Praise From Parents and Students
Janice and Joanie,
You both are godsends. When our oldest granddaughter began her search we had no idea of her credentials, just that she dreamed of doing out of state for college. Imagine our horror when we found out her GPA at the same time you did. You didn't miss a beat from there and expertly explained to her how out of state school wasn't an option at this time, but, maybe after a few years. You helped her study to retake the ACT and were so helpful in finding her a college that fit her. Her final choice was actually the first college you suggested after the first meeting. Incredible, because my wife and I had no idea where to start. We can't thank both of you enough for the help you gave our granddaughter. We both highly recommend you to any high school student, who might be in a fog as to how to pick a school.
Stephen and Jere, Grandparents, 2016
We employed Stepping Stones as consultants for both our daughters as they navigated the college selection and application process. It was wonderful how Janice enabled each of then in turn to take responsibility for the process, from the earliest phases of not knowing what they were looking for, to completing the applications and essays, and arranging the campus visits. Janice's knowledge of the process helped us to avoid pitalls and mistkake, and having an outside person (not a parent!) making suggestions allowed the kids to be more independent and to take pride in completling the process. As parents, we were kept in the loop by emails from Janice so we always knew what was going on. Help with the essays from from Vita and Joan was crucial. Both girls were accepted to their top choice college. Our older daughter has been very happy with her choice, and our younger dautherer will start this fall. I know we will be using Stepping Stones for our son when he starts the college application process.
Merryn J. parent 2015
The team at Stepping Stones did a great job of working with our daughter to keep her on track and provide timely and useful feedback on her applications. We wanted our daughter to take responsibility for this important undertaking and with the help of these wonderful ladies, she was able to intemize and prioritize all the action items that were required to successfully gain entrance to her colleges of choice. We highly recommend Stepping Stones for their service and support in this important endeavor.
John, Parent, 2013
When I first met Janice and Vita, I had no idea what I wanted or where I was going to go to college. Being the oldest in my family, my parents had never gone through the process of selecting colleges, or filling out applications and scholarship information either. I do not know what I would have done without Janice and Vita. They helped me through the entire process, from deciding what I wanted in a school to being with me when I finally pressed send to submit my applications. Janice and Vita made sure I kept to the deadlines I had set for myself, and always kept in close contact even though I live an hour and a half away. I have so far heard back from 4 of the 11 schools I applied to, and have been accepted to all of them and one is even my top choice. Thank you Janice and Vita, I don’t know what I would have done without your help.
Betsy J., student
Janice and Vita were just what I needed in maneuvering through the overwhelming college application process. They relieved a tremendous amount of stress in helping me and my daughter find our way in choosing which schools to apply to and completing the applications. Vita was great in helping my daughter take time to reflect and think about who she is and what she wanted to write about in her essays. Vita has the perfect combination of knowing how to listen and encourage. Janice's upbeat, positive energy imbued fun into the whole package and she was always on top on what needed to be done when. The two enjoy what they do and are always willing to help out and guide you for whatever it is you need.
Ruth T., parent
I am so grateful for all Janice and Vita have done for me throughout the insane and crazy process of applying to colleges. My friends told me I was ridiculous to apply to so many schools, but Janice and Vita were the perfect team in helping me every step of the way. I truly don't know how I would have done it without them. They stayed in constant communication with me while still allowing me the time I needed to write those first rough drafts and figure out what I really wanted in a school. I am proud to say I have already been accepted to three schools and I feel that their encouragement made all the difference in achieving so much so quickly.
Samantha S., student
Just a quick note to pass along what a wonderful experience this has been. You really took the time to get to know the real ‘Claire’, through your holistic approach. Let’s face it, it can be tough to get a teenager focused and insightful, but your method worked. There’s no way that parents these days can truly stay on top of all of all the latest developments on the college front. And in a sense, it is surprising that many parents would approach one of the most precious ‘investments’ that they will ever make, without considering at least some ‘expert help’ to guide them through the process. We’re certainly glad that we did! You effectively cross referenced ‘Claire’ with your knowledge base about the many colleges and universities, to arrive at a meaningful range of prospective schools for Claire. Your additional guidance with the actual application process – including the ‘daunting’ written essay -- further insured success, and we can vouch for that, with 9 acceptances out of 9 applications. As a result, when our daughter heads off to school this Fall, she’ll be confident in her college decision, and so will her parents!
Ken, parent
Janice and Vita are a strong team. Vita knows about colleges from coast to coast, and can help match your student to a school which will meet their needs and interests. She is an accomplished editor and can help your student with their essays. She will definitely keep you on track with the timetables and help you organize applications, essays, tests, and recommendations. Janice understands the logistics of setting up visits, interviews, and finding scholarships. She can help you formulate questions for the schools, and will solve all your details. These women are hard-working, dedicated, nurturing, and always positive.
Nancy C., parent
My son just completed his freshman year at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. During his senior year of high school, Janice and Vita were very helpful to us. Vita helped him with his essays and discussed several possible college options with us. Janice helped us sort through programs, resources, interviews, and scholarship opportunities, as well as helping us make the necessary connections at the schools. They are always willing to talk through any of our questions or issues, and their knowledge and resources have been very valuable to us as we look ahead to planning for my son's future.
Irit V., parent