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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 do college essays impact admissions decisions?

Hey everyone! As a junior starting to think about applications, I'm wondering about the REAL impact of college essays. Like, do they actually tip the scales for an applicant, or are they just a formal …

a year ago

What's the hype around Johns Hopkins University?

So I've heard a lot about Johns Hopkins and its prestige, but I'm kinda wondering what specifically about JHU's programs or campus life makes it such a sought after school? Any insider info or persona …

a year ago

Where can I find schools with an engineering focus like Lehigh University?

Hey peeps! I'm drawn to Lehigh University for its strong engineering programs and their project-based approach, plus I've heard about their awesome campus culture. What other schools should I be consi …

a year ago

Are high school honors classes worth more credits?

Just curious, do honors classes in high school typically give you more credits than standard classes? How does this affect my high school GPA and is it something colleges consider when looking at my a …

a year ago

Is it mandatory to take a physics course for most college programs?

I'm currently planning out my senior year courses, and I'm trying to figure out if I need physics to be a competitive applicant. Physics isn’t really my strong suit, so I’m wondering, do a lot of coll …

a year ago

Feeling uneasy about discrimination—what's the real deal with racism in schools these days?

I've been kinda stressed about the social climate in universities lately—does racism still play a part in campuses across the US? How do schools address these issues, and what can students do to foste …

a year ago

How much do honors classes impact my GPA?

Hey everyone! I'm currently a junior and wondering about how honors classes are weighted in terms of GPA. How is the value of an honors class calculated compared to regular classes? Also, do colleges …

a year ago

What are schools in Spain like compared to the US?

Hey guys, I’m curious about the differences between high schools in Spain and the US, as I might be studying abroad next year. Can anyone shed light on their academic environment, how they prepare stu …

a year ago

Where's the best place to get more info on the PSAT?

Hey all, I'm a junior and I'm starting to think about the PSAT. I've heard it's kind of a big deal because of National Merit Scholarships and all that. I don't know too much about it, though. Does any …

a year ago

Which colleges want four years of a foreign language?

Hey everyone! I’m starting to plan out my senior year courses, and I’m not sure if I should take a fourth year of Spanish. Does anyone know if a lot of colleges actually require four years of foreign …

a year ago

How do Embry-Riddle admissions view leadership roles?

So I'm a junior and I've been looking into schools with strong aerospace programs, and Embry-Riddle is at the top of my list. I’m the president of my school's model rocketry club, and I’m wondering ho …

a year ago

What's the PSAT and when should I take it?

Hey everyone! I'm a junior and keep hearing about the PSAT but I'm not totally clear on what it is or when I'm supposed to take it. Is there a specific year it's meant for, and what does it actually t …

a year ago

Alternative universities to NYU with a strong urban campus?

Hey guys! I’m pretty much in love with NYU's location and the opportunities that come with it. Are there other schools that have that same urban feel and strong connections to the city they're in? I'm …

a year ago

Can you give me a taste of student life at Penn State?

Penning down some options and Penn State's in the mix. For all you Nittany Lions or knowledgeable folks out there, are there fun facts or aspects of student life at Penn State University that make it …

a year ago

Importance of African American studies in high school curriculum for college?

Hey fam, I’m currently exploring elective courses for my senior year, and I’m thinking about taking African American studies. Do you think colleges appreciate seeing that kind of course on your transc …

a year ago

How does Lasell University stand out?

Hey everyone, as a junior starting to explore colleges, I'm curious about what makes each one special. Can anyone share what Lasell University is particularly known for? Are there unique programs or c …

a year ago

What is the average PSAT score most students get?

I'm trying not to obsess over this but curious minds wanna know – what's the average PSAT score that students typically get? Is there a benchmark we should be aware of, or does it not really matter?

a year ago

What's the best way to handle the 'tell me about yourself' question in a college interview?

So, I've landed an interview (yay!) and I'm trying to prep the best I can. I know the 'tell me about yourself' question is almost guaranteed to come up. Any tips on what they're really looking for wit …

a year ago

Which universities require first quarter grades when applying?

Junior here! I've been doing well in school, but my first quarter grades are kind of stressing me out. I wonder, do colleges ask for your first quarter grades when you apply? I want to make sure I mai …

a year ago

Can I use contractions like 'don't' in a college essay, or is that too informal?

Quick query for y'all: Are contractions like 'don't' and 'won't' a big no-no in a college essay, or are they okay to use? I want my essay to sound conversational, but I'm worried about coming across a …

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.