Testimonials from Parents and Clients
“As a parent, I can honestly say that working with Mark Mastalski was one of the best decisions we made during our daughter's college application journey. Mark helped her identify schools that were a great fit academically, size-wise, socially, and financially. He guided her through the essay process in a way that brought out her authentic voice and helped her tell her story with confidence. His feedback was thoughtful, encouraging, and incredibly helpful.
What I appreciated most was that Mark kept my daughter on schedule. The college admissions process has a surprising number of deadlines, forms, essays, and moving pieces. Mark provided the structure, accountability, and gentle nudges needed to keep everything moving forward. Instead of me constantly asking, "Have you submitted that yet?" I could trust that there was a plan and that someone was helping her stay on track. The result was a much less stressful experience for both my daughter and our family. She was accepted to several great schools and will be attending the University of Denver this fall. More importantly, she went through the process feeling supported from many different people.
If you are considering hiring a college admissions coach, I highly recommend Mark. He made a complicated process feel manageable and allowed me to spend more time being a parent and less time being the unofficial and nagging director of college admissions for our household.
- Suzy (mom of client)
“Mark helped me understand a timeline of when certain steps needed to be completed in order to be most successful in the process. Additionally, he served as a great resource to proofread important essays and emails that went with applications. Prior to meeting with Mark, I had an unclear idea of what I wanted out of college, and didn’t have a clear major or career path. He helped find colleges that he thought would suit me best, and found many matches that I liked.
Additionally, he assisted in forming an academic plan that fits best for me, since I am still unclear as to what career I would like to pursue in the future. Once I was admitted into schools, he assisted me in searching for and obtaining scholarships that would make my education more affordable. Mark was always available to help me, and consistently responded to me whenever I needed help with something.
It was clear that he cared and was committed to helping me find my best fit. He guided my application process, and allowed me to understand what needed to be done in order to be successful. With Mark's help, I was admitted into almost every college I applied to, and am now attending CU Boulder in the Honors program.
- Keane (client)
“I just wanted to add my voice to the chorus of praise for your sure-handed support and guidance through the college application process. <Redacted> has gotten into all the colleges they applied to! We're going to tour CSU’s apparel program in February. What a relief to have cleared so many gates! Even more than the successful applications, I am grateful for having been able to navigate the process with calmness, confidence and optimism. Before I met you, I was at DEFCON 1 on nearly everything surrounding college. I was terrified my anxiety would sour my child on the whole thing, but I didn’t know how to prevent it. Flash forward 2 years and none of my worst fears have come to fruition. On the contrary, the journey has been enjoyable and exciting. We’re not through yet, and there very likely will be curve balls, but we have everything we need to face them and that makes all the difference. You’re a saint!
- Katie B. (Mom of client)
“Hi Mark, I just wanted to fill you in on where I’m at in the college world. Up to this point I’ve gotten into all of my safety’s like Colorado Mesa, along a good scholarship, CSU, Arizona State - with a big scholarship. But I heard back from CU Boulder last night and got into the business school directly for finance and the top scholar award scholarship. I’m still waiting to hear back from Chapel Hill and Texas but I’m really excited for the CU Boulder admission. thanks again for all of your help!!
- Client
“My very first meeting with Mark left me inspired, empowered, full of some great ideas and with a LOT to think about! I came to Mark seeking advice as I was considering a potential career change which may call for pursuing more schooling. My personal area of professional experience up to this point has been in the veterinary industry. Mark is an attentive listener and really delves into not only skills you already possess, but also possibilities for growth based on your interests and trends in employment across the gamut of industries. I really felt highly motivated after my consultation with Mark, whose enthusiasm for helping his clients grow and achieve their goals is really infectious! I am just at the beginning stages of my journey, but it is off to a fantastic start.”
- Kerry K.
