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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 kind of financial aid options are available for college?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior in high school, and I've been thinking a lot about college and how I'm going to pay for it. I know there are many different types of financial aid available, but I'm not sure …

a year ago

What are the best topics for a college essay?

Hey everyone, I'm struggling to come up with a topic for my college essay. I want to write something that will make me stand out from other applicants, but I'm not sure what to focus on. What are some …

a year ago

Is it too late to join new clubs in my junior year?

Hey guys, I'm a bit stressed because I feel like my extracurriculars are lacking. I'm a junior now, and I'm wondering if it's too late to join new clubs and activities? Will colleges think I'm just tr …

a year ago

Is it okay to write about mental health in my college essay?

Hey guys, as a junior in high school, I've been thinking about what to write for my college essay. I've struggled with mental health issues in the past, and I'm wondering if it's appropriate to share …

a year ago

Can I use 'I' in my college essay?

Hi everyone, when writing my college essay, is it okay to use 'I' and write in the first person? I want to make it personal, but I'm not sure if it's appropriate. Thanks for your help!

a year ago

What are some tips for balancing schoolwork and college applications?

Hey there! As a junior, I'm starting to feel the pressure of balancing my schoolwork and preparing for college applications. I want to make sure I'm staying on top of everything, but it can be overwhe …

a year ago

Is it better to submit an optional test score or not?

Hi there, I'm a junior and I know that many colleges have gone test-optional due to COVID-19. My test scores aren't amazing, but they're not terrible either. Should I submit them or just leave them ou …

a year ago

Should I submit an art portfolio with my application?

Hey everyone! I'm passionate about art, and I'm considering submitting an art portfolio with my college application. Is this a good idea, and do you think it will help improve my chances of getting ac …

a year ago

Do I need to have a major in mind when applying to college?

Hey there! I'm currently a junior and starting to think about college applications. I'm not completely sure what I want to major in yet, though. Is it necessary to have a major in mind when applying o …

a year ago

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

Hi everyone, I'm an international student planning to apply to colleges in the United States. I know that financial aid can be more limited for international students, so I'm wondering how to find col …

a year ago

How do I ask for an extension on a college application deadline?

I'm dealing with some personal issues and I'm worried I won't be able to finish my college applications on time. Has anyone ever asked for an extension on a college application deadline? If so, what's …

a year ago

How do I decide between two colleges I've been accepted to?

Hey guys, I'm lucky enough to have been accepted to two great colleges, but I'm having a hard time deciding between them. What factors should I consider when making my decision? How did you decide whe …

a year ago

Do you guys think I should put a title on my college essay?

So I just finished the first draft of my essay, and I'm not sure if I should add a title or not. Does it make a difference in how the admissions officers view it? What are your thoughts on this? Thank …

a year ago

How do I choose which AP courses to take?

Hey guys! I'm trying to decide which AP courses to take next year, but I'm not sure how to choose. How do I determine which courses will best align with my interests and future goals? Any advice or ex …

a year ago

Can I write about a controversial topic in my college essay?

Hi everyone, I want to write about a controversial issue in my college essay because it's something I'm really passionate about. However, I'm not sure if this is a good idea or if it might hurt my cha …

a year ago

What's the best way to revise and edit a college essay?

Hi everyone, I've just finished writing my college essay, and I'm looking for tips on how to revise and edit it. What's the best approach to ensure my essay is polished and error-free? Any advice or r …

a year ago

Do colleges prefer weighted or unweighted GPA?

Hello everyone, I'm a junior and I've been wondering if colleges prefer weighted or unweighted GPA when evaluating applicants. I have both on my transcript and I'm not sure which one colleges will foc …

a year ago

Do admissions officers check social media profiles?

Hi everyone, I'm a junior and I've heard that college admissions officers sometimes check applicants' social media profiles. Is this true? If so, should I be worried about what I post online? What can …

a year ago

Should I retake the SAT if my score is already decent?

Hey everyone, I just got my SAT scores back and I scored a 1450. While I know it's not a bad score, I can't help but feel like I could do better. Is it worth retaking the test to try and get a higher …

a year ago

How many paragraphs should a college essay have?

I'm working on my college essay and I'm not sure about the structure. Is there a specific number of paragraphs I should aim for, or does it vary depending on the essay?

a year ago
Displaying questions 170361-170380 of 172434 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.