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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.


Is it possible to upload an unofficial transcript to the Common App?

Quick question: I've got my unofficial transcript, and I'm wondering if I can upload it to my Common App? Or is this something that my counselor has to send in for me? Anyone else tackled this yet?

a year ago

Confused about Common App fees—help?

I've been saving up to pay for my college applications, but I'm not entirely sure how the payment process works on the Common App. Does anyone know the steps for paying the Common App fee, and are the …

a year ago

Should demographics be included in Common App?

I'm currently filling out my Common App and stumbled upon the demographics section. Is it really necessary to fill out all the demographic details? Would colleges look at my application differently ba …

a year ago

How do I showcase my passion project on the Common App?

So I've been working on this passion project for a couple of years now and it's a big part of who I am. Where should I talk about my passion project in my Common App to make sure admissions officers u …

a year ago

Can a college essay be about literally any topic?

Hey everyone, I've been brainstorming ideas for my college essays and I'm kinda stumped. Can my essay be about literally any experience or topic, or are there unwritten rules about what colleges prefe …

a year ago

Does a PSAT score of 1100 cut it for a junior?

Hey folks, I just got my PSAT scores and I got an 1100. I know it's not super high, but considering I didn't prep at all, is it a decent place to start for a junior? What score range should I aim for …

a year ago

Is the Common App accepted by CUNY schools?

I'm thinking about applying to a CUNY school. Does anyone know if they accept the Common App, or do they have their own application process?

a year ago

How acceptable is it to explore personal hardship in my college essay?

So, I've been going through my essay topics and I've got this really personal story about overcoming hardship. It's a big part of who I am, but I'm a bit worried it might come off as too sad or heavy …

a year ago

Is the SAT really easier than the PSAT?

So I’ve heard some rumors that the SAT is actually easier than the PSAT. Does anyone have personal experience with both that could weigh in on this? Need to know how to adjust my prep if this is true!

a year ago

Using my Common App essay for the National Merit application—is it a good move?

Just wondering if I can repurpose my Common App essay for my National Merit application. They sound like they're looking for similar things, but does anyone know if that's a bad idea? Thoughts?

a year ago

Self-reporting standardized test scores on Common App—is it a must?

Hi fellow juniors, I’m trying to figure out if I should self-report my ACT/SAT scores on the Common App. My scores are pretty good but not stellar. How do colleges view self-reported scores, and is it …

a year ago

Calculating GPA for the Common App?

Hi friends! Quick Q: how do you calculate your GPA for the Common App? My school has a different system and I'm not sure how to convert it. Is there a specific formula I should use, or is this somethi …

a year ago

How crucial is having a calculator for the PSAT?

Hey everyone! I'm gearing up to take the PSAT soon and I was wondering, how crucial is it to have a calculator for the math section? I'm pretty comfortable with math, but I'm not sure if the PSAT is d …

a year ago

PSAT Subjects Breakdown, Anyone?

I was hoping to start prepping for the PSAT, but I'm not totally clear on what subjects I'll be tested on. Can someone give me a quick rundown of what areas I should be focusing on? I'm aiming to do r …

a year ago

Do I need to study for the PSAT, or is it just a practice test?

Okay, so I’m hearing a lot of mixed messages about the PSAT. Some people say it’s super important, while others say it’s just practice. How much studying do you all really think is necessary for the P …

a year ago

Is the PSAT actually just a practice SAT or does it carry more weight?

I've been told different things by different people, but I want to set the record straight—is the PSAT basically just another version of a practice SAT or does it have its own significance that I shou …

a year ago

Is abbreviating in Common App activities section okay?

Hey friends, I'm a bit tight on space in my activities section of the Common App. Can I use abbreviations to fit in more info, or should I write everything out? How do colleges view this?

a year ago

PSAT Perfect Score Insights

Just out of curiosity, what's a perfect score on the PSAT and how common is it to get one? I’m aiming high and would love any tips from those who nailed it or came close.

a year ago

Does anyone know if accelerated courses show up differently on the Common App?

Quick question about accelerated courses—when I'm entering my courses on the Common App, do accelerated classes need to be marked in a special way or will my transcript make that clear? I want to make …

a year ago

Importance of the PSAT for National Merit Scholarships?

Hey guys, I've heard that your PSAT score can qualify you for National Merit Scholarships, but I'm not sure how the scoring works or how much you need to score to be considered. Can anyone explain the …

a year ago
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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.