CollegeVine Expert FAQ

Hey everyone, feeling a bit of pressure here. I'm trying to raise my GPA before I start the whole college app process, and could use some advice. Currently, I'm hovering in the B range, and I'm aiming …

Hey folks, I'm in the midst of prepping my college apps and would really love to get some insight – does UT Austin actually consider the Common App essay in their admissions process? Like, how much we …

Hey, just took the PSAT as an 8th grader and I'm not quite sure how to interpret my score. What do people generally consider a good score at this level? Do colleges even look at these scores?

I'm a bit stressed because I'm trying to build my college list and I want to make sure I have options that include schools with distinct programs or opportunities that can't be found everywhere. Speci …

Hey folks, just starting to delve into college research and Northwestern seems pretty compelling. I'm the type of person who likes to get to know a college beyond what’s on the website or in the broch …

I've heard that some high school students take college courses. Does this really help with preparing for college, and could it possibly make me a more appealing applicant to universities?

Hi peeps, trying not to stress out too much here, but deep down dreaming about a Harvard acceptance. I heard through the grapevine about 'likely letters' from Harvard. Does Harvard actually send these …

Physics interests me a lot, and I want to take an extra course over the summer to deepen my understanding. Would an online physics course be beneficial for a student looking to go into engineering? If …

I'm a junior interested in business and entrepreneurship, and I've heard good things about the University of Delaware's business program. I'm trying to broaden my list though. Does anyone know schools …

I'm looking for online coding classes that could give me a strong foundation and possibly look good on my college application. Any suggestions for classes that other students have taken and felt were …

I'm planning on majoring in engineering and I'm considering taking the Physics CLEP exam to get some credits out of the way. Is it regarded similarly to actual college coursework by admissions counsel …

Hey folks, I'm trying to graduate early and was wondering if anyone knows of free high school courses online that would count towards my graduation credits. Has anyone done this before, and how did it …

Can someone explain how the scoring for the Spanish CLEP exam works? I'm trying to figure out what score I need to aim for to get credit at most colleges, and how tough the grading curve might be. Tha …

I've had a really inspirational arts teacher throughout high school who knows me really well. Would colleges value their letter of recommendation even if I'm not applying for an arts major?

Can someone explain the difference between 'accelerated' classes compared to AP or IB? I’m trying to plan out my junior year schedule and want to challenge myself but not sure if colleges prefer one t …

I saw 'Interpersonal Studies' listed as an elective for next year. For anyone who’s taken it or knows about it, what do you actually learn? And is it considered a good class by colleges?

Might be a silly question, but I've heard of both Honor Society and National Honor Society. Are they different names for the same thing, or are they completely separate groups? And if they're differen …

Hey all, I'm a bit confused about how my school's grading system works. Do quarter grades play a role in my final GPA, or is it just the semester grades that count? I'm trying to calculate my GPA for …

Hey everyone, I’m trying to plan out my remaining high school classes and I’m not sure how many years of a world language I need. Do colleges have a preferred number of years for language study, or is …

I've read that some colleges like to see students from small class environments because it suggests more individual attention, but my high school is pretty big. Will colleges consider the average high …