Student Testimonials

New 2025 Testimonials

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MS, UC Berkeley

Working with Karen Gee was truly a game-changer in my college application journey. Her expert guidance, infectious personality, and constant encouragement helped me stay focused and motivated throughout the entire application process. From perfecting my essays to sharing strategic tips and tricks, Karen played a huge role in helping me get into UC Berkeley. She went above and beyond to help me craft a compelling application and navigate every step with confidence. I am beyond grateful for her support.

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JP, Georgetown University

Almost all college counselors can help you find the right fit colleges to apply to and the "right" way to write your application essays. Not many counselors can connect with you on a personal level and genuinely support you throughout this stressful process. Karen is one of these special cases.

Throughout this process, Karen first spends her time getting to know you. This allows her to find any little interests you might have and push you to explore those interests, whether they be sports, clubs, or a passion project, often by connecting you with others to achieve these projects. Karen's ability to shape the different parts and interests of my life into a cohesive and meaningful story is why I got into the top schools I did. It is worth it to have Karen just to talk with her about your life, she will listen. Highly Recommend.

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MC, UCLA

Working with Karen doesn't feel like just working with another guidance counselor, teacher, or parent. It feels like working with a friend: someone who you can share anything with, someone who's comforting and empathetic, someone who makes you feel seen and heard. By helping me curate my admissions profile and story, she made the confusing and overwhelming process of applying to college (as a busy senior) a much more enjoyable one. I'm genuinely grateful to have worked with her and don't think I'd be where I am without her.

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MY, Northwestern University

I am incredibly grateful to have worked with a person as bright, intelligent, radiant and enthusiastic as Karen! She helped me bring out the best parts of myself in my college applications. What I appreciate the most about Karen is her authenticity and how genuine she is; she gave me honest feedback that encouraged me to aim high and stay positive, while also keeping me grounded in the reality of the college application process. Most importantly, Karen helped me develop my ideas while staying true to who I am. She did so much more than just offer grammar and specific detail— she helped me frame myself in a way that highlighted my strengths and brought out my personality, without losing authenticity. You can tell how much Karen truly cares about her students through the 12+ drafts of my personal statement she revised, her quick replies to my countless questions, and her consistent positivity & words of encouragement! As the oldest child, the whole college application process was new for me and my parents. Karen supported me throughout the whole process–beyond editing essays— from helping me discover what I was passionate about to crafting the best personal statement.

She is so much more than the typical “college counselor” you think of. To me, she is a mentor, a friend, and someone I deeply trust and look up to. I feel incredibly grateful and truly honored to have worked with someone as kind, genuine, and supportive as Karen. :)

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MD, Tulane University 

I had Karen during my junior year and part of my senior year of high school, which was one of the most stressful times of my life. During that time, Karen was nothing but helpful and supportive. I learned so much from her and am so grateful for all of her help. During my senior year, I was unable to attend school in person due to medical reasons, and Karen was a tremendous help with my stress and college applications. She spent hours editing my essays and guiding me through them. On top of all her great work as a counselor, she has been such a kind and hilarious friend to chat with. She is not just an excellent college counselor, but also an amazing friend.

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MS, Wellesley College 

Applying to college is terrifying, and I couldn’t imagine a better person to help me through it. Karen is incredible: she is kind, amazingly organized, and endlessly helpful. I had no idea how to approach writing my essays, but with her guidance I was able to write something that truly reflected me and told colleges who I am. I always left our meetings feeling hopeful for the future and focused on achieving my goals. Karen always has a smile on her face and never fails to be positive and encouraging – any student navigating the college application process should jump at the opportunity to work with her!

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FC, Cal Poly SLO

Best person who could guide me in my application process. Had a strict schedule of deadline that helped me stay focused during my application so that I wouldn’t fall into my habits of procrastinating my work. Wouldn’t have anyone else help me during my application process. Not just a great counselor but also has a good heart and is very helpful always.

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AS, Oberlin College and Conservatory

Working with Karen Gee throughout my college application journey has been the most guided I felt throughout this confusing chapter of my life. I discovered Karen through my older brother's friend, who greatly praises her guidance and dedication to her students. I began working with Karen halfway through my junior year. Whether it was building my college list, navigating deadlines, or writing my college essay, Karen was incredibly organized and encouraging. I was able to present the strongest version of myself before colleges because of her feedback. Thanks to Karen, I was accepted into Oberlin College to study neuroscience and play for the softball team. I am so grateful for all the time and expertise that Karen shared with me as I couldn't have done it without!

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MQ, University of Florida

Going into the college application process was extremely nerve wracking for me, as I was overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start. Karen helped me figure out a structured timeline and guided me every step of the way. Without her, the application process would’ve caused me so much stress and anxiety. Her infectious and fun personality had me looking forward to every single one of our meetings. She helped me understand who I am as a person and craft that into my own Personal Statement. Throughout our meetings, I not only completed my applications, but also figured out my life goals. Thank you so much Karen, I couldn’t have done this without you!

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RZ, UC Berkeley

Being blessed with the opportunity to have Karen Gee as my college counselor was something I couldn't be more thankful for. Not only did she make sure I submitted the best college applications I could, she also made sure I was doing alright outside of working on them. I remember vividly that Karen would start out each of our meetings with a mental health check, one of which really saved me, and gave me a reliable form of support I didn't know I needed. Any person advertising themselves as counselor can do a lot of what Karen does, but maintaining a lifelong relationship afterwards as another key figure in my life is something only Karen could have done.

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ED, Princeton University

Before working with Karen, I’d always imagined a “college counselor” to be more of a sterile, detached role. How wrong I was. Karen is one of the warmest people I know. What I think makes her special is her deep understanding of both college admissions themselves, as well as the way teenage students go through said admissions. Throughout my college application process (in which I applied to literally dozens of schools!), Karen provided quick responses to my queries and helpful essay edits in terms of both content and form. Even more importantly, I’d argue, Karen helped me understand myself more deeply during this formative, often tumultuous time of my life. She helped me portray my best self in my applications, making sure I was comfortable every step of the way.

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NH, UC Berkeley

Long story short, Karen saved my life and I wouldn’t be an incoming freshman at UC Berkeley if it wasn’t for her guidance and support. I feel like I can be completely transparent and my genuine self with Karen, as she is always receptive to what I have to say and never fails to provide insightful feedback or words of encouragement when I need it most. Whatever incessant questions I had, she answered promptly. Whenever I was having an identity crisis during the stressful application process, she alleviated the stress. I’m so grateful that I chose Karen as my college counselor, and would highly recommend her to anyone who feels unsure of how to navigate the college admissions process. 

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CS, UC Irvine (Honors College)

Karen helped me greatly on my college-admission journey by getting to know me personally and pushing me out of my comfort zone. She turned my slight interests into hobbies and extracurriculars that got me accepted into colleges. She's cheerful but will give you a realistic prediction of your chances, and has ethics regarding both students and her advice to them.

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KX, University of Maryland

I’m extremely thankful to work with Karen. She did so much more than just edit essays and simplify college applications. Karen is extremely supportive and fun to talk to; I always looked forward to talking with her during our meetings. I knew that I could open up to her about anything, whether it be related to my applications or life in general. She helped me figure out what I enjoy doing and I soon found myself pursuing activities I never imagined possible. Karen made this confusing, stressful application process into something a lot more enjoyable and exciting than it deserved to be.

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JS, UC Berkeley

I truly appreciate how helpful Karen was throughout the college app process. Her support made the entire experience much less daunting. Karen's feedback on the essays was thoughtful and constructive. Her guidance helped push me through this journey!

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AC, Cornell University

I LOVED working with Karen through the college application process! Her kind and caring nature made me feel truly supported amongst the stressful process and created a welcoming space for me to share my ideas and writing. At the same time, I always received frank, quality feedback to further refine my application. I cannot recommend Karen enough to anyone searching not just for a college counselor, but also a role model and friend. Thank you, QUEEN!

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ED, Pomona (Claremont Colleges)

Not only did Karen do an excellent job helping me with my essays for undergrad admissions and in crafting a compelling narrative, she also supported me in my personal endeavors and always encouraged me as I worked through the laborious process of college applications. Through working with her, I have gained valuable storytelling skills that I find myself using in college writing classes and in other academic contexts. As friends, we stayed in contact after I matriculated, and she introduced me to my first internship the summer after my freshman year, as she remembered my unique interests, skills, and is always willing to foster my passions. Karen is not only a college counselor, but also a great friend, mentor, and coach in helping young people transition into different times of their lives.

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SS, Cornell University

The college application process would not have been as smooth as it was for me were it not for Karen's help! She's very easy to work with and also very good at what she does. Thanks to her, I wrote essays that I was proud of and that I was confident in submitting.

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ML, University of Pennsylvania

Karen has made the college process exciting and fun for me. Whether through flushing out essay ideas to generating a balanced college list, Karen has helped me take many steps forward in the college application process. The college admission journey is confusing and stressful. I'm grateful to have met Karen as she has supported me fully and always made me smile. She is the best! I couldn't have landed my dream schools without her!

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CX, Rice University

Ms. Karen helped me get into many top schools, and I was also able to earn a full ride to one of my first choices. I really appreciate how she was not only a voice of reason, but also an incredible source of support. She genuinely cares about her students—it definitely shows. I wouldn’t have had so much success without her help in the college application process. I’m so grateful!

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EW, Northwestern

Working with Karen brought out my true voice! On the path to our final draft, she guided me to my finest writing and gave critical feedback to make my Personal Statement uniquely me. I was able to write a PS that highlighted my best features and expressed my aspirations for learning, getting me into my dream college, Northwestern University!

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EL, UCLA

Huge thanks to Karen for helping me out during college season! Without her coaching, I honestly don’t know what I would have done or where I would be right now. Karen was a big help in sorting through and organizing my jumbled ideas throughout the process of curating my applications. Additionally, she was able to make time to answer almost any question I had which I think played an integral part in the success I was able to achieve.

To anyone who needs guidance during the college application process, I highly recommend her coaching.

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AT, Purdue University

I'd always been told about how stressful college applications would be. Working with Karen made me feel much more relaxed as she helped me simplify the process a ton. If I had to do admissions again, there is no doubt in my mind I would ask for her help.

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AL, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Karen is an amazing counselor and I highly recommend working with her!

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LH, boston university

Karen is exceptional. With her, I was able to focus and find what it was I wanted to do with my life during a time when I was so confused and lost. Not only did I get into one of my top choices, but I also obtained so much wisdom from her that I'll keep forever. She's a fantastic mentor, resource, and she's a gift to anyone. I highly recommend her.

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LB, Stanford

Karen played an instrumental role in my application process, and I am convinced I would not be attending Stanford without her. Not only were her strategic suggestions stellar, but she connected me with amazing opportunities as well. You can tell that she genuinely cares about the well being of each student and is willing to put in the dedication and commitment to make you succeed.

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BD, UC Berkeley

Karen Gee is like the cool aunt everyone wishes they had!

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LB, UC Berkeley Graduate Student

Research shows that education is still the magic bullet associated with a happier, healthier, wealthier future. Think of Karen Gee as a resource to help a young person achieve these valued outcomes.

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Y, Ivy League School

I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Gee as a high school senior navigating the undoubtedly complex college application process. She was immensely kind, encouraging, diligent, and cared for my success and well-being in this process. It was an honor and privilege to work with Ms. Gee and receive her sound advice and insights, and I was successfully admitted into one of my top three colleges. She is a lifelong mentor and a truly wonderful person, and I am beyond grateful for her guidance and mentorship.

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NS, UC Santa Barbara

Having Karen’s guidance throughout the college admissions process helped me craft a strong set of extracurricular activities to showcase my identity and passions in my applications.

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RD, University of Chicago

Many people think of a college admissions counselor as someone who just helps build a college list and edits some essays. But this counselor does so much more than that - in the midst of a confusing and intimidating process, Karen singlehandedly helped me organize all 17 years of my life into one cohesive story that cut to the core of who I am. It was this authentic narrative and this mindset of simply trying to reveal my true self rather than figuring out the best ways to humble-brag on my application that made the difference for me.

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JD, UCLA

The first college counselor I worked with was nice and knew a lot about the college admission process but I didn’t really connect very well with her. My mom heard about Karen and switched me over to her. I liked her so much more! Karen also knew everything I needed for college and had great ideas on how to improve my essays. It was her personality that made the difference. She was easy to talk to, and was really funny and friendly. I could even tell her about some upsetting social problems (reasons why I couldn’t meet one of her deadlines or why I was feeling gloomy) that I didn’t want to tell my family. She always made me feel better while helping me stay on track to complete and submit my applications.

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JV, Graduate Student, UC Berkeley

I have been a graduate student instructor and graduate researcher at UC Berkeley for over 5 years. Through each of these years I have taught undergraduate courses for all levels including freshman year. After knowing Ms. Gee for about 2 years, it has become evident that her professionalism and charisma are the perfect combination to approach and advise young students before they start college. She always welcomes everyone with a smile and makes time to answer every question. Her warm personality makes anyone feel comfortable and at ease. She is also very well informed with the latest research and updated sources of information. The upcoming generation of students would benefit immensely from Ms. Gee’s advice and expertise.

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CC, UC Irvine

Karen is different from your ordinary college counselor. She goes above and beyond to get to know you personally so she can help with the entire college admissions process. Karen cares deeply about mental health and works hard to leave her clients stress-free after every meeting. Before I started working with Karen, I did not know what I wanted to do in the future. After many meeting hours, Karen helped me figure out what my ideal major would be and also helped me land my top choice school!

Read more about what parents had to say about Coach Karen…