We hired Susan from Riley Baker to help both of our kids prepare for and apply to college. She…read morebegan working with the kids when they were early in their high school career. She helped both kids identify a career path and ultimately what they wanted our of their college experience. The biggest benefit of working with the kids this early was that they understood what was required in order to get into their top choice schools. She constantly gave them ideas for unique and relevant extracurricular activities, volunteer opportunities and other resume builders. Susan also showed the kids how to start researching and evaluating schools, which can be overwhelming for high school students. She encouraged the kids to visit schools and discussed their feedback afterward. Finally, Susan helped the kids write all of their essays (countless rounds of edits), as well as actually apply to colleges. She showed them how to fill out the applications properly, double checked their work, help them describe their activities properly, etc. . Ultimately, both of our children got into their first choice school. Susan emphasizes more than just rankings and images - she encourages the kids to really want to go to their top choices for the right reasons. She is patient but firm with the teenagers and always keeps the parents involved. While it is large financial and time committment to work with a counselor from Riley Baker, it is worth the investment. I would highly recommend Susan and Riley Baker to anyone.

We worked with Kim at Riley Baker to help both of our kids with the college admissions process, and…read morewe couldn't be happier with the service we received. Our kids couldn't be more different, and she tailored her services to them both beautifully. Our son was first, and he had really no idea where he wanted to go or what he wanted to do. Kim helped him work out a process of elimination where he eventually narrowed down a list of qualities that were important to him in a school. From there, she helped identify schools to meet those criteria, and worked with him through the process. Kim was especially helpful with his essay. Our daughter this past year was quite the opposite experience. She knew what she wanted to study and had a good idea where she wanted to go. Kim was instrumental in helping her narrow the search down to a manageable number of contenders, and was again very helpful in the construction and editing of the essay. We were especially impressed at how Kim adapted to work with my daughter who is persuing the performing arts, something she hadn't encountered much before. Overall we couldn't be happier. We've recommended Riley Baker (and Kim specifically) to several friends who've been happy as well.

I did not think I would need a counselor/tutor outside of the support I had from my school, but…read morewhat 1636 Review boiled down to was exactly what I ended up needing: not a motivational tool, but a great set of eyes. Linda, having seen a wealth of both successful and unsuccessful essays, knew where to push certain essays, where to retract, and when to change the focus of a piece entirely. She, and the few students she has working for her, have a strong set of healthy tips to offer students struggling (or not) with essays of any kind. Additionally, Linda was eager to check in -- by phone or by email -- to ensure that the process was going smoothly, that I was meeting our agreed upon deadlines, and that I liked the direction in which my essays were going. Collaboration and support happened not just during sessions, but all the time. I never lacked a newly marked up copy of an essay, and when I did, it meant it was time for another meeting. Beyond essays, it was actually Linda that pushed me to apply Early Decision, a choice that I could not thank her more for influencing. I had a good idea as to what schools interested me, but it was Linda who really pushed me to make the firm decision, and as a result, I had a head start on essays, an unmatched interest in a school, and a free winter break! Thanks to Linda and everyone at 1636 Review!

Linda was incredibly helpful with my business school application and with her help I was just…read moreadmitted to HBS! I met Linda through my aunt who suggested I seek her advice with my essays. Through phone conversations and emails, Linda helped me craft my story into an essay that captured both my experience and personality. I couldn't be more happy with the result and I don't think I would be going to Harvard Business School next year without her!

From the moment we met Sandie, she separated out all the issues (which schools were better for my…read moredaughter's intended major, scholarships, how/when to apply, assistance with essays, etc.) like a pro. She was able to serve as the all-important non-parent sounding board. She turned an overwhelming process into a manageable one. As a result, my daughter is very happy with all her choices and we are thrilled.

From the owner: Ravinia College Consultants (RCC) was founded by Sandra Gilbert and Pat Cannon, professional high…read moreschool and college counselors in the Chicagoland area. Our private college consultant team consists of certified counselors who have worked in high school and college settings to help students matriculate to a college or university that is the right fit. RCC was founded on the premise that each student and family is unique. That is why we customize our services to meet your needs. With counselors who collectively have over 50 years of direct counseling experience and have visited over 150 colleges and universities, RCC's services cover each aspect of college counseling. Our goal is to help families navigate the college process in a healthy, manageable way. Services span all college related topics, from academic and personal preparation to the application process...

Ok, now for a real review. We found Sandy very late in our son Alex's high school career, the…read moresummer before his senior year. It was becoming apparent that our high school counselor was not able to help Alex other than to suggest schools he had no interest in. Perhaps the counselors are spread to thin to provide the individual attention we hoped he would get. Alex wanted to apply to a top tier school, Stanford was his dream school. The essays were our primary concern and Alex was having trouble putting his life into 500 words. I found Sandy online, spoke with her and immediately felt at ease. Sandy was was very busy but she made time to meet with my wife, Alex and me. My wife asked very pointed questions about her process and we left feeling very comfortable with her response. Alex met with her once a week for a few months and with her guidance wrote wonderful essays. Alex was admitted to the Stanford class of 2022 a few days ago. I cannot thank Sandy enough. I wish we would have found her Alex's freshman year, or even while he was in middle school. Her experience and knowledge were invaluable.

From the owner: Comprehensive College Admissions Services including…read more.. Individual meetings with students Personalized account with Custom College Planner, a unique organizational tool used in the college search and application process College essay guidance, brainstorming and editing College Essay Workshops Review of prior academic accomplishments Advice on course selection Recommendations for extracurricular involvement Standardized testing recommendations Personality and Learning Styles Survey YouScience aptitude and interest assessment to find a personalized career path College Readiness assessment Advice on researching colleges Guidance in building a list of "Best Fit" colleges, based on Academic, Social and Financial Fit Advice on making successful college visits Advice on creating a high school resume Advice and practice for college interviews Education and advice on college financing and affordability Finding the best financial fit for families Assistance with application timing and process Financial aid and award package analysis College success and transition support

Peter and his entire staff goes out of their way to make sure all aspects and understood, and all…read moreT's are crossed and I's are dotted. We have used Collegian Group, for over 20 years, for all our 4 children, with total professionalism and success Hats off a a great consultant Mr Peter Thank you sir B Siegel 3-5-2020

The Collegian Group has been exceptional to work with. They helped guide my twins and myself…read morethrough the college planning process. The Collegian team helped us navigate the very confusing financial process. My only regret is I didn't find out about them sooner since I made some financial mistakes that cost us money from receiving the full aid we were entitled too. I would advise starting the process in freshman year since it is important to plan early. They know ways to say you money and time. They provided my kids with great information which was a great guide in finding a good college fit! I highly recommend the Collegian Group.