CollegeVine Expert FAQ

So, I'm trying to get a feel for what academic life is like at HBCUs. Can anyone speak to their experiences with professors at these institutions? I'm really eager to know about the classroom dynamics …

Hey folks! I'm a high school junior starting to look at colleges, and Clark Atlanta University has caught my eye. What should I know about the culture and student life there? Do any current students o …

I’ve seen the Target HBCU Collection and I’m wondering how initiatives like this support HBCUs and their students? Also, should I consider these partnerships when choosing an HBCU, or are they more of …

I've heard that some high schools have higher average SAT scores than others. Do colleges consider this when looking at our applications? Like, if my high school has a lower average, would that affect …

Hi everyone! As a junior starting to sweat a little about college costs, I'm trying to be proactive about scholarships. I'm particularly eager to attend an HBCU, and I've heard there are scholarships …

Yo, quick Q! I've really connected with HBCU culture through music and community events, and I feel like it has shaped who I am. Would adcoms from non-HBCUs appreciate this aspect in my essays, or sho …

Anyone willing to share their experiences writing the UPenn supplemental essays? Specifically, how did you emphasize your interest in UPenn’s programs without sounding like you’re just reiterating the …

Hey everyone, so I’m considering taking a CLEP exam to get some college credits out of the way. Does anyone have tips or resources they’ve found super helpful for preparing? Mostly looking for strateg …

Hey everyone! I'm a bit confused about the different PSAT tests. Can someone explain to me how the PSAT/NMSQT is different from the PSAT 8/9? Do colleges look at both scores, or is one more important …

Hey guys, so I'm pretty passionate about music and thinking about studying it in college. I've heard that HBCUs might have some pretty cool music programs, and I'd love to learn more about them. Could …

Hey everyone! I've been reading up on how certain figures have made a huge impact on their institutions and I came across Deion Sanders' role in HBCU sports. Can someone explain what changes he's brou …

Hey everyone, so I'm starting to work on my essays for UT Austin and feeling the pressure to nail it. Can anyone share their experiences or tips on how to approach the supplemental essays specifically …

I'm a junior exploring engineering programs, and I'd like to attend an HBCU. Which HBCUs are known for their engineering programs and what kind of opportunities would they offer an aspiring engineer l …

Hey everyone! I'm starting to think about my college list, and my parents both went to an HBCU. I'm curious how much of an impact this legacy status could have on my applications. Do HBCUs typically c …

I came across West Virginia State University during my college search and found out it's an HBCU. However, I haven't heard much about it compared to other more well-known HBCUs. Does anyone have insig …

I don't have a ton of formal extracurriculars, but I do have significant family responsibilities that take up my time. How can I frame this in my Common App to show colleges the real work I do and ski …

So, I've heard people talking about enrollment stats for HBCUs and I'm kind of lost. How should I interpret HBCU enrollment statistics? Do higher enrollment numbers mean a better school or a more live …

Hey future classmates, I'm a junior with my heart set on medicine and drawn to the idea of attending an HBCU. I've come across Meharry in my search and I'm trying to gather honest opinions on whether …

Hey everyone, I’ve heard that some colleges look at class rank, and I've never actually seen mine. Does anyone know how I can check my class rank? Should I ask my counselor, or is it listed somewhere …

Hey everyone, I'm a junior starting to look at colleges and I'm super interested in the HBCU experience. I've heard a lot about HBCU homecomings being amazing events. Can someone who's been through it …