Financial Matters

March College Expert Newsletter

March 2024 College Expert Newsletter
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. ...
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February College Expert Newsletter

February 2024 College Expert Newsletter-4x6
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 financi...
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January College Expert Newsletter

Jan 2024 College Expert Newsletter
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. Admiss...
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December College Expert Newsletter

December 2023 College Expert Newsletter
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 C...
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November College Expert Newsletter

November 2023 College Expert Newsletter
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 ...
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September College Expert Newsletter

September 2023 College Expert Newsletter
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 anim...
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What is the True Cost of College? Read Sue’s Interview in the Star Tribune

Star Tribune headline and image of dollars flowing out of graduation cap
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.
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June College Expert Newsletter

June 2023 College Expert Newsletter
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 – Th...
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May College Expert Newsletter

Studying abroad is not only fun, some colleges require it – whether it’s a short stay, internship or extended immersion program. Wondering about your options for an international experience? Read our May issue! Other articles include: Focus on Majors/Molecular Biology – A path that leads to careers in research, medicine and bioengineering. Financial Matters – AP classes, employment an...
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April College Expert Newsletter

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Colleges are looking beyond math and science skills to identify the most-qualified applicants for competitive STEM programs. Wondering if you have what it takes? Read our April issue! Other articles include: Focus on Majors/Communications Studies – A path that combines liberal arts with practical training. Financial Matters – Appealing financial aid awards. Dealing with Denial – How t...
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December College Expert Newsletter

December 2022 College Expert Newsletter
Considering an honors program or college? The benefits go beyond a diploma designation. Read about the perks of undergraduate honors. Other articles include: Focus on Majors/Biomedical Engineering – An aging population is driving demand in this field. Financial Matters – Writing your way to a college scholarship. Early Admission Decisions – What you need to do once early decisions rol...
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November 2022 College Expert Newsletter

November College Expert newsletter
While they may not ask specifically, colleges want to know how you’ll contribute to campus. Read our tips for making your case. Other articles include: Focus on Majors/Peace and Conflict Studies – A field that’s part theory, part hands-on experience. Financial Matters: Do you need to submit the CSS Profile? Impact – It’s an admissions buzzword, but what exactly are they looking ...
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October 2022 College Expert Newsletter

October 2022 College Expert Newsletter
You want to provide a complete picture, but should you address low grades or a learning disability in your application? Here are some guidelines to help you decide. Other articles include: Focus on Majors/Kinesiology – A field for those interested in science, health and exercise. Financial Matters: It’s Time for the FAFSA. Avoiding College Application Mistakes – How to avoid careless mis...
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September 2022 College Expert Newsletter

What do college admission officers really look for? Hint: It’s more than grades and test scores. Read our tips for making the most of high school. Other articles include: Focus on Majors/Chemistry – A field for problem solvers and analytical thinkers. Financial Matters – Studying out-of-state at in-state prices. Do Safety Schools Really Exist Anymore? – Why you should treat every school l...
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June 2022 College Expert Newsletter

June 2022 Newsletter
Starting a business that matches your interests is a great way to make the most of your summer – and colleges will love your initiative. This month, we share steps for getting started. Other articles include: Focus on Fashion Design/Merchandising – Careers paths in this fast-paced, creative industry. Financial Matters: Legal limitations once your student turns 18. Adjusting to College...
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May 2022 College Expert Newsletter

May 2022 College Expert Newsletter
Summer internships are a great way to gain first-hand experience – and can be a stepping stone to even bigger opportunities. But how do you find one? Read our tips for getting started. Other articles include: Focus on Geodesign – A major that connects science, design, people and communities.Financial Matters – Talking to Your Kids about Money.College Search for Students with Learning D...
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April 2022 College Expert Newsletter

Getting to know a college often requires a visit (or two) and the focus of your tour depends on where you are in the process. Read more in our April issue. Other articles include: Focus on Supply Chain Management – A business major with many opportunities. Financial Matters – Should you appeal your financial aid award? Making that Final College Choice – Helpful tips for sorting out your o...
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March 2022 College Expert Newsletter

March 2022 College Expert Newsletter
Upcoming changes to the SAT include a shorter, online format and the use of calculators. Read about the College Board’s updates to this standardized test. Other articles include: Focus on Molecular Biology – An in-demand degree for science enthusiasts. Financial Matters – College majors with the best ROI. Waitlist Purgatory – How to be proactive when placed on a waitlist. Read the March issu...
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February 2022 College Expert Newsletter

Just like with love, there is more than one college match out there if you’re open to possibilities. Read more in our February issue. Other articles include:  Focus on Film Studies – A major for dreamers, activists and storytellers. Financial Matters: Your ROI – Assessing the costs and benefits of college. Should You Take AP Tests? – College credit is only one...
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January 2022 College Expert Newsletter

Is it truly getting more and more difficult to get into college? Yes…and no. Here are the facts behind the hype. Other articles include:  The Best Colleges for Pre-meds – What to consider when making your choice. Financial Matters: College Loans – A look at options, interest rates and lenders. Using Your PSAT Score for Planning – How test scores can help you b...
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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&n...
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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 trigger...
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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...
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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 regula...
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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.  Read the June issue.
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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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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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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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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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