Your back-to-school checklist should include college planning if you are a junior or senior. What to do when? In this issue, we offer some guidance.
May College Expert Newsletter
Honors, AP or dual enrollment? Higher-level classes give you an edge in admissions, but being challenged without feeling overwhelmed is also a consideration. In this issue, we provide insight to help you decide.
January College Expert Newsletter
Preparing for college involves more than academics. Giving your student some freedom in high school will ease their transition after they graduate. Read five tips for how to get started.
December College Expert Newsletter
As you plan for college, it isn’t a bad idea to have a few career interests in mind. Not sure what you want to do? This month, we offer five ideas for connecting the dots between your interests, your major and potential careers.
June College Expert Newsletter
Would you rather graduate from a prestigious school or debt-free? Do you love an intimate campus or the energy of a big city? Establishing priorities will help you build your college list. Learn more about finding your fit in our June issue.
10 Tips for Planning Your Fall College Visit
A valuable visit requires more than just a walk around campus. Here’s how to turn your trip into a fact-finding mission.
September 2022 College Expert Newsletter
What do college admission officers really look for? Hint: It’s more than grades and test scores. Read our tips for making the most of high school.
Character Counts: Why Personal Qualities are Gaining Importance in College Admissions
The ability to demonstrate character is becoming just as important to college admissions as leadership and academic achievement. How can you ensure your character strengths come through in your application? We share our ideas.
Summer 2021 College Expert Newsletter
In our June issue, five summer activities that will strengthen your college application!
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 topics include majoring in psychology, sources for financial aid, and avoiding senior slump
June 2020 College Expert Newsletter
Our June Newsletter covers overused essay topics, majoring in philosophy, addressing legal and financial matters before leaving for college, and common sense tips for college-bound students.
You Did It & You Got This!- Ryan’s Reflections on the Class of 2020
Letter to the class of 2020.
How to Keep Learning When You Can’t Leave the House
We know it’s a struggle right now. With classes, activities and part-time jobs, you’re used to being BUSY, and suddenly everything seems to have come to a halt. You’re also thinking about college and wondering how you can possibly build your application when you can’t even leave the house. There are many ways you can continue to pursue and develop …
To the Magnificent and Mystical Class of 2019!
Dear Students, As I have been hearing about your graduations, saying goodbyes and attending open houses, I felt compelled to send you this note of reflection and praise. It got me thinking…. This Class of 2019 was magnificent and mystic. More on the second word at the end… This whole college thing is an epic time! Thinking back on my …
June (Summer) 2019 College Expert Newsletter
[ap_column_wrap] [ap_column span=”2″] [/ap_column] [ap_column span=”3″] Read our June (Summer) 2019 College Expert Newsletter. Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter. Advice For New College Freshmen Focus on Majors: Environmental Science Financial Matters: Pre-College Legal & Financial Matters [/ap_column] [/ap_column_wrap]
Lettering in Kindness
We love a new trend we’re hearing about in local high schools. A recent article in the StarTribune said Minnetonka, Edina, Eden Prairie and Stillwater school districts are tapping into young people’s desire to do good by giving them the opportunity to earn varsity letters in community service. Have any of you lettered in kindness? We’d love to hear about …
March 2019 College Expert Newsletter
[ap_column_wrap] [ap_column span=”2″] [/ap_column] [ap_column span=”3″] Read our March 2019 College Expert Newsletter. Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter. The Meaning of Fit Focus on Majors: Advertising Financial Matters: Free Money vs Loans Choosing Next Year’s Curriculum [/ap_column] [/ap_column_wrap]
Spring Break College Visits: What to Know Before You Go
For those students not hitting the beach this spring break, college visits might be on the docket. But walking around campus and checking out the library and dining hall aren’t the only things you should do to make the most of your school stopover. A school visit requires a little planning before you go. Evaluating a college isn’t just about …
Focus on the Future – Ferguson Tutoring Open House
6 pm: Countdown to College Presented by Sue Luse and Ryan Luse Bring your Notebooks! Parents and students are encouraged to attend this workshop. College Expert® will outline the admissions process, provide you with a college prep timeline you can start as early as freshman year, and so much more! Parents, better understand your role in this process. Read more details …
December 2018 College Expert Newsletter
[ap_column_wrap] [ap_column span=”2″] [/ap_column] [ap_column span=”3″] Read our December 2018 College Expert Newsletter. Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter. Majors, Minors & Concentrations Focus on Majors: Criminology Financial Matters: Searching for Scholarships Understanding & Using Your PSAT Score Report [/ap_column] [/ap_column_wrap]
2018 Fall College Fairs
Don’t miss these opportunities to connect with your colleges! Sept. 23, 12:30-3pm: The Minnesota Independent School Partnership Fair, for students and parents of the partnership schools, held at Mounds Park Academy. October 9, 7-9pm: The Minnesota Performing & Visual Arts College Fair, held at the Minnesota Institute of Arts. Oct. 23, 6pm: The LD/ADHD College Fair, for students who have …
How to Pay for College
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pay for college courtesy of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). Click on this link https://link.iecaonline.com/financial-aid-flyer to download the PDF. IECA-Financial-Aid-Flyer.pdf
Farewell Class of 2017
Dear Students, Many of you right now are preparing to embark on what will surely be one of the most profound and memorable chapters of your lives. College is still something that resonates with me and I know it will until I am old and losing my hair… actually just old! Some of you may already be on campus experiencing …
Ryan on TV – Expert Advice For Freshman College Students
Watch Ryan Luse on WCCO Mid-Morning with with Jason DeRusha and Kylie Bearse give advice to freshman college students!
5 things you absolutely shouldn’t bring to your college dorm
Read what Sue has to say on this CNBC article about preparing for college – “5 things you absolutely shouldn’t bring to your college dorm”
Recommended Books
Check out our book recommendations that help teenagers and parents deal with the pressures and stress of high school years, and the transition from high school to college.
Sue Explains Gap Year
News of Malia Obama taking a gap year has everyone wondering “what is a gap year?” Sue tells Dave Lee on WCCO Morning News what a gap year is. Take a listen.
Test-prep Tips for College Entrance Exams
Test-prep Tips for College Entrance Exams:The ACT, SAT, and PSAT Many colleges and universities require scores from either the ACT or SAT as part of their applications, which are due during the first semester of senior year. By planning ahead, students can begin the test-prep process much earlier and give themselves time to perform well. The ACT and SAT are …
How is College Different from High School?
This is a great article comparing and contrasting the differences between high school and college, courtesy of Southern Methodist University (SMU). Enjoy and share this article with someone who is preparing to go to college. FOLLOWING THE RULES IN HIGH SCHOOL CHOOSING RESPONSIBLY IN COLLEGE High school is mandatory and usually free College is voluntary and expensive Your time is …
It’s Time for Students to RAVE about Summer
In my educational practice, the upcoming months of June, July, and August are some of the busiest for me and my College Expert team. We take full advantage of school being out to introduce rising seniors to essays, resumes, and applications, and to help underclassmen boost test scores on college entrance exams, pursue academic interests, and add depth to their …
