CollegeVine Expert FAQ

Hi everyone! Due to the pandemic, I haven't been able to visit any college campuses. I want to show my interest in certain schools, but I'm not sure how to do that without visiting. Any advice on how …

Hey there! I'm a high school junior, and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed about starting the Common App. Can anyone break down the steps for me and give me some advice on how to tackle this process? Than …

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and I'm starting to think about college essays. How important is the 'Why this college?' essay in the admissions process? Should I spend a lot of time researching and crafti …

Hi everyone! I'm a high school junior and I want to use my summer break to strengthen my college application. What are some activities or experiences that would be beneficial for me to pursue? I'd rea …

Hello! I'm a junior, and I was wondering if colleges take class rank into account when reviewing applications. My school ranks students, but I'm not sure if it's something I should be concerned about. …

Hi, I'm a high school junior and I'm starting to research colleges. I have a wide range of interests and I'm not exactly sure what I want to major in. Is it looked down upon if I apply to college as a …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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!

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?

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …