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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College Spotlight on Lafayette
December 2021 College Expert Newsletter
Considering a college honors program? The benefits go beyond a diploma designation. Read about the perks in this issue.
Other articles include:
Majoring in Cybersecurity – Fighting crime with digital forensics and ethical hacking. Financial Matters: Paying for College – An overview of scholarships, merit aid and loans. What to Do if You’ve Been Deferred&n...
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November 2021 College Expert Newsletter
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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April 2021 College Expert Newsletter
The waiting will soon be over. Are you ready to commit to a college? In this issue, our advice for weighing your options. Other articles include:
Majoring in Biology – A hands-on field with many possibilities. Financial Matters – Comparing your financial aid offers. Getting Good Recommendations – Connecting with teachers in a virtual world.
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College Spotlight on Lewis & Clark College
Lewis & Clark is known for civic engagement and as one of the greenest colleges in the U.S. Explore this stunning Portland campus in counselor Katie’s College Spotlight!
Frank Manor House. Photo courtesy of Lewis & Clark College.
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College Decisions and a Challenging Year
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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College Spotlight on University of Notre Dame
Standout experiences from Jake’s freshman year include a winning football season and a unique, supportive residential life. In his Spotlight, read why this finance major loves Notre Dame!
Notre Dame Basilica of the Sacred Heart
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College Spotlight on Emory University
Daniel knew he wanted to study in the South, and after a tough decision between two colleges, he headed to Emory where he’s enjoying unique classes and a collaborative, friendly campus. Read Daniel’s highlights in his Spotlight!
Ponce City Market with friends
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March 2021 College Expert Newsletter
A parent's response can help turn a college rejection into a new opportunity. Learn how to support your student in our March issue. Other articles include:
Majoring in the Fine Arts – Deciding between college or an art institute. Financial Matters – Appealing your financial aid award. Wallowing on the Waitlist – What to do when you're left in limbo.
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The United Kingdom (UK) Offers Opportunity for Medical School as Undergraduate Degree
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
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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College Spotlight on St. Olaf College
Essay Expert, Michelle, describes that at St. Olaf "What mattered to my professors and peers was that I intentionally engaged in the process of learning who I was and how I wanted to positively impact the world." Read what more Michelle has to say about her alma mater!
St. Olaf College, Holland Hall
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Spotlight on University of Michigan in Ann Arbor
After arriving with mixed emotions, Ellen had a rewarding first semester at UMich filled with challenging classes, activities like MRun and weekend outings with her roommate. In her Spotlight, read about her highlights as a new Wolverine.
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Building Relationships with Teachers Remotely
By the end of your junior year, you need to be prepared to ask two teachers for college recommendation letters, and it’s a good idea to keep building those relationships throughout high school. While this is a little more challenging in the age of COVID-19 and distance learning, there are still ways you can get to know your teachers so they can provide an authentic, detailed picture of yo...
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January 2021 College Expert Newsletter
Which college is the best choice? The answer isn't in rankings. Read our January cover article and learn how to personalize your search based on what's important to you. Other articles include:
Majoring in Psychology – A degree with diverse paths, from human resources to counseling.Financial Matters: Money for College – Five sources for financial aid.Avoiding Senior Slu...
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Deferred, Not Defeated
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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December 2020 College Expert Newsletter
College interview jitters? Read our December cover article to learn what interviews are really like and set your mind at ease. Other articles include:
Majoring in Civil Engineering – A field with diverse paths for students who like to design and build. Searching for Scholarships – Online resources you can trust. The Five P's of Choosing Colleges – A great starting ...
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Penny and Lily Visit Juilliard
The Juilliard School - "Competing for the most dramatic howl"
Our calendar pups, Penny and Lily, end this crazy year on a high note at The Juilliard School. We hope their campus tours throughout 2020 have given you something to smile about. Contact our office if you’d like a copy of the new 2021 Penny and Lily Calendar!
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Researching Colleges When You Can’t Visit Campus
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 your college list. 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.
Last spring, colleges responded quickly to develop virtual resources for st...
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November 2020 College Expert Newsletter
Virtual tours and college websites can help you make connections with your colleges. Learn how in our November newsletter.This month's articles include:
Taking a Deep Dive into a College Website – In the age of COVID, online resources are everything.Majoring in Communications – An option for students who enjoy language and technology.Financial Matters: The CSS Profile&n...
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October 2020 College Expert Newsletter
Early deadlines are approaching! Learn how colleges will make decisions this year, and review the basics of the FAFSA in our October newsletter.
This month's articles include:
How Will Colleges Make Decisions this Year? – Institutions are reassuring applicants and making changes for the better.Majoring in Business/Entrepreneurial Studies – Career paths are plentiful in this po...
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Penny and Lily Visit the University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota - "Woof, woof, rawr, for Ski-U-Mah!"
The College Expert calendar pups are disguised as Golden Gophers this month, cheering for their hometown team. Ski-U-Mah! Want to learn more about this classic Big Ten campus? Ask Sue or Ryan about the University of Minnesota! #SkiUMah #GoldenGophers
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