Testimonials
College
Graduate School
Boarding and Day Schools
College
My husband and I cannot express how grateful we are to have engaged you and your team to work with my grandson, Justin. Thanks to the timely insights, planning, and coaching you provided him, he will be attending an Ivy League institution this fall, funded almost entirely by merit-based grants. There is no way our family could have known of the opportunities available to him without your direction.
You and your team have created one of the most positive impacts on my grandson’s future, an impact which will bear fruit for decades to come. Our investment in his future by arranging for your services is unquestionably one of the soundest decisions we have ever made. We have already enthusiastically referred family and friends with college-bound students to your organization, and can assure you we will be working together again in just a few short years when Justin’s younger brother begins his collegiate journey.
Thank you for your outstanding work, and for helping a family of modest means to maximize Justin’s educational aspirations.
Nikki and Richard Walters, Grandparents of College Match student accepted to Dartmouth College
My daughter Sophie and I found College Match through an online search. I had already interviewed several local college admissions guidance professionals who seemed competent but I was struck by Dave's enthusiasm and positive attitude. I was a bit reluctant to get involved in a guidance relationship that was long distance but after a laudable reference from a parent who's son had just graduated from my daughter's High School I was favorably impressed and took the chance. Between Skype and cell phone speakers and email etc. there never was a communication problem in fact the availability of access to professional service and advice was wonderful. We toured 12-14 schools and researched many more most of which were recommended by Dave based on his broad knowledge of the characteristics of Universities and his understanding of Sophie's ability and capability. With generous consultation between Dave, Naren and Sophie, Sophie submitted seven applications; to a couple schools we had been unaware of and several internationally renown big name universities. Any activity, even hard work, is fun when you succeed. So now that Sophie has been accepted at six of the seven schools we are having great fun choosing which institution gets to continue my precious daughters formal education. Sophie will attend NYU in the fall.
John B. College Match Parent of College Match student accepted by New York University
David Montesano and the College Match proved really helpful at a time when I really needed it. I got into UC Berkeley, but I probably wouldn't have gotten in without his help. He taught me how to market myself in a way that would distinguish my application from the others. He was extremely communicative; whenever I called or emailed him with a question he would get back to me pronto. Thank you David and the College Match services!
Elianna Cohen, College Match student, accepted to University of California, Berkeley
David helped us energize the application process. David was very encouraging and knew how to highlight my child's strengths so that they would be noticed by colleges. He made some great suggestions for interview strategies and got my child to realize what he had to offer to a school. Working with David helped my son gain confidence and consequently, my son was accepted and 13 schools (some with merit awards) and wait-listed at 2. David was wonderful to work with: personable, energetic and a great deal of knowledge about the many schools and options.
Maya and Jonathan, Parents of College Match student accepted by Oberlin College
Attentive and thorough, this consultant helped immensely. We located the service through online research, and couldn't be happier with the results. I attended a small public high school and wanted to attend an Ivy League school. I had a lot of diverse extracurriculars and achievements, and David Montesano helped me organize and focus my application in order to present myself optimally. He and his writing specialists guided me through the essay-writing process and provided invaluable feedback on each essay. They were always extremely thorough and detailed in their feedback, and provided much-needed and knowledgeable perspective on all of my application writing. He also encouraged me to connect with professors in the departments of my interest, and with David's help I was able to carry on dialogues with and secure supplementary recommendations from several professors at the schools I applied to. In this respect, David was the most helpful, and I truly believe that this networking made all the difference in getting me into my first-choice school. With David's help, I applied and was accepted Early Decision to my first choice--Brown!
Ella V.
2010 Brown University, Early Decision
Shelby was admitted to Emory. Her $96k at Tulane, $88k at McDaniel, and $76k at Babson…sorry, I just couldn't resist crowing about my little girl.
Dennis Sisco
2009 College Match Parent
I was accepted to every college I applied to including Tufts, Bates, and Macalester…scholarships from University of Oregon ($4,000), University of Puget Sound ($12,000), Willamette University ($13,000), and Occidental College ($7,000)…your meetings, research, and editing of all my work made a huge difference.
Phoebe Merritt
2009 Occidental College
Matt was accepted at 11 out of 12 colleges…six of the colleges offered scholarship/ Dean's Award kind of money totaling $78,750 per year ($315,000 over 4 years)… Matt chose Denison. I am thrilled with his choice…I will not hesitate to recommend you to families in need of assistance.
Sandra Gibson Burney
2009 College Match Parent
I chose this consultant because a family friend recommended him to us. The service was helpful as to what to expect in the future and how to prepare for them. He did a good job pushing me and thus helping me achieve my goals. I worked with David Montesano from College Match and I found him very helpful. The extra insight he provided me with was well worth the cost and his biggest contribution to my application process as well as for the future is encouraging me to not talk about things, but do them. I was admitted to Colgate University.
Radu Smintina
2009 University of Washington’s Foster School of Business
Saying that David helped us would be to underestimate things. He did a fantastic job. My daughter started seeing a goal and together with David we specified the steps required to reach this goal. Her grades improved, but most importantly David noticed that she is a good writer and helped her unleash her creative potential and demonstrate to colleges her ability. She won several national awards and her stories were published in respected literary journals. Along with this, David helped us choosing the right colleges and guided us through the entire application process. My daughter was accepted to some of the most selective colleges in the country: Bard, Sarah Lawrence and Cornell University. Some of the colleges (Whittier and Mills) gave her big merit-based scholarships. We are still in the process of making decision and David helps us with this. We definitely would not have such a great choice of colleges if we did not work with David.
Milena Salmon
Parent of Cornell University student
It is amazing! I hired College Match first semester of my senior year. I go to a very small and private high school, which doesn’t offer honors and AP courses. Due to my parent’s wishes, my goal is to get into top 50 schools of the nation! I worked with Jaye who amazed me by modifying my essays flawlessly and quickly that I didn’t have to worry anything about my applications! I was admitted to 7 schools including, University of Michigan -Ann Arbor, University of Illinois –Urbana, University of Washington and Boston University and Babson College.
Camille Yang, College Match Student, Taipei, Taiwan
Thanks to Dave Montesano, I am going to college! I hired a private consultant in my Junior year as my school only had one counselor to 100 and some students. I attended a private High School and wanted to go East for College. This service and consultant was recommended to me. I worked with Dave Montesano. He helped me to pick the right colleges that would be a good fit for me. He helped me with the whole process of applications, how to interview, questions to ask at college visits, and more. Basically he answered for me any question that I had and he got me into college! So far I have been admitted to Willamette University, Knox College and Eckerd University. I am still waiting to hear from the others, before I make my decision. I would never have been able to get through this process without Dave.
Naeem Walji
Lake Forest College
I felt as if I was the strongest candidate already, by selecting a school with Dave because given the priorities I had, McGill was the best "match" and my statement was quite convincing, thanks to his support. Dave helped me to find my competitive advantage as an applicant and coached me how I should position and differentiate myself in the application pool. I strongly believe Dave's vast experience as a brand strategist makes the college match's offering something special and unrivaled-- and it really works! I live in Tokyo, but wanted to enroll in a program that offers international experience and recognition. Since Dave is quite well acquainted with college education overseas and career development as a globalized workforce. His insights were extremely useful and inspiring to design my career.
Rie Iwahashi, MBA McGill University, Class of 2009, Tokyo, Japan
I just really want to say thank you to you. You did a nice job with my application process. I was been accepted by three really good universities. If not for your help, I would not get into these schools as easily. I also get scholarship at one school.
N. Jiang, Shanghai China
University of Denver
College Match Educational Consultants helped me so much with my application and admissions processes. I talked with Dave about what I wanted out of a school and he provided me with a list of all the schools he thought would suit me. He even categorized them based on my academic standings as "Safety", "50/50", "Reach", and "Super Reach". He helped me strategize on my entrance essays and advised me on how best to fill out my applications and financial aid forms. When all was said and done, out of the 10 schools I applied to, I was accepted to 9, including Columbia University, and wait-listed at one. I was even accepted to ALL of my "Super Reach" schools, and offered prestigious scholarships at 4 of the schools. Best of all, I recieved nearly full rides at almost every single school. Without College Match Educational Consultants, I could never have gotten into the phenomenal college that I will be attending this fall.
A. Lee
2007 College Match Educational Consultants client admitted to Columbia University
Before working with College Match Educational Consultants I was convinced that I was going to be
going to a large school in the middle of big city. Yet after just a few
meetings and listening to the kind of college experience and education I
wanted, David encouraged me to take a look at schools I had never even
considered as the type I would want to attend. Now I will be attending
Colgate University, a small university in rural town, and I couldn't be more excited!
David supported me in all the arenas of the college process. He helped me choose where to apply- which I will be forever grateful for. He then helped me with my essay by editing it himself and even getting me in contact with a creative writing instructor. He was able to answer all the small questions that come up- from how to list my race to what was the best way to answer question three from this or that application. He especially helped with following up to applications- something that an admissions officer told me really made a difference in my application.
In a lot of ways David prepared me for the work world as well as for the college application. He got me to make an activities chart which has been used countless times in applying to college, but also in applying for jobs. The interview skills he stressed in our mock interviews were undoubtedly helpful for college interviews, but again, in applying for jobs. I even got to use my college essay for a school essay, talk about double dipping!
Keegan Conway
Colgate University, Class of 2011
I don't think I would have gotten into Georgetown without College Match Educational Consultants.
David really helped me to strategize and plan for the admissions process by
showcasing my talents and activities. The positive attitude and "the sky is
the limits" ideas made the application process easy for me, and I can't
imagine being accepted to highly selective schools without him.
Joseph Drouin
2007 College Match Educational Consultants client admitted to Georgetown University
College Match Educational Consultants provided quality service for our family. Dave Montesano was
involved with our two sons in the college application process. From the
initial contacts and meetings, Dave was careful and planful in assessing
our sons post-high school needs, high school performance and testing,
unique abilities and accomplishments and potential College Match Educational Consultantses. Though
the aplication process for our sons was one of considerable organizing,
writing and rewriting which at times resulted in stress, the personal
connection established by Dave enabled the process to move forward in a
successful manner. Dave's communication with us was always informative
and he was readily availble to consult with. He kept us involved at all
times. Our sons gained skills (writing, organizing, etc.) in the application
process. There were also self-esteem benefits - thinking and writing about
themselves for their resumes, etc. as well as being accepted to college. College Match Educational Consultants
feel that the presentation of the material in the applications, letters,
reference requests, resumes and supplements that Dave helped orchestrate was
a critical piece in our sons' acceptances (and scholarships) to a variety of
colleges. College Match Educational Consultants was well worth the investment for all of us!
Robert Strauss
Parent of 2006 College Match Educational Consultants client attending Hampshire College
Thanks again, David. I would never have made it through the application process
let alone getting into a decent school if it had not been for all of your help
and dedication. THANKS SO MUCH.
Meaghan (Mills College First Year)
Dear David,
Just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you for working with Natasha on her college selection and applications. You were a proactive partner and kept things on track, I appreciate that!
You also made some great calls on college selection that College Match Educational Consultants would not have considered, like Hamilton and Bucknell.
Good job and thank you!
Firoz L.
David Montesano did an exceptional job helping my son with the entire
college selection process. My son was accepted at four of the five
colleges to which he applied, and decided to enter Willamette
University, which also offered him a scholarship.
My son’s case was not typical, nor particularly easy. He was asked to leave two of Seattle’s prestigious private schools, finishing high school at nineteen through a private school that provided one-on-one tutoring. He then worked in a warehouse for six months before deciding he wanted to go to college.
David interviewed my son, along with me and his father, although we are no
longer married. This interview took several hours, during which David really
listened to each of us. From this session, David was able to understand which
type of colleges would meet my son’s learning style and might also accept him.
David guided my son through the SAT preparation and registration process.
He helped him with the applications, always making the applications my
son’s responsibility, but acting as a coach.
My son gained a lot of confidence through this process and is very much
looking forward to starting Willamette University next Fall. Without David,
none of this could have happened.
I am most grateful and appreciative of David's abilities and knowledge and
would recommend him without reservation to anyfamily wanting guidance with
the college selection process.
Sincerely,
Lauren D.
Dear David,
Jacob is now at Willamette, having a wonderful time so far, enjoying both the education and the social life. The school did a wonderful orientation, both for parents and students and Rion and I are going down for parents and family weekend in Oct.
Thank you again so very much.
Lauren D.
David Montesano has assisted me greatly. From putting together a stellar
application. to helping me get into the collages of my choice. My application
was so good I got into schools I didn't even finish applying to.
My essay helped me recieve a diversity scholarship from Linfield College and
a leadership scholarship form Gonzaga University. I believe that the process
was a tremendous help and played a big part in helping me to polish my applications.
Tatiana
Early decision admit to University of Puget Sound
Dear David,
Marty and I just want to thank you so very much for your efforts on getting
Michael into college. Because of Michael's alternative school, ho-hum grades,
and his learning disabilities, our expectations were uncertain at best.
You were really instrumental in steering us in the right direction. To date,
Michael has been accepted into five very good colleges, and we have yet to
hear from two more. He has not been rejected by any. We are so impressed!
First, and perhaps most importantly, was your influence on Michael himself.
You really made him realize that he was making an important decision, that he
could get into college, and that you expected him to succeed. You helped him
understand that his learning disabilities were just something to handle, not
a barrier for him. We believe that his decision to complete his Eagle Scout
work, was motivated by your convincing him that doing so "would be huge!" Your
advise and feedback to him on how to write his essays was very effective -
one college commented specifically on his essay. In addition, you were really
great at pulling out the many ways we could tell Michael's story. Michael
really does have a good story to tell about himself, and we did not realize
it until you led us through considering all the many ways he has received
recognition and served his community. Even Michael was impressed. He thinks
about you as a wise counselor and friend, and he listens to you.
Marty and I have felt like we could just relax about the whole thing.
We did pitch in and help with the on-line applications, but truly, it
was not particularly stressful, knowing that you would inform us if
anything was askew. You have always answered email and phone messages
without delay, and been very supportive to us with both your time and advice.
We are truly thankful for your help, Dave.
Sincerely
Carole and Marty
P.S. After your last conversation, Michael is already thinking about the
benefits of graduate school! What a change from our discouraged son that
was afraid that no college would have him!
Dave Montesano was most concerned with helping me to find a college that best
fit my learning style and personality. Dave Montesano went to great lengths
to explore many colleges with me.
I wanted to attend an institution where I would have personal attention from
faculty. Dave Montesano introduced me to Willamette University which has a
10:1 student—faculty ratio.
My four years at Willamette University were amazing! Willamette was a perfect
match and I learned more about myself and the world than I ever expected!
I do not believe I would have chosen Willamette University without the help of
Dave Montesano. He was committed to guiding me to a school that met my needs
academically and socially. The results of his efforts were a successful match
between me and Willamette University.
Nicole F., BA, Sociology,
Willamette University, 2004
1621 40th Ave. NW
Salem, OR 97304
I was in great need of a college counselor because one, I am an only child,
and two my mother is an immigrant which means she was not too familiar with
the American college process. In addition, I also had no idea where I wanted
to go and what colleges would be "a good fit" for me. So when Dave
and I met, he very much started working with a blank slate. Dave did a
wonderful job selling my strengths and assets to a variety of colleges.
Our first meetings together, Dave asked me the normal questions such as
GPA, SAT scores, and extracurricular activities. Next meetings, he asked
me what I wanted. All I knew was I wanted to major in Psychology and go
to a college/university in a semi-urban environment. I also wanted a
school with a good reputation that would set me up well for my future
desire of attending law school. Dave not only help me decide what would
be the "right" schools to apply to, but he very much helped
me with the very feared and dreaded essay questions. He helped come up
with topics that conveyed what type of applicant I was, personality wise
and so forth, and also how I was different from every other applicant,
and why I would be a good asset to the school. Not only did Dave help me
with college selection, but he also helped me with college financial
issues which he discussed with my mom. Dave was very good with college
selection and college applications because he took the time to get to
know me. Because of this, him and I were very successful into getting me
into many colleges and also helped me pick the one that fit best. I
applied to about 10 colleges like UC-Santa Cruz, USC, Oberlin, Lafayette,
Pitzer, Vassar, among others; I only got denied from about 2, waitlisted
on 2 and I got accepted by all the rest.
I now attend Occidental College and will be graduating in Spring 2005.
After all was said and done I very much feel Occidental was the right
pick for me. I immediately got very involved once I entered Oxy. I was
invited to participate in the Multicultural Summer Institute (MSI), a
writing intensive summer program in which participants receive 4 academic
credits. I am a member of the Occidental Women’s Soccer Team, a member
of Dance Theater Production, and a member of Black Student Alliance. I just
recently returned from doing a semester abroad in Havana, Cuba. I have
received the Kenneth T. and Eileen Norris Scholarship. I have an on-campus
job where I work at the Dean of Students Office. I was elected Sophomore
Senator for Associated Students of Occidental College (ASOC) - student
government. I was also a member for Dean of Occidental College Search
Committee, where I, along with selected peers, met to interview applicants
for the Dean of College. As a diverse group, we represented students and
provided a formal suggestion of which candidate would best fit the college.
I used to be a volunteer tutor to middle school students. Last summer I
had an internship at Bet Tzedek Law Office of Social Justice.
Dave was very good and helpful at the college selection and college
application process that I hope I can use his great skills again with
my law application process. I would highly recommend his services
without any qualms.
Thank you very much for everything,
Erika G.
Double major in Psychology and Politics
Occidental College
May 2005
Dave,
Towards the end of the school year, I received a letter from Bates College
saying that they were accepting me from the waiting list. I went and visited
within the week, then decided to go there as soon as I got back. So I'll be
in Lewiston, Maine next year, trying to write papers while my entire body is
probably suffering from frostbite.
Thanks for the help you provided my family with when we really had no idea how
to deal with college- I appreciate it. Good luck with getting more people into
college this year, and I'm glad that I'm safely into a college that I love.
Talk to you later,
Jake C.
Lakeside School Class of 2004
Again I want to thank you for your help through the process of the next chapter
of life! It was awesome to work with somebody who listened to my interests and
concerns, got to know who I am as an individual, and hand-picked schools that
are accurate matches. Without your help I wouldn't have gotten the opportunity
to learn about so many colleges - colleges that offer study abroad programs,
independent learning curriculums.. And of course, after choosing these schools,
the help I received in properly applying was phenomenal as well. Thanks again.
E. Tramonte
Early Action/Early Decision 2006, College Match Educational Consultants client
(acceptances include: Hampshire, Marlboro, and Whittier colleges)
Just wanted to let you know two good things:
1) Michael got into Seattle U and The University of Portland. That
makes him 7 for 7. The only one that he hasn't heard from is Evergreen.
2) Michael found out today that Whittier is offering him a $14,000
scholarship. It is renewable for 4 years.
Thanks so much for your help! We are singing your praises
to everyone we know.
Tracy and Tom
Early Action/Early Decision 2006, College Match Educational Consultants Parents
So, not only did I get into Whitman, they offered me $29,750 for the 06-07
school year! I'm so excited because my family can swing the other 11000 and
i will be able to go to Whitman! I don't think I can express how thankful I
am. Whitman is my dream school and I don't think I would have had a shot
without you. Thank you!
Garett L.
Early Action/Early Decision 2006, Whitman College
Graduate School
It is my pleasure to write this recommendation for College Match, more specifically for David Montesano. David assisted and guided me through applying for graduate and medical schools. David provided me with a list of the best programs for me, taking into account my career goals and credentials. He oversaw my applications, and David and his writing expert, Naren, worked thoroughly with me to ensure that my personal statement could assist me as much as possible towards acceptance into my selected programs. I do not believe that I would have been as successful at gaining admissions to several programs if it had not been for David's invaluable assistance and work. He guided me through the graduate school application process, and ensured that my application conveyed my strengths and future success.
Celsa, College Match Osteopathic Medical School applicant, 2012, accepted to Touro University Master of Science to MD, New York
As a full time professional, applying to a dozen of top universities seemed daunting David helped me choose institutions that would be the best match for me and my long-term goals. He assessed my overall strategy, guaranteeing that I would be satisfied with the outcome of these stressful months of preparation.
While David and the team didn’t directly make changes to my main application essay, they provided feedback and guidance, making sure I focused on my strengths and explained shortcomings in a positive light. My situation was unique: I had a poor GPA, and yet I aspired to be part of some of the world’s toughest graduate programs.
David was extremely available in our communications and was willing to go the extra mile to make sure I was happy with the results. He was even able to sleuth a fantastic opportunity I had overlooked: I succeeded at entering the top ranked graduate program in my field. I was actually able to turn down offers from the other top 5 schools in favor of my dream school. I might have gone this process alone, but I didn’t want to gamble with this important step towards my future career. David and College Match ensured my chances of getting in were as high as they could possibly be, and that success would be determined by the quality of my preparedness versus a roll of the dice.
The folks at College Match were both supportive and realistic about my situation, honest about the likelihood of a successful outcome, but also unwilling to give up on my dreams. I had high expectations; they helped me translate these into real world results.
Alexander, College Match Graduate Client, 2011; accepted to Cornell University and Carnegie Mellon graduate computer engineering programs
I work for Amazon.com Japan branch and now study at McGill University MBA program in Tokyo. Although I don't live in the States, I wanted to further my study in English, preferably by keeping my exciting job at Amazon.co.jp and become more internationally marketable, so I decided to use College Match service to find the best program for me and enroll successfully with professional help. Dave's service exceeded my expectation indubitably. Especially his consulting method is unique and effective because of the below factors;
1. Collaborative approach It was not "I" decided which school to
apply and Dave helped me to achieve my already set goal. He guided me to
sort my priorities out upon school selection and "we" decided every step
together. Brainstorming and problem solving phases were extremely meaningful,
as it made me clearly understand why I should go to a business school and
what and how much payoffs I should expect from MBA experience. He helped me
to find answers on my own.
2. Marketing technique application I felt as if I was the strongest
candidate already, by selecting a school with Dave because given the priorities
I had, McGill was the best "match" and my statement was quite convincing,
thanks to his support. Dave helped me to find my competitive advantage as
an applicant and coached me how I should position and differentiate myself
in the application pool. I strongly believe Dave's vast experience as a
brand strategist makes the College Match Educational Consultants' offering something special and
unrivaled-- and it really works!
3. International reach I live in Tokyo, but wanted to enroll in a
program that offers international experience and recognition. Since Dave
is quite well acquainted with college education overseas and career
development as a globalized workforce. His insights were extremely
useful and inspiring to design my career.
4. Moral support I appreciated Dave's role as a spiritual cheer
leader as much as a strategic consultant. He would always assure me I
could get in the program and confidence I gained through his endorsement
helped me to get through stressful admission process.
Rie
MBA McGill University, Class of 2009
Boarding and Day Schools
I wanted to tell you that we were very pleased with the
Ridge Creek experience for our son Bobby. He seems to
have taken the experience to heart, and it had the right balance
of wilderness/therapy for him. I would not hesitate to recommend
it for others. Thanks again for your help. We look forward to
meeting you after our move to Phoenix this Saturday.
Bob M.
2007 School Match parent
I am very pleased with your helping my son. It was the best decision
I made to hire you as our consultant. My son has always been gifted,
but thanks to your help he is doing much better emotionally. He was in
a wilderness program before we hired you to select a boy's boarding
school. He was always a good students but he is now making all A's.
Ruth B.
2007 School Match parent
For further information please contact:
david@collegematchus.com
1-877-658-4400
