Graduating Class

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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Congratulations Class of 2022

Posted on by College Expert
Class of 2022
Congratulations Class of 2022! It seems like we were just guiding you through your college applications and essays, and look at you now!  While the school year was somewhat more “normal” this year, we know you had your share of challenges. But through them all, we watched you learn, grow and discover what’s important to you, and we can’t wait to see what you do with that knowledge. Best ...
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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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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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April 2021 College Expert Newsletter

Posted on by College Expert
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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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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Farewell to Our Seniors!

Posted on by College Expert
To the Amazing Class of 2020: As your freshman year of college is about to begin, whether it be online, in person, or somewhere in between, we at College Expert want to say farewell. But this doesn’t mean our journey is ending. We are your college consultants for life, and that didn’t stop suddenly when you made your final college decision. Navigating the first steps as a freshman can be a...
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Congratulations to the Class of 2020

Posted on by College Expert
Class of 2020
College Expert Class of 2020 Congratulations to the Class of 2020 and thank you for allowing us to be a part of your college journey. We’re sending handshakes and hugs your way as we wish you the very best next year. You have inspired us more than you know, and you are exactly what this world needs right now. We are so proud of you! Sue, Ryan and the College Expert Team
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Reflections on the Class of 2016

Posted on 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 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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Reflections on the Class of 2014

Posted on by College Expert
Educational consultants can be proud of their results. As a member of IECA, we have opportunities to attend conferences, visit colleges and keep up with all the news and trends in the college admissions world.  We are able to recommend the best possible list of colleges and spend hours of time with student on the application and essay process. Because of our extensive knowledge of colleges and t...
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