Preparing for College

10 Tips for Planning Your Fall College Visit

Posted on by College Expert
If you’re planning to tour colleges during the long MEA weekend, good for you! It’s a great time to experience campus while school is in full swing and bustling with students. However, to get a thorough experience so you can truly weigh if it’s a good fit for you, you want to do more than just check out the library and dining hall. A meaningful visit involves a little planning before you go. ...
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September 2022 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on by College Expert
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. Other articles include: Focus on Majors/Chemistry – A field for problem solvers and analytical thinkers. Financial Matters – Studying out-of-state at in-state prices. Do Safety Schools Really Exist Anymore? – Why you should treat every school l...
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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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Summer 2021 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on by College Expert
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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January 2021 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on by College Expert
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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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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How to Keep Learning When You Can’t Leave the House

Posted on by College Expert
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 your academic and personal interests. Here...
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To the Magnificent and Mystical Class of 2019!

Posted on by College Expert
Ryan in HS with Beatles poster
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 college days still fills me with a sense of giddy awe. ...
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Lettering in Kindness

Posted on by College Expert
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 it!
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Spring Break College Visits: What to Know Before You Go

Posted on by College Expert
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 the campus exterior, but whether it’s a good match...
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Focus on the Future – Ferguson Tutoring Open House

Posted on by College Expert
LEARN MORE 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 abo...
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2018 Fall College Fairs

Posted on by CE
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 wh...
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Farewell Class of 2017

Posted on by ryanluse
Ryan in HS with Beatles poster
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 a total mind-body eclipse- there is a ton to take in! I hope the big move-in, y...
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Test-prep Tips for College Entrance Exams

Posted on by CE
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 typically offered at least six tim...
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How is College Different from High School?

Posted on by CE
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 ...
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It’s Time for Students to RAVE about Summer

Posted on by CE
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 activities. At times, it can be tempt...
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