honors, and AP classes. Will this be enough f …

a year ago

Should I retake the SAT/ACT if my score isn't what I expected?

Hi everyone! I recently took the SAT/ACT, and my score wasn't quite what I was hoping for. Should I retake the test to try to improve my score, or should I focus on other aspects of my application? I' …

a year ago

How can I make my application stand out to college admissions officers?

Hey everyone! I'm a junior and I've been thinking about how to make my college applications stand out. There are so many talented students applying, so I want to make sure my application gets noticed. …

a year ago

How do I choose which college essay prompt to respond to?

Hey everyone! I'm a junior and I'm starting to work on my college essays. There are several prompts to choose from and I'm not sure which one would be best for me. How did you guys decide which prompt …

a year ago

How do colleges view upward grade trends?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior and I had a bit of a rough start in my freshman year, but my grades have been improving since then. How do colleges view an upward grade trend? Will they still consider my ap …

a year ago

What are some ways to get involved in college admissions-related activities?

Hey guys! I'm a junior and I want to do more college admissions-related activities to enhance my application. What are some ways I can get involved? Any recommendations for clubs, organizations, or vo …

a year ago

How do I write about an unusual hobby in my college essay?

Hey there! I'm a junior and I have a unique hobby that I think could make for an interesting college essay. However, I'm not sure how to write about it in a way that will be engaging and showcase my p …

a year ago

Do I need to submit SAT Subject Test scores?

Hey guys, I'm a high school junior, and I've heard about SAT Subject Tests. Are these tests necessary for college applications, or are they just an optional component? I'm not sure if I should spend t …

a year ago

How do I create a strong application for competitive colleges?

Hi everyone! I'm planning to apply to some competitive colleges, and I want to make sure my application is as strong as possible. What are some things that will make my application stand out? Any advi …

a year ago

Do colleges prefer the SAT or the ACT?

Hey everyone! I'm a junior and I'm trying to decide whether to take the SAT or the ACT. Do colleges have a preference for one test over the other? Should I take both just to be safe? Any advice would …

a year ago

What is the role of the college counselor in the admissions process?

Hi! I'm a junior, and I'm not sure how much I should be relying on my college counselor for help with the admissions process. What is their role, and how can they support me during this time? What sho …

a year ago

How do I balance school work, extracurriculars, and the college application process?

Hey guys! I'm a junior, and I'm starting to feel a little stressed about balancing my school work, extracurricular activities, and the upcoming college application process. Do you have any tips on how …

a year ago

How do I write an effective 'Why this college?' essay?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior and I'm starting to work on my college essays. I know that many colleges ask for a 'Why this college?' essay, and I want to make sure mine stands out. Can anyone offer some t …

a year ago

Should I apply early action/decision to my top choice?

I'm a little stressed about the whole college application process, and I'm trying to decide if I should apply early action or early decision to my top choice school. What are the pros and cons of each …

a year ago

How do I choose a college that's affordable?

Hello CollegeVine! I'm a junior starting to look at colleges, and I'm concerned about the cost of tuition. How can I find colleges that are affordable and offer good financial aid packages? Are there …

a year ago

When should I start preparing for the Common App essay?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior in high school and I've heard that the Common App essay is a crucial part of the college application process. When should I start preparing for it? Should I begin brainstormi …

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.