From our parents:

My family has worked with Lisa over the past three years. We have two daughters.  Kerry Ann will be attending Rutgers Business School in September 2021 and Kayla will be a Junior in high school next year.  We sought our Lisa’s services when Kerry Ann was in 10th grade. After our first meeting I felt that we had direction and support and that feeling has remained over the subsequent three years.  We had regularly scheduled meetings and Lisa was always available to speak on the phone, email or schedule an additional meeting.  

Lisa guided my daughter Kerry Ann through a personal inventory and potential career search in her sophomore year leading to selecting colleges, applying and finally accepting a college offer.  Lisa skillfully guided Kerry Ann in exploring many areas of interest and challenged Kerry Ann’s thinking by asking questions and meeting regularly with her. This process helped her consider her future and what she wanted that future to look like.  It was interesting to watch this process evolve and to watch Kerry Ann begin with aspirations of being a doctor to finally deciding on a business degree in supply chain management. 

During the application process Lisa met regularly with Kerry Ann assisting her with the process of crafting her essays, assembling a resume, applying for scholarships, completing SAT testing and finally to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each school.  Lisa spent time with Kerry Ann in scheduled meetings and was available to answer questions that arose through email, a phone call and over Zoom.  Lisa always followed through providing Kerry Ann with support through the entire process.  

Not only did Lisa work with Kerry Ann but she also worked with my husband and me to help us envision the next step in parenting and to help us prepare financially for this important step.  She outlined the steps and helped us navigate financial aide requirements. She would listen carefully to our questions and provide feedback and advice relevant to our specific situation.  She was always patient and respectful.   Lisa listened carefully and took into consideration the opinion of each family member.  A really valuable insight that Lisa helped me see is that a college choice is a family decision since it impacts all members of the family.  A best fit school has to meet the needs of my daughter but it  also has to meet the needs of our family.  

Finally Lisa assisted us in making a final college decision.  She walked us through the acceptance process and has been working with Kerry Ann to prepare for her freshman year.  I am looking forward to continuing our work together over the next two years as Kayla completes high school and makes decisions about her future.  

- Bonnie Hohenshilt - Freehold Township HS Parent Class of 2021

It was the spring of 2020… my daughters junior year… we had planned on many things…after having taken her first SAT in her sophomore year, she was ready to take her 2nd SAT in March. We wanted to set out for some college tours during the spring and summer breaks. We were all excited for these road trips as she also just got her driver's license and would be able to drive us to her desired interests!  

Unfortunately the pandemic halted all of this and set everything in a tailspin. There was confusion..arguments on where to go... everything became a question.. how do we visit campuses, how do we apply, what colleges require SAT’s… the HOW created a lot of anxiety.

During that summer, as she started to write her first essay draft, we began to realize that pandemic or not, we needed help. She was picking colleges in all settings and sizes, in and out of state. We found that we agreed to disagree on a lot of points. We needed professional insights and help to properly prepare as the applications would soon open in the fall. 

We then found Lisa. As soon as we interviewed each other, we all realized she was the right person for us. Other advisors we interviewed had just asked us for our college choices and they would review and send out the college applications/essays. It’s that simple. But after speaking with Lisa, we knew she was the perfect fit as it would not be a cookie cutter experience. And we were absolutely right. She is a diamond.

She began working with our daughter in August. She sought first in getting to know her. In turn, this helped guide her way in selecting the colleges which may seem best fit for her personality and her goals. She navigated through both my daughters and our emotions to determine the best top 10 schools that meet both my daughters and our ambitions. Then, she spent countless hours advising her with her applications and many essays. She was on point in making sure deadlines were kept for the essays and FAFSA. As the process evolved, she would continuously confer back with us regarding our goals, wishes and  financial expectations with our daughter’s choices.. Let me personally tell you these discussions are truly priceless. When the responses came back, it was a huge relief to discover that our daughter was able to receive the acceptances and many scholarships to most of her favorite colleges. She has now accepted her offer and will be heading  happily to NYIT for the BS/DO 7yr program with a merit scholarship. I think Lisa was as excited to hear the news as we were! Not only is she a fantastic college planner, she has truly become a great friend and mentor. It has been a pleasure having her join us through this college journey! We know we will do it again in a few years for our son! 

-Mr. Hariprasad Rao, software engineer / Dr. Sandhya Rao, OD - Class of 2021 parents

During the years of 2019-2021 my family utilized the services of Lisa Helyes, Director of College Planning. My son needed guidance in applying to universities and all that is involved in planning for his future college career. I specifically state that it was my family who utilized Lisa’s services as she not only guided, reassured and encouraged my son… but more importantly advised me, my husband and my young daughter to support my son in his process. My son who did not allow me to read his essay drafts or was anxious over deadlines and details- readily turned to Lisa and listened to her advice. Ms. Helyes’ counseling and her College GPS system was reliable and thorough. Her compassion for all of us was valuable and so appreciated.  

My son successfully was admitted to his schools of choice. And during this challenging 2020 COVID19 pandemic year, Lisa was always there to guide us through many unknowns and new processes. She empowered my son to get the work done and prepare his applications in a timely and calm manner. I highly recommend Lisa Helyes’ services and plan to call upon her again in a few years for my daughter. Many thanks and cheers for Lisa 😊

Sincerely,

- Sue P, OBHS parent class of 2021 - Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy / Dr Sue Paparella-Pitzel PT, MS, DPT - Associate Professor - School of Health Professions

My name is Renata Nannetti, I first went to a college presentation at my daughters high school. Lisa was very professional and made sure she could handle all of the work that came with college decisions. We made the decision to work with Lisa because with our busy lives, we didn’t have time to do the hands on research and help we knew she could do. She eased our minds and gave us very detailed explanations about what she was going to provide. My daughter Melanie was given professional advice and utilized Lisas tips throughout her journey. Lisa was always there for my husband and I reassuring us what the next stage was. When it came to financial aid, she educated us greatly, providing forms and information to easily instruct us when the time came. I have recommended her to a few friends, to which they used her program and also had a great experience. Overall, my family could have not gotten through the college process without Lisa Helyes. I have a younger son and will definitely utilize Lisa’s help when the time comes. 

We didn’t find much assistance at my daughter’s high school in terms of college guidance. The very thought of this whole process brought much anxiety. Since my daughter did not have the slightest idea of the college application process or a career path, so we contacted Lisa.  Lisa was amazing from the very beginning. She instantly made us feel at ease in the college admissions preparation and application processes.

My daughter started working with Lisa in her junior year. Lisa was very patient and very prompt to respond to many questions and concerns that we had. She took the time to understand my daughter’s background and interests by having extensive conversations with us and providing us with many counseling tools and surveys. Lisa was the one that helped my daughter realize what career path she wanted to pursue. Lisa helped us create a college list that would best fit my daughter’s likelihood of being accepted and that best fit her personality. The deadlines and structures that Lisa constantly provided were extremely helpful and perfect for my daughter. The entire application process was very easy with her amazing guidance. Lisa knew exactly what needed to be done to make my daughter stand out when preparing a Common Application essay. She also helped us in negotiating a merit scholarship offer. It is with Lisa’s help, my daughter was accepted to every school that she applied to. Her help and guidance with our daughter’s college journey was tremendous.  We couldn’t have done this without Lisa’s guidance. 

 -Janet Gayetsky

I would like to take this opportunity to let everyone know what a fabulous decision it was to hire Lisa Helyes as our son’s college planner.  For any of you who are beginning the process of researching colleges, you are starting one of the most exciting journeys for you and your child.  While it is such an exciting time, it can also be a very stressful one.  Where do you begin to make a list of colleges that would fit your child?  Can you afford the college?  Does a particular college give a lot of students aid?  What criteria do you look for in a good college?

As the clock ticks and you are visiting colleges, there are more and more deadlines that pop up involving applications, financial aid appeals and writing requirements.  You have so many questions, so little time, and you want to help your child make the best possible decision when selecting the college that would best suit them.

One day, after having met Lisa Helyes at Old Bridge High School and listening to her explain the college process, my husband and  I left the school and I said, “What now?  Maybe we should just hire Lisa.”  Without hesitation, with enthusiasm, my husband quickly responded “Yes, great idea.”  Hiring Lisa was the best decision we could have made. 

Our son’s journey now began on the college search in full force, with Lisa giving us the confidence that everything would be covered thoroughly, all deadlines met, and all of our stress was taken away and replaced with joy and enthusiasm as Lisa worked so hard with our son to embark on such a fascinating college search.  Lisa met and spoke hours with our son getting to know him, his interests, and what he wanted most out of a college.  My son would often call her with questions and advice and Lisa would always take time out of her busy schedule to speak with him right then or would always call back and truly spent hours with him, reassuring him that he was going to be just fine.

With a time that was so overwhelming before we met Lisa, we now received a structure to follow.  We received assistance building the college list.  We learned where to apply.  We received expert advice on college applications, the writing requirements, financial aid process, financial aid forms.  Lisa’s advice saved us from making expensive mistakes.

My son was accepted to all of his target colleges.  Lisa, to this day, provides ongoing support to my son at the college of his dreams,  The University of Delaware, as a Business Major.  Lisa is  truly a gem and one amazing and fabulous college planner and so much more.   The smartest decision we ever made in this whole process was to hire her.  Our son is so happy and there is nothing better in life than to see your child so happy.

- Penny S. Brown, Senior Court Reporter, Kings Supreme Court  

I am deeply grateful for all the assistance you have given my children and I planning for their college. Your kind demeanor makes me feel comfortable in what could be a strenuous period. I also would like to point out that the way you are with my children and the passion that you show to help them achieve their goals makes it look like they are one of your own.

I would have not known how extensive it is to plan for college, (the children would have ended up in community college.) Thanks to you, Sarah is at the college she wanted and did very well for her first year. Right now Brett is preparing, and is headed in the same direction. 

I would not be able to name any needed improvements, there aren't any. With the FASFA tutorial, I sat down and was able to navigate it without any trouble. The structured outline that you lay out for the kids not only keeps them on track, but also gives them a sense of confidence. Your communication, whether it is through the phone, email or personal visit, (which I always look forward too as well as the kids,) shows that you are always there for us.

Sincerely,

-Richard Allen

In today's world, the entire college process (composing a college list, applying to colleges, preparing for the SATs and ACTs, completing financial aid forms, etc...) is COMPLETELY different and much more complex than it was when my parents and I were going through it. I honestly didn't know where or how to begin. My husband and I went to a financial aid seminar in the fall of my son's junior year of high school, given by Lisa Helyes, hoping to get some sort of insight regarding what to do. After hearing Lisa speak, we decided that we wanted to meet with her to see if she could advise us and help guide my son through the process.That was the best decision we could have made! Not only is Lisa knowledgeable and organized, she has a passion for what she does, which is extremely important when dealing with something as important as your child's future.
Lisa met with the three of us and we all definitely connected. She was able to get an idea of what my son was looking for in a college, and what we, as parents, were looking for. From that point, Lisa helped with building a college list, and she advised us as to which schools were a better fit for my son, based on what his goals were. Trying to prepare for the SAT was something the three of us were concerned about. Lisa's program incorporated an online self tutorial module to prepare for the SAT. The great thing about the prep was that it could be done independently. There was flexibility so that it did not interfere with schoolwork or other activities. 
We received expert advice regarding completing college applications and support and help regarding completing the financial aid forms. This was extremely important and helped prevent us from making costly mistakes. Our son felt very comfortable working with Lisa, and this helped him excel when writing his entrance essays and when narrowing down his college list. The end result of all of this was amazing! My son applied to 10 colleges and he was accepted to eight of them and wait-listed to two of them. We were all so very happy with how everything worked out. Lisa also provided ongoing support, even as my son started his freshman year of college.
We are so grateful to Lisa for all she did regarding helping us through the entire process. She is amazing and we are so happy that we decided to have her accompany us on our journey!

-Rosemarie DeRienzo

Lisa is an absolute pleasure to work with. Anytime we had a question about the grueling process of navigating the application process, grants, FAFSA process, financial aid, SAT’s or choosing the best college to go to, Lisa was there to help guide us in the right direction. Not only with personal experiences, but also with facts and data. Lisa always explained everything in terms we could easily understand. The knowledge, information, and tools Lisa provided us, we could have never figured out on our own.

 This is a very stressful time because we all want to make the right decision for our kids. Lisa was there to put our minds at ease and help us make the best decision for our son.

Sincerely,

-Lenny Cosgrove

When my family started searching for colleges for my daughter to attend, we knew we needed someone to guide us through this important process. There is so much information out there and even more, you need to do to make sure you give your child the best chance of succeeding: finding out exactly what colleges are looking for in a student, applying for financial aid and different loans, and filing the FASFA, just to name a few. Nevertheless, there are so many college counselors out there. When we first met Lisa, however, we all felt that we could be a team with the goal being getting my daughter into a college that was right for her without breaking the bank paying for tuition. Having gone through the college application process many times before, Lisa gave insightful advice without domineering over us. She always made herself available and was patient in both advising and listening. We felt – and I know my daughter felt – that Lisa really cared about her and genuinely wanted to help, and you would be doing yourself and your child a great service by allowing her to do the same for your family.

- Larry and Susan Lea- 2020 Parents