Testimonials

Listen to what Great College Advice® families have to say

Parents Praise Our Approach

The best way to learn about our college planning services is to listen to parents who have engaged Great College Advice® to help their students through the college admissions maze. Success comes in many different forms, so check out these videos to learn what parents have to say.

Students Share Their Stories

Students often tell us that we have been instrumental in the process. While we know that students get themselves into college, we’re glad our students see value in providing a transformational college planning process.

Testimonials for Mark

”What I found most helpful were all the 1-on-1 chats and calls I had with Mark where he was able to talk through all the ideas I had in my head and turn them into something that was actually actionable. His guidance and wisdom was invaluable in helping me find a college that was just the right fit for me and one where I felt I could thrive. I would recommend Mark for anyone looking for an outstanding college advisor!“
Calvin T.
Student
“I met Mark 10 years ago when I first started applying to college. I was struggling with the application process and did not have a strong support network at home as my dad had passed away and my mom spoke very little English. I reached out to Mark for his help as a college advisor and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. With Mark's help, I received a full scholarship to one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country. He is more than just a college advisor: he continues to be a trusted friend and mentor.”
Amaar F.
Student
“Mark did an amazing job counseling me through the admission process 4 years ago. He understood my priorities and concerns and did everything he could to help me find a great fit. His caring and personal approach made the process very smooth. I especially appreciate that we remain in touch and that he is someone I can always go for advice.”
Alexis D.
Student
“Back when I was applying for college, Mark was a great resource with finding a college that fit with my needs as well as getting through the application process successfully! I loved my undergrad experience and wouldn't have found my alma mater without his help.”
Sofia K.
Student
“Mark’s best trait is that he brings absolute calmness to your child and family situation. He made everyone feel fantastic and at ease throughout the process. Mark is as good as it gets when it comes to serious college advice. When Mark sent us the final bill, I asked him to increase the fee because of the magnificent job he did for our family. My only advice is to hire him ASAP.”
Cole A.
Parent
“Mark helped me explore the college options beyond the biggest names. My ultimate college selection was one that I never would have even heard about without his assistance, and it turned out to be the perfect fit for me and an amazing launching pad for my future studies and career. Mark also ensured that I had autonomy throughout the process and that my search was authentic to myself and my goals, which I greatly appreciated and respected as a young person still coming to grips with his own independence.”
Ross W.
Student
“Your guidance and support all along has made our life much easier. To us, it has been a valuable journey during which we developed a better understanding of Christie’s needs and feelings, and we have also learned how to relax and let go in terms of our parenting. Now that she is more confident and relaxed, and we enjoy a much better relationship with each other than before.”
Jacqueline L. and Edmond C.
Parents

Testimonials for Andrea

"Patrick will attend UNC next year which was one of his reach schools. I think Andrea's help with his high school curriculum really played a key part in that (it was much more rigorous than I'm sure he would have chosen on his own). Also, simply plugging us in with a great SAT prep tutor was something we would have missed out on otherwise and his SAT scores would have greatly suffered as a result."
Lawson W.
Parent
"Thank you for all your assistance in my college search. I’m positive I couldn’t have gotten such amazing results without your recommendations, counsel, and good cheer. You seemed to have the answer to every question. Thank you for talking late at night, making time on the weekends, and reaching the extra mile when I needed you."
C.C.
Student
"Andrea formed an instant and strong connection with our daughter and helped her stay on top of the college selection and application process. There were regular Skype sessions and homework in-between. Our daughter felt very comfortable in her relationship with Andrea, which is so important when grappling with one of the most important decisions of your young life!"
Kitty S.
Parent
"I really enjoyed getting to know you over the past year in all of our meetings! Thank you again for the advice and help throughout the process and in making everything so much easier and more manageable. I appreciate all the time you spent, and I think all of our hard work paid off!"
Avery L.
Student
"Without reservation I would recommend Andrea. She is smart, thoughtful, knowledgeable, responsive and patient. Most importantly, she was able to forge a unique relationship with my daughter that helped to make a process fraught with so much anxiety a much smoother experience for all."
L.H.
Parent

Testimonials for Pam

“Pam helped me so much throughout the college admissions process. She was able to help me find colleges that would best fit me, set a schedule that took some of the stress out of the process, and in the end got me into a school I am very excited about.”
Jenna W.
Student
“Pam has been amazing. She is extremely knowledgeable and has helped my daughter stay on track and keep the stress out of the college process.”
Maureen B.
Parent
“Pam has so much knowledge to share. I highly recommend her!”
Sydelle D.
Parent
“Pam was a wonderful help in assisting our child in finding the right college fit for her. She takes the time to get to know her students and was a great resource in the college search. I highly recommend Pam as a college coach.”
Katie R.
Parent

Testimonials for Jamie

“Jamie helped me understand the subtleties of the college admissions process and what would strengthen my application. The most valuable thing that Jamie did was assist me in the language arts; under his guidance, my essay materialized out of a collection of notes. Without Jamie—and his knowledge of the process and care for my future—I would not be in the position I am in today.”
Isaiah G.
Student
“Not only did Jamie and his compassionate and gentle—yet coaxing—approach greatly reduce the stress for my daughter (and all of us at home) surrounding the college application process, their regularly scheduled meetings encouraged her to consistently work on the essays and to embrace the revision process. Jamie’s thoughtful questions, advice, and guidance led my daughter to writing well-written essays that reflected who she is and which helped get her into her top-reach school, Barnard College. We look forward to working with Jamie again when our son begins this process!”
Sydney C.
Parent
“The most obvious service that Jamie did for Irving was helping him focus on the writing of a well-crafted, well thought-out admissions essay. But the bigger, more subtle thing Jamie did was help my son figure out what it is he wanted from a college, what he thought that college could do for him, and what he imagined that relationship would look like. The result was my son was enthusiastically accepted by his top pick. A smart, kind and clever dude. Perfect fit for my kid.”
David M.
Parent

Testimonials for Great College Advice

“Great College Advice helped my daughter get accepted to an Ivy League college. They offered great advice that we could not find elsewhere. I recommend them to all of my friends and family.”
Juliet G.
Parent
“They have so many resources available for students, and care about the student as a whole. Great advice and great people!”
Ellie G.
Student
“Great advice. They help you find a fit rather than a prize.”
Lauren Z.
Student
“Great College Advice lives up to the name! Advisors worked with me through my application process, providing excellent advice tailored toward my educational goals. Advisors responded quickly and allowed me to finish my applications well ahead of my deadlines, despite submitting my materials to them late. Absolutely would recommend.”
Jessica F.
Student
“I can't stop looking at his grinning face in the photo we took last night right after he found out. I am somewhat in shock as we all know this was a long shot, even if he is an amazing student and human being. Thanks for all of your help and support. We know it made a huge impact on the entire process.”
Peggy B..
Parent
“Great College Advice was instrumental in helping both of our daughters through the college admissions process. What could’ve been an overwhelming unbearable process for us ended up being a seamless and positive experience.”
Joanna S.
Parent
“Without Great College Advice, our family would have suffered the stress and pain of a mysterious process - and our granddaughter would not today be at a school where she is enjoying and benefiting from a solid college experience. We will forever be grateful to Great College Advice.”
Marcia G.
Parent
“Honest, knowledgable group.”
Jody M.
Parent