CollegeVine Expert FAQ

I'm torn between applying Early Action and just waiting for Regular Decision. Those who've gone through this, can you share why you chose one over the other, and if you think it benefited you in the l …

Okay, so, UCLA is kinda my dream school because of its amazing location, prestigious programs, and the incredible student life. Still, I gotta stay realistic and find some backup options. Can anyone s …

Just came across the PIMA (Performance and Interactive Media Arts) program at Brooklyn College and it looks pretty unique. Does anyone have experience with it or know someone who does? I'm all about b …

Hey friends, I’m trying to budget for my junior year and AP exams are a big question mark. Can anyone who's recently taken them fill me in on how much AP exams cost nowadays? Also, is there a differen …

Alright team, as AP exams are drawing near, hit me up with: What should I bring to my AP exams? And yes, I'm the type who needs a checklist for everything. Anything to minimize test-day panic!

I've fallen in love with Brown's open curriculum and their collaborative culture. I'm looking for other colleges that offer a similar level of academic freedom and a supportive community. Any ideas wh …

Got a 1380 on my SAT and not sure how to feel about it. I'm targeting some top 50 schools and wondering if anyone has been in a similar spot and can share whether retaking for a higher score was benef …

Hey peeps, I'm caught up in this whole college search and Occidental College really stands out to me. They seem to have a strong focus on cultural diversity and academics. What other colleges out ther …

Hey guys, I’m kinda overwhelmed with where to start on my essay. Could someone give me advice on structuring my college application essay? How do I ensure that it flows well and really showcases who I …

Hey everyone, I'm starting to plan out my college application strategy and I'm wondering about the essay part. How many essays do most colleges require? I know there's the main Common App essay, but w …

Nervous upcoming college freshman here! I've heard that being a college freshman is somewhat similar to being a high school freshman. Is that right? What are the biggest changes I should brace myself …

I hear a lot about how important it is to be personal in your college essay but also to stay relatable. How can I find that balance and make sure I'm writing a personal essay that will connect with th …

Just a junior here feeling pretty average compared to the amazing things I read about other applicants. I’ve got decent grades and some extracurriculars, but nothing groundbreaking. How do I spin this …

I've heard different takes from everyone – my counselor says essays can make or break your application, while my brother says they're just a formality. How important are college essays actually when i …

Hey guys, I've been losing sleep over how difficult the AP World History exam might be. The content seems never-ending! How did you manage to review all the material, and was the exam as bad as people …

Hi friends, I've read cool things about Gonzaga's supportive community and smaller undergraduate focus, but Spokane is pretty far from home. Does anyone know colleges that offer a similar close-knit a …

Hello everyone! I'm passionate about design and architecture, but I’m a bit concerned about the cost and time commitment of a full-fledged architecture degree in college. Are there alternative career …

Okay peeps, I'm drafting this one essay where I have to talk about why I'm interested in a specific college. I keep second-guessing whether my reasons are good enough. What would you guys include? How …

So, I think I might have bitten off more than I can chew with my APs this year. What's the procedure to cancel an AP exam before I take it? Can I get a refund, and will it show on my record somewhere …

So I've heard the hook of a college essay is super important. Any thoughts on how to write a hook for a college essay that'll actually grab the reader’s attention? Worried that my intro is a bit bland …