CollegeVine Expert FAQ

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


Do colleges appreciate academic improvement over time?

Feeling a bit anxious here. I didn't do so hot during my freshman year, but I've been improving ever since. Do colleges consider how much you improve, or do they just look at your overall GPA? How can …

a year ago

What are some universities with a community vibe like Notre Dame?

I'm drawn to the strong community and school spirit at Notre Dame. What are some other colleges that offer that tight-knit feeling and a similar sense of tradition and academics?

a year ago

Liberal arts colleges with an atmosphere like Colgate?

I’m really into the close-knit and community-focused atmosphere of Colgate University. Are there other liberal arts colleges that offer a similar setting and rigorous academics?

a year ago

What year do freshmen graduate?

Hey everyone! I'm a junior right now, and I'm slightly confused about something. When we talk about college graduation years, like for freshmen currently, what year are we assuming they graduate? Is t …

a year ago

Senior Year Impact on GPA?

Hi everyone! I'm curious about how senior year grades impact our overall GPA. Do colleges give equal weight to senior year grades, or do they focus more on grades from the first three years of high sc …

a year ago

How to improve GPA in senior year?

So, my cumulative GPA up to junior year isn't exactly where I'd like it to be. I really want to improve it during my senior year to give myself a better chance at getting into a good college. What str …

a year ago

Colleges with a strong arts and humanities focus like Barnard?

As I create my college list, I’m trying to find schools that have a strong emphasis on the arts and humanities, and that provide an empowering environment like Barnard. Suggestions?

a year ago

Colleges with a Civil War history program like Gettysburg?

Hello! As someone passionate about American history, specifically the Civil War era, I am drawn to Gettysburg College for obvious reasons. I’m just wondering, are there other colleges out there known …

a year ago

What should I expect from online college experiences compared to traditional campus life?

With some of my college options offering online courses or degrees, I'm trying to understand how online college experiences stack up against traditional on-campus life. Could anyone who's been through …

a year ago

Alternatives to Rice with a similar student culture and academic rigor?

Rice University is high on my list because of its strong sense of collaboration, academic intensity, and unique residential college system. In case I need to round out my list, do you guys know any ot …

a year ago

what does a good college essay look like

Can someone help me understand what admissions officers are actually looking for in a college essay? I'm kinda stressing because I want to write something that stands out but still sounds like 'me'. I …

a year ago

Value of Project Lead The Way (PLTW) courses in college admissions?

Has anyone here taken PLTW courses, and can you tell me if colleges think they're of any real value? I'm trying to figure out if it's worth squeezing these STEM-focused classes into my schedule.

a year ago

How much do colleges value community service in the admissions process?

Hey everyone, just really need to know, how important is community service for college admissions? Like, do colleges actually care about the number of hours, the impact, or the type of service I do? I …

a year ago

Liberal Arts Colleges with Strong English Programs?

High school junior here! Kenyon is known for its writing program and I'm all about that life. Anyone know similarly vibed colleges that are strong in English/Literary studies? Need to expand my colleg …

a year ago

SAT junior year: Can I still take it?

I didn't take the SAT in my junior year... I know, I messed up. Is it too late for me to take it in my senior year? Any advice on making up for lost time and how colleges might view this? Feeling pret …

a year ago

Universities Comparable to Fairfield?

I’m starting to seriously look into potential colleges, and Fairfield University caught my eye because of its strong community feel and program offerings. Can anyone suggest colleges that have a simil …

a year ago

Do liberal arts colleges offer Bachelor of Science degrees?

Hello, I'm a junior narrowing down my college list, and I'm curious about liberal arts colleges. Do they offer Bachelor of Science degrees like larger universities do, or do they only provide Bachelor …

a year ago

Searching for colleges with a progressive and open-minded culture like Oberlin - any suggestions?

Oberlin seems to have a reputation for being very progressive and having an open-minded student body. Are there other colleges that are known for a similar culture? Looking to apply to schools where i …

a year ago

Small colleges providing an education similar to University of Richmond?

The University of Richmond's small college vibe with strong academics and focus on leadership is appealing. Can anyone suggest small, perhaps more accessible colleges, that echo these qualities, parti …

a year ago

Can you apply for financial aid after freshman year?

Hey everyone! I'm just wondering if I can apply for financial aid after my freshman year of college. My family's financial situation has changed and I'm not sure if it's possible to apply for aid afte …

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.