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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 absolutely know before sitting for the PSAT?

Hey everyone, I've got the PSAT coming up and I'm a bit on edge about it. I've been doing some practice tests, but I want to make sure I'm not missing anything crucial. Are there any essential tips or …

a year ago

Harvard likely letter - when's it coming, and who gets it?

Hello future classmates, anyone in the loop on when Harvard sends their likely letters, especially for the class of 2027? And what kind of extraordinary stuff do you need to be doing to be on their ra …

a year ago

How can I leverage my involvement in class competition ideas to boost my college application?

Okay, so I’ve been super active in organizing class competitions at our high school, from spirit weeks to fundraising face-offs. Heading into senior year, does anybody know if colleges give any cred t …

a year ago

What's the limit on the number of awards you can list on the Common App, and how do you choose the best ones?

I've been involved in a lot of competitions and activities, and thankfully have a few awards under my belt. But I heard there's a cap to how many you can include on the Common App. How do you decide w …

a year ago

Question regarding the Common App Institution List

I was wondering, are all Ivy League schools like Harvard on the Common App, and does that extend to top public universities like UCLA? Want to make sure I'm prepped with the list of schools I’ll be ap …

a year ago

When should I expect to take the PSAT?

So I'm a bit confused about when I'm supposed to take the PSAT. I know some of my friends took it sophomore year, but is there like the "right" age to take it? Really want to get that National Merit S …

a year ago

How does the high school GPA conversion work for colleges?

Hey guys, I'm curious about how my GPA will be viewed by colleges if it isn't on a traditional 4.0 scale. My school uses a different system, and I'm unsure how to convert it. What's the standard conve …

a year ago

Is a finance class in high school seen as rigorous by admissions officers?

Quick question—I have the option to take a finance class during my senior year. Does this class count as a rigorous course in the eyes of college admissions? I want to demonstrate that I'm willing to …

a year ago

Planning high school courses with an online planner?

I've reached a point where I need to plan my remaining high school courses. Has anyone used an online planner to figure this out, and does it help with organizing credits and prerequisites?

a year ago

Role and Activities in National Junior Honor Society

Hi all, I've been invited to join the National Junior Honor Society and I'm kind of intrigued. Could someone fill me in on what you actually do as a member? I'm all for community service, but I want t …

a year ago

Classes to take in high school for architecture?

Hey folks, I'm a junior and have a growing interest in architecture as a potential college major. I'm earnestly looking for advice on which classes I should definitely have under my belt before applyi …

a year ago

Adding Letters of Recommendation in Common App

Hey guys, I'm a bit confused about the LOR process on the Common App. How do I add my letters of recommendation to my application? I have teachers who are willing to write them, but I'm not exactly su …

a year ago

Need clarity on the NHS: What’s the real benefit of being in the National Honor Society?

Alright, so I've heard a lot about the National Honor Society at school, but I’m still not 100% clear on what the actual benefits are. Does it significantly boost your college app, or is it more about …

a year ago

Do computer classes in high school boost my college application?

I'm currently planning my schedule for next year and was thinking about taking some computer classes, since I want to major in something tech-related. Do colleges value computer classes? Will taking t …

a year ago

Colleges with a similar campus culture to UMiami?

I'm digging the vibrant campus life and the emphasis on undergrad research at UMiami. Are there other schools out there that offer a similar blend of active social scene and academic opportunities, es …

a year ago

Study Abroad Programs for High School Students?

Hey guys, I've been really curious about studying abroad, specifically in Spain. Does anyone know how high school study abroad programs work? Also, what do I need to prepare for it, both academically …

a year ago

What challenges are compelling to write about in a college essay?

Hey peers, just a bit confused about choosing the right challenge to talk about in my college essay. I know overcoming obstacles is a common theme, but what types of challenges have you seen or used t …

a year ago

Potential benefits of taking an Entrepreneurship class?

Hey guys! I'm staring down the barrel of my senior year schedule and I'm debating whether to add an Entrepreneurship class. I'm thinking of business as a potential major and I'm curious—does taking th …

a year ago

Can I take forensic classes in high school, and do they count towards college admissions?

I'm really interested in forensic science. Are there high school classes available in this subject, and will colleges view them as rigorous courses when considering my application?

a year ago

Is taking a law-related class in high school useful for pre-law in college?

I found a law education class in my high school's course catalog. If I'm considering going pre-law in college, would taking this class now be beneficial at all?

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.