College

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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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!
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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!
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Seven Great Ways to Get to Know a College

Posted on March 9, 2022March 9, 2022 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...
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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.
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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...
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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...
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Making the Most of Your Summer

Posted on January 17, 2022January 17, 2022 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 class. If yo...
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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.
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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...
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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.
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College Spotlight on Lafayette

Posted on December 4, 2021December 3, 2021 by College Expert

Kyra knew Lafayette was her first choice as soon as she stepped on campus. Read Kyra's blog about her freshman year and why this college had her at hello.
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November 2021 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on November 1, 2021November 1, 2021 by College Expert

The right “why this college” essay response shows admissions you’re a serious applicant. Read our tips for standing out. Other articles include: Majoring in Nursing – A healthcare degree with abundant opportunities. Financial Matters: Merit Awards – Private colleges could be more affordable than you think. Social Media: Think Before You Post – What trigger...
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October 2021 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on October 2, 2021October 2, 2021 by College Expert

Are you giving your “likely” colleges enough thought? Read our tips for choosing them carefully. Other articles include: Majoring in International Relations/Poli Sci – Degrees with diverse paths in a global society. Financial Matters: The CSS Profile – The financial aid form for institutional awards. Volunteer Opportunities in a Pandemic – How students are staying...
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September 2021 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on September 2, 2021September 2, 2021 by College Expert

After months of online learning, it’s natural to feel a little anxious about heading back to school. Read our tips to ease the transition. Other articles include: Majoring in Applied Math – Why math-related careers dominate top 20 career lists.Financial Matters – What you need to know about applying for FAFSA.Applying ED/EA – Important considerations before applying ED/EA instead of regula...
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College Expert Celebrating 20 Years

Posted on August 2, 2021August 2, 2021 by sueluse

It’s hard to believe I started College Expert 20 years ago with eight clients from the Class of 2002 and a desire to use my background as a high school guidance counselor to advise students and families on the college application process. Ryan joined me in 2012, and College Expert has since grown to include nine employees (and 3 furry mascots). Now we work with more than 100 students each yea...
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Campus Tours Are Back – But a Little Different This Summer

Posted on June 24, 2021June 24, 2021 by College Expert

Many colleges are welcoming students and families back on campus for in-person visits this summer. But before you go, it’s important to check their website for guidelines and limitations and to plan your visit ahead of time. Colleges generally require advanced registration for events and still have protocols in place to ensure the safety of students, staff and visitors. These vary by school, ...
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Congratulations to the Class of 2021

Posted on June 14, 2021June 14, 2021 by College Expert

College Expert Class of 2021Click to enlarge Congratulations to the amazing Class of 2021! The world is opening up to you in so many ways right now. You've shown you're resilient, flexible and brave, and we can't wait to see what your future holds. All the best from Sue, Ryan and the College Expert team!
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Summer 2021 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on June 2, 2021June 13, 2021 by College Expert

In this issue, five summer activities that will strengthen your college application. Other topics include: Majoring in the Classics – An uncommon choice with a high success rate. Financial Matters – The pros and cons of college payment options. Safety on Campus – Tech tips and other practices to keep you safe at school. Read the June issue.
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Reflections on the Class of 2021

Posted on May 7, 2021May 22, 2021 by College Expert

This year was filled with challenges. College tours were virtual, test scores became optional, and the news was filled with reports about record applications and low acceptance rates. While we are always confident that, in spite of twists and turns, students end up where they are meant to be, everything felt a little more uncertain this year. It was also filled with wonderful surprises. As...
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