Applications

September College Expert Newsletter

Posted on by College Expert
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

Posted on by College Expert
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

Posted on by College Expert
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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December College Expert Newsletter

Posted on by College Expert
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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November 2022 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on by College Expert
November College Expert newsletter
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 ...
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October 2022 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on by College Expert
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

Posted on 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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February 2022 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on by College Expert
Just like with love, there is more than one college match out there if you’re open to possibilities. Read more in our February issue. Other articles include:  Focus on Film Studies – A major for dreamers, activists and storytellers. Financial Matters: Your ROI – Assessing the costs and benefits of college. Should You Take AP Tests? – College credit is only one...
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November 2021 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on 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 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 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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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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May 2021 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on by College Expert
The true benefit of a summer program? It isn’t gaining points with selective schools. Read more in this issue. Other articles include: Majoring in Visual Arts – A creative path with many options. Financial Matters – Staying informed after your student turns 18. Brainstorming Your College Essay – Tips to kickstart the writing process. Takeaways from 2021 –...
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College Decisions and a Challenging Year

Posted on 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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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

Posted on 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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How Does The COVID-19 Pandemic Affect The College Application Process?

Posted on 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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Reflections on the Class of 2019

Posted on 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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College Expert Responds to College Admissions Scandal

Posted on by College Expert
Dear parents and students, These past few days, many of our clients have asked us about the college admissions scandal – news that saddened and outraged us, just as it did many of you. This time of year, we would rather be talking about our own students who are preparing to graduate and receiving acceptance letters to schools on their own merit. Their personal drive and self-initiative makes t...
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JAM Session Sunday

Posted on by CE
The Nov. 1 EA/ED deadline is just weeks away. How is your application coming? If you’re feeling behind or stressed, don’t worry! We know this is a crazy month and have scheduled Jam Sessions every Sunday throughout October and into November. Join us this weekend from 10-2 at THE EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER. If you can’t make it, reach out to Sue, Ryan or your essay expert with questions. We’re here to ...
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Reflections on the Class of 2018

Posted on by College Expert
Flying mortarboards
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 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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