What's Being Said

Finding the right college can be a difficult task. When its time to start the college search and college application process, College Connectors will ease the tension, map out a plan and keep everyone focused. Need we say more? These families did!

“Valerie isn't just a college consultant—she’s a college counselor. She brings a sensitive eye and ear to her sessions with each student and ascertains his/her strengths, interests, and preferences—both spoken and unstated. She uses these to find the schools which are most likely to fit each student well.”

—Parent of two recent grads

“I really don’t know what we would have done without Donna’s help. She did everything she said she would and beyond, ESPECIALLY keeping our son on track with deadlines with his very busy schedule. Our son thinks of you as his “all knowing” manager in college pursuits, as do his parents. I can’t say enough good things about your services. You have been priceless to our son and to his parents.”

—Parent of a recent grad

“Thanks for following up and for all your invaluable advice during the application process. If it hadn’t been for you, my daughter would not have looked into Wash U and now it is probably her foremost choice.”

— Parent of a recent grad

“You’ve been unbelievably helpful and a pleasure to work with.”

— A recent high school grad

“Donna really has a lot of knowledge about colleges and the admissions process, and has been especially great at working with our children to identify schools that are a good match for each of them.”

—Parent of a recent grad

“Thanks again for all your help and encouragement. It has really mattered.”

—Parent of a recent grad

“Thank you for all of your assistance and guidance; it was the best investment we could have ever made.”

—Parent of a recent transfer student

“It was helpful for my son to have an authoritative third party with whom to discuss his preferences and impressions of colleges. Removing the parent-child dynamic from the college selection process, at least sometimes, reinforces confidence in the decision. I was particularly happy with how a non-parent’s involvement facilitated the application process. Valerie’s prodding to complete applications on schedule was professional consultation, not nagging, and your feedback on essays was easily taken as honest, not personal criticism.”

—Parent of a recent grad

“I cannot thank you enough for helping with this entire process. I am so pleased with the decisions you have helped me with.”

—A recent high school grad

“Thank you for all your help in getting me here – the anxiety about applying to college two years ago has now turned into me being anxious to return to college for a new school year.”

—A recent high school grad

“College Connectors helped our daughter understand that she could go to a more difficult college and succeed. They helped her to push herself and to find a place where she would fit in better.”

—Parent of a recent grad

“College Connectors helped us look at choices from different perspectives than we might have otherwise had. They helped keep the emotions under control – to think logically but with enthusiasm!”

—Parent of a recent grad

“College Connectors helped us develop a strategy for the college search. I think it was helpful to have someone other than us (parents) as a key contact for our son in his search.”

—Parent of a recent grad

“College Connectors introduced me to amazing schools that I might have overlooked if I had been on my own. When someone experienced with college applications advised me on essays, my writing improved.”

—A recent high school grad

“College Connectors gave us a chance to see schools that would not otherwise have been considered. Overall it gave us a better understanding of the college application process. It took away parent-child tension during the college process.”

—Parent of a recent grad

“College Connectors took the emotion out of the process. It allowed an impartial outsider to coach our son through steps of identifying important attributes of college and organizing the work.”

—Parent of a recent grad

“The process was very positive, and we got more than we expected. Our son felt in control of his future. Sorting out this process would have been impossible for us without Valerie helping us. Thanks! I just wish we would have started sooner with College Connectors.”

—Parent of a recent grad

“It feels comforting to find an expert like you who knows our high school, understands a variety of paths, and is committed to helping our son identify and prepare for “the path best suited.”

—Parent of a current high school student

“I have to repeat how glad we are that you are in the picture! I’m already looking forward to starting the process with you and our younger son next fall!”

—Parent of a graduating senior