College

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...
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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 –...
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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.
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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,   Reg...
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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.
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The United Kingdom (UK) Offers Opportunity for Medical School as Undergraduate Degree

Kris Olson at University of Bristol 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 ...
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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: Majoring in Foreign Language – A desirable skill in many professions. Financial Matters – Changes are coming to the FAFSA in 2022-23. Looking to Enhance Your Learning Experiences? – Check out MOOCs like edX and Courser...
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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 yo...
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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 Slu...
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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 thi...
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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 ...
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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 st...
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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&n...
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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 po...
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Virtual Fall College Fairs!

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.
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September 2020 College Expert Newsletter

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: Making the Most of Virtual Learning – Whether 100% online or hybrid, make the best of this new way of learning.Majoring in Archeology – Learn about a fascinating field that can lead to jobs a...
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Penny and Lily Visit Auburn

Auburn
Auburn University "War beagle & tailgating" 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
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Farewell to Our Seniors!

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

University of Southern California - "The too cute scandal..." 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! ☀️ #...
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Congratulations to the Class of 2020

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

Ryan quote 2020
Dear Class of 2020, You did it and you got this! Let me explain. You started with a list of colleges that you may have seen as a mountain at times, but you decided the heights, the climb, and you got to the top. You evoked thousands of smiles and pulled heartstrings with your moving and entertaining essays that were read by countless admissions counselors from every corner of this country ...
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