CollegeVine Expert FAQ

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


How do I find a good balance between academics and extracurriculars?

Hello! I've been struggling to find the right balance between my schoolwork and my extracurricular activities. I want to make sure I'm doing well in both areas, but I'm not sure how to manage my time …

a year ago

How do I build a strong college application?

I want to make sure my college application stands out. What are some things I should be focusing on to build a strong application? Thanks for any suggestions!

a year ago

How do admissions officers view homeschool applicants?

Hey there, I'm a homeschool student and I'm wondering how college admissions officers view homeschool applicants. Are there any specific challenges or advantages that I should be aware of during the a …

a year ago

Should I retake the SAT/ACT if my score is below my target school's average?

Hi collegevine, my SAT/ACT score is a bit below the average for one of my top-choice schools. Is it worth retaking the test to try and improve my score, or should I focus on other aspects of my applic …

a year ago

Is it better to have a high GPA with easier classes or a lower GPA with harder classes?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior and I'm trying to decide between taking easier classes and maintaining a high GPA, or taking harder classes and potentially getting a lower GPA. Which one would look better t …

a year ago

How do I manage my time effectively during the college application process?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior in high school and I'm worried about managing my time well during the college application process. I want to make sure I can balance school, extracurriculars, and application …

a year ago

How do I prepare for a college interview?

Hello! I'm a junior, and I've been thinking about what I can do to prepare for college interviews next year. I've heard that they can be an important part of the admissions process, but I'm not exactl …

a year ago

How can I improve my writing skills for college essays?

Hi fellow applicants! I'm a junior and I'm starting to work on my college essays. I feel like my writing skills could use some improvement, so I'm wondering if anyone has any tips on how to become a b …

a year ago

Are extracurricular activities really that important?

Hi guys, I'm a junior and I'm a little bit stressed about my extracurriculars. I've heard that they're a crucial part of the college application process, but I'm not sure if I have enough or if they'r …

a year ago

Should I participate in summer programs at colleges?

Hey guys! I've been considering attending a summer program at a college I'm interested in, but I'm not sure if it's worth it. Do these programs look good on college applications, and what should I con …

a year ago

How do I choose a major or area of study for college?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and I'm trying to figure out what I want to study in college. I have a few interests, but I'm not sure how to narrow it down and choose a major. What factors should I consid …

a year ago

Can I submit arts supplements even if I'm not majoring in the arts?

Hello, I'm passionate about music and art, but I don't plan on majoring in either. Can I still submit arts supplements with my college applications? Thanks in advance for your advice!

a year ago

Do colleges prefer students with a well-rounded application or a focused one?

Hey everyone, I'm a high school junior and I'm wondering if colleges prefer applicants with a well-rounded application or those with a more focused one. I have a variety of interests and extracurricul …

a year ago

How important are extracurricular activities in the college admissions process?

Hey everyone! I'm currently a junior in high school, and I've been thinking a lot about college applications. I have a pretty solid GPA and test scores, but I'm worried that my extracurriculars might …

a year ago

How do I research colleges when I can't visit in person?

Hello! I'm a high school junior, and I've been trying to research colleges. Unfortunately, I can't visit all the colleges I'm interested in due to distance or other factors. Does anyone have any sugge …

a year ago

Advice on writing a unique personal statement?

Hey guys! I'm in the process of brainstorming ideas for my personal statement, and I'm struggling to come up with a unique topic. I want to make my essay stand out to college admissions officers but I …

a year ago

When should I start preparing for the SAT?

Hello everyone! I'm a high school junior and I'm a little bit stressed about when I should start preparing for the SAT. I want to make sure I have enough time to study and improve my score. Can anyone …

a year ago

How can I secure a strong relationship with my guidance counselor for the college process?

Hi everyone, I've heard that having a strong relationship with your guidance counselor can really help when it comes to college applications and recommendations. What are some ways I can build a bette …

a year ago

Can I submit an additional essay with my college application?

Hello, I'm a junior, and I want to submit an additional essay with my college application to explain some unique circumstances. Is this a good idea, and how can I make sure it's well-written and relev …

a year ago

How to make the most of college visits?

Hi everyone, I'm a junior planning to visit some colleges soon. How can I make the most of these visits? What should I look for during my time on campus? Are there any specific questions I should ask? …

a year ago
Displaying questions 145381-145400 of 146284 total
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.