Testimonials

Undergraduate Students

#1.) “When I first started looking for colleges, it felt like a constant battle between myself and my parents each day.  Every TV Show we watched would turn into a discussion about college somehow and I was really frustrated.  There was so much that I didn’t know and my parents were just telling me what they thought based on their own experiences.  

When I was referred by a friend to Merit everything changed.  I no longer felt stressed because I had a plan that I could actually use.  I was able to find colleges that I was interested in and were not only a good fit for me in my major, but also fit my parents’ financial requirements.  We no longer had to talk about college each night at dinner and things were easier at home.  We both decided that we could enjoy the steps in finding the right college for me because we had someone who was giving us a way to plan ahead, stay organized and focus on the most important parts.  We had fewer decisions to make and in the end, I was admitted to my top choice, as well as three other prestigious schools with financial aid packages that made them a possibility.”

#2.) “I got into Columbia!!! Thank you so much for all of your work this year.”

#3.) “I wanted to just say thank you.  I received my acceptance notification today.  I know this school was a reach for me and I know that my essay made a huge difference. Without your help, I would definitely not have been able to do multiple drafts and communicate who I really was to them.  You looked at every word and keep me on track.  Your advice was so helpful.  Without Merit, I know that I would not have be admitted to my dream school.”

Graduate Research Student

“Jennifer actually checked in to see how I was handling the balance of coursework, research and applications in a positive way that made me feel like they truly were concerned for my well-being during this stressful time.  She was happy to answer all of my questions.  The pacing and planning she set allowed me to even enjoy a social life throughout a time when most don’t come up for air!”

 

Grad Student #2

“I’d like to let you know that I’ve been accepted to 3 of the programs I applied to…MS in Neuroscience and Education at Columbia Teacher’s College, MS in Nutrition Science at Columbia IHN and MS in Nutrition and Metabolism at BU… Thank you very much for your help and support throughout the application process. In this case I can say for sure it wouldn’t have happened without you. I had the busiest and toughest year of my life, so I certainly wouldn’t have had the stamina and drive to do it if you’re not researching the programs for me, “holding my hand” when writing the essays and filling out the application thus pushing me to get the applications done:) [my husband] and I are both very grateful for this!”

 

Parent

“A sincere thanks for the efforts of Merit.  I was hesitant to use a consultant for the college process, but am certain that I will be doing so for my younger two.  There is no way that alone we could have provided our son with the direction, information or feedback.  [His consultant] helped him feel independent in his work, but we were always kept in the loop with updates.  Merit never once wasted our time or our money. I would highly recommend them for anyone with a student who will be looking for a college in the next two years!”