CollegeVine Expert FAQ

So, writing about myself is... weird. I want to showcase my accomplishments and growth without coming off as pretentious in my essays. Any tips on striking that balance?

I deeply enjoy writing poetry and I'm considering entering into competitions. Does anyone know of any poetry contests that are currently open for high school students? I'm hoping to both challenge mys …

Hi friends, I'm a Hispanic female student looking to apply for grants and I've heard there might be specific ones for someone with my background. Does anyone have experience with finding these grants …

Hey everyone, been hearing a lot about HBCU week and the different events they have. Does participating in HBCU week activities give you any sort of edge or look good on college apps, especially if yo …

Is it just me, or does everyone have a long list of awards for their apps? I'm really worried because I don't have any significant awards or honors to add to my application. Will this put me at a big …

Feeling a bit stressed here because I've heard different things from different people. I know some schools require a mid-year report, but does anyone know if Northeastern specifically asks for this? I …

Yo! I'm sweating a bit here thinking about the future. I’m aiming to become a doctor and I've been looking into HBCUs that have solid pre-med programs. Do any of you know which HBCUs are recognized fo …

Hey guys! I'm filling out my financial aid forms for college and I came across the term 'current dependent.' Can someone explain what 'current dependent' means in the context of financial aid and how …

Hey everyone, I'm a junior starting to narrow down my college list and Georgetown has really caught my eye. They have this Restrictive Early Action and I’m wondering how applying REA to Georgetown wil …

Hi! I'm super interested in HBCU traditions and I heard about the HBCU Legacy Classic. Can anyone tell me what it's like? Is it something that leaves a lasting impression or connects students and alum …

Everyone's dream is to go to college on a full ride, but how realistic is that? How do I increase my chances of landing a full scholarship, and where should I be looking for these opportunities?

To anyone who’s written a personal essay for their college application: what did you focus on? I’m trying to find that balance between being genuine and being impressive. If you have any tips or perso …

So I’m kind of swaying towards majoring in communication, and I'd love to study at an HBCU. Does anyone know which HBCUs have strong communication departments? I’m really in search of programs that of …

I've heard a bit about fly-in programs that colleges offer, but I'm a bit in the dark about what they are exactly and how you get accepted to one. Are they worth it? Do they actually help you get a be …

So I'm drafting my college essay and I've got this life event that really impacted me and I think it shows I'm ready for college. But how do I describe it in a way that's compelling and not just telli …

I'm part of the planning committee for our school's college fair and we want to make some cool shirts to represent HBCUs. Any students from HBCUs or fans of HBCUs got any creative ideas or traditions …

I'm planning to start studying for the SAT and was wondering if any of you could suggest the best books to use? I'm looking for books that really break down the concepts and have lots of practice ques …

I'm in a JROTC program and aiming for a military career post-college, but I'm wondering how much my SAT/ACT scores will impact my college and ROTC applications. Does anyone have experience with this?

I've heard mixed opinions on whether the pandemic has made getting into college easier or harder. Does anyone have insights or has anyone noticed trends that could indicate how the admissions landscap …

I always hear about the importance of having a good vocab in college essays. Do you all think throwing in some fancy words would make my essays stand out, or is it seen as trying too hard? Any tips on …