Admissions

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...
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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...
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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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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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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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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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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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College Decisions and a Challenging Year

Posted on March 22, 2021March 22, 2021 by College Expert

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 February 16, 2021June 13, 2021 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

Posted on February 3, 2021June 13, 2021 by College Expert

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 December 21, 2020December 21, 2020 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 May 29, 2020December 2, 2021 by ryanluse

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

Posted on May 22, 2020May 22, 2021 by College Expert

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

Posted on May 11, 2020May 12, 2020 by College Expert

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?

Posted on March 31, 2020April 1, 2020 by College Expert

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

Posted on March 26, 2020April 1, 2020 by College Expert

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

Posted on March 11, 2020April 2, 2020 by College Expert

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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March 2020 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on March 1, 2020June 13, 2021 by College Expert

October 2019 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on October 3, 2019June 13, 2021 by College Expert

Reflections on the Class of 2019

Posted on May 17, 2019May 22, 2021 by College Expert

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

Posted on May 9, 2019May 9, 2019 by CE

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

Posted on April 9, 2019April 9, 2019 by College Expert

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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April 2019 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on April 1, 2019June 13, 2021 by College Expert

Reflections on the Class of 2018

Posted on May 20, 2018May 22, 2021 by College Expert

The Class of 2018 embraced the application process with excitement, diligence, and flexibility. When the Common Application went live on August 1st, our students worked hard, supported each other and wrote some of the best essays we have ever seen! Being proactive, nearly 100% of our students applied either early decision, early action, priority, or rolling decision, and that speaks volumes of t...
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Reflections on the Class of 2017

Posted on May 4, 2017May 22, 2021 by College Expert

The Class of 2017 embraced the application process with excitement, diligence, and flexibility. When the Common Application went live on August 1st, our students navigated the bumps and quirks and worked as a team to support one another. Being proactive, nearly 100% of students applied early decision, early action, priority, or rolling. In fact, we encouraged all students to submit their rolling...
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Reflections on the Class of 2016

Posted on May 21, 2016May 22, 2021 by College Expert

The Class of 2016 embraced the application process with excitement, diligence, and flexibility. When the Common Application went live on August 1st, our students navigated the bumps and quirks and worked as a team to support one another. Being proactive, nearly 100% of students applied early decision, early action, priority, or rolling. In fact, we encouraged all students to submit their rolling...
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Reflections on the Class of 2015

Posted on May 14, 2015May 22, 2021 by College Expert

The College Expert Team takes pride in staying up to date with news and trends in the college admissions world. We attend IECA and HECA conferences, visit multiple colleges each year, meet with college representatives, and take an active role in the community of Independent Educational Consultants. Through doing so, we are able to recommend the best possible list of colleges for our clients, and...
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