Testimonials

"Arlene Matthews helped to make the whole daunting application process manageable and smooth. She was always available to answer questions and allay anxieties, she helped put together college lists that made sense for my kids (twins), she proved to be an excellent editor of those infamous essays, and in large part thanks to her, we have survived not only intact, but admitted to two excellent colleges!"
- Parent of twins attending Oberlin and Brandeis

“My daughter and I agree wholeheartedly that Arlene Matthews was wonderful to work with. Arlene responded to all our questions and concerns within a day. She was great at strategizing: she helped my daughter identify where to apply and how to present herself to each school. She advised us on how to work cooperatively with our daughter's guidance counselor and high school faculty. Arlene is a superb college essay advisor. She helps kids write great essays in their own voice. Ultimately my daughter was accepted to a wonderful school. She ..."got in without freaking out!"
- Parent of student attending Rice

"From the moment my daughter and I began to work with Arlene Matthews anxiety dropped by 90%. Targeting the schools to apply to and knowing that my daughter was presenting herself in the best possible way gave us the confidence in the part of the process we were in control of. It stopped a lot of second-guessing. Having Arlene to talk to whenever my own concerns arose was invaluable in protecting my relationship with my daughter from the stress of the college application process. I plan on working with Arlene again when my second daughter prepares for college."
- Parent of student attending Goucher

"From the first meeting, Arlene worked with my daughter to brainstorm essay ideas and help her edit them so that they reflected her very best self. She helped my daughter find her true voice and portray herself in an extremely creative light. Arlene's suggestions and input helped to make my daughter's essays truly amazing. Arlene was always available to help my daughter through any "hectic" moments during the process. Because of working with Arlene, the college essay writing process was completely stress and anxiety free. Dare I even use the word, 'fun'?! My only regret is that we didn't know about Arlene for my first two children!!"
- Parent of student attending Tufts

Arlene Mathews helped me 2 years in a row with my son and my daughter. I was completely overwhelmed with the college application process last year until Arlene stepped in. I was a first time parent of a high school senior who needed lots of direction and support. My son has ADHD and it is very hard for him to stay organized, on task and to keep his attention on anything. With Arlene’s guidance and support she helped my son pinpoint what schools would be right for him within two visits. Her essay writing assistance was priceless. Just by talking with him one session he had a topic and had it written and edited in two days. With my son’s challenges, this is something I would never have been able to help him with alone. She also made the application process a breeze with step by step advice on how to tackle applications & deadlines. My son is now on the Dean’s list at University of Arizona. I returned to Arlene again last year with my daughter, a junior, who though academically in better positioning, had a special need as she was going for a vocal performance major. Arlene not only helped her pinpoint schools, but also organized her for her auditioning process and when some unforeseen problems arose supported us on what steps we needed to take to deal with these problems. I always knew I had someone to talk me and my children through any issue. My daughter will be attending Syracuse University for vocal performance in the fall. Many thanks to Arlene. I will certainly be with Arlene again in 3 years time when my youngest son will be a junior in high school."
- Parent of siblings attending University of Arizona and
Syracuse University Setnor School of Music