When you choose to hire an independent educational consultant, you want to make sure you select wisely.
One-Stop has helped hundreds of students and parents navigate the college application process, and we’re proud of our success! Read how our families have praised their experience with us…
Member Testimonials
Harvard University, Class of 2030 – PARENT
Laurie is truly an expert in this field. She is passionate and spends time visiting schools and nurturing relationships with admissions counselors so that she can understand what each school is seeking and how their admissions process works. The college consulting field has quite a few self-proclaimed college experts that lack depth and expertise—I know because more than one tried to convince me to hire them. What is great about Laurie is that she actually knows what she is talking about and can provide nuanced and detailed guidance. Her process is well structured; it empowers the student and family to cut through all the "noise" and focus on the activities that are important and will make a difference. We definitely recommend her services.
University of Chicago, Class of 2030 – STUDENT
I am so grateful for One-Stop’s support throughout my college application journey. Thank you, Laurie, for helping me every step of the way—whether it was with brainstorming essays, making extracurricular suggestions, or being intentional about summer programs. Laurie always provided insightful, personalized guidance, and pushed me to embrace the process. Her confidence in me helped me build confidence in myself and find my authentic voice, even during the stressful times. I’m very thankful for the past three years, and I’m so happy that Laurie helped me find the college that’s right for me and prepared me for next fall. Thank you so much, Laurie!
Yale University, Class of 2030 – STUDENT
Thank you for all your support throughout the years. I had so many great schools to choose from!
University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2030 – STUDENT
I GOT IN!!!!! You guys have been such a big help through this entire process Laurie and Matt were absolutely amazing, and I can't recommend them enough. They helped me make crucial decisions regarding my class schedule, standardized testing, and they made sure my essays were the best they could be. I never could have gotten into Penn without them! Thank you SO, SO, SO much for everything.
Tufts University, Class of 2030 – PARENTS
Not all college counselors are the same. Laurie is one-of-a-kind. Laurie provides honest, insightful, and thoughtful recommendations throughout high school. It's great to have an expert who provides advice and suggestions for every step of the process. We had Laurie for both of our girls, and it was the best decision (in terms of applying to college) we made. Laurie took the time to know each of our girls, allowing her to tailor her advice to their unique needs. It pays to start early and to have a coach who understands your strengths and weaknesses and gives you the guidance you didn't even realize you needed. Finding a college counselor is a smart move, but working with Laurie is truly exceptional.
Barnard College, Columbia University, Class of 2030 – STUDENT
I GOT IN!! Thank you so much, Matt and Laurie!! With your help, I was accepted ED to my dream school! You’ve have been extremely beneficial to me throughout my entire high school career. In my freshman and sophomore years, you guided my extracurricular and summer activities, making me aware of various opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise have had. In my junior and senior year, you helped me on every step of the journey, from college lists to essay assistance. I appreciate all your support and encouragement. Go Bears!
Northwestern University, Class of 2030 – STUDENT
I am very pleased to tell you that I got accepted to Northwestern for economics! Thank you so much for helping me during this process, I appreciate everything you’ve done!
Cornell University, Class of 2030 – STUDENT
The college process felt overwhelming at first, but you guided me every step of the way. Your advice and encouragement helped me gain admission to my top-choice school.
NYU Stern School of Business, Class of 2030 – STUDENT
Laurie kept me grounded throughout the entire college application process, which was no easy task, especially with how overwhelming and emotional the journey can feel at times to both an applicant and their family. From essays and interviews to deciding which extracurriculars to prioritize, drafting emails to local representatives, and navigating the Common App, Laurie supported me through every step with so much patience and encouragement! But more than that, she also helped me believe in myself during these stressful. I'm so incredibly happy; the school is such a good fit for me. My mom and I are so grateful for your kindness and support throughout this journey! Thank you again 🙂
University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2030 – STUDENT
I just got into Penn! Thank you!
Carnegie Mellon University, BAX Engineering and Arts, Class of 2030 – STUDENT & PARENTS
Student: I'VE BEEN ACCEPTED INTO CARNEGIE MELLON!!!!! Thank you both SO MUCH for all your help throughout this entire process; a part of my success came from you!! Parent: We are so thrilled to see our child get accepted by CMU, her dream school & major. It was the happiest moment we have ever experienced. We could not express enough gratitude to both of you. Each conversation and email you exchanged with our daughter shaped her to be a more mature young lady, laying solid foundation for her future success. We really appreciate your methods and efforts to guide her in finding her passion. We came from a different cultural/educational background without U.S. high school experience, and your help during our teen’s application journey was a great learning experience for us as well.
Rice University, Class of 2030 – PARENTS
Our daughter received her ED acceptance today. Thank you both for the invaluable advice and helpful answers whenever we had questions.
Claremont McKenna College, Class of 2030 – STUDENT
I am happy to tell you that I was admitted ED to Claremont McKenna! Thank you so much for all your help during this process!
University of Chicago, Class of 2030 – STUDENT & PARENTS
Student: I just wanted to let you know that I was admitted ED into UChicago! I’m super excited to attend in the fall, this really is a dream come true. Thank you so much for all your help throughout the past few years. I really appreciate it. Parents: The One-Stop team was not only extremely knowledgeable about the complex college application landscape, but also very dedicated and meticulous. They were there for our son every step of the way, which allowed us to feel confident in their very capable hands. Thank you, Laurie and Matt!
Wellesley College, Class of 2030 – PARENTS
As immigrant parents, the college application process seems overly complicated. We are grateful that Laurie and Matt guided us through the long and stressful process! They did more than general guidance and counseling. They also helped us, as parents with different cultural backgrounds, adjust our own perspective on the college application journey. Most importantly, they consistently encouraged our daughter and provided valuable feedback and practical advice, helping her grow more mature, confident, and independent, and truly prepared for college life.
Emory University, Class of 2030 – PARENT
Our son was accepted in the ED round! Thank you for all your help and guidance!
University of Michigan, Class of 2030 – STUDENT
I got accepted to UMich LSA! I'm really excited. Thanks for once again with your help with the process!
University of Southern California, Class of 2030 – PARENTS
Thank you Laurie and One-Stop for guiding our daughter & us in the past 4 years. We are grateful that Laurie was always well prepared at each meeting, efficient in getting all topics taken care of on schedule, took time to get to know our child, and worked with her in a direct, candid, and respectful way that high school students are willing to listen. Our daughter is going to a reach school that really fits her and she is thrilled. We can’t thank Laurie enough for 4 years’ of patience, strategizing, knowledge, and caring.
Georgia Institute of Technology, Class of 2030 – STUDENT
I’m really happy; I got in even though I didn’t expect to! Thanks for your help throughout the last four years!
UT Austin, McCombs School of Business, Class of 2030 – STUDENT
I got into McCombs at UT. Thank you for your guidance and help!
Wake Forest University, Class of 2030 – PARENT
Working with Laurie and her team at One-Stop College Counseling was one of the best decisions we made. Throughout our son’s high school career, she provided personalized guidance that made a meaningful difference. Laurie helped him build a strong foundation, make thoughtful choices, and stay on track in ways that positioned him well for college admissions. When it came time for the application process, Laurie’s expertise was truly invaluable. She offered informed guidance every step of the way and ensured that both we and our son felt supported throughout the entire journey. Her feedback and advice is thorough, thoughtful, and elevates every aspect of the application. Laurie’s support is comprehensive, and she plays a major role in helping students present their strongest selves in the college admissions process. We couldn’t recommend Laurie and One-Stop College Counseling more highly!
Villanova University, School of Business, Class of 2030 – STUDENT
I am excited to tell you that I got into the Villanova School of Business. Thank you for your help and advice. You both gave me a great early push in my college process.
Boston College, Class of 2029 – STUDENT
We did it!! Yay! I am so happy! Everyone is so jealous that I don’t have to stress anymore—just looking at my fellow classmates stare down their college essays makes me feel relieved. Thank you so much for all your help, Laurie! Without your editing and much needed accountability, I wouldn’t have been able to be celebrating my Early Decision admit right now!
Yale University, Class of 2029 – STUDENT
Working with Laurie was one of the most impactful parts of my high school journey. Beyond helping me navigate the many layers of the college application process — from essays to interviews — she offered thoughtful guidance every step of the way to ensure the real me was shown through my application. Whether it was encouraging me to focus on what truly mattered, offering insight on how to make the most of my high school years, or gently pushing me outside of my comfort zone, Laurie helped me grow not just as an applicant but as a person. This experience from freshman to senior year helped prepare me for life during and after college, and I’m so happy she set me on the right path. I’m incredibly grateful for her support, perspective, and belief in me.
University of Chicago, Class of 2029 – STUDENT
I cannot thank you enough for the time you spent with me, and the dedication toward helping me find the best fit college. I appreciate everything you did. THANKS SO MUCH!
Brown University, Class of 2029 – STUDENT
I am forever grateful to One-Stop for their guidance throughout not just the college process, but all of high school. One-Stop’s suggestions for my extracurriculars, courses, and essays proved to be extremely beneficial, as they made my applications more authentic and articulate. Despite the inherent stressful nature of college admissions, One-Stop provided constant help and aid, making the whole process much smoother; I can confidently say that without their help, I wouldn’t be attending Brown this fall!
Wesleyan University, Class of 2029 – STUDENT
I got into Wesleyan University! It’s my dream school, and I’m very excited. I couldn’t have done it without One-Stop’s help. They truly simplified this chaotic college process. Without them I would have gone completely bananas. Thank you so much for everything you did for me, I am forever grateful.
University of Michigan, Class of 2029 – PARENT
Use a college counselor if you can! We made the mistake of navigating the college applications process by ourselves for our first child, and realized we needed help for our youngest. Laurie and Matt made an incisive evaluation of where we had gone wrong the first time, and we were so impressed with their insights that we engaged them immediately to help our son. Laurie and Matt are generous with their time. They interviewed our son comprehensively to assess his interests, strengths and weaknesses and helped us prepare a comprehensive list of 'reach', 'likely' and 'safety' schools with deep knowledge that we ourselves did not possess. This led to a more precise and realistic choice than we would have made for ourselves. Teenage children do not take advice or suggestions from their parents, but they do from other people. Laurie and Matt were very good at reminding our son what was due, and when, somehow without nagging - and got him to prepare more thoroughly than we would have been able ourselves. This is especially important for interview preparation as well as submission deadlines. All the time they showed their extensive knowledge of different universities and how to make the best impression with each of the admissions directors. They provided constant advice and encouragement, connecting with us and checking in even when we hadn't asked. They never watched the clock or ended sessions before we finished the matter at hand. They were also extremely detailed in editing and making suggestions for our son’s essays, and their help brainstorming for his personal essay was crucial for us. This is a very personal service. Once we were informed of colleges' decisions, Laurie and Matt consulted with us extensively to find the best potential match for our son, having taken the trouble to get to know him properly. Children have the skills to attend college, families have the ambition for their children, and Laurie and Matt have the expertise and knowledge to ensure students make the most realistic mix of applications and ultimately make the best choice. Engage them!
Columbia, Class of 2029 – STUDENT
I committed to Columbia! Thank you for all the work you've done with me over these past few years!
Brown University, Class of 2029 – PARENT
Thanks so much, Laurie! We were so fortunate to have you as an advisor. You are so committed, passionate & intelligent. We will recommend your services to everyone!
University of Pennsylvania (Engineering), Class of 2029 – PARENT
We could not have gone through the whole college application process without Laurie and Matt. My husband and I have both demanding jobs, and my daughter went to a boarding school in Massachusetts, but everything was seamless thanks to One-Stop College Counseling. At the first meeting, we learned we had to make scheduling changes with French and math as her schedule wasn’t ideal from a college standpoint. Their input for essay writing was critical and helpful, and their detailed knowledge about college made it easy for us to choose schools to apply to. Our daughter got admitted to most of the colleges that she applied and even received large merit scholarships at some. We are grateful for Laurie & Matt’s guidance and help throughout the journey.
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