If you think it’s too early to start planning your summer, guess again. Many programs have early application dates and limited space. In this issue, we explore summer opportunities all over the country, from science research to creative writing. Other articles include:
Focus on Majors: Fire Sciences – A niche degree that offers a surprising variety of paths for graduates. Financial Matters – How to evaluate a college’s total cost and answer the question, “Is it worth it?” Why Teens Should Make Reading a Habit – We reframe this important and often neglected pastime.
Congratulations to Kerrera, a 2022 graduate and former College Expert student of Ryan’s, whose guest commentary was published in the Strib Voices column of the Star Tribune. Kerrera, a Tufts University student, reflects on the question, “Where are you from?” and her appreciation for Minnesota’s culture and sense of community. Read the article or view as PDF.
Never have I ever seen so many skateboarders zooming across a campus! My tour guide described USC as the ultimate “work-hard, play-hard” culture, and it totally made sense—everyone had places to be, and apparently, skateboards were the way to get there!
I visited USC while I was in Los Angeles for a professional conference. While there, I got to learn from admissions professionals about the latest college admissions trends and explore the iconic USC campus.
In the Heart of Los Angeles USC’s main campus, Park Campus, is located just a short drive from downtown LA. Despite being in one of the busiest cities in the world, the campus is surprisingly compact—just one square mile. Most students live within a 2-mile radius of Park Campus. But in addition, there’s a smaller satellite campus downtown for the pre-health professional programs.
Michelle and mascotSteven Spielberg building
Academics USC has 21 colleges! That’s a lot more than other schools its size. Some of the most selective programs include business and engineering, and you must declare these as your first choice on your application to be considered. But don’t worry—if you aren’t accepted into these programs, USC’s open course policy lets you easily take classes and declare minors in any college.
For example, you could major in economics in the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and minor in business in the Viterbi School of Engineering. However, double majoring across two different colleges is a bit trickier, and transferring to major in the Viterbi School of Engineering is nearly impossible.
Also, because it is LA, many students are into the creative arts. The most popular minors at USC? Dance, theater, and music! In fact, USC was the first school to offer a comedy minor.
Unique Academic Programs USC has some super unique programs, including Dr. Dre’s Innovation Academy, which is all about creativity and entrepreneurship. There’s also a satellite campus where students study environmental science and sustainability on Catalina Island. And because it’s LA, there are classes like surfing (yes, you can surf for credit) and a natural history course that meets in different museums around the city.
For those dreaming of Hollywood, the Cinematic Arts Complex (SCA) offers incredible networking opportunities right in the heart of the entertainment industry.
USC’s journalism, communication, and media studies programs are also some of the best in the country.
Michelle touching a Heisman Trophy Campus entrance
Study Abroad Sixty percent of USC students study abroad. There are programs that last from one week to a whole year, wit the most popular time to go being Maymester (after spring classes end). USC’s tuition covers up to 18 units, so if you take 14 units during the spring, your study abroad trip will be paid for through tuition – and your spring credit load is lightened!
Class Sizes & Academic Support Like most big schools, USC has large lecture classes, especially in your first year. However, any class with more than 50 students has a lab or discussion section. Plus, freshmen are guaranteed to have two small classes (capped at 15 students): a writing class and a freshman seminar.
Housing All first- and second-year students are guaranteed housing at USC. There are three types: classic dorms, suite-style, and apartments. The dorm buildings are smaller than you might see at other schools, which helps create tight-knit communities.
One of the coolest places to live on campus is the USC Village. Built in 2016, it has apartments on top and shops like Target and Trader Joe’s on the ground floor. If you’re a merit scholar, you get priority housing at the Village.
The Social Scene Even though USC is in the middle of one of the most exciting cities in the world, there’s always something happening on campus. From student-run events to festivals, there’s no shortage of things to do. About 20% of students are in Greek life, but it doesn’t dominate the social scene. And if you’re itching to explore LA, USC students get free public transit to check out the city’s beaches, hiking trails, food scene, and Hollywood.
The student body is made up of approximately 40% of students from out-of-state, 20% international students and the rest from California.
Students crossing the street onto campus
Athletics Ever wanted to touch a Heisman Trophy? USC is the only place in the world where you can! While their football program brings students together, USC also shines in other sports, like its champion beach volleyball team.
Safety First USC takes safety seriously. To get on campus, students scan their IDs, and as visitors, we had to scan a day pass emailed to us.
In addition to security checks at campus entrances, students get free Lyft rides within a 2-mile radius at night. Every 50 yards on campus, you’ll also find a yellow-jacketed security guard (unarmed, but there to help). Our tour guide, a senior, said she feels very safe on campus and in the surrounding neighborhood.
Who’s a Good Fit for USC? USC students are a perfect blend of highly motivated, academically serious, and fiercely engaged in student life. Whether you’re filming your latest project, perfecting your entrepreneurial pitch, or performing stand-up comedy, there’s room for every kind of passion. Plus, living in the middle of LA means embracing the arts, especially if you’re a creator yourself.
If I were applying to colleges today, Emory would be a top contender! With its mid-size, research-focused liberal arts environment, Division III sports, and a two-year on-campus housing policy—all while located in the vibrant city of Atlanta—Emory strikes a perfect balance between opportunity and community.
Emory and Oxford Campus
During my visit, I attended a 45-minute presentation by an admissions counselor who was an alumna of the Oxford College of Emory University. Oxford is a campus located about 40 miles from Emory’s main campus and is dedicated to first- and second-year students, with approximately 500 students from each class. While the majority of Emory students begin their college careers on the main campus, Oxford provides a smaller, more intimate setting for students who might benefit from a close-knit community as they transition into college life.
Michael Carlos Hall Dooly the Skeleton
The presenter emphasized that Oxford offers students leadership opportunities that might not be available to underclassmen on the main Emory campus. Because Oxford has its own sports teams and student organizations, first- and second-year students can step into roles such as club presidents, sports captains, or student government leaders right from the start. For example, our presenter was the lead in a play during her freshman year and was able to write and direct her own play as a sophomore.
It’s important to note that while Oxford and Emory campuses are equal in academic rigor and admission rates, the environments are different. When applying to Emory, you’ll indicate on your Common Application whether you’d like to be considered for the Emory campus, the Oxford campus, or both. If you choose both, you’ll receive separate admission decisions for each campus.
Emory Campus
As my Uber approached Emory’s campus, it seemed to pop out of nowhere, nestled within a charming neighborhood within the “City in a Forest”.
I was thrilled to explore the campus on foot during our tour. The sunny campus was more compact than I had expected, with art installations, food trucks, and green spaces scattered throughout. The buildings exuded a historic and academic vibe, but the interiors (at least the ones I saw) were modern and bright.
Emory Student Center
One surprise was the presence of 10(!) hospital buildings on campus. This not only provides students with quick access to healthcare but also offers ample opportunities for those interested in healthcare careers to gain hands-on experience.
Unfortunately, due to orientation and move-in weekend, I wasn’t able to tour a dorm. However, I learned that first- and second-year students are required to live on campus, while juniors and seniors often live in nearby apartments. Greek life is available starting in the second year, with about 23% of students participating. Our tour guide emphasized that Greek life is not necessary to have an active social life on campus.
Academics/Classes
The phrase “two ways in and three ways out” was emphasized heavily during my tour. This refers to the two ways to enter Emory—through the Emory or Oxford campus—but three ways to graduate. As sophomores, students apply to one of three schools: the Goizueta Business School, the College of Arts and Sciences, or the Woodruff School of Nursing. However, don’t worry about having to limit your studies to just one of these schools; it’s possible to major in one and take classes or even minor in another. The application process for these schools isn’t competitive in terms of spots available; instead, it’s based on your GPA and completion of each school’s pre-requisite classes.
One class that particularly captivated me at Emory is a course, the Cold Cases Project, where “undergraduate students examine unsolved and unpunished racially motivated murders from the modern civil rights era in Georgia.” Each semester, the class takes on a different case to bring closure to the victims’ families. Students spend the semester researching the case and producing a podcast.
Business School
While describing the community feel and non-competitive culture at Emory, our tour guide did mention that the Business School is graded on a bell curve. I took this to suggest that while the liberal arts and nursing schools promote collaboration, the Business School’s grading system might create a more competitive environment, with students vying for a limited number of A’s and B’s.
Atlanta, Georgia
During my weekend in Atlanta, I had the chance to explore the vibrant city. The 22-mile BeltLine path, lined with trendy restaurants, bars, and shops, along with the city’s active film scene, status as the “capital of hip-hop,” and rich history of political activism, make it clear why Atlanta is again and again awarded accolades such as “The Best Place to Live in the US” and “The South’s Best City”.
Atwood Chemistry CenterMichelle at Emory
Who is Emory Looking For?
In a one-on-one conversation with an admissions officer, I asked what types of applicants Emory is excited to see. I learned that Emory is working to move beyond its reputation as a pre-med powerhouse. At present, Emory is seeking students who are eager to engage across various academic areas– especially in the humanities, social sciences, and creative writing.
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. Other articles include:
Focus on Majors: Food Science – From lab work to marketing, the many career paths for food science majors. Financial Matters – How financial aid factors into ED/EA application strategies. Making the Most of Your High School Years – High school is fraught with ups and downs. We offer some tips for keeping things in perspective.
Since its founding in 1833, Oberlin College has had a “history of doing the right thing – even when it is unpopular.” This statement seems to be the in fabric of this small liberal arts college located 35 minutes from Cleveland.
In its early days, these decisions included being the first college to admit and graduate Black students (1835) and women (1837). A century later, the college responded to students’ demands for more affordable living options by opening one of the country’s first student-run cooperative housing locations (1950s). Most recently, Oberlin launched an initiative to become carbon-neutral by 2025. This project has led to campus construction projects that can be inconveniencing and unattractive to campus visitors; and when completed, the results will be invisible to the public. Like its predecessors, Oberlin is, again, investing in what is right rather than what is pretty.
Campus sculptures include the Memorial Arch.A traditional dorm room.
Academics: “Rigorous, which is different from hard”
Oberlin has earned a reputation for its excellent academics and renowned music conservatory. Its liberal arts philosophy is designed to be rigorous, “which is different from being hard,” one admissions professional says. “Students will be given the opportunity to think about multiple topics, not just one… They will be asked big questions; but when they break them into smaller questions, they become easier to solve.”
The curriculum is similar to other small liberal arts colleges. There is a set of academic requirements that students can fulfill through classes of their choice balanced with a substantial number of courses related to an intended major (or two!). Of the 32 courses required to graduate, only ~10 need to be part of a major – making it seamless for students to take their time when selecting areas of study.
One common academic topic in the Oberlin community is students’ Winter Term activities. While no classes are conducted during the month of January, students are required to use this month to complete projects of their choice during three of their four years. The recommendation is that one project be for their career, one for their community, and one for themselves. Examples of Winter Term projects have included Spanish Immersion in Guadalajara, Collaborative Coding, and Squirrel Behavior Research.
Conservatory of Music
Students practicing music at the collegiate level are likely familiar with the stellar reputation of Oberlin’s Conservatory of Music. While only 500 students are enrolled, there are no shortage of performance and learning opportunities with 42 majors/minors, 11 performance spaces, 30 student ensembles, 500+ performance per year. In 1877, Oberlin achieved another milestone by becoming the first campus to provide only Steinway & Sons pianos for practice and performance. Today there are over 240 pianos available to students in their recital halls, practice rooms, residential halls.
Please note that students intending to earn a Bachelor of Music degree in the Conservatory must complete a separate admissions application. Students who are interested in both the Conservatory and the College of Arts and Sciences will complete both applications.
Warner Concert Hall, one of the numerous performance spaces on campus, seats nearly 500 people and features a 44-stop Flentrop organ with 3,400 pipes.
Life at Oberlin
Oberlin is a four-year residential campus. The aesthetic is very collegiate with older buildings being preserved through necessary upkeep. Campus feels sizable despite consisting of only 440 acres. This may be due to different aspects of student life are spread out from each other. Residence halls, academic buildings, the Conservatory, athletic complexes, and student co-ops sit in their respective corners of campus, preventing students from isolating themselves in one area.
The town of Oberlin is located right on the perimeter of campus and offers the storybook image of a small college town – with charming shops, quaint art studios, and beloved independent restaurants and coffeeshops lining College St., the town’s main thoroughfare. However, it does not seem unusual for students to regularly venture into Cleveland for entertainment or internships, especially with multiple shuttles available during the week.
Feeling energized after my visit.The tranquil koi pond.
Final takeaways
Oberlin College is the real deal. It is no surprise that its history and mission have inspired thousands of students to join this community of scholars, artists, and activists. And if such a legacy is intimidating, prospective students can take some reassurance that the college maintains that it seeks to enroll a community of disparate views and experiences, and it offers an incredible number of resources to ensure all students can authentically thrive.
Saying good bye and good luck to one class as we shift our attention to another is always bittersweet for us. But more than anything right now, we are proud and excited about your choices, your opportunities and your futures! Please check in with us in the fall once you’ve settled in on campus and let us know how things are going. We will be thinking of you and rooting for you – ALWAYS!
Sue was interviewed by Star Tribune columnist Myron Medcalf for a column on the future of higher education and the implications of factors like increasing tuition costs and the impact of AI. Read more here.
Summer is college application season, and you don’t want to wait too long before you start to brainstorm ideas and draft your essay. The best writing requires self-reflection, and that takes time! In this issue, we offer tips for kicking off the process. Other articles include:
Focus on Majors: Bioinformatics – An interdisciplinary major where biology meets computer science. Financial and Legal Matters – Turning 18? There are legal considerations you should address with your parents before you head off to college. Enhancing Learning Through Online Coursework – Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) allow you to explore topics beyond the traditional high school curriculum.
Each year, we have the privilege of getting to know high school students from across the state and country as they complete their college journey. And every May, we reflect on their stories and accomplishments inspired and filled with gratitude. We are so proud of you, Class of 2024!
This has been the most competitive year for admissions since we started College Expert 20+ years ago. Many colleges remained test-optional, one of many factors that led to a record number of applications. As a result, admission to selective colleges became an even greater reach. Many students beat these odds, and we are cheering their success. In other instances, denials allowed students to better examine and appreciate all of their options. We truly believe there is no one “perfect college,” and twists and turns in the process often can lead to an even better fit. In fact, families tell us this every year.
This year’s matriculation list fills us with tremendous satisfaction. We are confident our graduates are destined for colleges where they will be challenged, find supportive communities and boldly move forward with their personal goals.
We are excited to report:
95% of our students applied to some colleges by the early action deadline and heard back from colleges before winter break.
92% of our students will attend their first choice or a high-interest college.
35% of our students applied to highly selective ED/Restricted Early Action colleges and 62% were accepted.
88% of our students will attend out-of-state colleges in 33 different states (whereas nationally approximately only 11% venture further than 500 miles from their hometown).
New colleges that our students will be attending include the University of Georgia, Kings College in London , University of Utah, University of Mississippi and Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.
Most of our students were offered significant merit aid and some full-tuition scholarships.
20 of our students are National Merit Scholars.
Drawing on our knowledge, our experience, and hundreds of college visits, we recommended an eclectic mix of colleges, many of which were unfamiliar to our clients. In fact, it’s possible some students never would have considered the colleges they chose without comprehensive and thoughtful discussions about finding the right fit, which is our guiding philosophy. As a result, they made decisions confident their choice was right for them.
Our Class of 2024 students will matriculate to colleges across the country. As you can see by the following list, we have students attending some of the most selective colleges in the country. Our graduates are headed to ivy league schools, art schools, national and international universities, Big Ten schools, music conservatories, ROTC, engineering schools, small liberal arts colleges and colleges with in-state tuition.
We have aspiring musicians, artists, ROTC cadets, recruited athletes, activists, actors, nurses, engineers, business majors, researchers, doctors, writers and much more. We strive to help families find ways to afford college tuition, and we were overjoyed with the merit scholarships, grants, and aid awarded to our students.
We were honored to help prepare the Class of 2024 for the next chapter and wish our seniors all the best with the adventure they have ahead of them. Please keep in touch!
Please feel free to forward this to family members and friends looking for help with the college planning process. Here is our College Matriculation List for our Class of 2024:
Amherst College Arizona State University Barnard College Bates College Baylor University Bethel University Boston College Boston University Brown University Butler University Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University Century College Claremont McKenna College Clemson University Colgate University Colorado College Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University Cornell College Cornell University Creighton University Dartmouth College Denison University Duke University Elon University Emory University Fordham University Gustavus Adolphus College Harvey Mudd College High Point University Indiana University-Bloomington Iowa State University Johns Hopkins University King’s College London Loyola University Chicago Lynn University Macalester College New York University Northeastern University
Northwestern University Oberlin Conservatory of Music (Oberlin College) Occidental College Pepperdine University Pratt Institute-Main Princeton University Purdue University-Main Campus Santa Clara University Savannah College of Art and Design St. Olaf College Stanford University Texas A & M University-College Station Texas Christian University University of Arizona University of California-Los Angeles University of Chicago University of Colorado-Boulder University of Denver University of Georgia University of Iowa University of Massachusetts Amherst University of Miami University of Michigan-Ann Arbor University of Minnesota-Twin Cities University of Mississippi University of Missouri-Columbia University of Nebraska-Lincoln University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania University of Redlands University of San Diego University of Southern California University of Utah University of Virginia-Main Campus University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire University of Wisconsin-Madison Vanderbilt University Wake Forest University Washington University in St Louis Wesleyan University
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. Other articles include:
Focus on Majors: Art & Design – Graphic design or painting; a business setting or studio. This creative field is filled with versatile opportunities. Financial Matters – Explore your payment options before fall tuition comes due. Fostering Teen Success – Eight key components of social maturity are considered predictors of college success.
Fairfield University, a Jesuit Catholic university located in Fairfield, Connecticut, is a great campus for students who want to be close to both the beach and New York City, which is an hour’s train ride away. It is a values-based, student-centered school focused on outcomes and has a 98% job placement rate. Downtown Fairfield bustles with restaurants, shops, businesses and attractions; it is a great college town.
Leo D Mahoney Arena
Academics Fairfield has a core curriculum, direct-entry honors program and small intimate classes (no lecture halls). Students must apply to a specific school, but they can apply undecided and declare a major by the end of sophomore year. They do have the flexibility to switch from liberal arts to business, which is the school’s largest college. About half of Fairfield’s business students major in finance, which is more selective than the other business programs. There also is a master’s in finance program. The city of Fairfield, and Connecticut in general, has a lot of hedge fund jobs.
Fairfield University has a selective, direct-entry nursing program that students cannot transfer into. It accepts about 50% of applicants and seeks students with demonstrated strength in science and math. Students have the option to apply to the university’s engineering program undeclared, with the exception of biomedical engineering. The university’s large computer science program, also part of the School of Engineering and Computing, has about a 50% acceptance rate. About 86-92% of Fairfield graduates who go on to apply to medical school are accepted.
Elegant Bellamine Hall
Fast Facts about Fairfield University: 4300 undergraduates; grown 1000+ students in 5 years 65% of students Catholic Geographically diverse; 76% students out-of-state 92% retention rate Division 1 (non-football) School spirit for basketball, hockey No Greek life Study abroad and internships Arts & Sciences students get paid ($2,500) internship Good (non-audition) theater Modern campus, new facilities and sports arena A Minnesota connection – the University of Minnesota’s new president graduated from Fairfield
Admissions: 44% acceptance rate 27-31 ACT range 3.79 GPA Accepts Common App Test optional Interview encouraged Tracks demonstrated interest EA, ED 1 and 2 High ED acceptance rate Merit aid up to $2800; most students get some merit
Fairfield Sailing Club on a Fall afternoon.
Student Life All freshmen live on campus and housing is available all four years, including beach houses, and many students live on the beach senior year. The college is working on becoming more diverse, but all students will feel welcome, and LQBTQ students will feel supported. There is an active Jewish student center.
Who Would Be Happy Here? Students who want good employment opportunities and want to be involved in college and do volunteer work. Also students who are active, work hard, love the beach, and like the idea of having access to New York City. According to the Princeton Review, Fairfield is one of the top 2 colleges in the county for happy kids!
Say goodbye to bubble answer sheets and No. 2 pencils – the SAT has gone digital. What does this mean in terms of format, navigation and scoring? We cover it all in our March issue! Other articles include:
Focus on Majors: Business – A popular major with many career paths and options. Financial Matters – Greek life, study abroad, it all adds up – and adds to the true cost of college. Planning College Visits – They can be exhilarating and exhausting. What to do now if you’re planning spring break tours.
I have both good news and bad news for Harvard hopefuls. There is no formula for getting into Harvard. The university states this more than once on its website, and our experience with Harvard applicants confirms the sentiment. However, at a minimum, successful applicants are among the top 10 percent of their graduating class, get mostly As in the most rigorous courses offered, and can demonstrate qualities like leadership, intellectual curiosity, character and initiative. Even then, an acceptance rate of slightly more than 3% makes this prestigious university a reach even for those who can confidently check these boxes.
No one can tell you exactly what it takes to get in, and university priorities contribute to Harvard’s elusiveness, as they do with every Ivy League school. But almost every year, we see students beat these odds, and we’re happy to share our insight into who is a potential fit as well as what makes a strong Harvard application. And while they may not be Harvard, we can also recommend alternative colleges that sometimes turn out to be an even better fit for students looking for a prestigious, rigorous university.
But first, Harvard.
Me (center) with my husband and niece in front of Widener Library.
I most recently visited campus last May. My niece, an assistant professor there, served as my tour guide, and she was able to give me a thorough, personal tour so I could bring back what I learned to my students. As a college consultant, touring Harvard and visiting iconic landmarks, such as Harvard Yard as well as the Widener Library, is always thrilling. After my recent tour, as well as years of advising and celebrating the acceptances of Harvard hopefuls, here is what I’ve learned about applying to and attending the country’s oldest college.
Widener Memorial RoomPhillips Reading Room
Academics At the core of Harvard’s mission is a focus on liberal arts and sciences. “Before students can change the world, they need to understand it,” proclaims Harvard’s website. This commitment is the foundation of a Harvard education, and its breadth and depth of experiences is unmatched.
Harvard offers 50 majors, which it refers to as “concentrations,” and you do not need to know your concentration when you apply; you will declare it during your sophomore year. Many concentrations offer different tracks so you can specialize within a field, and if you have interdisciplinary interests, you can pursue a second concentration or even design your own course of study.
To help students “understand the world,” Harvard offers about 3,700 courses, a mix of classes that teach useful, marketable skills as well as explore more obscure topics. For example, in their pursuit of knowledge, students can study things like Greek mythology, the philosophy of comedy or human osteology (the study of skeletal remains). Two more great perks for students is they can take courses at MIT and transfer the credits, and Harvard offers dual degree options for music students at the Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory.
Students are encouraged to engage in hands-on research as early as their freshman year; in fact, it’s said there are more labs looking for undergrads than undergrads looking for labs. Students can seek opportunities through the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URAF) and affiliate programs as well as through individual inquiries with departments and professors.
A lot of learning takes place outside the classroom, too, and there is never a dearth of activities at Harvard. Want to explore archeology in Peru? No problem. Serve as case manager for a homeless shelter? Students do that, too. Participate in an aikido or table tennis team or mentor youth? Through enrichment opportunities like study abroad, as well as more than 500 student-run organizations, you have the opportunity to expand your learning in the community as well as globally.
Admissions Overview Each year, Harvard seeks a diverse, intellectual class of students who want to use their education to have an impact on the world. There are no GPA “requirements” to get in, but ranking at the top of your class is expected. However, academics alone will not set your application apart. Admissions also looks at factors like character, ability to overcome adversity, special talents and unique perspectives. To convey your unique, personal story, essays, letters of recommendation and activity descriptions are important parts of your application.
Here are some admission highlights (stats are for the class of 2027).
56,937 applicants
1,966 admitted (3.4%)
16% international students
55% received need-based scholarships
Tops fields: Humanities, Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering
Test optional admission
Need-blind admission
Supplemental materials are accepted (music recordings, art, academic samples)
Nov. 1 Restricted Early Action (non-binding) deadline – mid-December notification
Jan. 1 Regular Decision deadline – end of March notification
Campus Life/Housing Housing is unique at Harvard and an important part of social life on campus. Freshmen live in dormitories in or adjacent to Harvard Yard and dine in Annenberg Hall, fondly referred to as “Berg,” a beautiful Gothic-style building resembling the Great Hall in Harry Potter.
For the remaining three years, students are assigned to 12 houses. About 350 to 500 students live in each house, which includes its own dining hall, library, advising staff – even mascots and traditions, so it becomes a big part of a student’s campus life. Assignments aren’t completely random; in an application freshman year you name seven people you want to live with. House assignments are announced with a lot of fanfare on Housing Day, an exciting tradition in spring and one of many ways students are immersed in the rich history of Harvard.
Harvard Yard’s iconic colorful chairs encourage students to socialize and relax.
Cost/Financial Aid Applying for financial aid and applying with financial need does not have a bearing on your application at Harvard. Harvard offers need-based aid but does not offer merit-based, and the university meets 100% of demonstrated need (the difference between the price of attendance and a family’s ability to pay). Read more about how aid works at Harvard. For the 2023-24 academic year, Harvard College’s tuition was $54,269. With fees including housing and food, the total cost of attendance was $79,450.
Who Would be Happy Here Serious students who are at the top of their class, truly love learning and who seek a diverse student body that will challenge their ideas and perspectives would feel at home at Harvard. The academic atmosphere is intense, and the course load is ambitious. Add to that extracurriculars and activities, and it is a busy, competitive environment that a student needs to be up to – both mentally and academically. Students who are successful at Harvard also tend to be confident, focused and passionate, with very specific interests and goals.
According to a survey of 30,000 college graduates, your experiences in college have a bigger impact on your job and life satisfaction than the college you attended. Which experiences matter most? Find out in our February issue. Other articles include:
Focus on Majors, Minors and Concentrations – Choosing and customizing your academic path. Financial Matters – Comparing college financial aid offers. Planning for Summer in Winter – A productive summer = an interesting college application.
Are you longing for summer as much as we are? While you’re dreaming of warmer days, you should also start looking ahead for summer opportunities either close to home or on a college campus. While summer programs are completely optional, they are a great way to dive deeply into one of your interests, and colleges like to see how you’ve engaged with something you love outside of class.
If you do plan to participate in an on-campus program, you should start researching them now. Many have February application deadlines and limited space. However, programs offered by a college or on a college campus are only one option. Jobs, volunteering and camps are also great ways to make the most of the summer months.
Searching for a Summer Program Not sure where to start? Look for a summer program that connects with your aptitudes and interests. Here are links to information that will give you a sense of what’s available. You’ll find information on various courses, programs, research opportunities and service activities.
(College Expert students, you can also find these documents and links in your Custom College Plan folder, Summer Programs-Activities-Ideas.)
Keep in mind there are hundreds of programs, and the above list is just a sample.
Formal programs are just one path to learning, growing and gaining new experiences over the summer months. Here are some additional ideas for planning a fun and meaningful summer:
Take time out: No matter what else you do this summer, allow yourself some time for fun and to recharge while also thinking and planning for your future. What are your hopes and dreams? What activities or academic subjects excite you? What talents do you want to make the most of in the coming months? What colleges really interest you?
Participate in activities that build on your interests: Some examples are sports clubs and summer competitions, community theater, speech and debate camps, writing classes, robotics, coding classes, and music programs. Check with your high school or a local university for research opportunities. Take a free class for fun throughCoursera orEdx in your areas of interest.
Consider an internship: Seek out opportunities early to secure something for the summer. Ask family friends, relatives, teachers, advisors, etc., about internship opportunities they’re aware of. Also, think about your interests. Do you love history? Check with local museums, the historical society, or a library. Medicine and service? Hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes are a great place to start. Art? Check with museums, local artists, etc.
Get a job: Summer can be a great time to make a little spending money and get experience in the working world. Choosing a summer job carefully can give you more than just money.
Visit colleges: Summer can be a good time to visit colleges. The admissions offices are open Monday-Friday and you can take tours and attend information sessions. You may learn enough from a summer visit to know if you still want to keep a particular college on your list or whether you’d like to return when students are there. If you can’t visit in person, take a virtual tour and attend information sessions online.
Volunteer: Are you passionate about improving the environment, helping children, or building affordable housing for low-income families? Summer break gives you the time to volunteer for an organization or a cause that’s important to you. Find ways to make your community better. Ask your family, guidance office or clergyperson to recommend local community service organizations. You might be surprised at how many different ways you can help people in your community (and even around the world). Check outHands On Twin Cities orVolunteer Match
Read: Don’t let your brain get lazy just because school’s out. Visit the library or bookstore and find books that interest you. Some high schools and colleges have reading lists. Also check with your English teacher or school librarian. You don’t have to read Shakespeare (unless you want to!) to get the benefits of an enriched vocabulary and broadened imagination. Just read what interests you. Colleges ask and are interested in what you read for fun.
Get creative: Don’t limit yourself. Think about something you’ve always wanted to do. Write a book? Build a robot? Start your own business? Learn rock climbing? Now is the time to plan. Talk to your parents and others about what you’d like to do over the summer. Start lining up possible clients for your own summer lawn mowing business or apply to that creative writing workshop.
Start a UTA (Unique Teen Activity): Colleges are looking for students who take their hobbies and interests to the next level. Students should always focus on what they love to do, not what they think colleges are looking for. Starting your own UTA will help you stand out.
How do you distinguish yourself from all the other teenagers applying to college? Keep shining in your school activities, classes and testing, and expand on what interests you by starting a Unique Teen Activity!
Here are some examples of UTA’s from previous College Expert students:
Bird watching Beekeeping Running a cupcake business Creating a virtual reality app for kids having an MRI Candy of the Month Club Fishing Club Club of Charitable Acts Mountain Bike Club Climate Change Advocacy Club High School Audubon Club Feminism Book Club Inventing a cell phone pocket protector for wakeboarding Blogging – movies, celiac, politics, baking Hosting summer tennis and theater camps for neighborhood kids Creating art – competing at the state fair and having an art exhibit Being involved in politics – organizing a political action club at school Founding and editing a literary arts magazine at school Hosting an after-school STEM program for Somali 4th graders Training therapy dogs Participating in virtual tutoring programs Creatingextempers.org website Making a movie and entering it in a film festival Making an app for teens to improve their mental health
With a plan in place and some activities lined up that you’re excited about, you’ll have even more to look forward to!
Sue was featured in the Star Tribune today! Read about her journey from elementary education major to high school counselor to business owner, and hear from clients who say she helped them find the perfect college fit.
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. Other articles include:
Focus on Majors/Social Work – Passionate about helping others? Explore this alternative to psychology. Financial Matters – Considerations when applying for scholarships. Admission Office Blogs – Links that provide an insider’s view to Georgia Tech, Tulane, MIT and others.
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. Other articles include:
Focus on Majors/Human Centered Design – Creating products for diverse users. Financial Matters – It’s time to complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile. Responding to Deferrals – What to do when a college decision leaves you in limbo.
MIT has serious name recognition. Everyone has heard of MIT and immediately associates it with some of the brightest minds in science, math and technology. It isn’t for applicants who have a passing interest in a subject but deep passion and engagement beyond high school courses that they can demonstrate on their applications. MIT students are described as inventive, obsessed and talented, if not a little quirky. In other words, MIT is for the nerdiest of nerds – and its students proudly own this distinction.
I visited MIT on a beautiful day last spring as part of a tour of many Boston colleges and universities. My guide reinforced the idea that an MIT education is all about collaboration and hands-on projects meant to advance knowledge and serve society. In fact, MIT’s motto – Mens et Manus, or Mind and Hand – embodies this emphasis on intellect as well as craftsmanship, and a “learning by doing” philosophy is at the heart of all its programs.
Sue in front of iconic Great Dome.Simons Building sculpture.MIT’s East Campus courtyard.
True to this mission, upon graduation, MIT grads typically have completed three projects, some of them paid, through experiential learning opportunities. Understandably, research is also a big part of the MIT experience, and undergrad research starts the semester you arrive. According to MIT’s website, “through MIT’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), more than 85% of undergraduates enrich their education through engaging in frontline, faculty-led research.”
For all of its emphasis on science and technology, MIT also takes the arts, humanities, and social sciences seriously, and its curriculum demonstrates deep regard for the intersection of these disciplines and STEM. Its General Institute Requirements include a six-course science core; eight courses in the humanities, arts and social sciences; and 8 credits in physical education. First-year grading is designed to ease the transition from high school to college. Students start with Pass or No Record grading during the fall and transition to A, B, C or No Record grades for spring. Standard A-F grading begins sophomore year. There is an IAP term in January, which means students get the month off for flexible, independent learning..
Fast Facts about MIT:
Students take 4 classes each semester
Calc, physics, chemistry and biology are required
8 humanities courses are required
70% of students come from public schools
There are 500 student clubs on campus
20% of students are varsity athletes
The average starting salary for an MIT grad is $104,617
The MIT application
MIT is not on the Common App. Instead, it uses its own system called MyMIT. Its admissions process is holistic, which means it takes into account factors besides academic merit. One of the most important factors is character, which you can demonstrate throughout your application. For example, MIT’s short essays prompt you to write about community, diversity and challenges. What you do for fun is also important, and there is only space to highlight four activities, so quality trumps quantity. Consider what you put your heart into, and write authentically – not with the goal to impress admissions. They truly want to know! You should submit one letter of recommendation from a STEM teacher and one from a humanities, social science or language teacher. Test scores are self-reported and required, and admissions likes to see perfect scores in math. MIT does superscore.
After you submit an application, you will be contacted for “more of a conversation than an interview”, according to my tour guide. It can be virtual. MIT is 100% need blind and it does not offer scholarships. You will receive your college decision on, appropriately, March 14, or pi day.
Campus Life
At MIT, housing works differently than on most campuses. There are 11 dorms, but no traditional “freshman dorms”, and students select where they want to live. Most have cooking and dining areas, and cats are allowed in two of the halls. First-year students must live on campus, and 90 percent of students stay on campus all four years. The Greek system is popular at MIT, and there are 26 fraternities, 10 sororities and five independent living groups, which are co-ed fraternities and coop houses, each with their own unique culture.
MIT’s website sums up the vibe of its campus well: “We are fun and quirky, elite but not elitist, inventive and artistic, obsessed with numbers, and welcoming to talented people regardless of where they come from.”
Interested in adding MIT to your college list? Contact your College Expert counselor to learn more.
Building your college list? It’s important to understand an institution’s strengths. Some excel in engineering, while others may be tops in education or journalism. In this issue, we tell you what to look for in an academic department. Other articles include:
Focus on Majors/Viticulture and Enology – The study of winemaking and marketing. Financial Matters – Understanding financial aid terminology. After Submitting Your Applications – Next steps, because you aren’t quite finished yet!
Colleges will be on the lookout for ChatGPT generated essays, and while there are legitimate and helpful ways to use the technology, relying on it for writing is risky and ineffective. In this month’s issue, read about the implications of ChatGPT. Other articles include:
Focus on Majors/English – Career opportunities beyond writing and teaching. Financial Matters – Important changes that will simplify the FAFSA. Digital PSAT – What will change and what will stay the same with this new PSAT format.
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 animal management, medicine, or research and policy. Financial Matters – Applicant characteristics and improving your chances of receiving merit aid. Doing High School Well – Can you really make high school “the best years” that many people say they are?
College costs far exceed tuition, books and room and board. What’s the true cost of college? Sue was interviewed for a recent Star Tribune article addressing hidden costs that can add up to thousands of dollars. Read the article for budgeting and spending advice and learn why “who pays for what” should be addressed in advance.
Look at you, Class of 2023! Throughout this process 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! You are exactly what this world needs right now. Good luck – we will be rooting for you!
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 planning process.
The 2023 admissions cycle was one of the most challenging ever for selective schools. Reflecting on the past year, we believe four trends will continue to shape this process. Understanding these trends will help you build a college list that will provide you with options when it’s time to make a decision. It will help you to manage expectations while also maximizing your chance of acceptance. Let’s take a look at them!
Trend 1: Admission to selective schools is getting more competitive. This is due to test optional admissions as well as other factors such as institutional priorities. Students who may not have considered applying to schools like Stanford or Northwestern because of their test scores are now thinking, “why not?” As a result, these schools are being flooded with highly-qualified candidates, but the size of their freshman class is remaining steady. It’s simple math, and even for exceptional students, selective schools – especially those with single-digit admission rates – are becoming an even bigger reach.
Trend 2: Colleges are looking at character as well as strong academic performance. Character counts in college admissions. Colleges will almost always prioritize grades and the rigor of your high school courses when evaluating applications. But as the number of qualified applicants increases, admissions has had to turn to other factors that set a candidate apart, such as evidence of initiative, compassion, and grit. These qualities often are revealed in essays, activities and letters of recommendation.
What can you do to demonstrate character? Initiate projects, pursue unique hobbies or interests that you are truly passionate about, do research or independent study, and participate in class and get to know your teachers. Then find a way to highlight those things in your application.
Trend 3: Although test scores are mostly optional, they are not irrelevant. While submitting test scores is optional at most colleges, you should still take the SAT or ACT and study or do test prep to maximize your score. Based on your results, we will advise you on where submitting your SAT or ACT score could give you an advantage based on information available to us, such as acceptance rate and test scores for admitted students. Test scores can still work for you, so while they may be optional, they are still relevant and can be important.
Trend 4: Demonstrating interest does make a difference. Every year there are instances where a highly-qualified candidate is denied at a school where a candidate with lower grades and test scores is accepted. When this happens, one of the first things we may ask a student is if they engaged with the college, or if they “demonstrated interest”. Colleges want to accept students who want to go there, and even the highest achiever can be denied if they don’t show genuine enthusiasm.
How can you demonstrate interest? Visit a college’s website, visit in person, do online events and tours, follow colleges or departments on social media, connect with a rep at a college fair, and email admissions with questions you have (if you can’t find an answer on their website). They track all of this. If required, you also want to write a well-researched “why this college” essay that cites very specific reasons why a college is a great fit for you. Colleges want to protect their yield (the number of admitted students who enroll), and they accept students who seem most likely to attend if given a spot in their incoming class.
If there is one word we would use to describe the landscape for selective colleges right now, it’s “competitive.” Understanding trends is important. To increase your chance of acceptance, pursue authentic interests, demonstrate character as well as academic success, and look for opportunities to show a college some love.
Contact your College Expert counselor with questions. As always, we’re here to help!
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. Other articles include:
Focus on Majors/Nutritional Sciences – Paths, opportunities and requirements for dietetics majors. Financial Matters – The A to Z of college finances. Leaving for College – A pep talk for those feeling all the emotions.
Erik reflects on the charm and challenges of his freshman year at the nation’s second oldest college. Read why he loves its history, its professors and his ultimate Frisbee team!
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 test optional, which among other factors led to a record number of applications. As a result, admission to selective colleges became an even greater reach. Many students beat these odds, and we are cheering their success. In other instances, denials allowed students to better examine and appreciate all of their options. We truly believe there is no one “perfect college,” and twists and turns in the process often can lead to an even better fit. Families tell us this every year.
This year’s matriculation list fills us with tremendous pride and satisfaction. We are confident our graduates are destined for colleges where they will be challenged, find supportive communities and boldly move forward with their personal goals.
We are excited to report:
95% of our students applied to some colleges by the early action deadline and heard back from colleges before winter break.
38% of our students applied ED/Restricted Early Action and 63% were accepted.
88% of our students will attend out-of-state colleges in 34 different states. (whereas nationally approximately only 11% venture further than 500 miles from their hometown)
New colleges that our students will be attending include Long Island University, Rugters, Texas Tech, State College of Florida and Olin College of Engineering.
95% of our students will attend their first choice or a high-interest college.
Drawing on our knowledge, our experience, and hundreds of college visits, we recommended an eclectic mix of colleges, many of which were unfamiliar to our clients. In fact, it’s possible some students never would have considered the colleges they chose without comprehensive and thoughtful discussions about finding the right fit, which is our guiding philosophy. As a result, they made decisions confident their choice was right for them.
Our Class of 2023 students will matriculate to colleges across the country. As you can see in our matriculation list, we have many students going to some of the most selective colleges in the country. We also have students going to national universities, engineering schools, small liberal arts colleges, research universities, Big Ten Universities, and colleges with in-state tuition. We have aspiring musicians, artists, recruited athletes, activists, actors, nurses, engineers, business majors, researchers, doctors, writers and much more. We strive to help families find ways to afford college tuition, and we were overjoyed with the merit scholarships, grants, and aid awarded to our students.
We were honored to help prepare the Class of 2023 for the next chapter and wish our seniors all the best with the adventure they have ahead of them. Please keep in touch!
Please feel free to forward this to family members and friends looking for help with the college planning process.
Here is our College Matriculation list for our Class of 2023:
American University Arizona State University Auburn University Augsburg University Baylor University Boston College Boston University Bowdoin College Brown University Carleton College Carnegie Mellon Case Western Reserve Colgate University Colorado State University Creighton University Davidson College DePaul University Drake University Duke University Elon University Fordham University Olin College of Engineering Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Grinnell College Gustavus Adolphus College High Point University Hope College Illinois State Indiana University Iowa State University Lehigh University Long Island University Loyola University Chicago Luther College Macalester College Marquette University MIT Miami University-Oxford Montana State University Northeastern University Northwestern University Occidental College Purdue University
Rice University Rose-Hulman Institute Rutgers University San Diego State University Santa Clara University St Olaf College Stanford University State College of Florida Swarthmore College Texas Christian University Texas Tech University Tufts University Tulane University UC-Berkeley University of Chicago University of Colorado University of Denver University of Illinois University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Miami University of Minnesota University of Minnesota Duluth University of Notre Dame University of Oregon University of Redlands University of San Diego University of South Carolina University of Southern California University of St Thomas University of Tampa University of Tennessee University of Vermont University of Wisconsin-Madison Vanderbilt University Vassar College Villanova University Wake Forest University Warren Wilson College Washington University Wesleyan University Worcester Polytechnic Institute Yale University
Bubble answer sheets and No. 2 pencil reminders will soon become a thing of the past with the launch of the new digital PSAT/NMSQT and SAT. In March 2023, the first digital SAT was administered internationally. The class of 2025 will take the new digital PSAT/NMSQT in 2023, and digital SATs will replace paper-based SATs in the US starting in March 2024. Advantages of the new digital format include greater accessibility and access to test scores in days instead of weeks.
According to the College Board, the digital SAT tests the same content as the paper-based SAT. The scoring scales will remain the same, too, with PSAT scores still ranging from 320 to 1520 and SAT scores ranging from 400 to 1600. However, there are some important differences in the format:
The digital SAT is significantly shorter (a 2+ hour test instead of a 3+ hour test).
The digital SAT allows a calculator on all math sections and includes an on-screen Desmos calculator.
The Reading section and the Writing and Language section are no longer separate; the verbal module combines reading comprehension questions with questions about writing and grammar.
The digital SAT jettisons long Reading passages and long Writing and Language passages; instead, the verbal section is composed of many short passages testing reading and writing, each with only one single question about them.
The digital SAT gives students more time per question. Students have 1.19 minutes per question on the verbal section and 1.59 minutes per question on the math section.
The digital SAT has made word problems on the math section less wordy. In addition, student-produced responses to the math section can now be negative, and they are interspersed through the module instead of clustered at the end.
The digital SAT is adaptive, meaning that if a student does well on the first module of the verbal (or math) section, their second verbal (or math) module will be harder—but worth more points. Students who do not perform well on the first module will receive an easier second module, but these easier questions will be worth fewer points, capping their overall score at a certain mid-level range even if they answer all questions in the second module correctly.
The digital PSAT/NMSQT, which will be administered for the first time in October 2023, will be the same length and format as the digital SAT. The math content on the PSAT/NMSQT will be slightly different than the math content on the SAT, though, containing more problems in problem-solving and data analysis and fewer problems on topics in advanced math, geometry, and trigonometry.
To prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT, students should download the Bluebook app from the College Board. Currently, there are four practice digital SATs in Bluebook; later this spring, practice digital PSAT/NMSQTs will be added to Bluebook.
It is important for students to familiarize themselves with Bluebook, since this is the app that students will be using on test day to take the actual digital PSAT/NMSQT and digital SAT. Students can link their PSAT and SAT practice test results to their Khan Academy accounts to get additional practice exercises based on the questions they got wrong.
One big advantage of the College Board’s switch to digital testing is that scores will be made available to students much sooner. Students will be able to get updates on score availability and within days view their PSAT and SAT scores via a new mobile app called BigFuture School.
