Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “College Expert Blogs”
If you think it’s too early to start planning your summer, guess again. Many programs have early application dates and limited space. In this issue, we explore summer opportunities all over the country, from science research to creative writing. Other articles include: Focus on Majors: Fire Sciences – A niche degree that offers a surprising variety of paths for graduates. Financial Matters – …
Congratulations to Kerrera, a 2022 graduate and former College Expert student of Ryan’s, whose guest commentary was published in the Strib Voices column of the Star Tribune. Kerrera, a Tufts University student, reflects on the question, “Where are you from?” and her appreciation for Minnesota’s culture and sense of community. Read the article or view as PDF.
California dreamers, if you’re looking for a college with academic rigor, unique programs and a work-hard, play-hard culture, look no further than USC. Just a short drive from downtown LA, USC is perfect for motivated students who love to be active both inside and outside of class. College Expert counselor Michelle recently visited the USC campus and shares her impression!
College Expert counselor Michelle says if she were to apply today, Emory would top her list! Read about Michelle’s visit and learn what she found both charming and surprising at this Atlanta university.
Your back-to-school checklist should include college planning if you are a junior or senior. What to do when? In this issue, we offer some guidance.
“Doing what’s right” is in the fabric of this small, liberal arts college in Ohio. If you thrive on community, activism and rigorous academics, take a deeper look at Oberlin – it might belong on your college list!
Saying good bye and good luck to one class as we shift our attention to another is always bittersweet for us. But more than anything right now, we are proud and excited about your choices, your opportunities and your futures! Please check in with us in the fall once you’ve settled in on campus and let us know how things …
Sue was interviewed by Star Tribune columnist Myron Medcalf for a column on the future of higher education and the implications of factors like increasing tuition costs and the impact of AI. Read more here.
Summer is college application season, and you don’t want to wait too long before you start to brainstorm ideas and draft your essay. The best writing requires self-reflection, and that takes time! In this issue, we offer tips for kicking off the process.
This year’s matriculation list fills us with tremendous pride and satisfaction. It was one of the most challenging admission cycles ever, yet 92% of our students will attend their first choice or a high-interest college in the fall. Read more about our insights, our results, and a complete list of our students’ destinations.
Honors, AP or dual enrollment? Higher-level classes give you an edge in admissions, but being challenged without feeling overwhelmed is also a consideration. In this issue, we provide insight to help you decide.
If your dream campus includes beach access and an easy train ride to New York City, check out Fairfield University – a Jesuit liberal arts school with exceptional business and nursing programs.
Say goodbye to bubble answer sheets and No. 2 pencils – the SAT has gone digital. What does this mean in terms of format, navigation and scoring? We cover it all in our March issue! Other articles include: Focus on Majors: Business – A popular major with many career paths and options. Financial Matters – Greek life, study abroad, it …
With a 3% acceptance rate, Harvard is a reach for any student, but applicants who beat those odds demonstrate some very specific qualities. Sue shares her insight after her recent visit to Harvard and recaps the perks, traditions and challenges of attending our country’s oldest college.
According to a survey of 30,000 college graduates, your experiences in college have a bigger impact on your job and life satisfaction than the college you attended. Which experiences matter most? Find out in our February issue.
While you’re dreaming of warmer days, you should also start looking for summer opportunities to dive deeply into your interests. Some on-campus programs have February deadlines! Read more.
Sue was featured in the Star Tribune today! Read about her journey from elementary education major to high school counselor to business owner, and hear from clients who say she helped them find the perfect college fit.
Preparing for college involves more than academics. Giving your student some freedom in high school will ease their transition after they graduate. Read five tips for how to get started.
As you plan for college, it isn’t a bad idea to have a few career interests in mind. Not sure what you want to do? This month, we offer five ideas for connecting the dots between your interests, your major and potential careers.
Is MIT on your college list? Sue visited campus earlier this year and shares her insight on academics, campus culture and what admissions really looks for at this highly selective research university.
Building your college list? It’s important to understand an institution’s strengths. Some excel in engineering, while others may be tops in education or journalism. In this issue, we tell you what to look for in an academic department.
Colleges will be on the lookout for ChatGPT generated essays, and while there are legitimate and helpful ways to use the technology, relying on it for writing is risky and ineffective. In this month’s issue, read about the implications of ChatGPT. Other articles include: Focus on Majors/English – Career opportunities beyond writing and teaching. Financial Matters – Important changes that …
You have your college list, now it’s time to decide on an application plan. Your decision can impact deadlines, when you’re notified and whether you’re making a binding commitment. In our September issue, we decode six options, including Early Decision and Early Action, and the pros, cons and requirements of each. Other articles include: Focus on Majors/Animal Science – Careers …
College costs far exceed tuition, books and room and board. What’s the true cost of college? Sue was interviewed for a recent Star Tribune article addressing hidden costs that can add up to thousands of dollars. Read the article for budgeting and spending advice and learn why “who pays for what” should be addressed in advance.
Look at you, Class of 2023! Throughout this process we watched you learn, grow and discover what’s important to you, and we can’t wait to see what you do with that knowledge! You are exactly what this world needs right now. Good luck – we will be rooting for you!
Take note, Class of 2024! If you want to increase your chances of being accepted, it’s important to understand the college admissions landscape. Read about four trends we observed during 2022-23 that we believe will continue to have an impact.
Would you rather graduate from a prestigious school or debt-free? Do you love an intimate campus or the energy of a big city? Establishing priorities will help you build your college list. Learn more about finding your fit in our June issue.
Erik reflects on the charm and challenges of his freshman year at the nation’s second oldest college. Read why he loves its history, its professors and his Ultimate Frisbee team!
Each year, we are privileged to get to know our high school students across the state and country as they complete their college journey. And every May, we reflect on their stories and accomplishments with gratitude and awe. We are so proud of you, Class of 2023! This has been the most competitive year for admissions since we started College …
Bubble answer sheets and No. 2 pencil reminders will soon become a thing of the past with the launch of the new digital PSAT/NMSQT and SAT. Wondering what to expect and how to prepare? Read more here.
