Madenberg College Consulting

Read more testimonials . . .

Jill- You have truly empowered our son and help him to grow as an individual. I am so grateful that he has the support of someone as special as you along his journey to college. It means so much to all of us that you give him strength and confidence. As his parents, you will have helped us too. Thanks again for everything you have done for him, and continue to do.

~ Parent

I just wanted to say thank you for all you’ve done for me. Thanks to you, I felt really prepared to deal with the whole process. I know I did the work myself, but I doubt I would have been in the same place that I am in now, with any part of my application. I remember coming to you on Halloween after finally finishing my common app and you guiding us through every step of submission. I was so nervous. Thank you for helping me decide to apply to UChicago, and always informing me of my options. I am so happy that I got in, but I really would have been happy with any of the colleges we chose. I feel very prepared to deal with the rest of the challenges that face me this year, and I’m so excited for college! Thank you for making me feel so confident in my abilities, thank you for listening to my worries, and thank you for always being there for late night meetings.

~ Student

I can't even begin to express my gratitude to you for the time you spent with me on the phone last week. Not only are you refreshing to talk to, but your knowledge is absolutely mind-blowing. I feel like we know more than most people at our school, but after speaking with you it is so incredibly apparent that we know so little. Thank you again Jill. I feel like "thank you" is not enough as I am beyond grateful for you.

~ Student

Not only did my son get into his first choice school Early Decision, Jill helped us with every step along the way. Jill is so knowledgeable and helped me and my son feel confident with every phase. There is no question that I will hire Jill again for my younger children. I enthusiastically recommend her to any family who wants to embrace their child's college process.

~ Parent

Jill has been amazing through this entire college process. Starting in 10th grade when we first met, she really took an interest in getting to know me personally and gave tailored advice especially to me. She was never hesitant to give her honest opinion about a college, even if it was different than what my parents believed. What was most helpful to me during the college process was her availability and willingness to discuss any issue or answer any question, no matter how simple or ridiculous it may have been. Jill met with me often either in her office or via Skype and always tried to accommodate my hectic schedule.

~ Student

Jill Madenberg was an amazing support system in many ways. My daughter went through a lot of emotions during the entire college process. Jill was wonderful. She made my daughter feel secure and successful. She helped make a stressful time so easy. When my daughter needed her, she was there. Jill met with her throughout the process in person, in a small group and took her phone calls when she needed to reach out. It was a very special experience. We will never forget the support and genuine care that Jill provided.

~ Parent

Jill, you are the best. I do not know what I would have done without you throughout this process. You have built up my confidence and helped me create a stunning application. I can never thank you enough!

~ Student

Laura said she felt like she could really connect with you - she trusts you and believes what you are telling her and will be able to stop listening to the myths out there that are stressing her out. The calmness you bring to her is really miraculous.

~ Parent

I cannot tell you how grateful we all are to you. You have come into our lives literally like an Angel and I can't thank you enough for all the support and guidance you have provided us; I know you have so very many people to take care of and we are so very grateful for doing the same for us.

~ Parent

You made this very unknown intimidating process an absolute victory!

~ Parent

I just wanted to thank you again. I had so much fun working on the application with you yesterday! You made the college process so much less stressful! I will let you know how everything goes!

~ Student

Jill - I just have to let you know the support, caring and concern you have given to Rachel, me and Josh, is completely heartwarming! I was thinking about “the journey” and your kindness throughout this difficult process and it brought me to tears. Thank you for believing in Rachel. You have been able to save her from falling into a dark, unhappy place. I know lots ahead, but cannot wait to say this down the road. Thank you!

~ Parent

Jill, from the start of my college search, you have been an unwavering source of support for my family and me. Through your advice and guidance, you helped me to successfully manage this complicate process and ultimately receive an acceptance at my first-choice school. How I could possibly thank you enough, I don't know, but I hope these words of gratitude is a start.

~ Student

Thank you Jill for all your helpful guidance during the college process. Your experience and knowledge are mind-blowing. In addition, the feedback provided during the editing process for all those pivotal essays was invaluable.

~ Parent

Jill held my daughters’ hands throughout their college processes. She is an enthusiastic, honest, knowledgeable, & thorough advisor who provides unparalleled guidance. She really does love the journey to college, & makes the experience feel like a fun adventure!

~ Parent

You walked me and my daughter off the cliff. I honestly don't know what we would have done if we hadn't met you. She was being Rejected or Deferred from all of her colleges and you took a look at her applications and explained why. She reworked some of her applications and then got into every college she applied to! THANK YOU JILL. You truly saved us, only wish we had met you earlier. Please save spots for our younger children!

~ Parent

I know you drew a very large audience, looking for answers to help them navigate through these unchartered waters, and you did not disappoint. Even though the future is so uncertain, you set a calm and reassuring tone, and offered frank, practical, and sound advice. I was especially taken with your emphasis on being authentic, and your reminder to parents to keep their children in “the driver’s seat”. Thank you very much for sharing your considerable expertise and insights with the community.

~ Parent

Lisa seems right on track, and I’m very appreciative to you Jill. This has made the whole process for our family so much better in a challenging time. Thanks for all of you do.

~ Parent

Thanks for all your support for Matt’s college application during this challenging year. I really appreciate it. He has been under a lot of stress and I am trying to be a supportive mom and had to back off from asking a lot of questions around college app. You have saved us! I am glad he has you providing the guidance and counseling needed. He took all your suggestions to heart and really is working hard and feels much better now.

~ Parent

Thank you for your precious guidance. It is incredible how many applications are in and how organized of a process it’s been. Sarah has been working so hard and we know her applications will authentically stand out in a meaningful way. Thank you Jill!

~ Parent

Thank you Jill. You are a life saver. He’s very motivated and excited right now. I’m actually seeing a completely different side to him. I can’t thank you enough. Thank you for being part of this and guiding Lance with every step.

~ Parent

Jill- You have truly empowered Andrew and help him to grow as an individual. I am so grateful that he has the support of someone as special as you along his journey to college. It means so much to all of us that you give him strength and confidence.

As his parents, you will have helped us too :-).

Thanks again for everything you have done for Andrew; and continue to do.

~ Parent

I just wanted to say thank you for all you’ve done for me. Thanks to you, I felt really prepared to deal with the whole process. I know I did the work myself, but I doubt I would have been in the same place that I am in now, with any part of my application. I remember my first appointment with you all the way to finally finishing my common app and you guiding me through every step of submission. I was so nervous. Thank you for helping me decide to apply to UChicago, and always informing me of my options. I am so happy that I got in, but I really would have been happy with any of the colleges we chose. I feel very prepared to deal with the rest of the challenges that face me this year, and I’m so excited for college! Thank you for making me feel so confident in my abilities, thank you for listening to my worries, and thank you for always being there for late night meetings.

~ Student

Every time I talk to you I feel less stressed. Thanks for all the great tips and advice! Even though I'm only in 9th grade, you help me prioritize what I need to be thinking about.

~ Student

I appreciate all the help. I only met you recently and you have already done a lot for me and I am thankful for that. I’m thankful to have your support.

~ Student

Thank you for advocating and supporting all three of my children these last few years. You are a blessing. Honestly, I don't know what we would have done without you. You were such a strong support system and they each needed such different things. You gave each of them what they needed. They have such different personalities and yet all three of them said you made the journey to college fun and exciting! And, we are absolutely thrilled with the end results. I cannot imagine the college journey without you, Jill. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

~ Parent

Thank you, Jill! You are really great to speak to! Makes my son and me feel much better and less stressed.

~ Parent

Jill, it was so great to listen to your presentation tonight. You are terrific. It was full of helpful information, while being compassionate and attentive to the needs of our anxious teens. You covered an enormous amount of material in an environment that clearly isn’t static! Your ability to discuss a wide range of topics in an informative and easy to understand manner is phenomenal. Incredibly helpful and informative. You have helped so many people during this difficult time.

~ Parent, after presentation

Jill’s advice during my Senior Application Review was life changing! Jill looked carefully at my experiences and interests, and helped me understand how to put together a seamless application. After working with Jill, I realized my ideal path was Human Development, and I haven't looked back!

~ Student

Amy’s attitude shift is all because of you. She went from being so nervous about the beginning of college to joining clubs and engaging with the Stanford community. You are wonderful!!! Thank you!!!! She has been following your advice—now that I read your note--like clockwork—and I didn’t realize it! She seems to be doing much, much better and loving it there! You truly are a gift to me—thank you so much for supporting us. You saved me! It made all the difference in the world. Your students are so lucky to have you!

~ Parent

Thank you again for everything you have done for us. We could not have done it without you and are so grateful and thankful and excited that Matthew will be attending his first choice university.

~ Parent

Thank you so much for everything you have done for Elizabeth and for our whole family. You enabled both of our children to get into their first choice ED schools that are so well suited for their different personalities. You are an amazing person, Jill. So gifted and kind and so very wise.

~ Parent

~ Parent of a senior

Lisa seems right on track, and I’m very appreciative to you Jill. This has made the whole process for our family so much better in a challenging time. Thanks for all of you do.

~ Parent in middle of application season

You are the best. So thankful for you. So appreciate everything you did for our daughter.

~ Parent

Jill reduced stress within our family by helping me carefully submit applications. She would make sure everything was right and made the whole process much easier.

~ Parent

Thank you so much for being there for us. You are so attentive and caring. In addition to being a great college counselor, you have given me and my husband great tools to help J navigate this process. We feel so lucky to work with you!

~ Student

There are no words … I’m beyond thrilled for him that he has these fantastic options! I can’t thank you enough for opening these doors for him. You made this very unknown intimidating process an absolute victory!

~ Parent

Thank you so much for all your wisdom and support in the college application process. We are SO thrilled our daughter got into her first choice school Early Decision. We couldn’t have done it without you!

~ Parent

We want to thank you again for the help and guidance you gave to our son. You really brought us off the proverbial cliff and for that, we will forever be grateful. You are great at what you do and you gave us a sense of security I don't think we have gotten from anyone else.

~ Parent

This process was truly a pleasure! You brought us out of crisis mode and gave me my sanity back!!! I will forever be indebted.

~ Parent

Thanks so much for all your help. You have changed our lives. You saved us from a lot of strife. It's been worth every penny. It’s been truly invaluable. This Thanksgiving I am thankful for you!!!

~ Parent

You are the greatest advisor, Jill. I'm not sure what we would do without you. Thank you for all of your support helping R through this process.

~ Parent

As always, thank you so much for the time you spent with Eliza. Every single time she gets off a call with you, a weight is lifted off her shoulders. I've said it before, but your knowledge is invaluable and the peace you bring to Eliza is priceless.

~ Parent

Thanks for spending time with her Jill! As always, she felt so much better after speaking with you. She spoke to us after she got off with you and is so much more excited about her essays. As she was speaking to us I could hear the excitement and passion in her voice. Thanks again Jill. The confidence you give her and the feedback you provide is invaluable.

~ Parent

Thank you so much for everything you have done for me throughout this whole process! I also just found out today that I got in to my first choice! I am beyond excited and so grateful that I have had your support this whole time.

~ Student

Thank you for all your help. You're helping me get through all the stress and I can't express how grateful I am. I've been comfortable to open up to you since day one and I love how we've connected. No matter where I end up for college, I'll always remember your support for me throughout this process.

~ Student

Thanks for everything, Jill.

You are truly my saving grace.

~ Student

I can't thank you enough for your e-mail which uplifted me. Words can't express how grateful we all are to you for your support. Thank you for making this journey easier to manage in so very many ways.

~ Parent

Jill, you are the best! And sorry I send you like 20 emails a day I’m just trying to get a lot done for the deadline! I talk to you more than my friends lately lol!!

~ Student

Every time I talk to you I feel less stressed. Thanks for all the great tips and advice! Even though I'm only in 9th grade, you help me prioritize what I need to be thinking about.

~ Student

I appreciate all the help. I only met you recently and you have already done a lot for me and I am thankful for that.

~ Student

My freshman year has been absolutely amazing! The transition to college was quite wonderful for me, which I'm super grateful for. Although I had a lot of anxiety in high school, I've become much better at handling it at college and I absolutely LOVE the independence I've gained being away from home. I cannot thank you enough for all of your help throughout the college process! You gave me so much confidence and helped me achieve my goal of ending up at my dream school. I couldn't see myself anywhere else!

~ Current college student

Freshman year has been absolutely incredible. I’ve definitely taken advantage of all the amazing things school has to offer. Thank you so much for your guidance throughout the college process, I could not possibly be happier with college and so much of that happened because of you.

~ Current college student

~ Parent

Thank you Jill!! You are really great to speak to! Makes me and my son feel much better and less stressed.

~ Parent

~ Parent, after presentation

Jill’s advice during my senior application review was life changing! Jill looked carefully at my experiences and interests, and helped me understand how to put together a seamless application. After working with Jill, I realized my ideal path was Human Development, and I haven't looked back!

~ Student

Thank you for all your help Jill. It's such a stressful time but you're helping me get through it all and I cannot express how grateful I am. I've been comfortable to open up to you since day one and I love how we've connected. No matter where I end up, I'll remember your support and encouragement for me throughout the process.

~ Student

Ah, thank you, Jill! :) Every time you email me I get a burst of motivation to work on these essays!

~ Student

I want you to know how grateful we are as it's wonderful to see Sofia coming home in a very happy mood, with wonderful things to say about you, and eager to share what she has learned from you today. She feels confident now about how to make her application stand out and will use the tips and tools you gave her.

~ Parent

Thank you so very much for having Saira at the Application Boot Camp, she learned so much and is in a better place with her applications and her essay.

~ Parent

Thank you so much! I cannot express how grateful I am for your time and guidance during this process. SO happy to have so many college acceptances!

~ Student

I can't tell you how much we appreciate all that you have done by having Annie attend the Workshop. She is feeling much more positive about the process. It's like a weight has been lifted after the Boot Camp. She feels excited and ready to embrace this process. To quote your book (which I bought a few days ago) we so want her to 'love her journey' to college and I can't tell you how grateful we are to you for helping her to do so.

~ Parent

Not only did my son get into his first choice school Early Decision, Jill helped us with every step along the way.

~ Parent

Jill is so knowledgeable and helped me and my son feel confident with every phase. There is no question that I will hire Jill again for my younger children. I enthusiastically recommend her to any family who wants to embrace their child's college process.

~ Parent

Jill’s assistance in essentially laying out a twelve month calendar of the entire process was invaluable and put us all at ease. At the end of the day, Jill is a trained and very experienced guidance counselor and was completely consumed with assisting and guiding our child toward making the wisest college application decisions. We look forward to working with her again with our other children.

~ Parent

Wow! Haruki learned so much from the Boot Camp. He said you were able to give him targeted advice on how to make his application stronger. He is now excited about working on his applications and starting his essays. I would recommend this to any student who wants to be sure that their application is as strong as possible and can pop out from the thousands of others.

~ Parent

Jill's advice during my application review was life changing! She looked carefully at my experiences and interests, and helped me understand how to put together a seamless application. After working with Jill, I realized my ideal path was Human Development, and I haven't looked back!

~ Student

I just spoke to Tommy. He is SO happy at school. And when I think about the many incredible college options he had, I wanted to reach out and thank you again. Honestly, working with you was a dream. So many people find this process frenetic and confusing. You were the guide my son and I needed! He LOVED the process, LOVED working with you and is already talking about visiting you when he comes home for the holidays.

A neighbor was questioning how Tommy got into so many top tier schools. She said that her son had much better grades and scores (which is probably true). But you helped Tommy put together flawless, authentic applications. I saw the attention to detail you gave him with every step.

This was the best money I have ever spent on any service. I could not recommend you more highly. When thinking about the investment of college, not only did Tommy receive tens of thousands in merit money (because of your guidance), he could not be happier in school. The ROI is priceless.

You became part of our family, Jill. We adore you and are forever grateful.

~ Parent

student Jill, when I think back to my path to college, you were my guide. Getting into Stanford was amazing but mostly I'm grateful for your guidance and compassion. I will stay in touch, thank you for being such an incredible mentor and showing me how to apply to college to showcase my talents and strengths. You're the BEST!

student I just wanted to say thank you so much for all that your have done and all the guidance with my college search and applications. I’m so grateful that I got into my first choice ED and I just wanted to say thank you for helping me achieve this!

student I just wanted to say thank you so much!! I most definitely would not be where I am today without your support, dedication, and guidance throughout the college process. Thank you so much for everything. I’m forever grateful.

Thank you again for everything you have done for us. We could not have done it without you and are so grateful and thankful and excited that Matthew will be attending his first choice university

We love you Jill, amazing college counselor. You are worth every penny!

So grateful for you and all the love and attention you give to Joshua….THANK YOU

I am thrilled that we were able to give Jason the opportunity to work with you. He has matured and learned so much within the college application process and it’s mostly through your support and guidance…thank you!

Parenting Advice

Thank you for so warmly receiving us. We were a little hesitant to seek out help as we have been trying to address Cara's mental health issues. However, both my wife and I feel that you are the right private guidance and college counselor for Cara from our meeting today. It was quite impressive how you advocated for her well-being front and center. We need that. We trust your expertise in the placement, the decades of your experience and your instinct as a mother to guide both Cara and us. SO grateful to have found you. THANK YOU

Jill, thank you for taking the time to talk with US. Christi is our oldest child and your knowledge not only about college but offering us incredible parenting advice, has changed our relationship with our daughter! Truly. Thank you for helping us talk to her in a way that she can hear us and be more open to our suggestions. She went from being stubborn and obstinate to engaged and cooperative because of YOU!

Lots more to come but we are thrilled to be taking this journey with Christi and grateful for your support.

Thank you for that encouragement—it’s hard to know where to draw that line, so your advice is so helpful at this point. I realize she isn’t taking good care of herself. I encourage and stress the importance of self care with her everyday, so I’m thrilled to have a second mom’s voice in the mix. Maybe it will stick after hearing it from both of us. Somehow she really 'hears' you.

Honestly, when you said it would be fun and an enjoyable process, I didn't believe you. It wasn't this way with my other children (wish I had met you earlier). This was a JOY! And now that Bobbie is already three colleges and it's only October, she is loving Senior year and we are incredibly grateful. Your parenting advice was life changing and we are now great examples of how to get through the college process with happiness and less stress -- all because of you. Thank you!

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Jill!

I swear to you—I raised them all the same way! Four children, so so different.

I am not sure where any us would be without your support. Just today, after your meetings with Michael and Melissa, they were both in good spirits and really happy about their meetings with you. You continue to share your skillful talents with our family and somehow meet and exceed the needs that my four different children need! I really don’t know how you do it, but I’m so truly grateful to you.

from students:

I genuinely would not be in the position I’m in without you Jill, and I cannot express my gratitude towards you and all you’ve done for me. I am so excited I got into my dream school. Thank you!

I just wanted to thank you again for helping me through this process and helping me find the perfect fit. I can already tell that my choice was a good one. I very much believe that the type of people here are a better fit for me than the type of people that I would have encountered at any other school. The friends that I already know will be lifelong friends. I do strongly believe that the people make the place, and the people here make the experience more fun than the school is itself. I am writing this as I am sitting in the business school building next to my roommate doing homework together because I am very happy here and I wanted to thank you for encouraging me to have an open mind and guiding me to realize that this was the right place for me.

from parents:

Whatever you did, she is in a much better mood now—truly, thank you! She came out from your meeting and was much sweeter, sat on my lap, and told me much of what you discussed. Not sure if you told her to be nice to me, but if you did, thank you!! Either way, you are amazing! I know the stress will come back, likely within hours, but I am grateful for the few sweet moments you made possible for us today. :) . Thank you for the additional colleges! So helpful!

Thank you so much for being there for her and supporting her in this process. She is so lucky to have you! And, I am too!

Jill , you have been an enormous help and we are so grateful we found you! I'm so impressed how my daughter has taken ownership of the process with your support. And, Katie seems to be really enjoying it! You have been incredibly responsive (and patient!). I can’t say enough good things about this experience.