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Separating Fact from Fiction Online

Posted on: February 10, 2023 by: dee

As students and their families begin to think about the daunting process of applying to college – especially selective ones – many turn to the Internet to search for information. They might seek out general details or strategies regarding the application process, or something as specific as feedback about the experience of working with an admissions counselor. It is not uncommon for families to end up on websites that feature reviews about businesses or on community forums where people exchange information and ideas.

These websites and forums, and the Internet more broadly, can of course be an invaluable source of information. People can share insights and tips with one another, find helpful resources recommended by their peers, and search for answers to their questions on almost any topic related to college admissions. But there is also a risk: misinformation is easy to post, spread and find. Whether it stems from innocent ignorance or more deliberate desire to mislead, the result is the same – readers usually find it hard to tell the difference between fact and fiction, and may walk away from their research feeling more uncertain or conflicted than they were initially.

Our advice to anyone beginning to think about their college applications and working with a private counselor is this: browse the Internet with caution and form your own opinion about a counselor by speaking to them directly, rather than relying solely on third-party information that you cannot verify. As I often ask families, why would you trust something when you don’t know where it’s coming from, or if the messenger has a hidden agenda, especially for something as important as getting into college?

A good college counselor is willing to meet with students and their families before they commit to anything, allowing them to decide what will be helpful for their specific needs. This opportunity to determine if there is a good fit is why we offer free consultations. A family simply needs to call us at (845) 826-5310 or fill out our Contact Us form online, and I will personally follow up with them to set up a time for us to speak over a phone or video call.

Applying to college can be difficult, but finding help should not be. Please reach out to us to learn more about how we help students gain admission into their dream schools, in the Ivy League or otherwise. We look forward to hearing from you.

Testimonials

On paper, I am by no means a perfect student. However, thanks to my Application Positioning, I was able to maximize the strengths that I bring to a college to compensate for other factors. Thanks to The Ivy Dean Team, I will be attending Princeton University, my dream school, in the fall.

Douglas R. – Princeton University

Dee provided excellent advice and guidance throughout the application process. Her overall expertise in admissions, professionalism and warmth made the experience a great one. I was thrilled that I was accepted to several of the most selective colleges in the country and will be attending Stanford in the fall.”

Laurel P. – Stanford University

It's my pleasure to inform you that I've been admitted to my first choice college: the University of Southern California. My dream is becoming reality! I am thrilled to get the chance to belong to the USC and to start a new adventure there. It is also thanks to your great help that I've been accepted, I'm very grateful! Thank you so much for everything.

Sonia G. – From Switzerland

Our son and daughter wanted to go to colleges in the same city but they had different interests and different strengths. She matched them each with their ideal college, one Columbia University and the other NYU, and worked to get them admitted. We couldn't have been more pleased.

Niki and Roger S.

I was a serious student but also wanted a university where I could continue competitive cycling. There weren't many schools that met my needs and fit my personality. From her experience, she was able to hone right in on what became my first choice school. I graduated last year and the entire college experience was awesome.

Colin J.

My parents and I didn't know how helpful it could be to have someone who understood things from the inside working with us. Ms. Blackman was able to identify just what would make me the most attractive candidate to colleges.

Bob M. – Harvard University