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!
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.
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:
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:
The true benefit of a summer program? It isn’t gaining points with selective schools. Read more in this issue. Other articles include:
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:
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!
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.
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!
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!
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
College interview jitters? Read our December cover article to learn what interviews are really like and set your mind at ease. Other articles include:
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!
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!
Virtual tours and college websites can help you make connections with your colleges. Learn how in our November newsletter.
This month’s articles include:
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:
The College Expert calendar pups are disguised as Golden Gophers this month, cheering for their hometown team. Ski-U-Mah! Want to learn more about this classic Big Ten campus? Ask Sue or Ryan about the University of Minnesota! #SkiUMah #GoldenGophers
Don’t miss these opportunities to learn about your colleges! Connecting with college reps demonstrates your genuine interest in a school. Hint: you’ll also learn details about academic programs and campus life that you can use in your “why this college” essays. The first one is this Sunday! Visit mispfair.homestead.com and nacacfairs.org for more info.
It’s back to school! See our September newsletter for virtual learning tips and advice on how to get to know a college campus during COVID.
Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter:
It’s back to school, and our calendar pups, @penny_and_lily, are at Auburn University this month, a large, welcoming Alabama campus with a small town feel. Fun fact: Tim Cook, CEO of Apple is an Auburn alum. (War Beagle!) Want to learn more? Ask Sue or Ryan if Auburn might be right for you! #collegeexpert #collegebound #wareagle
To the Amazing Class of 2020:
As your freshman year of college is about to begin, whether it be online, in person, or somewhere in between, we at College Expert want to say farewell. But this doesn’t mean our journey is ending. We are your college consultants for life, and that didn’t stop suddenly when you made your final college decision. Navigating the first steps as a freshman can be an exhilarating whirlwind of anxiety and adventure. And that is in a normal year.
You graduated high school and are starting college in a history-defining year, and one thing rings very true: you have a role in all of this. Colleges need world-changers like you, especially now. Some thoughts to keep in mind:
This probably was not the senior year or the summer that you envisioned. But remember, we are here for support and there are others ready to support you as well. If you find that you are experiencing tough emotions during these trying times, don’t forget to ask for help. If any class can rise to this unique occasion and give us all hope, it’s this one. We have never been as proud as college consultants. So instead of waving farewell, please let us know if you need anything during these uncertain times. We have your back. You did this and you got this!
Be well,
Ryan Luse & The College Expert Team
Here is the link to a higher resolution image of our Class of 2020 Poster than what is shown on this blog : College Expert Class of 2020 Poster It turned out awesome!
Helloooo July! This month our mascots, Penny and Lily, visit the University of Southern California, the only university to have an alum nominated for an Oscar every year since the first Academy Awards. Looking for a vibrant campus with infectious school spirit and lots of sunshine? Ask Sue or Ryan if USC might be right for you! ☀️ #collegeexpert #collegebound
Congratulations to the Class of 2020 and thank you for allowing us to be a part of your college journey. We’re sending handshakes and hugs your way as we wish you the very best next year. You have inspired us more than you know, and you are exactly what this world needs right now. We are so proud of you!
Sue, Ryan and the College Expert Team
Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter.
