Richard gives Cornell University an A+ for academic flexibility, quirky writing seminars and a friendly college-town campus. Read about his freshman experience.
College Spotlight on Lafayette
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.
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 – The non-decision that gives you a second chance – and time to reflect.
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 triggers a college to search your social media?
- What is Holistic Admissions? – What colleges look for beyond grades and test scores.
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 engaged in service.
How Many Applications? – Why applying to more schools is not always better.
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 regular decision.
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 year with the goal of making applying to college less stressful and more fun. I never dreamed College Expert would be such a success, and I’m so proud of our staff, students and the work that we’ve done! ~ Sue Luse
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, so be sure to search “campus visits” or “tours” on the college’s website for details, and check back frequently as things may change.
The best way to find out whether a college is a great fit for you will always be to visit in person. But tours today are still a little different than they would be under normal circumstances. Here are some things to be aware of as you make your plans:
Capacity will be limited. Most schools are limiting tour capacity to allow for social distancing and, as a result, slots will fill up quickly. Colleges also are limiting the number of guests per student, and they may require guests to be immediate family members. Be sure to check what limits are in place at the college you’re visiting before arriving on campus.
Pre-registration is required. Pre-registration for campus events is almost always required. Signing up for a tour also provides you with a benefit – the school has a record of your attendance, and that will count towards “demonstrated interest.” But it’s best to hold off making travel plans until you have a confirmed registration because many colleges will not accommodate same-day walk-ins.
Safety protocols will be in place. Colleges may either recommend or require masks even if you are fully vaccinated. They may also limit tours to outdoor spaces, which means you may not be able to tour residence halls or dining centers. If you have an appointment scheduled with a specific school or department, be sure to check its visitor policy as well, which may differ from that of the college.
Self-guided tours are an option. Remember, you also have the option to tour a college on your own using a printed walking guide or a downloaded app. This can give you a completely different perspective than a student-led group tour, and each option has its own benefits. One advantage to a self-guided tour is that you can do it at your own pace and on weekends when official tours aren’t available.
Virtual resources are a great supplement. Colleges responded quickly to develop virtual resources during COVID-19 and, as a result, there are great online opportunities to help you to get to know a campus – or get to know a campus better even if you have already visited. Virtual events include guided tours, information sessions, one-on-one meetings and Q&A panels. You can find which are offered on a college’s “campus visits” or “campus tours” website pages.
If you’re looking for more tips on planning your visit and making the most of your time once you get there, check out our blog “What to Know before You Go.” It was written for spring break college-tour planning, but contains advice applicable to campus visits any time of year.
Congratulations to the Class of 2021
Click 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!
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.
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 always, some students began with a clear goal in mind, and they remained focused on that outcome throughout the process. Others explored their options as well as their own unique qualities, commitments and values. Like many of us during this pandemic, they had time to do some self-reflection and tap into what really mattered to them, and their choice of colleges and academic interests evolved as they got to know themselves better. The result is a matriculation list that fills us with tremendous pride and satisfaction.
What we observed this spring is our students made decisions confident they are headed to a school where they can be challenged, find their community and move forward with their own personal goals. While some students did beat the odds, denials allowed others to more clearly examine all their options and opened their eyes to the amazing opportunities they had in front of them, which often led to an even better fit. We are overwhelmed by our students’ success in what has truly been one of the most challenging college admissions seasons ever. What an amazing year.
We are excited to report:
- 100% of our students applied to some colleges by the early action deadline and heard back from colleges before winter break
- 20% of our students applied Early Decision/Restricted Early Action
- 75 % of our students who applied to highly selective colleges were accepted
- 94% of our students will attend out-of-state colleges (whereas nationally approximately only 11% venture further than 500 miles from their hometown)
- 95% of our students will attend their first choice or a high-interest college
Drawing on our knowledge and experience, 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 – our guiding philosophy. This year, for the first time, we have students attending colleges they were never able to visit in person. Since we have visited hundreds ourselves, we were able to help them make a decision with confidence that the college they chose was right for them. As a result, 100% of our students have a college plan for this fall.
Our Class of 2021 students will matriculate to colleges across the country and around the world. 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, colleges out of the country, hockey academies, research universities, Big Ten Universities, and colleges with in-state tuition, and we are especially proud of one student who will be training to be a medic. We have aspiring musicians, 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 and were especially happy that several even received full tuition and room and board scholarships.
We were honored to help prepare the Class of 2021 for the next chapter and will always remember the challenges and surprises we experienced together during this extraordinary year. We wish our seniors all the best with the journey ahead. Please keep in touch!
Below is our College Matriculation List for our Class of 2021:
- Arizona State University – Barrett Honors College
- Auburn University
- Augsburg University
- Baylor University
- Beloit College
- Bethel University
- Boston College
- Boston University
- Bowdoin College
- Brandeis University
- Brigham Young University-Provo
- Brown University
- Butler University
- Carleton College
- Claremont McKenna College
- Colgate University
- College of Saint Benedict
- College of the Holy Cross
- College of Wooster
- Cornell University
- Creighton University
- Dartmouth College
- DePaul University
- Drake University
- Emory University
- Fordham University
- George Washington University
- Gustavus Adolphus College
- Harvey Mudd College
- Indiana University-Bloomington
- Inver Hills Community College
- Iowa State University
- Kenyon College
- Lafayette College
- Loyola University Chicago
- Marquette University
- Miami University-Oxford
- Montana State University
- New York University
- Northeastern University
- Northwestern University
- Pitzer College
- Purdue University
- Southern Methodist University
- St. Olaf College
- Stanford University
- Swarthmore College
- Texas Christian University
- Tufts University
- University of Arizona
- University of California-Berkeley
- University of California-Davis
- University of California-San Diego
- University of Chicago
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Connecticut
- University of Denver
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Iowa
- University of Miami
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- University of Minnesota-Duluth
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Oregon
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Puget Sound
- University of Rochester
- University of Southern California
- University of St Thomas
- University of Virginia-Main Campus
- University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Vanderbilt University
- Wake Forest University
- Washington University in St Louis
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 – Advice for juniors creating their college list.
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.
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!
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,
Regardless of where you are on this crazy ride, you’re in good company. If you’re celebrating getting into your top choice college, you’re not alone. If you’re agonizing between two or more options, you’re not alone. And this year, especially, if you’re feeling the sting of rejection, you most certainly are not alone. This has been a heartbreaking year for many students, with an unusually high number of denials at selective schools.
According to Common App, college applications were up 10% in general, and the increase at elite schools was unprecedented. Early applications to MIT increased by 62%, Harvard by 57% and Colgate by an astounding 102%. Both NYU and UCLA received record-breaking numbers, with NYU receiving more than 100,000 applications and UCLA almost 140,000. In addition to test optional policies, more accessible information due to virtual tours and information sessions and more international applications also contributed to this surge. Colleges are also looking to add more diversity, including first generation students.
It’s hard to be denied under any circumstances, and if you’re feeling disappointed by a college’s decision right now, this explanation doesn’t make it any easier. But we want to reassure you, we frequently hear from students who tell us the college they ended up at, even if it wasn’t their first choice, felt perfect in the end. They say they can’t imagine being anywhere else. It’s like planning a trip to France and going to Spain instead.
But how do you navigate that period between right now and several months from now when you’re settled in your dorm and have the benefit of time to reflect on where you landed? We have some suggestions.
Allow yourself to be heartbroken. We understand that when your heart is set on your “dream school,” switching gears can be difficult. So it’s ok to take some time to be sad before you move on.
Don’t obsess. While it’s fine to grieve, don’t dwell on the news or take it personally. When a college only accepts 6% or 10% or 16% among tens of thousands of applicants, the odds simply are not in your favor, even if your application is stellar. The selection process is complex, and often the decision is not “about you” – there are just too many qualified candidates or a college is basing its decisions on factors outside of your control.
Focus on the amazing choices you do have. We worked hard to help you identify many schools where you would thrive, and there should be other options on your list that excite you. Explore your second and third choices again and visit them during Accepted Students Days, either virtually or in-person if you have that option. Think about specific opportunities you would take advantage of and the ways you would get involved on campus. Start to picture yourself there.
Decide if you want to remain on a waitlist. If you were waitlisted and want to hold out for a final decision, you will need to formally accept that status. Be aware that while students do get off waitlists, the odds aren’t encouraging. In addition, you may not get a decision until after May 1, so you will have to make a deposit on another school. If you aren’t sure what to do, we encourage you to talk to us about your waitlist strategy and next steps.
And now, a word for you parents. We know you are on this rollercoaster ride, too, and we have some advice for you. Be supportive. In a recent newsletter article we explained how your reaction to your student’s disappointment can make all the difference. Remind them that character determines success, not where you go to college. And tell them again all the reasons you are proud of them.
We are so proud, too. This year challenged students in so many ways, and we will always look back on the Class of 2021 as extraordinary. We are glad we had the opportunity to work with you and cheer for you, and we are honored to have been a part of your college planning journey.
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!
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!
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.
The United Kingdom (UK) Offers Opportunity for Medical School as Undergraduate Degree
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 first questions asked by students interested in seeking a medical degree in the United Kingdom is whether or not a medical degree in the UK is the same as in the US. The answer is yes. Here is an explanation of differences in language and specific qualifications:
- The MB degree, which stands for bachelor of medicine, is awarded for passing the medicine examination, thereby qualifying as a medical doctor. This degree is really the equivalent to the MD in the United States–it’s the standard degree.
- The BS, ChB and Bch degrees (which are equivalent to one another) stand for Bachelor of Surgery (Ch=Chirurgie, which is latin for surgery). These degrees are awarded for passing the surgical portion of the exam.
- BAO, which stands for Bachelor of Obstetrics, is awarded for passing the Obstetrics portion of the exam and thus qualifying in obstetrics.
- So, for example, an MB BS degree is a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree
As in the US, medical schools in the UK are highly competitive. But the most significant difference is that in the UK, students apply to medical school during their final year of secondary school (high school). An undergraduate college degree is not required. You will apply directly to medical school (as an undergraduate degree) and will be instructed in all of the necessary courses for the medical degree you seek. This means that your high school record, your AP and standardized test scores and your demonstrated work experience (which includes service/volunteer/paid) will all be very important in your application (not to mention an outstanding personal statement!). Also, competition for spots is heightened by the fact that the majority of medical schools are state funded as part of the NHS (National Health Service) which allows for only 3,500 total seats available, and applications are many times that number each year.
Accepted students begin their medical degree/training on Day 1, and earn their degree in 5-6 years, depending on the course selected and the university selected. In short, you skip the liberal arts portion of the typical undergraduate degree in the US and go straight to your intended major. There are some significant advantages to this system, namely time (you save 4 years by starting in medical school) and money. A medical degree from the UK will extend past the initial 5-6 years to include 2 years in a postgraduate Foundation Programme (a 2-year UK residency guaranteed through your medical program due to NHS funding), followed by beginning training as a GP, or going on to specialize which can be anywhere from another 5 to 8 years.
Applicants may apply to four universities through the UCAS system, and these applications have a firm deadline of October 15th to allow admissions officials time to review the large number of applications submitted and also to conduct interviews. The UCAS website is extremely helpful with step-by-step how-to guides about everything from writing your personal statement to understanding specific requirements for international students. Please take some time to look over the application carefully: https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate
High school applicants from the US should start early in planning for UCAS medical school applications. Here are some major points to consider:
- Choose your AP classes wisely and excel at these exams (minimum of 3 tests with 5s).
- If the student does not have 3 standardized tests, or possibly none at all, then we can (since this year) also consider these students by asking for other advanced level classes for example: AP Classes (but no test), Honors Class, Dual Enrolment Class
- Any subjects are accepted, but it would be a good idea to include biology/chemistry/English in the mix. Each university has its own strict requirements – these listed are the bare minimum.
- Be sure to sign up for the UCAT entrance exam prior to October of the year you plan to apply. The UCAT test (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is not designed to test academic achievement or scholastic ability, but rather to ascertain individual personality traits and reasoning abilities. https://www.ucat.ac.uk/
- If admitted, be prepared to settle into UK living for a minimum of 7 years, to include 5-year medical school, 2-year residency (which is guaranteed). After your residency, you can seek out opportunities in the US or choose to continue in a UK program/specialization.
- Medical school is expensive, whether you are in the US or the UK. But, in the UK, since you avoid spending your first 4 years on an undergraduate degree, your overall cost for a degree in medicine can be significantly lower. For example, International student tuition for the Medicine and Surgery MB BS course at Newcastle University (ranked a top 10 medical school in the UK) is currently £34,800 (or $47,634 in dollars per year). For comparison, the University of Minnesota’s average tuition cost, fixed for four years, will be approximately $40,191 for residents, and an average of $57,678 for non-residents. These numbers are strictly for tuition, not including cost of living expenses.
- These tuition costs listed do not take into account average scholarship amounts – which can bring down the cost (both in the US and in the UK).
- In the UK, cost of living will depend on your location, your own habits, budget and accommodation choices. London, for example, will be more expensive than Newcastle. Average cost of living for students at Newcastle University is around £770 ($1,054) per month. Cost of living expenses include all things other than tuition such as: housing, food, books, travel etc.
- Total cost per year at Newcastle University, for example, equals approximately £41,730, or in US dollars, approximately $57,000 per year. While this may seem high, students completely bypass the undergraduate 4-year degree and go straight into medical degree training. Also, this number does not include any scholarship offers.
Considering medical school in the United Kingdom can be a great option for the student who has chosen medicine as their career path. Medical schools in the UK can vary greatly in their specific teaching styles and programs offered. When applying, you will need to first decide which universities have the right program for you, and you are allowed to apply to 4 different universities.
As with American universities, when considering universities in the UK, do your research! Each university has its own extensive website and contact emails for their international representatives to answer your questions. Some of the top ranked universities in Britain to consider are as follows, but not limited to:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- University College London (UCL)
- Imperial College London
- University of Edinburgh (Scotland)
- King’s College London
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
- Newcastle University
- University of Bristol
- University of Manchester
- Queen Mary University of London
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:
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!
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.
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 you as a student and member of the community when it’s time for you to apply.
Here are some tips for cultivating those relationships:
Be engaged in class. Hours of Zoom classes can be draining. But staying engaged in class will make a positive impression, especially if you are learning remotely or in a hybrid situation. Show courtesy, respect and enthusiasm. Listen intently, take notes, ask questions and show that you are paying attention. Participate in the in-class chat and in discussion boards outside of class. Distant learning is challenging for teachers, too, but they enjoy teaching students who are excited to learn and will remember and appreciate students who participate.
Approach your teachers outside of class. We know this comes more naturally for some students than others, but in order for your teachers to truly get to know you, we recommend you interact with them outside of class, too. Make note of their office hours, and use that time to ask questions about a recent assignment or test, an upcoming project, or even careers related to the subject they teach if it’s something you enjoy. Or ask about the content of a sequential class, especially if they teach that one as well. You can even work in questions about their plans for an upcoming break or how virtual teaching is going – they will appreciate being asked! Your conversations with them are also a great opportunity to start sharing information about your activities, goals and college plans.
Show initiative. In addition to doing what is required, extend yourself. If you did poorly on an assignment, ask if you can redo it, not just for a better grade but to ensure you understand the material. Show that you care about other students’ success as well as your own. Read or do research beyond the minimum required and share that information to help others learn. Create a study group or online book club, or offer to be a peer tutor if it’s a subject in which you excel.
Regardless of where you are in your high school career, continue to think about building those relationships. Remember, when it’s time to request a letter, you’ll want to ask a teacher who knows you well and taught you recently or worked with you in an extracurricular activity – not necessarily just someone who gave you an A. Planning ahead will ensure your teachers know you and have plenty to say on your behalf when you approach them later for a recommendation.
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 Slump – Zoom fatigue and the danger of second semester senioritis.
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 this increase. Digital platforms like virtual tours and events had a broad reach and made college information more accessible. This increased awareness, and many students applied to schools they may not have applied to before. Test optional policies also lowered the barrier, and as a result, students thought why not apply to more schools and why not reach high since “you never know.” Unfortunately, this increase in applications led to an increase in deferrals at the top schools.
While this year has been exceptionally challenging, there has been a trend in college admissions where colleges are deferring students by the thousands. Reasons include a huge increase in applications and not enough staff to get through them all, and colleges protecting their yield and prioritizing institutional needs such athletics, legacy, diversity and special talents. That is why we always help our students build a college list that includes several colleges they are likely to be accepted to and will love.
A deferral means the committee would like to see your senior year academic performance and maybe additional information such as honors, leadership, and significant accomplishments. Your application will be reconsidered in the regular decision round, usually in February.
What to do if you are deferred
Read the deferral letter carefully. Some colleges will ask you to send your first semester grades and nothing else. Some will invite you to send additional information such as honors and awards.
- Accept the deferment offer online by submitting the form usually in your portal no later than February 1st.
- Have your high school guidance office send in the mid-year report, which has your first semester grades.
- Write a Letter of Continued Interest by the end of January, updating the admissions office with your academic and extracurricular activity performance. See example below. You can send it directly to your admissions counselor or the admissions office. This letter should include your first semester performance, any exemplary academic projects, and any major accomplishments such as: Did you win an essay contest or have a solo musical performance, or get the lead in the school play, or go to State in tennis, etc. (Note: Some colleges and universities do not welcome letters of continued interest. Before sending anything to a school, be sure to read both your decision letter and the admissions website carefully to see if the school has said anything about sending additional information.)
If the college allows you to send more information (not all colleges allow this), here are some other ideas:
- Test scores: If you took additional tests in November or December and like your scores, send them to the deferred college. Make sure to let the admissions office know you sent in the new scores.
- Email: Write a short email to the college’s admissions officer for your region, and express your strong desire to still attend the college. Commit to going there if you get in regular decision.
- Additional teacher recommendation: Ask a senior year teacher, who has not already written a letter for you to this school, to write you a letter of recommendation. This letter should emphasize your academic talents and why you will thrive at that college.
- Counselor contact: Get an updated letter of recommendation from your guidance counselor to send in with the mid-year report.
- Alumni or campus interviewer: Contact your alumni or campus interviewer–if you think you had a good interview. Thank the interviewer again and then ask for any advice about moving from deferral to admissions.
- Outsider letters: If you can think of one major person (non-teacher) who knows you extremely well and can attest to your leadership and initiative, ask that person to write a letter. Do not ask people who do not have major contacts with school to contact the school. Do not have anyone other than people who know you personally write letters. A perfect person is someone for whom you did a major project for this year –volunteer leader, youth group –only someone who can attest to new work this year and who knows you really, really well.
We recommend you do your best to showcase your applications during the deferral process. While a deferral is not a denial, once you have updated them and reiterated your interest, you should move forward and focus on the remaining colleges on your list. We are here to help with the deferral process, so let us know if you have questions, want to discuss strategy, or would like us to edit your Letter of Continued Interest. There is some kind of destiny to the unpredictable admissions process and it always seems to work out in the end. We are here for you!
Example Letter of Continued Interest:
Ms. Jenny Hill
Assistant Director of Admission
State College
Dear Ms. Hill,
Thank you for taking the time to read my application. We met in September after I finished an official State College tour. At that point, I already had explored several universities without finding my best fit. I ended my State College visit with the certainty that my drive, determination, and loyalty would mesh well with the campus and California culture. With a deferral from early action to regular decision, I want you to know that State College remains my first choice. I absolutely would accept an offer of admission.
Since I first applied, I’ve deepened my mock trial involvement as a varsity lead lawyer and have helped to propel my high school team to a 10-0 start, a conference championship, and a first-place victory in a separate major tournament. We have our sights set on the national tournament again! In addition, I’ve become increasingly involved with peer ministry at my local church. I continue to maintain a rigorous academic schedule which includes AP Psychology and AP Literature, as well as Honors Spanish 4. I’ll send my first semester grades at the end of January when they’re available.
I’m very excited about the prospect of joining the State College Department of Psychology and the pre-law program. I appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely,
Ben Smith
651-666-7979
Bensmith@comcast.net
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 point for family college discussions.
- Dealing with Deferrals – What to do when a college leaves you in limbo.
Penny and Lily Visit Juilliard
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!
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 students who couldn’t visit in person due to Covid-19. As a result, there are an abundance of opportunities for you to get to know campuses across the country. We’re also available to help. We have visited literally hundreds of colleges in person. If you have questions, just ask! We can give you the inside scoop.
Here are our tips for doing college research:
Take a virtual tour or attend a virtual event. You can easily find links on a college’s website. Virtual experiences can be both taped and live and range from guided tours to information sessions, Q&A panels and one-on-one sessions. Live events typically require you to register in advance, but taped events are accessible anytime.
Visit a college’s website. In addition to finding general information about enrollment, admissions stats, campus life and housing, dig into academic departments and browse courses offered, professor bios and undergraduate opportunities like research in your potential major. Look for what makes a college truly stand out to you.
Follow your colleges on social media. You can learn a lot about campus life on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat. Some accounts are run by students or feature student takeovers, which will help you get an authentic view of campus. It’s a great opportunity for you to keep up to date with schools or departments, organizations, sports teams, and even professors whose work you admire.
Use online resources and apps. Listen to first-hand student testimonials and tours through websites like CampusReel, YouVisit, Induck and College Vizzy. YouTube is another great resource. College Expert students also have access to all the resources in their Custom College Plan, which includes links to guides such as The Fiske guide, Niche and Big Future.
Sign up for a college’s mailing list. Once you sign up, you’ll receive emails from the college as well as notifications of virtual events. An added bonus, a college will track if you’ve requested information and opened their emails, and this can work in your favor because it demonstrates interest.
Email admissions counselors. Another way to demonstrate interest is to email a college’s admissions counselor. It isn’t too soon to introduce yourself, tell them why you are interested in their school and ask any questions you can’t find the answer to on their website.
Talk with current students or alumni. Ask parents, family friends, teachers and others about their college experiences. An admissions office also may be able to put you in touch with a current student so you can get their perspective. Or ask us – we may be able to connect you with a student who attends that school. We also post College Spotlights written by our former students on the blog on our website.
We know nothing quite replaces exploring a campus in person. But it’s still possible to get to know a college using these resources and feel informed, confident and excited as you build your list and anticipate going off to college. It’s time to get started!
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 – Is this form required for schools on your list?
- Making the Most of Virtual Tours – Doing college research in the digital world (part 2)
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 popular major.
- Financial Matters: The FAFSA – Learn the basics about financial aid and why you should apply ASAP.
- Making the Most of Virtual Tours – How to maximize your online college connections.
