Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “College Expert Blogs”
Your summer activities should feel purposeful, not performative. Before signing up for programs or internships, reflect on what you’re genuinely interested in, not what you think will impress admissions. For more tips for planning a productive summer, check out our June issue.
Our Class of 2026 rose above the challenges of this year’s admission cycle. Their unique, personal essays and applications showed such character and heart! We are thrilled to see them head off to a diverse list of destinations where we know they will thrive and have fun. Bravo seniors! (And thank you, parents, for your support and partnership.)
The University of Miami makes Ryan’s Top Ten list of beautiful campuses, but its appeal doesn’t end there. Interested in a selective research university that also serves up plenty of sunshine and Division I sports? Check out Ryan’s UM blog and read about his visit to the Sunshine State!
Parents naturally want to help smooth the path to college, but there is a big difference between offering support and taking over the process. In this issue, we offer advice for finding the right balance.
If you’re interested in a college filled with scholars, artists and activists, check out our April college spotlight. In addition to being at the forefront of social progress, the Oberlin campus is strong in the sciences and its music conservatory is among the best in the nation. Read more about this progressive Ohio campus in our College of the Month blog – and see if Oberlin might be a good fit for you!
What is the “best” kind of community service? Something that matters and feels important to you. When you volunteer with intention and an awareness for what brings you joy, it is much more impressive than just logging hours. In this issue, read more about community service from a college admissions perspective. Other articles include: Focus on Majors: Crops and Soils …
We love to hear from our college freshmen, especially when they are as excited about their college experience as Meredith. She joined the “work-hard play-hard” Georgetown University campus last fall as a neurobiology + pre-med major, and she loves the accessibility of downtown D.C., dorm life, her running club, and volunteering at the American Red Cross at Walter Reed. Read Meredith’s blog to find out what else she has learned about this challenging and charming D.C. campus.
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 the classroom. College Expert counselor Michelle visited the USC campus and shares her impression in this month’s College Spotlight!
Your “likely“ colleges should never feel like a backup plan. Often, they provide incentives, opportunities and mentors that are harder to come by at more selective schools. In our March issue, we talk about “likely” colleges – and why the most selective school that admits you isn’t always your best choice.
Looking for a challenging yet down-to-earth college where you can balance academics with outdoor adventure? Colorado College might be the right fit for you!
Are you struggling to select courses that feel challenging but not overwhelming? Are you debating whether to sign up for a unique class that excites you – or another AP option to strengthen your record? In this issue, we provide tips for planning your schedule.
Do you learn best by doing? Northeastern might be a great fit for you! Ranked #1 for co-op programs, the university emphasizes immersive hands-on learning, including global opportunities on its London Campus. Intrigued? Read more in our January College of the Month profile!
Colleges don’t evaluate your application in isolation. They rely heavily on your school’s profile – a document that provides enrollment numbers, academic programs, grading scales and other factors that gives admissions context for your grades and accomplishments. In this issue, we discuss how it’s used.
Art students, take note. December’s College of the Month feature highlights Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), which offers a collaborative, creative environment that will allow you to build an impressive portfolio while immersed in vibrant Savannah, Georgia. If that sounds exciting to you, read more about Aleece’s visit to SCAD!
Failure is not the opposite of success, but a deeply valuable learning experience. In this issue, we rethink what it means to “fail” and discuss how setbacks can make an even bigger impression on admissions officers than a spotless record.
In our November College of the Month spotlight, Katie tells us about her visit to Occidental, the LA campus where President Barack Obama started his college education. Oxy is known for its activist-minded student body; energetic, mid-century modern campus and global, hands-on learning opportunities. If you crave a liberal arts setting in a sunny SoCal location, check out Katie’s blog and learn more about Oxy!
Choosing a major isn’t a one-time decision, it’s a process that can continue after you’ve enrolled in college. In our November issue, we provide resources to help you find a path – and explain why it’s ok to change direction.
High school GPAs once were the best predictor of college success, but straight A’s don’t carry the weight they used to. As a result, colleges are looking for something more to show you will be successful in their programs. How do you demonstrate you have what it takes? Read our October issue.
In this College of the Month spotlight, Sue takes a closer look at the University of Utah, located just minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. The campus offers a great balance of opportunities for outdoor adventure (hello hikers and snowboarders!) with urban access to restaurants, events and internships. It’s also known for its spirited MUSS cheering section, abundant research opportunities, and strong medicine/health sciences programs. Read Sue’s blog!
We’re kicking off a new College of the Month Spotlight with a closer look at St Olaf, a picturesque campus about 45 minutes south of the Twin Cities. If you’re looking for a tight-knit, global-oriented community with celebrated music programs (and really great food) read more about St. Olaf!
Today’s college students are increasingly using “No Contact Orders” as a solution for things like roommate disputes rather than address conflict with conversation. In this issue, we look at the implications of this trend and how students can learn to resolve disputes themselves – before reaching out to administration.
Look at you, Class of 2025! 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 the world needs right now. Good luck – we will be rooting for you! – The College Expert Team
Heading off to college is exciting, but during the first weeks on campus, it isn’t unusual to feel overwhelmed. New classes, new friends, a new routine…it’s a big adjustment for any first-year student. In this issue, we discuss common freshman challenges and provide tips for setting priorities — which include mental health.
This year’s graduates were part of the largest class in U.S. history, and, as a result, college applications surged. Yet our students rose to this challenge with unique, personal essays and applications that showcased their character and their potential. Read more about their outstanding results!
Art students, take note. The Savannah College of Art and Design offers a collaborative, creative environment that allows you to build an impressive portfolio while immersed in vibrant Savannah, Georgia. If that sounds exciting to you, read more on our blog about Aleece’s visit to SCAD!
Some college essay topics are just too overused to get noticed. How do you ensure your unique story shines through? In this issue, we discuss common topics and strategies for writing an unforgettable essay.
Do you learn best by doing? Northeastern might be a great fit for you! Ranked #1 for co-op programs, the university emphasizes immersive hands-on learning, including global opportunities on its London campus. Intrigued? Read about Michelle’s recent campus tour!
If you’re struggling with your college decision, we have some advice. Start with yourself. Before you compare colleges, get clear on your priorities – then weigh which school is the best fit for you. Check out our April issue for more tips!
Looking for a challenging yet down-to-earth campus where you can balance academics with adventure? Read about Sue’s trip to Colorado College and see if it could be the right fit for you!
Spring break is campus tour season. In this issue, we share insight from two parents on how to plan your trip, get the “real’ feel of campus and encourage your student to take the lead.
