Testimonials
Jasmine Elatab, DePaul Catholic High School Class of 2006, American University Class of 2010, Suffolk University Law School Class of 2014
Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” With all due respect given to one of the greatest literary figures of the nineteenth century, I say to him, “Easier said, than done.” As the youngest child of immigrant parents, I have encountered seemingly insurmountable obstacles on the path towards reaching my goal. In the pursuit of attaining my wildest dreams, Michelle Marion is to thank for her guidance, support, and infinite patience during my college application process and beyond. As a senior at DePaul Catholic High School, I stood at a very important threshold. At a time of uncertainty, Mrs. Marion was not only there to encourage my intellectual curiosity, but she was also my rock when I frequently wanted to give up and take the easier route.
I do not hesitate in naming Michelle as one of my biggest advocates- from the moment she was assigned to me as a guidance counselor- until the present. Today, I have gratitude to her in helping me work my way up the ladder, one wrung at a time. As a graduate of American University in 2010 earning a degree in Psychology and Justice, I feel grateful for having been offered ample opportunity to utilize and practice skills acquired during my undergraduate career. At the present, I am proud to say that I am beginning my first year as a J.D. Candidate at Suffolk Law School with a specialized concentration in Health/Biomedical Law.
Needless to say, I would not stand where I am today, without the assistance and support of Mrs. Marion. Her contractual obligation to me as my guidance counselor ended on the day that I graduated more than five years ago, yet has extended into an enduring friendship. As a counselor, she consistently offers me her well-intentioned advice, and as a friend, she inquires about my well-being. Apart from an exceptional expertise in her field, Mrs. Marion has an additional invaluable attribute on her side- she puts her heart into her job.
Nicole Morano-- DePaul Catholic High School Class of 2007, University of Delaware Class of 2011
I first met Michelle Marion when I was a junior at DePaul Catholic high school. At that time, I was panicking about what college I was going to attend; I felt lost and had no idea where to even begin with the college process. I am glad to say however, that thanks to all of Michelle's hard work and dedication I was able to find the right college for me. Michelle helped me to find a sense of direction, she was always there for me whenever I had any questions and she not only gave me advice on colleges, she was also there to help me if I had a personal problem or if I was having a bad day and just needed to talk. Throughout my college application process, Michelle worked with me every step of the way to ensure that I was making the right decision. She not only worked with me but she also worked with my parents so we could find a school that would fit all of our needs.
Like most high school students, throughout the college process, I had many concerns and questions. I needed to find a school that was the right distance away, within my financial budget, and fit my major. I came to learn that Michelle was very patient and enthusiastic about finding the right college for me. I also struggled at times with grades and SAT scores and Michelle would always give me a sense of encouragement and motivation. Michelle was able to help me find the right answers to all of my questions and we worked together to make a list of colleges and start the application process. I applied to nine colleges, and Michelle was there to help me with each application and discuss each school with me. She also helped me to come to a decision that I was confident in and I would be happy with for the next four years of my life.
Thanks to Michelle, I have completed four years at the University of Delaware and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. In the time that Michelle was my counselor, I felt that she went above and beyond to help me out and I came to see her as someone I could trust and go to for advice. I found that Michelle not only focused on finding the right college for me to attend but she got to know me on a personal level. She took interest in getting to know me as a person and she shared her own personal experiences and made me feel comfortable with my decisions. After graduating from high school, I still continued to stay in contact with Michelle. She expressed interest in finding out how college was working for me and continues to give me advice and guidance in both my academic path and in my life. Michelle has helped me in many ways and I not only think of Michelle as my high school guidance counselor but also as my friend.Katie Glass, Clifton High School Class of 2008, Ramapo College Class of 2012
Michelle Marion and Next Step College Consulting Services have helped me through the difficult and stressful time of applying to college, assisting with my college essays, and selecting the right college for me. There is so much to do, so many choices, and only one opportunity in my lifetime to choose the right college. Michelle helped me put all these decisions in the proper perspective and took me step by step through the process until I was confident that I was making the right choice of my college and major. There was never a time that I couldn’t call Michelle and ask her for advice. She has become such a friend to me, and I still call her with any questions I have about college. Her calm manner and approach made this very important decision much easier to make.
As a graduating senior at Ramapo College, I have begun to use Michelle’s services as I prepare my Graduate School applications and begin to write my application essays. She is still there for me and my family and I feel so much more at ease knowing that I’ve got help from someone who has gone through this process many times.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Next Step and Michelle to anyone that is in need of this help. My college career and my future has definitely benefitted from Michelle, and I couldn’t thank her enough!
Janet Glass, mother of Katie, Clifton High School Class of 2008, Ramapo College Class of 2012
Ever since we met Michelle and Jeanne, we knew that we made the right choice in hiring them to assist in all of our daughter's preparation for the entire college admissions process. Jeanne tutored our daughter and gave her the confidence to take the SAT's . Jeanne's study methods were very one on one, which is what our daughter enjoyed because of the personal attention. As for Michelle, what can I say.. she is the best thing to ever happen to our family as far as the education process is concerned. Not only did she assist with the college applications and college essays, she also gave our daughter realistic choices for choosing the right college for her. We as parents are so proud to say that our daughter applied to four colleges in the state of New Jersey as was accepted to ALL four!! She is currently a Senior at Ramapo College and now looking forward to attending Graduate school. We truly cannot thank them enough!