CollegeVine Expert FAQ

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


Can extracurriculars make up for a lower GPA?

Hi everyone, I'm a high school junior, and my GPA isn't as high as I'd like it to be. However, I'm really involved in extracurricular activities like soccer, debate, and volunteering. Can my extracurr …

a year ago

How bad do my grades have to be to get rescinded?

Hi, I recently got accepted into my dream school, but I'm a little bit stressed now. My grades have slipped during the second semester of my senior year. How bad do my grades have to be for the colleg …

a year ago

Can I consider reading an extracurricular activity?

Hey guys! I absolutely love reading and spend a good amount of time on it outside of school. Can it be considered an extracurricular activity for college applications, or should I focus on more formal …

a year ago

Can reading be considered an extracurricular activity?

I'm an avid reader and have been involved with my school's book club, as well as participated in reading challenges outside of school. When I'm applying to college, would listing reading as an extracu …

a year ago

What do Ivy League schools look for in their applicants?

I'm currently in the process of building my college list, and I want to be a competitive applicant for top schools like Harvard and Princeton. What do Ivy League admissions officers typically look for …

a year ago

Is a 34 ACT score good enough for Ivy League admissions?

I received a 34 on my ACT and I'm considering applying to some Ivy League schools. Is my score competitive enough for these schools, or should I try to retake the exam to improve it? Thoughts and expe …

a year ago

How many extracurricular activities should I have for the Ivy League?

Hello, I'm a junior trying to figure out how many extracurricular activities I should be involved in to be competitive for Ivy League schools. I have a few that I'm passionate about, but I'm unsure if …

a year ago

Does double majoring impact college applications?

Hi all, I'm a junior and I'm considering double majoring in college. Does expressing an interest in double majoring have any impact on my college applications? Would it be looked at favorably or negat …

a year ago

How do I find the best college fit for my major?

Hello! I have a pretty good idea of what I want to major in, but I'm not sure how to find the best colleges for my intended major. Do you have any tips on how to research and find the best college pro …

a year ago

How much time does it usually take to write a college essay?

Hey everyone, I'm feeling a bit stressed because I haven't started my college essay yet. I was just wondering, how long did it take for you guys to write your essays? I want to make sure I have enough …

a year ago

Is a 1480 SAT score competitive for Ivy League admissions?

Hello! I recently received a 1480 on my SAT and I'm planning on applying to Ivy League schools. Is this score good enough for these top-tier schools, or should I retake the test and try for a higher s …

a year ago

Does BYU fall under the category of research universities?

Hi everyone, I've been considering applying to Brigham Young University (BYU). I'm really interested in engaging in research during my undergrad years, so I was wondering if BYU is considered a resear …

a year ago

Are standardized test scores still important with so many test-optional schools?

Hi everybody, with many schools going test-optional due to covid, I'm wondering if standardized test scores are still important in college admissions? Should I still prioritize preparing for the SAT/A …

a year ago

Is a 4 on an AP exam good enough for the Ivy League?

I recently got my AP scores and, while most of my scores are 5's, I received a 4 on one of the tests. Will Ivy League schools look down on that, or is a 4 still considered good enough for those univer …

a year ago

Do colleges consider reading an extracurricular activity?

Hey there! I'm an avid reader and I spend countless hours on books. I don't participate in any book clubs or related groups, but I'm wondering whether reading itself is enough to be considered an extr …

a year ago

Do colleges prefer traditional essays or creative writing?

Hello, I have a question about the writing style for college essays. Do colleges generally prefer traditional essay writing, or are they open to more creative writing styles? I enjoy creative writing …

a year ago

Will having a sibling at an Ivy League help my chances?

Hey all! My older sibling is currently attending an Ivy League school, and I'm wondering if that will have any impact on my chances of getting admitted there too. Does sibling legacy factor into admis …

a year ago

Do people consider Penn State a research university?

Hey everyone! As a junior, I'm diving into the college research process, and I'm particularly interested in research universities. I've been looking into Penn State as a potential option, but I'm not …

a year ago

Can I become a nurse despite having bad grades?

Hello, everyone. I'm a junior with aspirations of becoming a nurse, but my grades aren't the best. Is it possible for me to get into a nursing program and become a nurse with my current GPA? Thanks in …

a year ago

Does reading as a hobby count as an extracurricular activity?

Hey! I love reading and always find time to do so during my day. Can I list reading as an extracurricular activity for my college application, or should it be something more formal? Any advice would b …

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.