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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 are the most common mistakes to avoid in college applications?

Hey guys, I'm a high school junior, and I want to make sure my college applications are as strong as possible. What are some common mistakes to avoid in the application process? Any tips or advice on …

a year ago

How can I ensure my personal statement stands out?

Hi, I'm a junior starting to think about my college applications, and I'm wondering how to make my personal statement stand out. I want to make sure it's unique and represents me well. Any tips or adv …

a year ago

Will a part-time job help my college application?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior, and I've been considering getting a part-time job to help save money for college. I'm wondering if having a job on my application will be seen as a positive by colleges, or …

a year ago

What are some good resources for college admissions advice?

Hey guys! I'm a junior and I'm trying to gather as much information as possible about the college admissions process. What are some good resources (websites, books, etc.) that you've found helpful? Th …

a year ago

How much do demonstrated interest and campus visits matter in admissions?

Hey guys, I've heard that some colleges really value demonstrated interest, like attending campus visits and info sessions. I wasn't able to visit a few of my top choice schools in person due to COVID …

a year ago

What should I look for in a college to ensure it's a good fit for me?

Hi everyone, as I'm researching colleges, I'm struggling to figure out what factors I should focus on to determine if a college is a good fit for me. What should I consider in terms of academics, camp …

a year ago

What should I consider when asking for letters of recommendation?

Hello fellow students! I'm a junior and I'm starting to think about who I should ask for letters of recommendation. I've heard that it's important to choose teachers who know me well, but I'm not sure …

a year ago

Can I apply to colleges both through the Common App and the Coalition App?

Hi all, I'm a junior researching the college application process. I know there are two main application platforms: the Common App and the Coalition App. Can I apply to colleges through both platforms? …

a year ago

How do I choose between a large public university and a small private college?

Hey everyone! I'm trying to decide whether to apply to a large public university or a small private college. What are the pros and cons of each and what factors should I consider when making this deci …

a year ago

How do I know if a college is need-blind or need-aware?

Hey everyone, I'm researching colleges and financial aid, and I've come across the terms need-blind and need-aware. I'm not exactly sure what these terms mean, and I'm wondering how I can find out if …

a year ago

Should I retake the SAT/ACT if my score is already good?

Hey guys! I recently took the SAT/ACT and got a decent score, but I'm wondering if I should retake it to try and get an even better score. Is it worth the time and effort? Will it make a significant d …

a year ago

How do I decide which colleges to apply for financial aid?

Hey guys! I'm a high school junior, and I know I'll need financial aid for college. I'm not sure how to decide which colleges to apply for aid, though. What factors should I consider when making this …

a year ago

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

Hello everyone! I'm a junior and starting to feel overwhelmed with schoolwork, extracurriculars, and now the college application process. Does anyone have tips on how to manage all of these responsibi …

a year ago

Financial Aid: How do I navigate this process?

Hey everyone, I'm a high school junior and I'm starting to look into financial aid options for college. The whole process seems really confusing, and I'm not sure where to start. Can anyone give me so …

a year ago

How do colleges view AP classes when considering applications?

Hey everyone! I'm a high school junior and I'm curious about how colleges view AP classes when considering applications. I've taken a few AP classes, but I'm not sure if that's enough or if I should t …

a year ago

How important is having a 'spike' or a focused passion in the college admissions process?

Hi all! I'm a high school junior and I've been reading about the importance of having a 'spike' or a focused passion in the college admissions process. I have a variety of interests but I'm not sure i …

a year ago

Should I retake the SAT if my score is just below my target schools' average?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and I recently took the SAT but my score is just below the average for some of my target schools. I'm wondering if I should retake the SAT or focus on other aspects of my co …

a year ago

Can I apply for financial aid after submitting my applications?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and I'm trying to figure out the financial aid process. Is it possible to apply for financial aid after submitting my college applications, or do I need to do it at the same …

a year ago

What are some tips for writing a strong personal statement?

Hey guys, I'm starting to think about my college essays and I want to make sure I write a strong personal statement. What are some tips or advice you have for making my essay stand out? Any help would …

a year ago

How do I balance my college list with reach, target, and safety schools?

Hi everyone, I'm working on my college list and I'm not sure how to balance my reach, target, and safety schools. How many of each type of school should I apply to? Any advice or personal experiences …

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.