CollegeVine Expert FAQ

Hey guys, I'm a junior and I'm considering applying Early Decision to my dream school soon. I understand that it is a binding decision if I get accepted. However, has anyone heard of situations where …

Question for y’all – when writing application essays, I know personal struggles can be compelling, but do colleges get tired of 'sob stories,' or do they genuinely value these narratives? Just trying …

Do most colleges require freshman students to live on campus, or do some schools allow alternative housing arrangements? How does this vary depending on the institution? Is it better to live on campus …

Hey everyone! I'm starting high school soon, and I want to make a positive first impression. Can anyone share some tips on how to 'glow up' for freshman year? I'm hoping to make new friends and get in …

Hey, just wondering if it's possible to significantly raise your GPA during senior year. If so, how much can you realistically raise it? Would colleges even pay attention to the improvement, or is it …

Stonehill College initially attracted me with its close community vibes and emphasis on social justice, but I feel like I should have a couple more options. Any leads on small to medium-sized colleges …

I'm sorry if this seems off-topic, but my parents were curious about senior discounts (they're both 55). Does anybody know if they would qualify? I hope it's okay to ask this here. Thanks!

Hello fellow students, I’ve been wondering how much weight do internships carry in the college admissions process? I managed to land a summer internship related to my intended major. Should I prioriti …

I'm an athlete and I was wondering if it's still possible to get recruited during my senior year, or do most college coaches recruit earlier? Feeling a little stressed, would love to hear some opinion …

Southern Methodist University is my top choice for its Cox School of Business and vibrant campus life, but Id love to hear about any similar alternatives. Any other colleges come to mind with strong u …

Feeling a bit stressed about ECs here! Does anyone know what sorts of extracurricular activities colleges really like seeing on applications? I'm into drama and science olympiad but worried they might …

Hello! I'm currently a junior in high school, and I'm wondering how crucial are senior year grades when applying to college? Do colleges pay more attention to the first three years, or do they weigh a …

I’m really digging the close-knit community at Amherst and the strong liberal arts education - any suggestions for similar colleges I should consider?

I'm pretty interested in Northeastern's co-op program but I want to keep my options open. Anyone know of other good schools with similar opportunities for real-world work experience built into their c …

Yo, so I'm super into the whole community vibe and die-hard school spirit at Notre Dame. Are there other universities where I can find a similar sense of tradition and strong alumni network, but maybe …

Hi friends, so I've been involved in a mix of activities and I'm not sure which ones to highlight in my apps. Do colleges value certain types of extracurriculars over others? I've done sports, been pa …

I'm trying to plan out my college application process and I'm focused on getting scholarships. Do you need to apply early action to be eligible for most scholarships, or can you still get them with re …

Providence College caught my eye with its strong sense of community and liberal arts curriculum, plus its Catholic affiliation. But to broaden my horizons, Im curious about what other schools give off …

I've been wondering if colleges show a preference for applicants who are involved in team sports over individual sports? Is there any difference in how they view leadership or teamwork in sports? I've …

Hi all, I'm a high school junior who's a little confused about the early decision process. If I apply to one college through early decision, am I still allowed to apply to other colleges during the sa …