Testimonials

Working with Michelle was an extremely helpful process!  Whether it was helping me narrow down my college list or answering my last minute questions when applying in the fall, Michelle was there to help.  I highly recommend reaching out for help from Michelle (about anything...seriously!) if you are looking to take the next to towards getting into your dream college!

I cannot thank Michelle enough for everything she did for our son Nicolas.  When we started the college process it was so overwhelming and confusing and she broke it down step by step for us, giving Nicolas manageable tasks so that he could reach the finish line without it feeling like an enormous task was in front of him.  Nicolas was apprehensive about applying to colleges at all, he was nervous about being rejected and she made him so comfortable with the process and the college selections that he agreed to hit submit and apply.  When that first YES came in, he was over the moon and it didn't stop there, he was accepted to several colleges thanks to Michelle's ability to narrow down his focus and have him apply to the right colleges that fit, not only for his intended major but his personality!

Michelle and her team at Next Step are truly the best! Michelle was so helpful and provided the best insight to help me make the right decision. She guided me by recommending colleges I should apply to, helped me create a resume, brainstormed for and revised my college essay, and made sure my application was perfect before submission. Michelle was so easy to talk to and was always there when I had questions or just needed some moral support. She gave her honest opinions and made sure I was getting everything done, without falling behind. Michelle is so intelligent and I truly could not have made it through the college process without her. Thank you Michelle!

 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. 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. Needless to say, I would not stand where I am today, without the assistance and support of Mrs. Marion. 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. 

I interviewed five college essay tutors to assist my twins with the application process and knew Donna was the perfect person for us as soon as I met her!  She made herself accessible and was extremely responsive to both myself and my boys.  Her communication style was clear and thorough.  Donna not only helped them write unique Common App essays and supplemental essays but also walked them through the process of writing outstanding resumes that proved to be helpful in organizing important information needed for all the applications.  Donna provided quality work at a very competitive price.  I highly recommend her!

The college process to some people is a nightmare.  For me it was one of the best experiences I have had thanks to Donna.  If I was unsure about something on my application or if I had a question about my essay, I was able to pick up the phone and talk to Donna about it.  She would check in regularly to make sure I was on track, and asking if I needed help.  Even after I finished submitting my applications, she would still keep in touch to see if I had heard back from my schools.  Overall,  Donna was the biggest help during a difficult time.

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!

 Ever since we met Michelle, we knew that we made the right choice in hiring her to assist in all of our daughter's preparation for the entire college admissions process. 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!! We truly cannot thank her enough! 

Where do I begin? I was introduced to Michelle through a mutual friend.  She was a godsend!  A miracle!  Just what I needed, because the college process was a headache.  I only have one child, so I didn't know what exactly needed to be done.  Michelle was there EVERY SINGLE STEP, day and night, night and day, any time!  The first thing she told my daughter was to visit every school possible, because you never know what you will like until you step foot on that campus.  She was there to help with the essay.  Michelle gave ideas, read over drafts and made sure she was on time with deadlines.  When if came to the FAFSA, I knew I would be confused.  Again, she was there every time I had a questions on those confusing, weird questions I've never had to answer before.  I had her on speed dial!  If she didn't know the answer, Ed did!  Best duo ever!  I am thankful beyond words for Michelle!  She is the most helpful, knowledgeable, sweet angel I've ever met!