"Thank you so much for everything you’ve done… You have seriously been this family’s saving grace when it came to the college admission process. I still cannot believe I’m going to my dream school! I do not think I could possible thank you enough!"
Kristin Cole
Klein High School, Class of 2010
Duke University- Early Decision
"The process for applying to College is not a straightforward one. Although human resources (e.g. School counselors) are available for assistance, these individuals are often swamped with the number of students they need to help in our busy high schools. As responsible parents keen on striving for the best for our child we thought it best to seek professional guidance from a private counselor who could be dedicated to our family’s needs. We have not been disappointed with that decision and Ms. Virginia Blackwell’s wise counsel."
"We were first educated about the entire College application process, the critical deadlines and a clear path to pursue from planning for test-taking to ultimately applying to Colleges. The most beneficial aspect of our relationship with Ms. Blackwell was the ‘structured’ process she enabled for our son to easily achieve his goals. Her access to valuable information, student guidance in time-management and activity planning with reference to resources (e.g. internships and summer programs) were invaluable in building his credentials and ultimate success in College admission. Her ability to serve as counsel and ‘mediator’ between the student and parents’ needs who sometimes have divergent interests are also a practical benefit not to be underestimated. Finally, Ms. Blackwell’s pleasing demeanor and genuine passion in the welfare of her students make her a pleasure to work with for both student and parents."
Arun and Padmini Rajan, parents of Vijay Rajan
Clements High School, Class of 2010
University of Michigan
"Going through the MindSight evaluation was beneficial for our daughter, but more importantly, it was eye-opening for her father. It allowed him to see that visual art is more than just a hobby...it is literally what makes her tick. Thanks to that revelation, we were able to find a college degree program that incorporates the arts with problem solving. And we must say that this major has been a perfect fit for her!"
Lloyd and Debbie Andrew, parents of Katie Andrew
Tomball High School, Class of 2007
Auburn University- Industrial Design
"Your extensive knowledge of the complete college application process and superb motivational skills were absolutely a blessing to our two sons They both began seeing you as high school sophomores so the guidance in school selections, campus visits and summer programs was extremely helpful in allowing them to make good choices in determining colleges best suited to their future goals and desires. Finally, in April of their senior year when a decision was imminent, your sincere personal interest but at the same time "counselor objectiveness" gave them the perspective and confidence needed that whatever their college choice would be, it was the best choice for them."
Paul and Patricia Gould, parents of
Parker Gould
Patrick Gould
Cypress Creek High School, Class of 2007 Cypress Creek High School, Class of 2009
Vanderbilt University University of Texas
"Rarely a day goes by that my gratitude for Virginia Blackwell's innovative expertise does not cross my mind. She encouraged my daughter to think outside the box and explore alternative avenues suited for her aptitude and interests. Even though, with Virginia's assistance, the "dream" schools came through, fate and research pointed Chelsea in a different direction which was right on target, saving the lost time and money that could have resulted from uneducated decisions and a dissatisfied student. She is thriving in her field of study and at the university she chose, both at the recommendation of Mrs. Blackwell."
Denise Byers, mother of Chelsea Byers
Klein High School, Class of 2009
Auburn University
"I just wanted to let you know that your services for my daughter have proved invaluable. With your guidance and knowledge of the college application system, Allison selected a university that none of us would have considered. She is extremely happy and the university is a perfect fit for her."
"We could not have done it without you and all the information you put at our fingertips. I can't thank you enough for all you have done for her. She made a 4.0 this past semester and this would not have been possible if she were not interested in her university and thriving in its atmosphere. As you know, she never made a 4.0 in high school. You are the best."
Danice Lowry, mother of Allison Lowry
Klein High School, Class of 2008
University of Oklahoma
"Starting our college search while living outside the U.S. was overwhelming. Your wealth of knowledge of universities (schools) in the U.S. is astounding. WE never could have narrowed down the application process without your guidance. All your help from the beginning up to Nina's acceptances was priceless."
John and Nancy Polasek, parents of Nina Polasek
Rundle High School, Calgary, Canada, Class of 2010
Texas State University
"Mrs. Blackwell helped streamline my college admissions process by acting as an excellent source of feedback for any questions that I might have. I was able to ask Mrs. Blackwell about any of the schools I applied to and she would promptly respond with more than enough detailed information that I had not previously thought to inquire about. She made the entire college decision making experience as stress free as it could be and helped me fulfill my dream of going to my ideal school, Rice University. "
Michael Bartrip
Robert E. Lee High School, Baytown, TX, Class of 2006
Rice University
"Facing our first child's quest for a college seemed truly overwhelming. There was just so much to try and interpret, and then, accomplish in the application process... especially for Texas schools!! Virginia was a tremendous help in focusing us in on the bottom line and clarifying what makes an impact on a college resume. She also worked one-on-one with our daughter in writing essays that she thought would be noticed. We would highly recommend her services to anyone (especially those considering a Texas college). She is a great resource of college information, in general, and can definitely get you, and your student focused in the right direction for a college choice. I'm sure we will be using her services again (soon)!"
Maryanne Keeling, mother of Lauren Keeling
Cypress Creek High School, Class of 2007
Oklahoma State University
"While Mrs. Blackwell proved to be an incredible source of encouragement and guidance during my college search process, I also found her especially helpful in two other areas. I had decided to go through sorority recruitment when I entered Texas A&M but didn't know the first thing about the recruitment process or any sorority. Mrs. Blackwell not only helped in my choice of Texas A&M but also in figuring out whether or not a sorority would be right for me. My favorite part of the college search process was that Mrs. Blackwell had me take a MindSight test which helped give me insight into my interests and personality and how that would relate to my choice of college or major. And, she was and has been there with me every step of the way, even now that I'm a junior in college. I had very conflicting ideas about what my major should be so I even met with her after I had been in school for a year and we sat down again, not to discuss my college choice, but to go over my concentration choice and what I should end up doing."
Amanda Caldwell
Cy Fair High School, Class of 2007
TX A&M University
"When we first heard about Virginia Blackwell's service we jumped right on board. Initially the stress relief alone knowing someone was going to be there to help was worth the cost. As we went through junior and senior years the steps she charted for us enabled my daughter to understand what schools should be on her list, led to her being accepted to all the colleges she applied for including a few we thought were out of reach, and is helping to guide her on how to make that final decision. With the added benefit of Virginia being around for the first year of college to answer questions or concerns that arise, we know this "extra parent" has been a lifesaver during what for many is a nerve racking time."
Stuart & Colleen Locker, parents of Kelsey Locker
Klein High School, Class of 2010
Sam Houston State University
"I am currently a sophomore attending Baylor University. Mrs. Blackwell helped me with many different aspects of the college entrance process. She not only helped me prepare for the college applications (including the essays), but assisted me in preparing for portions of the SAT test as well as guided me through various scholarship applications. Without Mrs. Blackwell's help and insight, I never would have applied to or been accepted into my dream college. Even today, it is nice to know that if I have a question or an issue, I can still call on Mrs. Blackwell to be there for me. I would highly recommend Mrs. Blackwell to anybody wanting to simplify and maximize the college application process. Way to go Mrs. Blackwell!"
Kaitlin Kerr
Klein High School, Class of 2008
Baylor University
"Your insight and expertise in the college admissions process was invaluable for both our children. You guided them through parts of the process that proved to be beneficial and key to their acceptance. Michael (Rice University) and Julie (Southwestern University) are attending colleges that are a perfect fit for them. We greatly appreciate all of your help."
Keith and Karen Bartrip, parents of
Michael Bartrip
Julie Bartrip
Robert E. Lee High School, Class of 2006 Robert E. Lee High School, Class of 2008
Rice University
Southwestern University
"College Direction helped to make my college application process go by more smoothly than I ever could have imagined. While all of my friends were worriedly searching out colleges and stressing to finish their college essays, I was at ease and enjoying my senior year of high school. Everything from the cover letters, the resume, and transcripts were always in order and were ready to be sent off when the time came. Mrs. Blackwell really knows the inside scoop to many colleges and together we were able to collaborate a personal list of colleges that fit exactly what I was looking for to fit my criteria, and my parents'. The transition into college was smooth and took a lot of stress off of me as a student and I am very happy to be a Fightin' Texas Aggie, Class of 2013!"
Jordyn McCain
Cypress Christian School, Class of 2009
Texas A&M University
"I learned of Mrs. Blackwell in my junior year of High School. I always felt comfortable working with her and no matter how busy she would be, she would always fit me into her schedule when I needed to meet with her. She helped me with the process of applying to the many schools that I had an interest in attending. I did get accepted at a school that was top on my list and I owe Mrs. Blackwell a big "Thank You" for all that she helped me with and the life lessons she taught me along the way."
Sean McBride
Klein Forest High School, Class of 2008
Baylor University
"ABSOLUTELY I would recommend working with a college counselor – and Virginia was GREAT."
"It is like having an insurance agent that can get you quotes from several sources and then give you a summary of the pros and cons of each as well as guidance in completing all the necessary paperwork."
Mike and Linda DeShazer, parents of
Jordan DeShazer
Shawn DeShazer
Klein High School, Class of 2008
Klein High School, Class of 2009
Pepperdine University
University of Utah
"My wife and I were referred to Virginia by a friend. At first, I was skeptical. I thought that paying good money for a college counselor was overkill. Boy, was I wrong. Getting into college is much more difficult today than it was in 1976. We started with Virginia when my son was a sophomore. I am very glad we started early, because it took my son a while to realize the importance of it all. Virginia took us through the process in a stepwise, well thought-out process. She is very personable, and relates well to my son. In the end, it was well worth the time and expense. My son was accepted into the four universities that he applied, and was even offered two sizable scholarships. Thanks Virginia!"
Tim English and Jo Pease, parents of Austin Pease
Cy-Fair High School, Class of 2009
Texas A&M University
"Mrs. Blackwell worked with and represented both of our children in their respective college preparation and planning. She was instrumental in assisting each child in completing all aspects of the application process and in meeting deadlines in a timely fashion. Her methodology, (which we applaud), is to have the kids do the work, but give them the guidance, direction and motivation required to achieve a successful outcome in the college placement process. Her persistence and tenacity to motivate our kids, took a tremendous amount of pressure off of us as parents, especially in the senior year which is particularly a stressful time anyway. Lastly and, in our opinion, most importantly, Mrs. Blackwell strives and was able to find the perfect college match for both of my children who had significant diversity in their respective wants and desires. We highly recommend Mrs. Blackwell to any parent who wants the best for their children during the college selection process."
Chuck and Debbie Kerr, parents of
Kaitlin Kerr
Chris Kerr
Klein High School, Class of 2008
Klein High School, Class of 2009
Baylor University
Texas State University