College

Rochester Student Develops App to Support Peers Who are Struggling

Posted on March 21, 2023March 21, 2023 by Barb Buchholz

Nandini facing camera smiling with laptop turned toward viewer showing SafeSphere app she developed

During her freshman year, Nandini noticed how isolation during the pandemic was affecting her own mental health as well as that of her peers. To elevate her mood, she turned to journaling, running and working out with her brother. She also began to think about how many people didn’t only struggle with mental health during the pandemic, but throughout their lives, and considered ways she could hel...
Read More

College Spotlight on University of Wisconsin-Madison

Posted on March 8, 2023March 8, 2023 by CE

View of University of Wisconsin-Madison football stadium filled with students and fans from high seats in end zone

Read Bailey’s advice for college freshmen in her College Spotlight and see if her spirited Big 10 school also has a place on your college list!
Read More

A Visit to Swarthmore College

Posted on February 15, 2023February 15, 2023 by sueluse

The backs of a group of students walking across campus past historic gray brick building on sunny day

By Sue Luse I visited several colleges in the Philadelphia area in early October, and months after my visit Swarthmore College still stands out. It is located in a beautiful suburban area, only 10 miles from Philly and with close, easy access to the airport. There is a train on campus to take students into Philly and all over the east coast, which gives students the flexibility to explore...
Read More

College Spotlight on St. Olaf College

Posted on February 7, 2023February 7, 2023 by CE

Lilly’s first semester included environmental studies, backpacking adventures and “just the right amount of freedom.” Looking for a Midwest liberal arts college? Learn more about St. Olaf in her College Spotlight!
Read More

Seven Great Ways to Get to Know a College

Posted on February 1, 2023February 1, 2023 by College Expert

Three students walking outside science building

It’s never too soon to start researching colleges. If you’re college bound, then it’s time to begin. The better you understand your options, the easier it will be to build a college list that excites you and one in which you feel confident. Not sure where to start? There are a number of ways you can learn about a campus to determine if it is the right fit for you. Colleges responded quickl...
Read More

Making the Most of Your Summer

Posted on January 24, 2023January 24, 2023 by College Expert

Are you longing for summer as much as we are? While you’re dreaming of warmer days, you should also start looking ahead for summer opportunities either close to home or on a college campus. While summer programs are completely optional, they are a great way to dive deeply into one of your interests, and colleges like to see how you’ve engaged with something you love outside of c...
Read More

A Visit to Grinnell College

Posted on December 6, 2022March 1, 2023 by sueluse

Grinnell College sign and columns in fall

By Sue Luse We love sharing hidden gems with students. One of the benefits of working with us is we often can identify colleges that are just the right fit for a student but that may not be on their radar. Grinnell College is just that kind of school. With an enrollment of only 1,700 students, Grinnell is a small campus with a lot to offer. Located halfway between Des Moines and Cedar...
Read More

December College Expert Newsletter

Posted on December 2, 2022December 2, 2022 by College Expert

Considering an honors program or college? The benefits go beyond a diploma designation. Read about the perks of undergraduate honors. Other articles include: Focus on Majors/Biomedical Engineering – An aging population is driving demand in this field. Financial Matters – Writing your way to a college scholarship. Early Admission Decisions – What you need to do once early decisions rol...
Read More

November 2022 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on November 3, 2022November 9, 2022 by College Expert

While they may not ask specifically, colleges want to know how you’ll contribute to campus. Read our tips for making your case. Other articles include: Focus on Majors/Peace and Conflict Studies – A field that’s part theory, part hands-on experience. Financial Matters: Do you need to submit the CSS Profile? Impact – It’s an admissions buzzword, but what exactly are they looking ...
Read More

October 2022 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on October 3, 2022October 3, 2022 by College Expert

You want to provide a complete picture, but should you address low grades or a learning disability in your application? Here are some guidelines to help you decide. Other articles include: Focus on Majors/Kinesiology – A field for those interested in science, health and exercise. Financial Matters: It’s Time for the FAFSA. Avoiding College Application Mistakes – How to avoid careless mis...
Read More

10 Tips for Planning Your Fall College Visit

Posted on September 20, 2022September 20, 2022 by College Expert

If you’re planning to tour colleges during the long MEA weekend, good for you! It’s a great time to experience campus while school is in full swing and bustling with students. However, to get a thorough experience so you can truly weigh if it’s a good fit for you, you want to do more than just check out the library and dining hall. A meaningful visit involves a little planning before you go. ...
Read More

September 2022 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on September 3, 2022September 3, 2022 by College Expert

What do college admission officers really look for? Hint: It’s more than grades and test scores. Read our tips for making the most of high school. Other articles include: Focus on Majors/Chemistry – A field for problem solvers and analytical thinkers. Financial Matters – Studying out-of-state at in-state prices. Do Safety Schools Really Exist Anymore? – Why you should treat every school l...
Read More

Congratulations Class of 2022

Posted on June 23, 2022June 24, 2022 by College Expert

Congratulations Class of 2022! It seems like we were just guiding you through your college applications and essays, and look at you now! While the school year was somewhat more “normal” this year, we know you had your share of challenges. But through them all, 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. Best ...
Read More

Character Counts: Why Personal Qualities are Gaining Importance in College Admissions

Posted on June 21, 2022June 21, 2022 by College Expert

Female high school student helping younger student with homework

While admittedly subjective, “character” counts in college admissions. With many colleges abandoning or making optional SAT and ACT test scores, assessing applicants holistically has become an even greater focus, and a student’s ability to demonstrate character has become just as important as demonstrating leadership, intellectual curiosity and achievement. While character is an abstract c...
Read More

A Visit to High Point University

Posted on May 18, 2022May 18, 2022 by sueluse

Students entering a bright sun-filled campus building with high windows

By Sue Luse Extraordinary. After spending an afternoon touring the High Point University campus, I can’t think of a better word to describe it. While I’ve visited hundreds of colleges, many of them more than once, the High Point University campus always makes an impression. When Dr. Nido R. Qubein took over as president in 2005, he made a commitment to transform the university and invest i...
Read More

Reflections on our Class of 2022

Posted on May 12, 2022May 12, 2022 by College Expert

Meeting with students to finalize their college decisions is one of the most rewarding steps in our journey with them. Sometimes they have had a clear goal in mind throughout the process, and we are celebrating that exciting accomplishment. But just as often, the months leading up to that meeting are self-reflective. Their final decision represents what they’ve discovered about themselves, wh...
Read More

College Spotlight on Northwestern University

Posted on April 11, 2022April 11, 2022 by CE

14 members of Northwestern's mellophone section in band uniforms or NU t-shirts

The quarter system at Northwestern allows Lorien to study multiple majors – a huge plus for this student with varied interests. Considering Northwestern? Read about Lorien’s first year at this rigorous Big 10 school!
Read More

College Spotlight On Loyola University Chicago

Posted on March 16, 2022March 16, 2022 by College Expert

At Loyola University Chicago, Zara is gaining hands-on experience in the Elementary Ed program and experiencing college life in a major metropolitan city. Read why this freshman loves Loyola!
Read More

College Spotlight on the University of Edinburgh

Posted on February 17, 2022February 17, 2022 by CE

Solveig’s expectations of a typical college experience have been replaced with the sound of bagpipes and 500-year-old architecture. Read about this freshman’s international adventure at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Solveig (far left) with friends at sunset.
Read More

A visit to California Polytechnic State University

Posted on February 4, 2022April 12, 2022 by Kris Olson

Kris at Cal Poly in front of the retaining wall with name of the college inscribed.

By Kris Olson After a visit to California Polytechnic University (Cal Poly) in November, I understood one of the reasons why a student from the upper Mid-West would want to apply. It was 80-degrees as I toured this mid-sized San Luis Obispo campus, a mere 15-minute drive from the beaches of California’s central coast. But even more impressive than the weather was Cal Poly’s commitment to h...
Read More

College Spotlight on American University

Posted on January 26, 2022January 26, 2022 by CE

One of the best ways to learn about a college is to hear from someone who goes there. Each year, we invite freshmen to share their first-year experience, so follow along to get the inside story on campuses across the country. Today we're featuring American University. This suburban-feel campus near the heart of DC gives students plenty of opportunities for learning, exploring and fun. Read why El...
Read More

College Spotlight on the College of Wooster

Posted on January 6, 2022January 8, 2022 by CE

The not-too-big College of Wooster campus is just right for this freshman. Read about Jonathan’s first semester at this Ohio liberal arts college.
Read More

January 2022 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on January 3, 2022January 3, 2022 by College Expert

Is it truly getting more and more difficult to get into college? Yes…and no. Here are the facts behind the hype. Other articles include: The Best Colleges for Pre-meds – What to consider when making your choice. Financial Matters: College Loans – A look at options, interest rates and lenders. Using Your PSAT Score for Planning – How test scores can help you b...
Read More

College Spotlight on Cornell University

Posted on December 8, 2021December 8, 2021 by College Expert

Richard gives Cornell University an A+ for academic flexibility, quirky writing seminars and a friendly college-town campus. Read about his freshman experience.
Read More