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CollegeVine Expert FAQ

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


What should I focus on during my junior year to improve my college application?

Hi everyone, I'm a high school junior and I want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to improve my college application. What should I focus on during my junior year? Are there any specific activit …

a year ago

Do AP classes really matter for college admissions?

Hey everyone! I'm a high school junior, and I've been hearing different opinions on whether AP classes really make a difference in the college admissions process. I'm taking a few right now, but shoul …

a year ago

What factors should I consider when making a college list?

Hey everyone! I'm starting to make a list of colleges to apply to, but I'm not sure which factors I should take into consideration. What are some important things to keep in mind when creating a balan …

a year ago

How do I create a strong college resume?

Hey there! I'm a junior and I'm working on my college resume. What are some tips for creating a strong resume that highlights my accomplishments? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

a year ago

Is it necessary to have a 'spike' or special talent?

Hey there! I'm a junior, and I've been hearing a lot about the importance of having a 'spike' or a special talent to stand out in college applications. Is this really necessary to get into a top schoo …

a year ago

Is applying Early Decision actually worth it?

Hey guys, I'm a current high school junior and I've been hearing a lot about Early Decision (ED). I'm wondering if it's really worth it to apply ED to a college? Can it significantly improve my chance …

a year ago

Do admission officers prefer essays that are connected to the applicant's major?

Hello, I'm currently a junior and I'm in the process of starting my college applications. The problem is, I'm not sure what to write about in my personal essay. I'm planning to major in Biology, but I …

a year ago

Is it more advantageous to prepare for the SAT or focus on work and extracurricular activities?

Hello there, I'm currently a junior in high school and I'm at a crossroads. With college applications looming in the near future, I'm torn between preparing for the SAT or devoting my time to work and …

a year ago

What are some strategies to finance college education?

Hi everyone, I am a junior in high school and starting to think seriously about college. One of the things that's making me anxious is the cost. I've done some research and I know there are things lik …

a year ago

How much value does a non-related extracurricular provide in college applications?

Hey guys, I'm currently a junior in high school and I've been thinking about starting a chess club. The thing is, I want to go into medicine, and chess doesn't exactly align with that. I've been feeli …

a year ago

How does the college application process differ for music majors compared to other majors?

Hi everyone, my sibling is currently applying to universities as a music major, and I was wondering if the application process is different for them compared to other majors, like STEM for example. Ar …

a year ago

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
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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.