Sue’s favorite part of the job – really, more of a calling – is the college exploration piece. In 2001, Sue set up shop in her Eagan home and spread the word. And word traveled fast! To date, Sue has counseled over 2,000 students, including those from Australia, England, Hawaii, Mexico, and Canada. With a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in school counseling and guidance from the University of Wisconsin, Sue is well-received across the country. She’s visited over 330 campuses to find college love-connections for her students.

It’s not uncommon for Sue to begin working with a student as early as 7th or 8th grade. She guides each student through high school, developing a plan tailored to fit each individual's strengths and personality, setting the goal to be the best possible applicant while enjoying the journey. She helps students create their four-year academic, testing and activity plans. She also coaches them on how to demonstrate interest to the college admissions department through on-campus tours, emails, and interviews; where to sleuth out both financial aid and merit scholarships; and how to approach the many required essays.

One of the most important things she does is recommend the best fit colleges for each student based on extensive knowledge of college options and personal knowledge of the student. A prominent speaker on college issues, Suzanne has been featured in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the Star Tribune, Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine, Minnesota Parent, and Twin Cities Business’ Black Book. She has also been interviewed on WCCO Radio, MPR Daily Circuit, appeared on KARE-TV and interviewed by USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Huff Post Live and Consumer Digest Report.

Suzanne writes a blog on her website www.CollegeExpertMN.com where you can find the latest news and advice about college planning. She is also the author of an online college guidebook, Destination: College and the creator of a patent-pending playing card game for exploring college preferences. Over the past 5 years, College Expert has evolved into a family affair. Son Ryan Luse, a graduate of Emerson College, has joined his mother as a college counselor.

Sue has been an active professional member of IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association) since 2001, and a Certified Educational Planner at the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners.

More About Sue

Go to Sue's College Visits.

You can find Sue's media interviews and articles in blog posts under "Sue in the News" category.

Learn more about Sue Luse through this essay entitled The College Applicant's Best Friend written by a student for an English assignment. It is a portrait of "The College Expert" through the lens of a student.