CollegeVine Expert FAQ

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


High schools are specialized in certain areas of study?

Hey everyone, I've been hearing about magnet and specialized high schools that focus on specific subjects like STEM or the arts. Can someone explain how attending a specialized high school might affec …

11 months ago

How do alternative educational approaches like Montessori compare to traditional high school experiences?

I've grown up in traditional public schools all my life and I'm hearing a lot about alternative schools like Montessori. How do these compare in terms of preparing for college? Do colleges view applic …

11 months ago

PSAT testing locations?

I'm kind of stressing because I want to take the PSAT, but I have no clue where to do it. How do I find a nearby testing center? Do I just go to any high school or is there a specific place I need to …

11 months ago

How do I explain 'Education Progression' on the Common App?

I was filling out my Common App and got stumped on the 'Education Progression' part. Can someone explain how detailed this has to be? Like, if I had any interruptions or switches in my education path, …

11 months ago

What GPA do I need for the honor roll in high school?

Hey everyone! Working towards making the honor roll this year and I'm trying to set a target. What GPA do I need to aim for to get on the honor roll at most high schools?

11 months ago

How do medical schools view a low GPA if you have a high MCAT score?

Hey everyone, I've heard mixed things about how med schools weigh your GPA and MCAT scores. I know my GPA isn’t stellar, but I’ve been scoring pretty well on practice MCATs. Can a high MCAT score make …

11 months ago

What’s seen as a competitive cumulative GPA for college admissions?

Hi everyone, with application season looming, I'm feeling a bit unsure about my cumulative GPA and how it stacks up. What would be considered a 'competitive' cumulative GPA when applying to colleges, …

11 months ago

Filling Out Common App: How Much Time Should I Block Off?

Hey everyone, I’m trying to plan out my college application schedule as a junior, and I’m getting a bit anxious about the Common App. How long does it usually take to fill out all the sections in the …

11 months ago

Why should I take the PSAT?

Hey guys, I've been going back and forth on whether or not to take the PSAT. Some of my friends are saying it's essential, but I'm not totally convinced. Can someone explain the real benefits of takin …

11 months ago

Describing extracurriculars on Common App—What's the secret sauce?

Hello fellow juniors and survivors of the admission process! I'm in the midst of listing my extracurriculars on the Common App and I keep second-guessing myself. Should I just list the roles and respo …

11 months ago

Any advice for someone in Honors classes struggling to keep up?

Hey guys, I'm in a couple of Honors classes this year and it's a lot tougher than I thought. How do you manage the workload and still have time for clubs/sports?

11 months ago

Taking college courses as a high school student?

Hey everyone, just curious how one goes about taking college courses while still in high school. Is there a particular process I should follow, or specific programs I need to look out for? Really eage …

11 months ago

Do any colleges still require you to submit all SAT scores?

Stressing out a bit here... Do some colleges want to see every SAT score I've ever gotten? How do I find out which ones, so I can figure out if I should retake it or not?

11 months ago

What's the value of practical classes like construction in high school for college apps?

Been thinking of taking a construction class as an elective next year. I'm interested, but I'm also wondering if doing hands-on projects would look good on my college applications? It's not really rel …

11 months ago

Are NHS and Technical Honor Societies Valuable?

How valuable are honors societies like the National Honor Society or the National Technical Honor Society in college apps? Are they worth the time and effort or just 'resume fillers'? Trying to decide …

11 months ago

How important are social science classes for college admissions?

Hey everyone, as I'm planning out my junior year schedule, I'm curious about the role of social science classes. How significant are they in the college admissions process, especially if I'm intereste …

11 months ago

How do you decide which extracurricular activities to put on a college application?

Hi folks, I'm in the process of listing my extracurricular activities for my applications, and I'm a bit stuck. I've got a variety of interests from sports teams to volunteering, plus some clubs at sc …

11 months ago

CLEP English Exam Tips?

Has anyone here taken the CLEP exam for English? I'm generally good at English courses, but I don't want to underestimate the exam. What should I focus on the most while studying? Are there any specif …

11 months ago

Best study apps recommendations for juggling high school workload?

Hi pals, I’m currently a junior swamped with APs and extracurriculars. Could anyone suggest some effective study apps that have helped them stay organized and on top of their game?

11 months ago

San Diego State University's Application Platform

So, I'm a bit tied up trying to figure out the application process for different schools. Does anyone know if SDSU (San Diego State University) uses the Common App or should I look for another applica …

11 months 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.