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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.


How much time does it usually take to write a college essay?

Hey everyone, I'm feeling a bit stressed because I haven't started my college essay yet. I was just wondering, how long did it take for you guys to write your essays? I want to make sure I have enough …

a year ago

Is a 1480 SAT score competitive for Ivy League admissions?

Hello! I recently received a 1480 on my SAT and I'm planning on applying to Ivy League schools. Is this score good enough for these top-tier schools, or should I retake the test and try for a higher s …

a year ago

Does BYU fall under the category of research universities?

Hi everyone, I've been considering applying to Brigham Young University (BYU). I'm really interested in engaging in research during my undergrad years, so I was wondering if BYU is considered a resear …

a year ago

Are standardized test scores still important with so many test-optional schools?

Hi everybody, with many schools going test-optional due to covid, I'm wondering if standardized test scores are still important in college admissions? Should I still prioritize preparing for the SAT/A …

a year ago

Is a 4 on an AP exam good enough for the Ivy League?

I recently got my AP scores and, while most of my scores are 5's, I received a 4 on one of the tests. Will Ivy League schools look down on that, or is a 4 still considered good enough for those univer …

a year ago

Do colleges consider reading an extracurricular activity?

Hey there! I'm an avid reader and I spend countless hours on books. I don't participate in any book clubs or related groups, but I'm wondering whether reading itself is enough to be considered an extr …

a year ago

Do colleges prefer traditional essays or creative writing?

Hello, I have a question about the writing style for college essays. Do colleges generally prefer traditional essay writing, or are they open to more creative writing styles? I enjoy creative writing …

a year ago

Will having a sibling at an Ivy League help my chances?

Hey all! My older sibling is currently attending an Ivy League school, and I'm wondering if that will have any impact on my chances of getting admitted there too. Does sibling legacy factor into admis …

a year ago

Do people consider Penn State a research university?

Hey everyone! As a junior, I'm diving into the college research process, and I'm particularly interested in research universities. I've been looking into Penn State as a potential option, but I'm not …

a year ago

Can I become a nurse despite having bad grades?

Hello, everyone. I'm a junior with aspirations of becoming a nurse, but my grades aren't the best. Is it possible for me to get into a nursing program and become a nurse with my current GPA? Thanks in …

a year ago

Does reading as a hobby count as an extracurricular activity?

Hey! I love reading and always find time to do so during my day. Can I list reading as an extracurricular activity for my college application, or should it be something more formal? Any advice would b …

a year ago

Do Ivy League universities interview all applicants?

As I'm working on my Ivy League applications, I'm wondering if I should expect interviews from all of these schools. Do they interview every applicant, or just a select few? Thank you for any insight!

a year ago

Is a 34 ACT score good enough to get into an Ivy League school?

Hello! I just got my ACT scores back and I scored a 34. I'm extremely happy with my score, but I'm wondering if it's competitive enough for Ivy League schools or if I should consider retaking it. Has …

a year ago

Should I take a gap year after high school?

Hello everyone, I'm a junior and I've been considering taking a gap year after high school. What are the pros and cons of taking a gap year, and how do colleges view students who take a gap year? Than …

a year ago

How can I find potential colleges that offer financial aid for international students?

As an international student, finding financial aid for college is really important to me. How can I search for colleges in the US that offer generous financial aid for international students? Any reso …

a year ago

How many research universities exist in the United States?

Hey everyone, I'm working on narrowing down my college list and I've been focusing on research universities lately. I'm just curious, does anybody have an idea of how many research universities there …

a year ago

I have a visual arts background, will top schools see that as a strength?

Hi! I have a strong background in visual arts (currently taking AP Art) and have received multiple awards for my work. I am planning on applying to schools like Brown and Yale. Will this background in …

a year ago

Best scholarships for engineering students?

Hey guys! So, I'm a junior with a 4.0 GPA, 34 ACT, and strong extracurriculars in engineering (including robotics and internships). I'm planning to apply to schools like MIT, Caltech, and Carnegie Mel …

a year ago

Are there any lesser-known but great colleges I should apply to?

Hi everyone! I'm researching colleges to add to my application list, and I'd like to consider some lesser-known schools that might be a great fit for me. Can you suggest any hidden gems that might not …

a year ago

What's the best way to ask for financial aid?

Hello, I'm a junior in high school, and I'm starting to think about how to pay for college. What's the best way to approach asking for financial aid? Are there any tips or strategies I should know abo …

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.