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
University of Virginia, Class of 2020 – PARENT
Laurie was extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the college application process. She took the time to understand my daughter’s personality and academic abilities which made applying to the right schools all that much easier. In particular, Laurie’s exceptional ability to edit essays and applications really made a difference for us. She was always extremely honest and helpful at the same time. My daughter was accepted to 9 of the 11 schools she applied to and received many merit scholarships. We couldn’t be more pleased!
Harvard University, Class of 2020 – STUDENT
The college admissions process is a truly overwhelming endeavor. Before I came to One-Stop College Counseling, it seemed as if I could only influence the general direction and broad strokes of my application, that, in the end, it would all just come down to a roll of the dice. However, Laurie and the others at One-Stop worked tirelessly to help me identify and improve upon the numerous aspects of my application that I did have control over, ones I would not have thought about on my own. This allowed me to maximize my opportunities to present myself in the best light possible. Thank you again for all your help throughout this long and sometimes taxing process.
Lehigh University, Class of 2020 – STUDENT
Laurie’s professionalism and experience helped me focus on finding the right college for me. Laurie got to know who I was and what I was looking for. She was responsive to every email, very knowledgeable and had every answer I needed. Laurie also helped to improve the quality of my essays immensely, teaching me how to write a successful college essay. She was also very good in maintaining communication with my parents. I would recommend Laurie and her services to any high school student looking to enter the world of competitive college applications. I would not be where I am without her help.
Harvard University, Class of 2020 – PARENT
Thank you! Thank you for all of your help and support! Our son worked so hard, and we all appreciate your guidance and advice. This is the ultimate happy ending.
University of Pennsylvania, College of Arts & Sciences, Class of 2020 – STUDENT
I was just accepted into my early decision, top choice college …it never would have happened without Laurie’s help. The amount of information she knows about the college process is astounding… including the importance of showing demonstrated interest, the order of my common app activity list, and how to answer the difficult questions on interviews- clearly made a huge difference. Laurie helped me stand out in the sea of top students, and I couldn’t be happier.
U of Pennsylvania/Wharton School of Business & College of Arts and Sciences, LSM Class of 2020 – PARENT
We recently received the good news that our son has been offered admission in the early decision round into one of the most competitive programs, Life Sciences and Management (LSM), at the University of Pennsylvania (dual degree: Wharton and Arts& Sciences). Our son is our oldest child, and the whole admission process was totally new to us. Laurie helped us tremendously through every step and made sure that his character and strengths were highlighted. She guided our son in making the right choices for his college list, advised him regarding the interviews, and helped with selecting appropriate essay topics, which then went through multiple edits. Through her extensive knowledge of the colleges as well as the application process, Laurie guided us all and made it possible for our son to get into his dream school as well as the program of his First choice. Laurie – We really appreciate your expert advice during the entire admission process. Thank you so much
Washington University in St. Louis, Class of 2020 – STUDENT
When I first came to Laurie, I had no clue about the college application process. Laurie not only helped me understand this process, but also helped me find my dream school. With her by my side, I was able to complete a strong common app and execute a strategic demonstrated interest plan. One of the things that impressed the most about Laurie is that she is extremely thorough in reviewing everything I sent her. Because of One-Stop, I never felt overwhelmed or confused about this process. I’m so thankful and excited to be going off to college, all because of Laurie’s help!
University of Pennsylvania, College of Arts & Sciences, Class of 2020 – STUDENT
I was just accepted into my early decision, top choice college yesterday, and it never would have happened without Laurie’s help. The amount of information she knows about the college process is astounding. Small aspects I never would have thought to consider- including the importance of showing demonstrated interest, the order of my common app activity list, and how to answer the difficult questions on interviews- clearly made a huge difference. Laurie helped me stand out in the sea of top students, and I couldn’t be happier.
Vassar College, Class of 2020 – STUDENT
I’m in! Thank you so much!!! I’m so excited, I wish I could be there now!
Johns Hopkins University, Class of 2020 – STUDENT
I’ve been accepted to Hopkins!! Thank you so much for all the advice and help with my applications. This is definitely a big relief and such an exciting day!
Washington University in St. Louis, Class of 2020 – STUDENT & PARENT
Daughter: I just wanted to let you know that I was accepted to Washington University in St. Louis early!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!! I am so happy!!!!! Parents: Thank you so much for all the guidance you have provided. It gave us a complete and realistic perspective. We really, really appreciate it.
University of Pennsylvania Student, Class of 2020 – STUDENT
My ED school was my dream school, and it was a real reach for me. Truthfully, I was pretty stressed about it. Before I joined One-Stop, I was scared to even think about college. The whole idea frightened me. But Laurie helped me through the application process, one step at a time. Laurie gave me guidance while making sure I had other colleges to fall back on if my reach school didn’t pan out. I couldn’t have done this without her! I’m so excited for next year!
Bentley University, Honors Program, Class of 2020 – STUDENT
I just received a letter from Bentley University! I was accepted with a Presidential Scholarship (1/2 tuition) and invited to join the Honors Program. I’ve never been more thankful…Thank you SO, SO, SO much for caring about my process and helping me!
Brown student, Class of 2019; Alpert Medical School Class of 2023 – STUDENT
Asking for Laurie’s help is the best decision we ever made. We have no doubt that Laurie’s guidance, advice, and encouragement was an invaluable part of our son’s successful early application to Brown’s PLME (8-year medical program). Although our son had a nearly perfect GPA, high test scores, and other extraordinary achievements, how could he have distinguished himself from so many other overachieving students during today’s super competitive college admissions process without Laurie’s help? Laurie has crucial insights and experiences with the entire admissions process. We are 100% confident in saying that Laurie’s way of crafting an application truly works. Without a doubt, she made our son stand out in the eyes of college admissions officers. While holding a student’s hand, Laurie makes sure that both the character and achievements of that student are presented in the best light possible through beautifully crafted essays. She would not stop or give the final “ok” to an essay draft until it was absolutely perfect, according to her very demanding standards. Some of the essays went through over 10 drafts. Laurie was always there; whenever our son had a doubt or question, he would get prompt and meaningful responses. One-Stop College Counseling is unsurpassable.
University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2019 – PARENT
We were so excited to learn yesterday that our daughter was accepted into her dream college during the early decision round. Looking back, we feel very fortunate that she had Laurie as her college counselor. We are so grateful for all of the guidance and support Laurie provided us along the way. As parents going through the college process with our daughter for the first time, we were tremendously appreciative of her invaluable assistance and advice. Thank you so much for making her another one of your One-Stop success stories. She could not have done it without Laurie.
New York University, Class of 2019 – PARENT
Laurie Weingarten is the epitome of the knowledgeable expert; she provides tremendous value and is worth every penny! Several years ago, she was instrumental in helping our daughter get accepted into her first-choice college, and now she has worked her magic with our son! Early on in the process she met with our son to identify his strengths and the areas where he needed to improve. Her guidance was extremely beneficial in other ways too: in helping us to figure out the types of colleges where he would thrive, and then in coaching us on how to best represent his positive attributes. She advised us to apply early decision as a strategy for increasing our chances of acceptance to his first-choice college. It was a reach for him, but with strong essays, effective positioning of his extracurricular activities, and the demonstrated interest he showed in the school…he was successful! He was accepted right before the winter break, making the holiday extra special for our entire family. Our son said that day was the happiest day of his life…a day we will always remember. Without Laurie’s honesty, her guidance, and her extensive knowledge of colleges and the application process, our son might still be dealing with the ongoing stress of the college admission process. Laurie’s help and expertise were simply beyond compare!
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Medalist, Class of 2019 – PARENT
I had my son join One-Stop three years ago. At that time, I had no idea how the college application process worked. Thank you, One-Stop for guiding my son through these years of college preparations! My son has now been successfully accepted by RPI with a Medal merit scholarship of $87, 200! Thanks again for Laurie’s professional services; I will recommend One-Stop to everyone.
University of Pennsylvania, Seven-Year Bio-Dental Program, Class of 2022 – STUDENT
Laurie took my dream school, which was also my reach school, and put it within my grasp. Before I was a One-Stop client, the college process looked extremely daunting and unmanageable – I was content with putting it off as long as possible. But with Laurie’s careful organization, ability to keep her clients informed and on schedule, and extensive knowledge of the college application and admission processes, she took my fears and, pushed them away. I will now able to attend my dream school in the fall, and I owe a lot to Laurie and One-Stop for that.
Northeastern University, Class of 2019 – STUDENT
Laurie helped me in so many ways. Before beginning the actual college application process, Laurie assisted me in identifying my strengths and weaknesses. We worked well together to fix areas where there was room for improvement, while emphasizing and showcasing my best attributes. Not only was I accepted into my first-choice college in the early decision round, but I also learned a lot about myself during the process!
Tufts University, Class of 2019 – STUDENT
Working with someone who knows the ins and outs of college admissions helped me before and during the application process in more ways than I could have imagined. I don’t think that I would have been admitted to my top choice school without One-Stop College Counseling’s help.
Carnegie Mellon University, Class of 2019 – PARENT
Laurie knows exactly what the colleges look for throughout the admission process for practically any college in the US. From the moment the kids are on board, she sets a multi-year plan in motion that creates value for the kids in the eyes of the admission office and makes them stand out among other applicant peers. Her insistence on following the plan and encouragement every step of the way helps the students to set realistic and achievable goals. Her insightful knowledge and pointers prepared them well, whether it concerns the essay or the interview. All and all, she’s meticulously thorough, wonderfully persistent, and incredibly results-oriented. We know we are in good hands with Laurie.
University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2019 – PARENT
We cannot measure your input to our son’s success. Looking back, the whole college application process would have driven us insane…thank you so much for “holding our hands” throughout our emotional roller coaster of fear, anxiety and frustration. His IVY admission was the best present any family could have received!
University of Chicago, Class of 2019 – STUDENT
Laurie provided structure and guidance to a process that is known to be frustrating and ambiguous; without her support, my senior year would have been dampened by consistent stress over the college application process. With Laurie by my side, I could easily clarify any misconceptions or find out the best way to handle anything related to college applications. Being able to work with someone so understanding and motivating was an immensely enjoyable experience. She was essential in providing me insight and supervision on how to make my dream college attainable, and she was always there to give me that extra push to reach my goals. Of the many choices I’ve had to make in high school, joining One Stop College Counseling was unquestionably one of my best decisions.
Carnegie Mellon University, Class of 2019 – STUDENT
Since my son is the first born, we never went through the college application process before. We are so glad that we found Laurie. She is very knowledgeable and understands the college process inside and out. She helped my son set up a plan with realistic and achievable goals, and then encouraged him to methodically and consistently follow that plan. For the college essays, Laurie spent a lot of time helping fine tune our son’s writing. We are incredibly grateful for all that she has done for him. Thank you!
University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2019 – STUDENT
I am extremely happy to tell you that I have finally committed to college. I am going to PENN! I could not have been happier with the way everything worked out, and I want to thank you for all of your help along the way. This is one of the best feelings I have ever had, and finally all of the hard work and effort has paid off! Thank you for all of your insight, help, and support, and you truly made this process much easier for me. Go Quakers!
Boston College, Class of 2019 – PARENT
We want to express our deep appreciation for your support to William during this college application process. Compared to other parents who didn’t employ your professional services, we felt lucky that with your guidance, we had better admission options and avoided confusion and stumbles that could have caused so much frustration. Our biggest advantage from this experience was the reduced friction between William and us, because you were there to cheer us up when we are concerned, to cool us down when he was hot-headed, and to urge him to get his priorities straight when procrastination was always temping. Oh, boys. Thanks again, and I will tell all the other parents, your service was worth every cent we paid!
University of Maryland, Class of 2019 – PARENT
Now that the college admission process is over for our son, I wanted to thank you for your extraordinary efforts throughout the process. The guidance, support and encouragement you gave our son during the whole admission process was invaluable. I believe that the specific advice you provided to help him differentiate himself from the other applicants was critical to Maryland’s decision.
University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2019 – STUDENT
One-Stop has helped me through the college process from start to finish. The interview advice was invaluable, and after all the essay critiquing, I have no doubt that I am a better writer and a stronger communicator. Whenever I had questions, One-Stop responded with helpful information in a timely manner. I would say that the most valuable thing I gained from this experience is learning that colleges are looking for a student who “stands out” and can contribute something unique to their communities. Thank you, One-Stop, for supporting me along my journey and for giving me the opportunity to be accepted into my top-choice schools, where I feel I can succeed and thrive.
Boston College Student, Class of 2019 – STUDENT
I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated all Laurie has done for me. Whether it was helping me with my essays, or even guiding me to stay true to myself, I was able to make accurate decisions about where I wanted to apply and what was within my reach. Simply keeping tabs on me was very motivating as well, and I am grateful for all the help One-Stop has given me!
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Class of 2019 – STUDENT
The search for a college was a daunting task that I would not have been able to conquer had it not been for Laurie Weingarten. She not only helped me to narrow down the hundreds of choices to fit my personality, scores, and preferences, but also showed me that she cared about my future success. She guided me every step of the way from filling out my Common App to weighing the pros and cons of my top two universities. I was completely clueless about the college process, but with Laurie’s help, I felt like I had insider knowledge. I am very happy to be part of RPI’s class of 2019, I couldn’t have done it without Laurie. Thank you for everything you have done for me. I really appreciate it.
Princeton University, Class of 2018 – PARENT
Laurie is very knowledgeable, diligent and an absolute pleasure to work with. She is thorough and does not leave anything to chance. Even though our son has extremely strong credentials, we felt Laurie’s help was invaluable. She teaches skills that are the key to a student’s success in college, workforce and beyond. We feel fortunate to have found her and now we have a lifetime friend and adviser. We could not have asked for anything better!!!!
In the midst of so much complexity, we distill what’s most important for your college-bound student.
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