Admissions

September College Expert Newsletter

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September 2023 College Expert Newsletter
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 in anim...
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Four Trends Shaping College Admissions

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College admissions is a changing landscape. Each year trends emerge as a result of new technology, new practices and shifting priorities. For example, years ago the introduction of the Common App streamlined the process and drove up applications. And after Covid, test optional became the norm rather than the exception. It’s important to consider trends like these as part of the college pl...
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Reflections on our Class of 2023

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Silhouette of a group of graduates tossing caps
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 Expert 20+ years ago. Most colleges remained...
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April College Expert Newsletter

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Colleges are looking beyond math and science skills to identify the most-qualified applicants for competitive STEM programs. Wondering if you have what it takes? Read our April issue! Other articles include: Focus on Majors/Communications Studies – A path that combines liberal arts with practical training. Financial Matters – Appealing financial aid awards. Dealing with Denial – How t...
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March College Expert Newsletter

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Want to really get to know a campus? Here are some tips for your next college visit. Other articles include: Focus on Majors/International Business – Cultural competence is in demand. Financial Matters – How to compare your financial aid packages. Navigating the Waitlist – Increasing your chance of acceptance while waiting.    College Visit Tips for Parents – Your to...
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December College Expert Newsletter

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December 2022 College Expert Newsletter
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...
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October 2022 College Expert Newsletter

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October 2022 College Expert Newsletter
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...
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Character Counts: Why Personal Qualities are Gaining Importance in College Admissions

Posted on 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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Reflections on our Class of 2022

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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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March 2022 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on by College Expert
March 2022 College Expert Newsletter
Upcoming changes to the SAT include a shorter, online format and the use of calculators. Read about the College Board’s updates to this standardized test. Other articles include: Focus on Molecular Biology – An in-demand degree for science enthusiasts. Financial Matters – College majors with the best ROI. Waitlist Purgatory – How to be proactive when placed on a waitlist. Read the March issu...
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January 2022 College Expert Newsletter

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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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November 2021 College Expert Newsletter

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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

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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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Reflections on the Class of 2021

Posted on 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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College Decisions and a Challenging Year

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Most college decisions are in or will be very soon, and it’s a season of mixed emotions. The college application process is a rollercoaster, and late March to early April can either be a high, a low or somewhere in between. Between a pandemic and surge of test optional applicants, this has been one of the strangest and most unpredictable application seasons we’ve ever seen,   Reg...
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The United Kingdom (UK) Offers Opportunity for Medical School as Undergraduate Degree

Posted on by Kris Olson
Kris Olson at University of Bristol By Kris Olson, Essay Expert The United Kingdom has some of the top accredited medical universities in the world. From Imperial College London, to University of Bristol in the southwest, to Newcastle University in the north, among others, the UK offers a variety of medical degrees and courses, including dental school and veterinary medicine. One of the ...
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February 2021 College Expert Newsletter

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Considering a gap year? In our February newsletter, learn when taking time off before heading to college can be a good idea. Other articles include: Majoring in Foreign Language – A desirable skill in many professions. Financial Matters – Changes are coming to the FAFSA in 2022-23. Looking to Enhance Your Learning Experiences? – Check out MOOCs like edX and Courser...
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Deferred, Not Defeated

Posted on by College Expert
When the pandemic first hit, everyone predicted that college applications would decrease similar to enrollment numbers. But in fact, at most select schools, the opposite has occurred. For example, for the Class of 2025, applications to Brown increased 22% over last year, Duke by 17.76%, University of Pennsylvania by 23% and Harvard by an astounding 57%.  There are many reasons for thi...
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You Did It & You Got This!- Ryan’s Reflections on the Class of 2020

Posted on by ryanluse
Ryan quote 2020
Dear Class of 2020, You did it and you got this! Let me explain. You started with a list of colleges that you may have seen as a mountain at times, but you decided the heights, the climb, and you got to the top. You evoked thousands of smiles and pulled heartstrings with your moving and entertaining essays that were read by countless admissions counselors from every corner of this country ...
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Reflections on the Class of 2020

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The Class of 2020 holds a special place in our hearts. While the college planning and application process is always a bit of a rollercoaster, for the Class of 2020, the ups and downs were exceptional. Just as seniors were celebrating their college decisions and beginning to picture themselves on campus, their school year came to an abrupt and unceremonious end. At a time when they should have...
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Update: College Planning and Admissions During the Coronavirus

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Dear Students & Parents,  Coronavirus remains on all of our minds. As soon as one question about its impact on college planning is answered, two more seem to take its place. At College Expert, we are working hard to keep up with all these changes and believe now more than ever, it’s important to have expert help to guide you through the process. Since we have been to over 400 coll...
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How Does The COVID-19 Pandemic Affect The College Application Process?

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Jason DeRusha spoke with Sue Luse, an education consultant, about how colleges and testing organizations are responding to the outbreak (2:43) WCCO This Morning -- March 31, 2020 Sue was interviewed by WCCO's Jason DeRusha via video chat on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on college testing and college tours, and she also gave advice on college acceptances during this time of uncertainty. ...
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Top 10 College Admissions Announcements This Week

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The COVID-19 outbreak has added a new level of stress to the already emotional college application and decision process. As a result of the pandemic, students are worried about fast-approaching decision deadlines, the impact of remote learning on their GPAs and transcripts, and access to ACT and SAT tests, which they were hoping to take -- or take one more time to improve their scores. ...
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College Expert Addresses Coronavirus Concerns

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Dear Students & Parents,  Coronavirus is on all of our minds.  Along with everything else, this has certainly impacted the college planning process. We want to send out some practical talking points and recommendations during this unpredictable time. Obviously, please stay home if there are any symptoms. Remember that symptoms have been negligible among teens, but they can...
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Reflections on the Class of 2019

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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 of the best essays we h...
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Sue & Ryan at IECA Spring Conference

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Sue & Ryan Luse attending the IECA Spring Conference in Chicago We are in the Windy City this week making new acquaintances and reconnecting with old friends at the IECA Spring Conference – Chicago. We’re hearing from speakers, exchanging best practices with peers and hearing about “hidden gems” from admissions reps — and we can’t wait to share what we’ve learned! 
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What to Look For When Hiring a College Consultant

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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 for a c...
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