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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 do during the summer before senior year to prepare for the college application process?

Hi there! I'm a junior and I'm trying to plan my summer before senior year. What should I be doing during this time to prepare for the college application process? Any suggestions would be greatly app …

a year ago

What are some of the best ways to prepare for the SAT?

Hey guys, I'm a high school junior and I'm starting to feel a bit stressed about the SAT. I've heard mixed things about different prep methods and I'm unsure about the best way to study. Can anyone re …

a year ago

Is it necessary to attend college tours?

Hi guys! I'm a high school junior, and I'm wondering if it's necessary to go on college tours. I've been researching colleges online, but I'm not sure if I should make the effort to visit in person. H …

a year ago

Is it better to take more AP classes or focus on my GPA?

Hey, I'm a junior in high school and I'm trying to decide whether I should take more AP classes next year or focus on maintaining a high GPA. Which one do colleges value more? Thanks for any advice!

a year ago

How important is it to visit colleges before applying?

Hey guys, I'm a junior and I'm wondering how important it is to visit colleges before applying. Is it worth the time and effort, or can I get a good sense of a school without visiting?

a year ago

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

Hey everyone! I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to balance my school work, extracurriculars, and college applications. How do you guys manage your time and stay organized during this process? Any t …

a year ago

How to effectively communicate with admissions officers?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior and I want to start reaching out to admissions officers at the colleges I'm interested in. What's the best way to communicate with them and ask questions without coming acros …

a year ago

What's the best way to approach teacher recommendations?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior and I've been thinking about teacher recommendations for my college applications. How should I go about asking my teachers for recommendations, and are there any specific gui …

a year ago

Are AP classes necessary for college admissions?

Hey guys! I'm a junior and I'm wondering how important AP classes are for college admissions. I've taken a few, but I'm not sure if I should take more. Do colleges really care about the number of AP c …

a year ago

Are standardized test scores still important?

Hey there, I'm a junior and I've noticed that a lot of colleges are going test-optional. Are standardized test scores still important in the college admissions process, or should I focus on other part …

a year ago

What are the benefits of applying to college through the Common App?

Hi everyone! I've heard a lot about the Common App and I'm considering using it for my college applications. What are the benefits of applying through the Common App and is it a good option for me? Th …

a year ago

How many extracurriculars should I have?

Hey guys, I'm a junior and I'm wondering how many extracurriculars I should have on my college applications. Is there a certain number that colleges look for, or is it more about quality over quantity …

a year ago

Is it okay if I don't have a 'spike' in my application?

Hello, everyone! I've read that some college admissions officers look for a 'spike' or a specific talent/interest in applicants. I have a variety of interests but don't really have a standout skill. W …

a year ago

What should I include in my college application essay?

Hi there! I'm a high school junior getting ready to start working on my college application essays. I'm not sure what to write about or what colleges are looking for in these essays. Can anyone give m …

a year ago

How can I demonstrate interest in a college without visiting?

Hi all! I'm a junior and I'm interested in showing my top choice college that I'm really excited about the possibility of attending. However, I'm unable to visit the campus. What are some other ways I …

a year ago

How can I show colleges that I've overcome obstacles?

Hey guys, I faced some challenges during high school that affected my grades and extracurricular involvement. How can I explain these obstacles to colleges during the application process without sound …

a year ago

Do colleges look at my social media profiles during the admissions process?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and I've heard that some colleges might look at applicants' social media profiles during the admissions process. Is this true, and if so, what should I be aware of when it c …

a year ago

Is it better to take harder classes and get lower grades or easier classes and get higher grades?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior and I'm trying to decide on my classes for next year. I want to challenge myself, but I'm worried that if I take harder classes, my grades might suffer. Do colleges prefer to …

a year ago

Should I retake the SAT/ACT if I'm not happy with my scores?

Hi all, I recently took the SAT/ACT and I'm not satisfied with my scores. Should I retake the test to try and get a better score, or should I focus on other aspects of my college applications? Thanks …

a year ago

What should I include in an activities resume?

Hello, I'm a junior and I want to create an activities resume to showcase my extracurricular involvement and achievements. What should I include in this resume, and how should I format it? Thanks in a …

a year ago
Displaying questions 166861-166880 of 167187 total
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.