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Advisor Questions and Answers

Answers to questions frequently asked by parents and students applying to colleges. Post your questions and receive responses from CollegeSimply Advisor and the community.

How to Calculate Weighted GPA?

How do I figure out my weighted GPA? I know my unweighted GPA, but with all the honors and AP classes I take, it seems higher when weighted.

How Many AP Classes Is Overkill?

Is it possible to take too many AP classes? I have a full schedule with APs and wonder if it's overkill for schools like Stanford or MIT.

Stanford MIT

Which Penn State campus is easiest to get accepted into?

Hey everyone! I'm looking to apply to Penn State and I've heard some of their campuses are easier to get into than others. Does anyone know which Penn State campus has the highest acceptance rate? Any tips on improving my chances would be awesome!

Penn State Shenango Penn State Mont Alto Penn

What makes Purdue's study abroad program unique?

Purdue University is on my list mainly for its engineering program, but I'm also interested in study abroad. Does anyone know what makes their study abroad program stand out among Big 10 schools?

Purdue

Is Miami considered a Public Ivy?

I've been looking into the Miami University as a potential option, and I've heard the term 'Public Ivy' tossed around. Can anyone explain if Miami fits into that category and what exactly it means to be a Public Ivy? Does it have the same prestige as, say, schools like the University of Michigan or the University of North Carolina?

Miami Miami Michigan UNC Chapel Hill

SAT or ACT: What's better for Ivy League schools?

When applying to Ivy League schools, is there a preferred test between SAT and ACT? I'm aiming for Harvard, and I want to know if one test will improve my chances over the other.

Improving SAT Scores: Practice or Tutoring?

I'm trying to raise my SAT score by about 150 points. Should I focus on self-study and practice tests or would hiring a tutor be more effective?

What are some recommended safety schools in Oklahoma?

I'm trying to build a balanced college list and need to find some good safety schools in Oklahoma. I'm considering OU and Oklahoma State as matches, but I'm not sure what other options might be available here as safeties. Anyone have suggestions or personal experiences? I'd appreciate some advice!

RSU Southeastern Oklahoma State University Cameron University ECU

What impact does freshman year have on overall GPA?

I'm worried because I got some B's and even a C+ this freshman year. How much does my freshman year GPA influence my overall GPA by the time I apply to colleges?

Difference between ACT prep classes and self-study?

For those studying for the ACT, did you find prep courses more effective than self-study? Trying to decide between a local prep center and studying on my own with online resources for schools like UCLA or NYU.

UCLA NYU

Benefits of Greek life at Texas A&M?

I'm curious about the benefits of joining Greek life at Texas A&M. Are there networking opportunities or academic support that make it worth considering? Would love to hear from current or former students who were involved.

Texas A&M

What are good safety schools in Vermont?

I'm a high school junior looking at colleges in Vermont, and I'm trying to find some good safety schools to apply to. I want to stay somewhat close to home, and I've already got UVM as my reach school. Any recommendations for safer options, and what factors should I consider when picking them?

Vermont Tech UVM

Dealing with unexpected score drops in superscoring?

What if I get a lower score in a section I did well on before when taking another attempt for superscoring? Should I just focus on improving the weaker section?

What Are Good Safety Schools in Texas?

I'm looking at applying to schools in Texas and want to have a few safety options in case my top choices don't work out. Does anyone know some good safety schools in Texas that still offer strong programs, especially in business? I'm considering places like UT Austin and Texas A&M, so I want something solid just in case.

Texas State UNT SHSU UT Austin Texas A&M

How to schedule a tour during a busy week?

I'm juggling school, work, and activities but really want to visit Wake Forest and Duke. Any suggestions on how to fit these visits into a hectic schedule without neglecting my commitments?

Wake Forest Duke

What Are Some Good Safety Schools in New York?

I'm starting to look at colleges and I'm really interested in schools in New York. I'm planning to apply to a few reach schools like NYU, but I also want to have some good safety schools in my list. Does anyone know of any good options for safety schools in New York? Ideally ones with strong programs and campus life.

SUNY Cortland Pace University-New York

Caltech Waitlist: How It Works?

Hey, I'm on the Caltech waitlist and I'm not sure what to expect. Do they typically pull many students from the waitlist, and is there something specific I should do to improve my chances?

Caltech

Which is more prestigious, UCLA or USC?

Hey everyone, I'm torn between UCLA and USC and trying to figure out which one is seen as more prestigious. I'm planning to major in business, and I've heard great things about both schools. Could anyone provide some insight or personal experiences that might help me decide? Thanks!

USC UCLA

What GPA do I need for the University of Miami?

I'm considering applying to the University of Miami and trying to figure out where I stand. Does anyone know the typical GPA range for accepted students? I currently have a 3.4, and I really want to gauge my chances. Would it help if I focused on elevating my GPA in senior year, or should I highlight other strengths in my application?

Miami

Finding schools that superscore SAT and ACT

Any resources to find out which colleges superscore SAT and ACT? Trying to make a list of where it might boost my chances. Heard some schools do it differently.