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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 the PSAT generally easier than the SAT?

Hey guys, I'm gearing up for the whole standardized testing phase and I've been hearing mixed stuff about the difficulty level of the PSAT compared to the SAT. Can anyone who's taken both shed some li …

a year ago

Reporting GPA on Common App: Weighted vs Unweighted?

So I've reached the section on the Common App where I have to input my GPA, and I'm kind of stuck. Should I report my weighted GPA, which looks prettier, or my unweighted GPA for transparency? What do …

a year ago

Where can I take the PSAT if my school doesn’t offer it?

I just found out my school isn’t offering the PSAT and I’m kinda stressed cause I wanted to qualify for National Merit. Does anyone know how I can find a testing center that does, or if there's any al …

a year ago

Common App submission timing?

Alright folks, the clock's ticking and senior year is just around the corner. I need to get my game plan ready for applications. So, when is the first day we can actually submit our Common Apps to col …

a year ago

Need to know: Do all colleges require a personal essay?

I've heard some friends say not every college asks for a personal essay... is that true? I'm kind of freaking out about the amount of writing I have to do, so knowing I might not have to write an essa …

a year ago

Is a 34 ACT worth retaking?

Hi friends! I got my ACT results and scored a 34. Super happy about it, but I’ve heard some of my dream schools have really high standards. Do you think it’s necessary to retake the ACT to try for a p …

a year ago

Target PSAT 8/9 Scores for Freshmen

Hey everyone, I'm a freshman and our school's offering the PSAT 8/9. I want to do well, so I was wondering if anyone knows what's considered a strong score on this? Or perhaps, is there a percentile g …

a year ago

Can PSAT scores accurately predict SAT performance?

I just got my PSAT score back and I’m wondering, do these scores usually give a good indication of how I might score on the real SAT? Just trying to set realistic expectations for myself.

a year ago

What’s the favorite Common App essay prompt among applicants?

Any insights on which Common App essay prompt is the most popular? I want to make sure my essay stands out, so I’m curious if there’s one that most people choose or if it's better to go with a less po …

a year ago

Common App schools—Is UPenn on the list?

Heyyy all, I'm a bit swamped here with researching colleges and their application platforms. Quick question: does UPenn accept the Common App? I really wanna streamline my process and not deal with a …

a year ago

When do PSAT scores typically get released?

Hey everyone, just getting a bit anxious here. I took my PSAT a couple of weeks ago and I'm wondering, how long does it usually take for the scores to come back? I feel like it's taking forever, and I …

a year ago

Retaking ACT specifically for the writing test?

I took the ACT and did pretty well on the multiple-choice sections, but my writing score was lower than I expected. Should I retake the ACT to improve just the writing test score, or do most colleges …

a year ago

Accessing PSAT Scores Online?

Hey everyone, I just took the PSAT and am a bit confused about how exactly I can check my scores online. Can someone walk me through the steps or direct me where to go? Thanks in advance!

a year ago

Connecting PSAT scores to Khan Academy?

I've heard that linking your PSAT results to Khan Academy can help with targeted studying. Could someone walk me through how to do that?

a year ago

How early should I start working on my Common App?

As the second semester starts, I'm thinking about when I should begin tackling my Common App. Is it too early to start now, or should I be using this time to get a head start? I'd love to hear when yo …

a year ago

PSAT for sophomores—worth it?

Sophomore year is wild with everything we're supposed to be doing. Just saw on my school's bulletin board there's a PSAT 10 coming up. What's the point of taking the PSAT as a sophomore? Does it count …

a year ago

Completing the Common App Education Section Properly

Feeling a bit overwhelmed here, can someone explain the best way to fill out the education section of the Common App? What details about my high school should I not forget to include? Thanks for helpi …

a year ago

As a junior, should I consider taking the PSAT?

Hey folks! Junior year is hectic and I've got SATs and subject tests to think about. Is taking the PSAT worth it at this point? What would I gain from it and should it be a priority? A little advice w …

a year ago

Can I Apply to Montclair State Through the Common App?

Alright, quick question for the hive mind here - I'm trying to figure out if Montclair State University is on the Common App. Anyone know? It would make life a little easier if it is.

a year ago

Grand Valley State Uni and Common App?

I’m putting together my college application plan and wanted to know, does Grand Valley State University accept the Common Application? Just trying to keep things as simple as possible with the applica …

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.