Dear Students, As I have been hearing about your graduations, saying goodbyes and attending open houses, I felt compelled to send you this note of reflection and praise. It got me thinking…. This Class of 2019 was magnificent and mystic. More on the second word at the end… This whole college thing is an epic time! Thinking back on my …
June (Summer) 2019 College Expert Newsletter
[ap_column_wrap] [ap_column span=”2″] [/ap_column] [ap_column span=”3″] Read our June (Summer) 2019 College Expert Newsletter. Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter. Advice For New College Freshmen Focus on Majors: Environmental Science Financial Matters: Pre-College Legal & Financial Matters [/ap_column] [/ap_column_wrap]
Reflections on the Class of 2019
We couldn’t be more proud of the Class of 2019. Since our first Research Jam Sessions with this class, we noticed exceptional diligence, enthusiasm and flexibility in this group of students. Our sessions were always filled to capacity, and when the Common Application went live August 1, they worked hard, were open to suggestions, supported each other and wrote some …
What to Look For When Hiring a College Consultant
US News & World Report recently published an article on what to look for when hiring a college consultant. In the article, Mark Sklarow, CEO at Independent Educational Consultant Association (IECA), discusses how IECA members (like Sue & Ryan) must undergo background checks and adhere to ethical standards and practices. In addition to IECA membership, Sklarow also says to look …
April 2019 College Expert Newsletter
[ap_column_wrap] [ap_column span=”2″] [/ap_column] [ap_column span=”3″] Read our April 2019 College Expert Newsletter. Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter. Waitlist Purgatory Focus on Majors: Linguistics Financial Matters: Comparing Financial Aid Packages Social Media & College Admission [/ap_column] [/ap_column_wrap]
Spotlight on Tulane University
What university ranks in the top 50 and offers a rich cultural experience in the South? Read Caroline’s freshman year update on Tulane University.
College Expert Responds to College Admissions Scandal
Dear parents and students, These past few days, many of our clients have asked us about the college admissions scandal – news that saddened and outraged us, just as it did many of you. This time of year, we would rather be talking about our own students who are preparing to graduate and receiving acceptance letters to schools on their …
IECA Statement
College Expert is proud to be a member of IECA, which responded to today’s news with this statement. We share their commitment to ethics and personal fit when guiding our students.
Lettering in Kindness
We love a new trend we’re hearing about in local high schools. A recent article in the StarTribune said Minnetonka, Edina, Eden Prairie and Stillwater school districts are tapping into young people’s desire to do good by giving them the opportunity to earn varsity letters in community service. Have any of you lettered in kindness? We’d love to hear about …
A Visit to Tulane University
Embrace the Place; become a part of the city at Tulane By Kris Olson My visit to Tulane, a private university in New Orleans, Louisiana, was amazing in so many ways. As a first-time visitor, I had no idea what to expect. All I had ever heard about New Orleans was the craziness of Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras and, …
Spring Break College Visits: What to Know Before You Go
For those students not hitting the beach this spring break, college visits might be on the docket. But walking around campus and checking out the library and dining hall aren’t the only things you should do to make the most of your school stopover. A school visit requires a little planning before you go. Evaluating a college isn’t just about …
Focus on the Future – Ferguson Tutoring Open House
6 pm: Countdown to College Presented by Sue Luse and Ryan Luse Bring your Notebooks! Parents and students are encouraged to attend this workshop. College Expert® will outline the admissions process, provide you with a college prep timeline you can start as early as freshman year, and so much more! Parents, better understand your role in this process. Read more details …
The Common App announces 2019-20 essay prompts
The 2019-2020 Common App essay prompts will be the same as last year. What was Class of 2019’s most popular pick? “Topic of your choice.” Find out what the prompts are for 2019-2020.
Spotlight on Harvey Mudd
Interested in STEM, a small campus surrounded by 4 accessible colleges in southern California? Check out our College Spotlight on Harvey Mudd College.
College Spotlight – Vanderbilt University
If you like mild winters, close proximity to a music hub, cowboy boots, and top-notch education, then check out our latest student College Spotlight on Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
January 2019 College Expert Newsletter
[ap_column_wrap] [ap_column span=”2″] [/ap_column] [ap_column span=”3″] Read our January 2019 College Expert Newsletter. Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter. Planning for Summer in the Dead of Winter Focus on Majors: Gerontology Financial Matters: College Loans How to Handle a Deferral [/ap_column] [/ap_column_wrap]
Reflections on the Class of 2018
The Class of 2018 embraced the application process with excitement, diligence, and flexibility. When the Common Application went live on August 1st, our students worked hard, supported each other and wrote some of the best essays we have ever seen! Being proactive, nearly 100% of our students applied either early decision, early action, priority, or rolling decision, and that speaks …
So You Are Using an Independent Counselor
Wondering what colleges think about high school students using independent college counselors like us at College Expert? Here’s a blog by Tulane University’s Director of Admissions about this very topic. So You Are Using an Independent Counselor
Social Media and Teen Anxiety
This is an excellent article about how “parents can help their kids navigate the pressures of their digital lives — without pulling the plug on the positives.” Social Media and Teen Anxiety
Reflections on the Class of 2017
The Class of 2017 embraced the application process with excitement, diligence, and flexibility. When the Common Application went live on August 1st, our students navigated the bumps and quirks and worked as a team to support one another. Being proactive, nearly 100% of students applied early decision, early action, priority, or rolling. In fact, we encouraged all students to submit …
College Spotlight on University of San Diego
Considering a college near the beach in Southern California? Think University of San Diego. Read about Theresa’s freshman year at University of San Diego.
College Spotlight on University of Puget Sound
Weighing whether to go to a small liberal arts college or a public university? Read Charlie’s blog about his choice between University of Puget Sound and University or Minnesota.
College Spotlight on Harvard College
Check out Harvard graduate Viroopa’s blog An alumna’s perspective – Harvard College.
Establish the Parents’ Role Early
Sue Luse, a member of Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) wrote an article for the October/November issue of IECA newsletter Insights. Read her article Establish the Parents’ Role Early that advices parents on being informed, realistic, and supportive. Here is the link to the October/November newsletter – Insights
Recommended Books
Check out our book recommendations that help teenagers and parents deal with the pressures and stress of high school years, and the transition from high school to college.
SAT Score Converter
How do you do a “concordance” of the new SAT scores (taken after March 2016), with the old SAT scores? Check out The College Board SAT Score Converter.
College Spotlight on University of Rochester
What is it like to be a freshman chemical engineering major and a studio arts minor at University of Rochester? Read Annie’s reflection on her freshman year.
Congratulations to the Class of 2016
Dear Class of 2016, Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your college planning journey. Congratulations and all the best as you go off to college. Please keep in touch and let us know how your freshman year goes. Enjoy the summer! Sue, Ryan, and the College Expert Team Click to enlarge
Reflections on the Class of 2016
The Class of 2016 embraced the application process with excitement, diligence, and flexibility. When the Common Application went live on August 1st, our students navigated the bumps and quirks and worked as a team to support one another. Being proactive, nearly 100% of students applied early decision, early action, priority, or rolling. In fact, we encouraged all students to submit their rolling …
College Spotlight on Case Western Reserve
Read about Paul Jokinen’s journey from college search to discovering why Case Western Reserve is the right choice for him. Paul is a Polymer Science and Engineering major.