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 colleges consider class rigor when evaluating applicants?

Hey guys, I'm a junior and I'm curious about how colleges weigh the rigor of classes when looking at applications. I've taken a mix of honors and AP classes, but I'm not sure if that's enough. Should …

a year ago

Is it better to have a high GPA or a challenging course load?

Hi everyone, I'm trying to decide if I should take harder classes and risk getting lower grades, or stick with easier classes and maintain a high GPA. What do colleges value more: a high GPA or a chal …

a year ago

Is it worth it to take AP classes if my school doesn't offer many?

Hi, I'm a junior at a small high school that doesn't offer many AP classes. Is it still worth it for me to take the few that are available, or should I focus on other things like extracurriculars to s …

a year ago

How do I decide which college application platform to use?

Hello everyone, I'm a junior and I'm starting to research college application platforms like the Common App, Coalition App, and individual college applications. I'm not sure which one is the best to u …

a year ago

How can I prepare for the college application process?

Hi everyone! As a high school junior, I want to be as prepared as possible for the college application process. Are there any steps or resources you recommend for me to utilize in order to be more pre …

a year ago

Does applying Early Decision increase my chances of getting in?

Hello! I'm a high school junior and I have a dream school in mind. I was wondering if applying Early Decision would increase my chances of getting accepted? I've heard mixed opinions on this and I'm a …

a year ago

What should I do if I don't get accepted to my dream school?

Hey there, I'm a junior, and I'm worried about not getting into my dream school. I know it's a competitive process, and I want to be prepared for the possibility of not getting in. What should I do if …

a year ago

How much do colleges care about senior year grades?

Hi guys! I've heard mixed opinions on this, and I'm curious how important senior year grades are in the college application process. Do colleges put a lot of emphasis on senior year performance, or ar …

a year ago

What do you wish you knew about the college application process before you started?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior who's starting to get a little stressed about applying to college next year. For those who have already gone through the process, what do you wish you knew before you starte …

a year ago

How do colleges view community college courses taken during high school?

Hey! I'm planning on taking some community college courses while I'm still in high school. Will colleges view these courses as rigorous as AP or IB classes? Do they look positively on students who tak …

a year ago

How much do SAT/ACT scores matter for college admissions?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior and I've been studying for the SAT and ACT, but I'm not sure how much these scores actually matter in the grand scheme of things. Can a strong application make up for a lower …

a year ago

How many AP classes should I take to be competitive for top colleges?

Hey there! I'm currently a junior and I'm trying to plan my senior year schedule. I want to be competitive for top colleges, but I'm not sure how many AP classes I should take. What's a reasonable num …

a year ago

Should I take AP or Dual Enrollment classes?

Hello everyone! I'm a junior and I'm trying to decide between taking AP or Dual Enrollment classes next year. What are the pros and cons of each? I'd appreciate any advice or personal experiences. Tha …

a year ago

What do colleges think of online classes?

Hey everyone! I'm considering taking a few online classes next year, but I'm not sure if colleges view them as less rigorous than traditional classes. Do colleges view online courses differently? I do …

a year ago

Can I still get into a top college with a lower GPA?

Hey guys, I'm a bit stressed because my GPA isn't as high as I'd like it to be (about a 3.5). I'm aiming for some top colleges, and I'm worried that my GPA will hold me back. Is it still possible to g …

a year ago

Are there any advantages to applying Early Decision?

Hi everyone, I'm a junior and I'm starting to research colleges. I've heard about Early Decision, but I'm not sure if it's right for me. Are there any advantages to applying Early Decision compared to …

a year ago

How do I decide between the SAT and the ACT?

Hey! I'm a junior, and I'm trying to decide whether to take the SAT or the ACT. What factors should I consider when choosing between the two tests? Any advice from those who have taken both would be s …

a year ago

Will being a first-generation student improve my chances of getting into a top college?

Hey everyone! I'm a current high school junior, and I'll be the first in my family to attend college. I've heard that being a first-generation student can sometimes give you a little boost in the admi …

a year ago

Do all colleges require letters of recommendation?

Hi, I'm a junior and I've been researching college requirements. I know that some colleges require letters of recommendation, but is this true for all colleges? If so, how many letters should I ask fo …

a year ago

How important are college rankings?

Hello! I've been researching colleges and looking at various rankings, but I'm not sure how much weight I should give them. How important are college rankings in the admissions process, and should I u …

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.