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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 a 1520 SAT score good enough to apply to Ivy League schools?

Hi everyone! I received a 1520 on my SAT and I'm considering applying to a few Ivy League schools. I'm curious if this score is good enough to be competitive for these prestigious institutions. I'd ap …

a year ago

Would a part-time job look good on my college applications?

Hey guys, I'm considering getting a part-time job next school year and I'm curious if it would be a positive addition to my college application. Do college admissions officers value work experience? T …

a year ago

Understanding private research universities?

Sup everyone! I've heard the term 'private research university' thrown around a lot, but I'm not exactly sure what it means. Could someone explain what a private research university is and how it diff …

a year ago

When do early decision notifications typically come out?

I'm planning on applying early decision to one of my top-choice schools, but I'm not sure when I should expect to hear back from them. Is there a general timeline for when early decision notifications …

a year ago

What should I do if I don't know what to major in?

Hello everyone! I'm a junior, and I'm not sure what I want to major in when I go to college. Is it okay to apply as undecided, or should I choose a major before applying? How can I explore my interest …

a year ago

Nervous about applying Early Decision, what are the consequences of backing out?

Hey guys, I'm considering applying Early Decision to my dream school, but I'm worried about what might happen if I change my mind or don't get enough financial aid. What are the consequences, if any, …

a year ago

Is Early Decision II still binding?

Hey guys, I'm considering applying to a school through their Early Decision II process, but I'm wondering if it's still binding like the first Early Decision cycle. Can someone confirm this for me? Th …

a year ago

How to choose the right college if you're undecided?

I'm currently a junior and am completely unsure about what I want to major in. I have a wide variety of interests, but I haven't been able to narrow it down to one or two specific fields. What factors …

a year ago

Is traveling an extracurricular?

Hi everyone, I'm in 11th grade and I recently saw another post where someone was saying that they considered their traveling experiences as an extracurricular. Is that possible? And if so, how do you …

a year ago

How can an international student increase their chances of being admitted to an Ivy League school?

Hello! I'm an international student planning to apply to Ivy League schools. I'm feeling a bit stressed about my prospects since I know the competition is intense. Are there any specific tips or strat …

a year ago

Is Early Decision legally binding, or can I back out if necessary?

I've heard that Early Decision is binding, but does that mean it's legally binding? If I were to apply ED and get accepted but later realize that I can't attend due to financial or personal reasons, w …

a year ago

How important are AP scores to Ivy League schools?

Hello, I'm a junior in high school and about to take several AP exams. How important are AP scores to Ivy League schools when it comes to the admissions process? I'm worried that my scores might not b …

a year ago

How does Questbridge work with Early Decision?

Hi everyone! I've been looking into the Questbridge program, and I'm confused about how it connects with Early Decision applications. Is it binding like the Early Decision process? Thanks for any info …

a year ago

Should I include my participation in multiple school clubs if I don't hold leadership positions?

Hey everyone, this might be a silly question, but I'm a member of several clubs at my high school, including the debate team, science club, and chess club. I don't hold any leadership positions, but I …

a year ago

Does attending a feeder high school improve my chances for Ivy League colleges?

Hello! I'm currently attending a competitive high school that's often referred to as an 'Ivy League feeder,' and I'm curious if this reputation actually holds any weight when it comes to college admis …

a year ago

How valuable are college fairs?

Our school organizes college fairs every year, but I'm unsure whether attending them is truly worth it. Can I genuinely get key information that could help me select a good college, or is it more suit …

a year ago

Public vs. private research universities: what are the differences?

Hi everyone! I'm trying to build my college list, but I'm not sure how to start comparing public research universities to private ones. What are the key differences between the two, and how might they …

a year ago

Is it easier to transfer into an Ivy League college?

Hey guys, I'm currently at a state university but I've always had dreams of attending an Ivy League school. Would transferring into an Ivy League be easier than gaining direct freshman admission? Any …

a year ago

Is reading an extracurricular activity?

Hello, I'm an avid reader and spend a lot of time reading books outside of my school assignments. Would this be considered an extracurricular activity on college applications? Thanks for your help!

a year ago

Should I retake the SAT/ACT if my score is below average?

Hi, I'm a high school junior and I recently took the SAT/ACT. My score is below the average for the colleges I'm interested in. Should I retake the test to try to improve my score, or should I focus o …

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.