CollegeVine Expert FAQ

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by the college selection process and I could use some advice on how to research universities effectively. What factors should I consider and where can I find reliable inf …

I'm a bit stressed about the whole college application process, and I'm unsure when I should start applying. Should I begin in my junior year or wait until senior year?

Hey everyone, I've been looking into Northwestern and I'm not sure if it's considered a research university or not. Can someone let me know if it is and what types of undergraduate research opportunit …

I'm trying to figure out if I should apply early decision or regular decision to my top choice school. Is there a significant advantage, or should I just stick to the regular decision timeline? Thanks …

I've been hearing a lot about how crucial junior year is in high school. Can someone explain why this particular year is considered key, especially in terms of college admissions?

Hey, I'm a bit stressed because I haven't done many extracurricular activities, and I'm about to enter my senior year. Is it too late to join some clubs or get involved now? Will it help my college ap …

I'm really interested in studying abroad during my senior year of high school, but I'm not sure if it's possible or a good idea. Will studying abroad affect my college applications or make it more dif …

Hi everyone! I was discussing college options with a friend, and they mentioned that they're interested in attending a tier 1 research university. I'm a little confused on what that means exactly. Wha …

Hey guys! The summer before junior year is coming up, and I want to make the most out of it. What are some productive activities (programs, internships, volunteer work, etc.) I should consider doing b …

Hey everyone! I'm starting to look into potential colleges to apply to and Duke University has caught my eye. I'm wondering if Duke is considered a prestigious research university, and if so, do they …

Hi all! As I start my college search, I keep coming across the term 'research university'. Can someone explain what distinguishes a research university from other types of universities and if they pro …

Hi all! As I begin my college search, Northwestern University has popped up on my radar. I'd like to know if they have a distinguished research reputation and if they provide undergraduates with good …

Hi everyone, I'm a junior who's a little worried about my freshman year grades not being the best. Are there colleges that don't take these grades into account during the admissions process? I would h …

I'm a junior, and I'm starting to think about what classes to take next year. Is it better for my college applications if I take more challenging courses during my senior year, or should I prioritize …

Hello! I'm about to start my freshman year of high school and I want to make the most of my time here. What should I be focusing on during my first year of high school to set myself up for success in …

Hey guys, I'm a bit stressed since my sophomore year is starting soon, and I'm not sure if it's necessary to take the PSAT this year. Do colleges consider PSAT scores from sophomore year? Would it be …

Hey everyone, I'm a high school junior right now, and I was wondering when is the right time to start applying for jobs during senior year? I want to make sure I'm balancing my time properly between c …

Hey everyone! As a junior starting the college application process, I've been looking into early decision as an option. I was wondering, when is the typical early decision deadline for most colleges? …

Hey, I'm looking into Brigham Young University (BYU) and I'm wondering if it's a research university. I'm interested in studying business there, and I'm curious to know if their research opportunities …

I've heard about something called a 'likely letter' that some students get from universities. Can someone please explain what it is and how does it work? I'm curious if it could affect my chances of g …