CollegeVine Expert FAQ

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


What's the process for requesting college application fee waivers?

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone could provide some guidance on the process of requesting fee waivers for college applications. My family is not in the best financial situation, and with my sibling a …

a year ago

What are the most common difficulties students face during the college admissions process?

Hi everyone, I'm working on a project aimed at simplifying the college admissions process for high school graduates and transfer students. In order to address the most pressing issues, I'd like to gat …

a year ago

Can paying full tuition without financial aid help me get into college?

Hey guys, my dad started a college fund for me a long time ago, so I can pretty much pay for any college I want (except for grad school). I'm just wondering, does this make a difference when it comes …

a year ago

How should I weigh the pros and cons of choosing between a well-known but expensive university and a cheaper but less established one?

Hello everyone, I am an international student facing a difficult decision between two universities. The first one is a well-known American university with an excellent engineering program, but it requ …

a year ago

How common are college admissions interviews?

Hey, quick question - how often do colleges invite students for admissions interviews? Is it something I should expect or is it pretty rare? Thanks!

a year ago

Will teachers still write good recommendations for quiet students?

Hi everyone, I'm freaking out a little bit. I'm a junior in high school and I'm starting to think about college applications. I just realized that I need letters of recommendation from teachers, but I …

a year ago

How to effectively showcase my online business in my application?

Hello everyone! I have been running a small online business for a couple of years now, and it has taught me valuable lessons in marketing, finance, and time management. I'm unsure if I should include …

a year ago

Including weightlifting in Common App?

Hey everyone! I've been really passionate about weightlifting for the past few years, and I feel like it's become an important part of my life. I lift several times a week and even do competitions. I …

a year ago

How can I find a passion project in the STEM/Medicine field when I'm unsure of my specific interests?

Hello, I'm a rising sophomore seeking guidance on how to begin my passion project. Throughout my life, I've had various career interests, but now I find myself drawn to the STEM/Medicine field. Howeve …

a year ago

How do high schoolers with no experience get into research labs?

Hey guys, I keep hearing about high school students doing research at labs, but I don't get it. Like, why would a lab let someone with no experience come in and work with them? How do these students e …

a year ago

No clubs at my school, need ideas to boost my college app!

Hey guys, my high school is super small (like less than 300 students) and we don't have any clubs or after-school stuff going on. How am I supposed to make my college application look good without any …

a year ago

How to prioritize information when describing club leadership roles in a limited space?

Hello, I'm in the process of completing my college applications and I need some advice on describing my extracurricular activities. I have a 150-character limit for each description, and I'm not sure …

a year ago

Need virtual summer ECs for a future neuroscientist/premed student!

Hey guys, I'm a rising senior and I'm really into neuroscience and planning on going premed in college. I need to work on my extracurriculars this summer, but I'm kinda stuck with finding stuff I can …

a year ago

How hard is it to get into 3-2 engineering dual degree programs?

Hey guys, I just found out about 3-2 engineering dual degree programs where you go to one school for 3 years and another for 2 years, getting degrees from both. I really want to go to Notre Dame, but …

a year ago

How important is it to focus on medicine in my Common App essay for a BS/MD program?

Hello! I'm currently preparing my college applications and I'm interested in applying to several BS/MD programs. I have a great idea for my Common App essay, but it doesn't directly relate to medicine …

a year ago

Will not having AP classes on my transcript hurt my chances of getting into a good college?

Hey guys, so my school doesn't offer any AP classes and I'm kinda stressed about how that'll look on my college applications. I'm worried that colleges will think I didn't try hard enough or something …

a year ago

What can I do to improve my chances of getting into UW Seattle's CS program?

Hey, I'm a junior in high school and I'm really interested in applying to the University of Washington's computer science program. I've heard it's super competitive, even for in-state applicants. I'm …

a year ago

What are the best value engineering colleges?

Hi all, I'm currently a junior in high school and I'm starting to look into colleges for engineering, specifically mechanical engineering. I want to find a college that offers a good balance between c …

a year ago

How can I connect with an admissions counselor?

I'm feeling a bit lost and overwhelmed with the college application process, and I think talking to an admissions counselor might help. But I'm not sure how to reach out to them or what the best way i …

a year ago

Which college essays can I begin working on before the official application season starts?

Hello, I hope everyone is doing well! I'd like to get a head start on my college essays, but I'm not sure which ones I can begin working on before the application season officially begins. Can anyone …

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.