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The Buzz

From parents

I’m happy to acknowledge the time and effort Stephanie took to get to know our daughter, find her strengths and challenges and help her to turn her assets into an effective application package as she sought out colleges ranging from the Northeast and mid-Atlantic to the Midwest and western states. 

 

In coaching our daughter to prepare her high school resume, Stephanie knew how to discuss all the sports and extracurricular activities in which she participated and distill her most meaningful experiences from the cacophony of activities so that she could highlight and present her best self to colleges.

 

Our daughter was accepted to a wide range of her college choices, with a myriad of financial aid packages.  She made the choice that best suited her educational goals.  As her parents, we were very heartened by the financial aid.

 

We were very happy with the time and effort Stephanie deployed on our daughter’s behalf and we would envision our other girls benefitting from her expertise as they begin to apply to college.

Marybeth and Kevin Mitts

Stephanie creates a realistic view of where your child could fit in at college.  She takes into account your child’s credentials and goals and creates a list of colleges where he or she should apply.  She outlines the process and puts everything into perspective.  With her guidance, my son was successful in getting into his top choice school: Colorado College. 

 

Sandy Russell

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Trying to find the best fit college or university can be overwhelming. With over 4,000 institutions of higher learning in the US alone, the search is daunting.  Choosing the right advisor is a key component for success. We had heard of several advisors that had their favorite dozen schools which they promoted to their students. Others used the student’s GPA and SAT scores to create the possible choices, with no regard to the individual’s personality.  We wanted something more and luckily we found her.

 

Both of our daughters were privileged to have Stephanie as their college advisor. She took the time to ask questions about their interests, passions, goals and dreams. She studied their current coursework and made suggestions for their senior year based on what she learned. And most importantly, she encouraged them to consider outside the box when looking at colleges, while maintaining a manageable balance to the process. Stephanie realized that although siblings, our daughters could not be more different and used entirely different approaches for each. The end result was a large, scientific, research-based institution for one and a small, liberal arts college for the other. Both were the right choice for each.

 

We highly recommend her for your college search.

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Don and Theresa Ahrens

My family had the great fortune to have worked with Stephanie Sears.  My two older children benefitted greatly from her expertise, her extensive, in-depth knowledge of the requirements of many colleges and universities, and her careful attention to detail.  She worked diligently with them to determine their strengths and weaknesses and helped them to show their talents and skills in the best possible light.  Both of them were accepted at great schools and have had excellent college experiences at the schools they ultimately chose to attend, Williams and Skidmore.  I highly recommend Stephanie for other students as they make their way through the college admissions process.

 

Anne Meczywor

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Our family felt instantly understood and taken care of and our anxieties were easily dispersed by Stephanie's calm demeanor and her well informed knowledge of the subject. She took the angst out of the process and held our hands until the end.

 

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Ute Arnold

From students

Kaitlan,Carnegie Mellon, University of Toledo College of Medicine

Ms. Sears helped me narrow my long list of colleges to schools that were reasonable safeties, targets, and reaches. Her experience as a counselor coupled with her international experience gives her a unique background in advising that few have. Ms. Sears has a way of getting to know each of her students and helping them find schools that are a good match.

 

Elizabeth, University of Kansas

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Ms. Sears is the one of the most kind, compassionate, and generous people I have ever met.  She made an effort to truly get to know me before she gave me any advice.  Her knowledge and expertise was instrumental in my decision to go to CMU.

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I happily look back on the hours spent with Stephanie contemplating my future, vocalizing my overwhelming fear and, even, discussing film when I couldn't bear to hear the word "college" one more time. She helped make manageable something which had felt so hugely stressful, with lists and discussions of where I saw myself, what qualities I needed in a school - to this day, I remember her wealth of knowledge on private and public schools stretching across the country. She always helped temper the pressure with humorous chat and her calm and caring demeanor which brought a balance I still can't begin to thank her for.

 

Sara, Emerson College

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It is with great enthusiasm that I write this in support of Ms. Stephanie Sears.  Stephanie possesses a uniquely impressive blend of knowledge and approachability which allowed meto navigate the entire college application process with confidence. Her support and enthusiasm, from forming a school list to fine-tuning the personal statement, provided a constant and comforting reminder that I would soon gain admission to a school of

my choice. In addition, through our many conversations,

my approach to the application process evolved in ways

that allowed me to identify schools and programs that

were particularly well-suited to my interests and career

goals. Stephanie Sears helped lay the groundwork for

where I am today.

 

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Stephanie helped me sort through the possibilities and pick the perfect school for me. Which was Harvey Mudd College,

a small college in Southern California known for its engineering program, though it is technically liberal

arts. I had never heard of the school that Stephanie recommended to me, but after my time there, I can say

that my life wouldn't have been the same without it, or Stephanie's guidance!

 

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Laurie, Harvey Mudd College

Jonah,Williams College, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

 

 

 

Ms. Sears was a source of grounding support for me during high school. Her office was my favorite place to visit, not only because I always left feeling clear-minded and confident, but also because it was somewhere I could go

to simply talk and share my ideas or concerns. Her title

of 'Counselor' only skimmed the surface of the deep

support she offered anyone and everyone who was open

to, or needed it.

 

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Chloe, Skidmore College

Ms Sears inspired me to pursue my passions and talents, and assisted me in choosing a college that fostered my intellectual curiosity.  While helping me through the admissions process, Ms. Sears also continually engaged my individual interests throughout my high school years, by guiding me through a formidable internship and volunteer activities in my community.

 

Though the school application process can be stressful and demanding, Ms Sears’ calm prudence helped me stay focused on my goals and inspirations. 

 

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Sophia,Macalester College, Smith College School of Social Work

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