SUCCESSES

Success Stories & Testimonials

Twins: Cal & Ted Rohner-Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Cal: "High school can be a very stressful time in anyone’s life, add in college applications senior year and it is overwhelming. School never came easy to me and I worked hard all throughout my time at La Costa Canyon to find a balance between schoolwork and extracurriculars."


"When senior year rolled around, I had no idea where I wanted to be or what I was going to major in. Everyone around me seemed to have it figured out, but I was completely lost—until Dori Middlebrook. Dori spent countless hours reviewing essays, making sure I was on track with different school applications, and reminding me to get things done on time. Had it not been for Dori, I probably would have written my essays the night before the deadline. I can confidently say, Dori was my guide to help find schools that were right for me; I got into eleven of the twelve schools that I applied to and even got into my reach school. I am currently a student at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) and I am thriving here. Dori still checks in on me and reminds me to keep working hard and find a balance."


Ted: "One of the best decisions I made in high school was working with Dori to perfectly prepare myself for college and the application process. I started working with Dori in 9th grade; she urged me to play sports, join clubs, and volunteer in the community; I not only had fun staying busy, but I was way ahead of all my friends when it came to the college application process. Dori was really helpful finding colleges that matched what I was looking for and she had lots of resources to help me research the schools. Because I was involved in school and my community, I had more things to write about in my essays. Dori also helped me keep on track and submit all of my applications early. Now I am attending Cal Poly SLO and I can't thank Dori enough for helping me get here." 

Noel, University of Washington

"Being an only child I was completely unaware of how applying to colleges worked, as were my parents.


I was the first and only one who would be applying to colleges in my family. Lost and confused, I met Dori who guided me through the application process. She really helped me manage my work and meet my goals of completing my applications ahead of time.


Dori planned group sessions, meetings with teachers to edit essays, and private meetings to perfect my application. She provided all the tools and experience I needed to thrive. I would not have been able to do this process without Dori`s hard work and dedication to helping her students succeed." 

 Chloe, University of Oregon

"With a lot of pressure going into the college application process, it's easy to get stressed and panic about the future. Working with Dori made the process as painless as possible and exciting as well. When you work with Dori, it is less about the anxiety of every acceptance, rejection, and scholarship, and more about finding a school where you can thrive as a student and grow as a person.


Going into the process I thought I knew exactly what I wanted in a school. I went from expecting to attend a small liberal arts college to choosing to attend a large public research university and I could not be happier with my choice. Without Dori, I would never have explored all the options I did and I most likely wouldn’t have ended up where I am today. Dori helped me to map my future, get excited for the next four years of my education, and find a place that feels like home. Go Ducks!!"

Mackenzie, UC Davis

"Applying to college can be a very intimidating and overwhelming process, especially for someone who is unsure of what they want to study and where they want to go. Narrowing down my options was grueling and the pressure to attend top-notch schools shook my confidence.


Dori restored that confidence. She broke down the process for me and helped me develop an organized system that not only allowed me to establish a strong list of schools, but ensured that I was on top of all my applications.


Dori was my support system. Choosing a school was challenging for me to tackle, and Dori’s help made all the difference. For every question, concern, and dilemma I encountered, she was there to help me manage through the issue and alleviate my stress. Dori’s organization, attentiveness, discipline, and dedication helped me achieve the success I sought and I couldn’t be happier with where I ended up!"

Kate, Vanderbilt University

"I attribute so much of happiness, at Vanderbilt University, to Dori’s assistance in navigating the college process because I would not be where I am without her. When she began coaching me Junior year, we spent a lot of time getting to know each other and talking about what I envisioned in my future college. I had a long list of schools that I liked, but Dori ultimately helped me figure out the school that combined everything I was looking for in a school."


"My application process was considerably less stressful because Dori meticulously and clearly walked me through every step. I fell behind on writing my supplements as application deadlines approached, but Dori’s patience never ceased. Even late at night right before deadlines, she still carefully proofread all of my writing without complaint. Dori’s expertise, experience, and diligence are indispensable resources for students applying to college. Her support is the reason I am able to call Vanderbilt University home, a school that is the perfect fit for me." 

Parents


"Dori, Dori she’s so great, 

Work with her and your apps won’t be late.

Full of knowledge? Yes she is

Facts about college is her biz

If you want your kid gone in the fall, 

Better choose Dori, she knows it all!!"

 - Sue


"Dori’s breadth of knowledge and information regarding the college application process is invaluable. She begins by getting to know each of her student’s personality, desires and educational goals. By taking into account the needs of the whole student and family, she is able to successfully guide them in the selection of a wide variety of universities in which to apply. During the application process, she prepares and supports each student by offering one on one counseling sessions, group workshops, college fairs, guest speakers, essay writing sessions, monthly newsletters, email updates and more. The amount of support and knowledge she provides goes beyond the scope of anything we could have found on our own. Both my son’s have successfully flung the school of their dreams., thanks to Dori."

 -Lori


"Dori is a consummate professional who made the college application process seamless for my daughter. Every step of the way, her wisdom, guidance and organization was invaluable. She empowers each of her students to reach for the stars while setting realistic goals along the way."

 - Stephanie


Dori was an invaluable partner in my daughter's college search. My daughter is excited about her next step and Dori was able to help guide my daughter to her ultimate decision with her customized program. With just the right amount of push she helped my daughter find her voice in her applications and personal essay. Forever grateful!"

 - Lisa


"Dori Middlebrook is the best college counselor we have met! She is well versed in knowing numerous University's locations, academics, and assessing the personal nuances of each of her students. We have every confidence in her and recommend her highly for helping students find their realistic college of choice. "

 - Colleen


"I'm glad you gave Julianne the opportunity to captain her own ship. I feel it has been a big step in her confidence. I have never felt out of the loop, as you have always made yourself available if I had any questions or needed to touch base."

 - Lisa


"I would highly recommend Dori's services. She makes a process that can seem overwhelming, seem manageable and even enjoyable. It eliminates stresses that could otherwise taint the experience. Our daughter actually found enjoyment out of choosing her college instead of dreading it."

 - Shelly


"I honestly don't know what I would do if it wasn't for Dori's help and guidance. I was overwhelmed with the process of college applications and financial aid profiles. I immediately trusted her from our first meeting and she put my mind at ease. The several meetings she had with my daughter were invaluable because Ally was very much a part of the process and in turn took ownership and felt empowered. She put her in charge of tasks and made sure each week these were accomplished. As a result of Dori's dedication and efficient work, Ally got into her dream school! We could not have done it without her."

 - Tracey


"Dori is a steady calmness, practicality, and confidence in the sea of emotions that is college application season. Her realistic encouragement is as valuable as her insight and know-how."

 - Kathleen


"I loved having my son work with Dori! I was never stressed out about the college process and was able to enjoy and experience the excitement of choosing a college that was the right fit for him."

 -Joanne


“Dori takes the time to get to know your child and shows great care in navigating them to the right college. Dori is EXTREMELY organized and offers sage advice. Worth every penny!”

 - Maria


“I think my son appreciated that he could work with someone other than his parents. Dori treated him like an adult, which caused my son to take ownership in his college application process.”

 -Carolyn


Students

"Thank you so much for your guidance and wisdom over the last year. I really believe that you were a large reason for so many of my accomplishments. I definitely would not have been so on top of deadlines or informed without you! I am recommending you to younger friends and my siblings, because you are the best! " - Maxine, Loyola Marymount University

"I just wanted to say thank you so much for all of the help Dori. Because of you, I was super prepared for the application process. You provided me with all of the resources to complete my applications to their full potential. Although it was a lot of work, it was definitely worth it in the long run."
- Jackson, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

"Dori was a tremendous help during the college application process. She was especially helpful with the essays and short answer sections of the applications. I am very thankful I had her to assist me in a the very stressful, and at times confusing process. "
- Reed, University of Michigan

"Dori is completely dedicated to helping students find success in the application process and in their futures. She is supportive, organized, and incredibly knowledgable, which makes the process of applying to college less intimidating and manageable. "
- Christine, University of California Davis

"Dori was extremely helpful during the stressful application process, she kept me on track and introduced me to a large variety of schools."
- Taylor, University of Alabama

"Dori’s services are very helpful and made my admission process much smoother! I was less stressed and more prepared with her guidance."
- Maddie, Northeastern University

"Dori helped me find the school where I feel at home and without her I wouldn’t have even known it existed." 
-Kaitlin, University of Portland

"I just want to say thank you for everything! I do not know what I would have done without you! When I first came to you, I had no idea what I was looking for and I was scared of the concept of college. You really helped me with everything."
-Gabi, Texas Christian University

"Dori is so kind, helpful and encouraging, which is exactly what a high school senior needs during the application process."
-Amanda, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Dori is an amazing counselor. She is encouraging throughout the whole process and helps you feel confident every step of the way. She is always accessible and responds to texts and emails very promptly. I would have been lost without her".
-Amber, Cal Poly

 

Share by: