Testimonials

Our experience with Ben was positive and productive from our very first conversation about our daughter’s college application process. Our biggest concern from the start was to establish a support system for her on which she could rely as she navigated the college selection and application timeline. Ben clearly understood how and when to manage what was required of her in a manner that made it feel less daunting for all of us. He provided excellent, personalized guidance every step of the way- from testing decisions to essay revisions to generating her list of schools. Considering there were so many restrictions on typical college visits due to COVID, we were especially grateful for the time he took to get to know our daughter as a student and his depth of understanding of various colleges. Had it not been for his encouragement and direction, we do not believe our daughter would have made the most of the virtual visits that were offered by the schools. She was able to make more informed decisions about what she wanted due to the time she spent exploring the schools in preparation for their meetings. Her meetings with Ben kept her on track throughout the entire process so that she never felt overwhelmed and was able to stay on top of her school work. Although Ben was a master of managing the timelines and deadlines of the application process, the most valuable part of working with him was knowing that he had taken the time to get to know our daughter’s individual strengths as a student. He guided her in a way that allowed her to represent those strengths well on her applications. Ben proved to be an incredibly knowledgeable, calming, and positive college counselor. He was a voice of reason and reassurance during what could have been a very stressful time for all of us. We were so pleased with the outcome of our daughter’s college application process, and highly recommend Ben to anyone who is considering hiring a college counselor for their child.

Mary P., Parent

Even though the college admissions process is so unique for each person, most high school juniors and seniors feel that everybody they talk to has a different opinion about what they should be doing. I know I definitely felt this way as I started junior year. My first meeting with Mr. Laster was one of the first times outside of my own home where someone asked me about what I wanted and gave the floor entirely to me. Of course, he offered recommendations and options, but from the beginning I was certain that he was considering what I wanted and was giving me the tools to achieve it. That is the best representation of my time with Mr. Laster. Of course, he was helpful in so many other ways; he took an unbearably daunting process and made it something that became achievable on a week-by-week basis, all the while offering encouragement and guidance. But most of all, he created an environment where expressing who I was, what I wanted and needed, was not only expected but was comfortable. From my list of schools to my supplements, every part of my college process became a representation of who I really was in a way that wouldn’t have been possible without Mr. Laster. Thanks to his guidance on my essays and supplements, I’ll be starting at my top choice in the fall. I couldn’t recommend Mr. Laster more highly!

Gina P., Student

Ben was our son’s college counselor and when we heard he was offering independent college advising services we jumped at the chance to have him work with our daughter.  Ben’s upbeat and positive attitude immediately transformed a stressful and overwhelming process into an exciting journey for our child.  She left every meeting with Ben excited and energized!

Ben starts early and breaks down the process into manageable components keeping everyone on track, focused and calm.  He really took the time to get to know our daughter as an individual which was invaluable not only in selecting colleges, but also ensured that her application highlighted her true self.  While many strive for the perfectly written essay, Ben was also extremely focused on maintaining her “voice” for the person evaluating her application.  We can’t recommend using Ben and Lakeside College Counseling enough, and already have on many occasions!

Stephen R., Parent

The college process is something that every junior and senior dreads. Between the SAT tutoring and ACT tutoring, college planning, and regular yearly schoolwork, anything related to college will make a senior tired and stressed immediately. However, I was grateful to have much of this stress and angst be dissolved by having Mr. Laster by my side. Ever since our first meeting, he made me feel in control and trusting of the process. While I saw some of my friends scrambling with due dates and false rumors about what you “absolutely need to do” to get into college, Mr. Laster navigated me through this chaos and discussed an organized plan with me. The most important thing Mr. Laster told me was to keep my writing genuine and be myself. This made my writing process enjoyable and successful. I never once dreaded Mr. Laster coming over because it was simply fun. Mr. Laster had a way of turning a nerve-racking conversation about where you want to spend the next four years of your life into a casual conversation centered around goals and a laid out plan with steps to take to reach those goals. Each meeting left me feeling accomplished and highly motivated to reach my final goal. In the end, I wound up at my dream school and had a stress-free and enjoyable college process. Whenever my friends anxiously ask, “Do you have a college counselor you could recommend?” I give out Mr. Laster's name without hesitation and with full confidence that he will help make a seniors year better.

Megan R., Student

As we plan for our son’s next phase of life as a college student, I still can’t believe it all came together.   Ben’s coaching through the essay writing, college selection, and application process was instrumental in ensuring that we were doing everything we needed to get him into his #1 school.  If it wasn’t for Ben’s expertise in assessing and leveraging our sons assets – he wasn’t a star student – to best position his application, he wouldn’t have been accepted into his dream school!  It was great catching up with my son after his meetings with Ben to hear how excited and inspired he was about his future.  We can’t thank Ben enough for the time, attention and the confidence he gave our son throughout the experience. 

Michelle B., Parent

Even though we were getting some help from the guidance department, the process of applying to schools was overwhelming and I was worried that with my grades, I wouldn’t make it in to any of the schools I wanted to go to – especially my top choice.  As I started working with Ben, my future at a college of my choice seemed possible.   Each time we met, we accomplished another step in the process.  And each time we met, I started to feel more confident that I had a shot at my dream school.  Ben actually helped me enjoy the college application process – even the essay.  And most of all, I left my meetings with Ben more and more excited about my future.  I truly believe that I wouldn’t have been accepted into my top choice if I didn’t have Ben helping me and cheering me on!

Tommy B., Student

Ben laid out a coaching plan first to clear the anxieties experienced around the college application process. As he built confidence in both of us, he strategically worked to shift my daughter's essay from good, to great, to ultimately authentically phenomenal!  He helped her process the essay through reflective questioning coupled with focused, intentional college based essay structure. The final product was pure mastery. The work and reward of the process was an empowering experience for both my daughter and me.  As a parent, I wanted to plan as much as possible for the maximum output. However, Ben brought the essay experience to an entirely new level; tapping into her academic and interpersonal spirit releasing strengths that encompassed her whole self.   Each part of her essay sang with truth and authenticity.  My daughter's acceptance to the college of her choice is a true testament to Ben's passion and expertise!

Cherie A., Parent

This was the first time we had to navigate the college admission process and we did not know what to expect. As parents, we felt completely overwhelmed and were concerned that we would struggle finding a school that was a good fit for our daughter.  Additionally, our daughter was anxious and stressed with the huge decision that was approaching. She wanted to feel comfortable knowing she would be spending the next 4 years at a place she could feel at home while obtaining the best possible education for her future.   

From the very beginning, Ben took the time to understand our daughter’s background and her goals. He listened to what her interests were and what specific aspects were important to her in making this very important decision.   Taking all of this into consideration, Ben guided her in developing a well- balanced list of colleges that hit all of the criteria she was looking for.  While he encouraged her to reach high, he also made sure she was realistic in her selections. Ben’s extensive knowledge and insight with the Common Application Essay process helped our daughter craft her essay so that it highlighted all of her attributes and made her shine. Ben was always available when we had questions along the way and provided invaluable support to our daughter whenever she needed it.

With Ben’s help, our daughter was accepted to all 9 of the schools she applied to. She also received scholarships from a majority of these schools.  She will be attending her #1 choice university this August and we know her dream became a reality due to Ben’s guidance and assistance throughout this entire process. I would highly recommend Lakeside College Counseling services for any family starting the college application journey.

Janice Z., Parent

I was referred to Ben after we realized that the college guidance team at my son's high school did not seem to provide as much support for the application process as we would have liked. He was referred to us by a personal friend that worked with him in college admissions for years. Ben's current experience as a Director of College Placement as well as his past experience as a college admissions counselor provided the perfect balance of expertise and professionalism. He knew the ins and outs of the process and handled them with a calm, reassuring demeanor. His input and support was vital during a very stressful time in the application process. Ben was available and went above and beyond to help my son when he had a last minute question or concern. Ben was an excellent support and I highly recommend him to assist your child with the process. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the college admissions process is invaluable. We were delighted with Ben's services and are thrilled to say my son is attending his first choice college!

Nancy M., Parent

As a freshman in college, the prospect of transferring to another undergraduate institution can be quite daunting. I had many worries about the transfer experience, and I surely thought I’d be going about the application process alone until a family friend recommended that I work with Ben. At first, I was doubtful that working virtually with a counselor would be enough, but after my first session, I knew I was wrong. Right off the bat, even with a condensed timeline, Ben was ready to hit the ground running and start working on my plan. My first session was all about identifying my reasons for transferring, which laid an important and firm foundation for selecting the right schools for me. Ben took the time to get to know me and my academic journey, which is absolutely essential for transfer applicants. Every session was worth it, and he makes sure that no one is wasting time or money. In contrast to my high school college counseling experience, I left every meeting with Ben feeling more confident and assured in my work. Even though we were working from different states, he supported me in contacting my school for college reports, requesting recommendations, and sending transcripts. Every time I felt overwhelmed, Ben was always available to take a quick call, text, or schedule an appointment. I couldn’t have asked for more!

Alex G., Student