CollegeVine Expert FAQ

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


Is it better to take a rigorous course load or have a higher GPA?

Hey guys, I'm a junior and I'm trying to decide whether to take a more rigorous course load or focus on maintaining a high GPA. Which do colleges value more? I'm a bit stressed about making the right …

a year ago

What factors do colleges consider for admissions?

Hey everyone! I'm a high school junior and I'm starting to think about the college application process. I know that grades and test scores are important, but what other factors do colleges consider wh …

a year ago

What should I consider when choosing a college for STEM majors?

Hey everyone! I'm a junior interested in pursuing a STEM major in college. What should I consider when choosing a college for STEM? Are there specific programs or resources I should look for? Thanks f …

a year ago

Is it important to visit colleges before applying?

Hello! I'm a junior and I'm trying to decide if I should visit colleges before applying. Is it important to visit in person, or can I get a good sense of the school through online resources? Any tips …

a year ago

How do I balance school work and extracurriculars during the college application process?

Hi everyone, I'm struggling to balance my school work, extracurriculars, and the college application process. How did you manage your time and responsibilities during this busy period? Any tips or adv …

a year ago

How do I decide if Early Decision is right for me?

Hey! I'm a junior, and I've been hearing a lot about Early Decision and how it can improve your chances of getting into your dream school. I'm not sure if it's the right choice for me, though. What fa …

a year ago

Do I need a strong math background for computer science?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior interested in studying computer science in college, but I'm not the best at math. How strong of a math background do I need for a computer science major? Will I be at a disa …

a year ago

How do I build a balanced college list?

Hi everyone, I'm a junior in high school and I've been working on my college list. I know it's important to have a mix of reach, target, and safety schools, but I'm not sure how to decide which school …

a year ago

How do I handle deferrals or waitlist decisions?

Hey everyone, I'm a bit stressed about the possibility of being deferred or waitlisted during the college application process. What should I do if I find myself in this situation, and how can I improv …

a year ago

Is it bad to take a gap year before college?

Hey there, I'm a junior in high school, and I've been thinking about taking a gap year after I graduate to gain some real-world experience and maybe do some volunteering. I know some colleges are okay …

a year ago

What's the best way to approach a teacher for a letter of recommendation?

Hi everyone! I'm a little bit stressed about asking my teachers for letters of recommendation. I've heard that they can make a big difference in the admissions process. What are some strategies I can …

a year ago

What are some good ways to demonstrate interest in a college?

Hey everyone! I'm a junior and I've started researching colleges. I've heard that demonstrating interest in a college can potentially improve your chances of admission. What are some effective ways to …

a year ago

How do I choose the best college for me?

Hello! I'm a high school junior and I'm starting to think about the college application process. I know that choosing the right college is important, but I'm not sure how to go about it. What factors …

a year ago

How do I write a strong college essay?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior starting to think about my college essays. I'm not the best writer and I'm really nervous about this part of the application process. Does anyone have any tips or resources f …

a year ago

How do I write about a sensitive topic in my college essay?

Hi all, I want to write my college essay about a sensitive personal topic, but I'm not sure how to approach it. I don't want it to come across as seeking sympathy or oversharing. How can I write about …

a year ago

Can I apply for financial aid before I'm accepted to a college?

Hi, I'm a junior and I'm starting to think about applying for financial aid. I know that the cost of college can be a big factor in deciding where to go, but I'm not sure if I can apply for aid before …

a year ago

What is the difference between a college and a university?

Hey everyone, I'm starting to research colleges and universities, and I'm wondering what the difference is between the two. I know that universities are typically larger and offer more graduate progra …

a year ago

What should I do if I'm waitlisted at my top choice?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior, and I'm already worried about what I should do if I end up being waitlisted at my top choice college. How do I increase my chances of getting off the waitlist? I'd appreciat …

a year ago

Should I submit an optional essay if a college allows it?

Hey guys! Some colleges I'm applying to have an optional essay. Should I submit one? What are the benefits of doing so and are there any downsides? Thanks for any advice!

a year ago

What makes a college essay stand out?

Hey everyone! I want to start working on my college essays soon, and I'm wondering what I can do to make them stand out. I've heard that admissions officers read so many essays, and I want to make sur …

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.