Success Stories

Class of 2021

It is such a pleasure to support brilliant women in STEM! IHA class of 2021 Daniela Makowka and Allison Monroe are heading to Cornell University’s College of Engineering and UMass Commonwealth Honors College this fall.

Congratulations to my student, Caitlyn Dornau for your acceptance into UC San Diego, UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, UMass Amherst, Virginia Tech, University of Wisconsin, Bucknell University, Binghamton University & Cornell University. So proud of you!

Congratulations to Elizabeth Serrano for her acceptance into the graduate program for her Masters at John Hopkins University!

Class of 2020

Over the years, I’ve had excellent results helping students increase SAT/ACT scores with short turnaround times. I quickly diagnose problems, and focus on solutions. A student last year came to me disappointed with her test results after working for months with another tutor. With two weeks of 1:1 work that I designed based on her score report, she increased her ACT score 7 points, surpassing what the track coach required for a place and scholarship at her preferred college.

With only ten days to prep before the November SAT, another class of 2020 student crossed the threshold she needed that helped her gain admission to Notre Dame; another student achieved his goal of a perfect score.

A future engineer discussed her credentials and desire to be a robotics engineer. She was not reaching high enough in her college selection. I suggested Cornell University as a fit, where she gained admittance and an 85% scholarship package.

A Westfield High School student wanted to complete her entire Common Application before summer ended, so she could maintain her excellent GPA and apply ED to the honors nursing program at TCNJ. She earned numerous excellent early admissions options and merit scholarships, including Binghamton University Decker School of Nursing, Seton Hall Honors Program, Pace University Honors Program, and Drexel’s Honors Program, but when the letter from TCNJ came in, she was all set.

A New Jersey student wanted to stay local

deeply committed to his parents, who depend on him for many household tasks. NSCA helped him realize options he was unaware of. He stepped up his admissions game … and stayed local.

Result: His guidance counselor updated me, saying “Michael is doing great as a junior at Princeton University. Thank you for helping him realize his potential.”

Challenge: Scholar-athlete wanted top tier school. How does an athlete expand options beyond colleges that are recruiting them?

Student Athlete Gets Noticed

Penny, an A student and club volleyball player in North Carolina, reached out to Division III coaches to enhance her admissions options. NSCA encourages students to be assertive and pro-active. Coaches and colleges are especially pleased when students advocate for themselves.

Result: She gained admission to Bryn Mawr, and will be playing on their volleyball team in Fall, 2018.

Challenge: So many excellent choices for a Bergen County Valedictorian.

Guidance and Essay Polish for Top Student

Catherine is the 2018 valedictorian of a highly-regarded public high school in northern New Jersey. She earned an array of exciting offers, including her top two choices: Yale and Tufts. NSCA helped her write and polish more than seven essays within a week, and helped her discern the best choice for her.

Result: After much deliberation, given many generous financial packages from top flight universities, Catherine chose Handsome Dan, the bulldog, … Yale.

College Acceptance to Tufts University | Not So Common ApplicationCollege Acceptance to Yale University | Not So Common Application

Challenge:

High GPA but low SAT

Student 2 had an A average at an all-female Catholic High School, and an interest in Veterinary Science, but her SAT scores needed to increase to meet her excellent transcript. 14 hours of ACT and SAT test preparation helped raise her SAT score over 300 points. Individualized, supportive essay coaching helped this student write ten strong, creative essays, which landed this student admission to Cornell University, Fordham University, and the University of Delaware Honors Program.

Result: She attends Cornell, which was a reach school.

Challenge:

B Student with low SAT

Student 1 had a B-B+ average from a Catholic High School in New York, wanted to pursue physical therapy, but only scored 900 on the diagnostic SAT.

We started exploring alternatives to college, and agreed to work together to improve SAT scores. With 12 hours of test preparation, her score increased by nearly 600 points, which improved the students’ options and self-esteem dramatically. A reserved student, her essay was brief. With a supportive writing coach, the student was able to re-frame some of her life experience to write a powerful essay.

Result: She is now thriving in an excellent physical therapy program, which had been out of her reach before we worked together.

Challenge:

Student seeks Scholarships

Student applied to fourteen colleges. He has an impressive transcript and backstory, but needed to earn scholarships. While his story was powerful and unique, befitting his desire to pursue a career in psychology, he needed guidance in how to best present it. We worked with him on each essay, and he ended up with multiple offers with substantial scholarships and grants.

Result: He ultimately accepted a full scholarship to Swarthmore College.

Challenge:

How to Stand Out in a Sea of Highly-Competitive Applicants?

Student had stellar scores and an impressive transcript from Bergen County Academies AMST (Academy for Medical Science Technology) – but so did many of his classmates. He had done unique DNA research and played basketball. He wrote witty essays that showcased his sense of humor and affability.

Result: Student gained admittance and scholarships to Williams College, Bowdoin College, Tulane, Notre Dame University, Rice University, Brandeis University, College of the Holy Cross, Boston College and Villanova University.

Successful Admissions

  • Adelphi University – Honors Program – Presidential Scholarship
  • Binghamton University
  • Binghamton University Decker School of Nursing
  • Boston College
  • Boston University
  • Bowdoin College
  • Bucknell University
  • Brandeis University
  • Bryn Mawr
  • Catholic University of America
  • College of the Holy Cross
  • Columbia University
  • Cooper Union
  • Cornell University
  • Drexel University Honors Program
  • Emory University
  • Fairfield University
  • Fordham University – Presidential and Dean Merit scholarships
  • Franklin & Marshall College
  • Hofstra University – Pre-Med Honors Program – Presidential Scholarship
  • Iona College – merit scholarships
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Loyola University Maryland – Presidential Scholarships
  • Moravian College
  • Muhlenberg College – Presidential Scholarship
  • University of Notre Dame
  • Pace University Honors Program
  • Penn State
  • Pratt College
  • Princeton University
  • Quinnipiac University Physical Therapy Program
  • Rice University
  • Rider University
  • Rutgers University Honors Program
  • Seton Hall Nursing Honors Program
  • SUNY Albany
  • SUNY New Paltz
  • Swarthmore College – Full Scholarship
  • The College of New Jersey
  • Villanova University
  • University of Delaware – Honors Program, Entrepreneurs Fellowship
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • University of Rhode Island
  • University of Scranton (Nursing and Merit scholarships)
  • University of Southern California
  • University of South Carolina – Acceptance and Soccer scholarship
  • University of North Carolina – Track, full scholarship
  • Molloy College, Nursing Program
  • New York University (NYU)
  • Pratt Institute
  • Tufts University
  • Williams College
  • Yale University
  • York College – merit scholarship

  • Carolyn is amazing at helping other students with the college application process and making sure that the student's essays are brought to their fullest potential. She took hours out of her schedule making sure that my essays were grammatically correct, unique, and the best they could be. She assisted me with my college essay, 22 supplemental essays, and now scholarship essays. I am so grateful to have Carolyn to assist me with the college process and am excited to be going to Cornell University next year. I am thankful for Carolyn's help in guiding me through the application process. Her recommendation, tips, and edits with my essays helped bring my essays to the next level that helped me get into an ivy league school. I would definitely recommend Carolyn to anyone who needs help with the application process.

    ~Daniela Makowka

  • Carolyn is incredibly knowledgeable, and a wonderful person to work with. As a transfer student, she helped me navigate the somewhat unusual process, and we worked together through the logistics as well as the material of the applications. Carolyn is a skilled writer with a gift for editing in a supportive, yet transparent way. She is able to increase the quality of writing and bring up new ideas, while not interfering with the student’s original concept, and all without pressure. Thank you, Carolyn!

    ~Evan Murphy

  • Carolyn is the perfect advisor for any higher education application process. She takes the time to help you both enhance your strengths and improve on your weaknesses. She is patient, wise and dedicated. In my senior year of High school she helped me secure my acceptance to my dream school of Cornell University, Class of 2020. Similarly, in my current graduate school application process she has worked with me, editing and improving my written statements while also providing sound advice for the application process as a whole. Thank you Not So Common Application Service!

    ~Elizabeth Serrano

  • Carolyn is an excellent writer whose assistance in writing my law school personal statement was such a huge help. She is a pleasure to work with and very easy to communicate with. We first started with a Zoom session where we bounced ideas off of one another and she acted as a sound board to help me to start thinking more creatively and outside the box. Together, we came up with the most perfect topic to write about and from there she assisted in the vocabulary, grammar, and overall structure of my paper. Her turn around time is very quick and together we worked to get the paper done in a timely and efficient manner. I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of assistance, and am so appreciative of all her help!

    ~Juliette Niglio

  • Carolyn was a remarkable help to my college applications. She worked collaboratively with me hours on end and resolve any writer's block I faced. She was able to help me bring my stories to life and help me write phenomenal essays for all of my colleges. I am eternally grateful for her support, guidance, and positive attitude.

    ~Allison Monroe

  • With the whole world turned upside down, the college application process has become more daunting. Carolyn knows what these schools are looking for but most importantly, she has the ability to find out what makes her clients tick. The Common App essay has become the most important component of the process this year. My daughter loved working with Carolyn-she felt so comfortable brainstorming with her to find just the right topic to write about to really reveal who she is. As a parent, I felt overwhelmed by the college process until Carolyn just literally simplified it for us. She is an amazing communicator & my daughter truly felt comfortable working with her. My daughter is currently attending Cornell University & loving it.

    ~Pamela Cali

  • Carolyn was a life-saver working tirelessly with us in a very compressed time frame. She was a great communicator with my son at a very stressful time for him. She was professional, insightful and extremely organized during a very chaotic process for parents who were first-timers because this was our oldest child.

    ~Dave Gardi

  • Carolyn deftly guided my two daughters through the process of college entrance exam prep, college essay edits, college selection as well as at different points throughout their undergraduate years for a variety of challenges. My girls are very different in terms of learning styles and personality and Carolyn worked successfully with both. Her calm, unassuming nature was welcome and I appreciated how she never took over but led the girls in the right direction, challenging them while allowing them to find the solution and conquer the particular issue. Carolyn does her homework, stays abreast of the “market” and rapidly challenging environments while researching individual universities and their programs so that she can provide a comprehensive and accurate portrait for her clients. When my third daughter is ready for college, I’ll be calling Carolyn at Not So Common Application Services!

    ~Delia Serrano

  • Carolyn, I will NEVER be able to thank you enough for sharing your valuable expertise and time with Lauren. You have made my life IMMENSELY easier!!!! Pam C. Brielle, NJ

  • Thank you Carolyn Johnson for guiding my son thru the essay writing process. After months of procrastination, writing block, stress and nagging, he finally got it done. Keeping my fingers crossed for a good outcome!

    ~ Aparna Mulchandani

  • After one session with Carolyn at NotSoCommonApplication, my son brainstormed, completed and proofread his entire Common Application essay. It was painless and the essay was just perfect. Thank you!

    ~ Janet Freitag, Ramsey, NJ

  • Yes, Michael is doing great at Princeton. Thanks for helping to get him to realize his potential!

    ~ Didier

  • I got into Rice, William and Mary and Stony Brook. Going to Rice. Thank you so much and I am very grateful for all your help. You kept me organized and helped this chemistry student write superb essays.

    ~ Aaron C.

  • Just got into Cooper Union! I’m so happy with the way you helped me develop my essays and put the application together. This would not have been possible without your help.

    ~ E.M., NY

  • I know Evan has told you he was accepted to The Cooper Union (!). He is thrilled and excited for his future. As a parent it is a gift to know he is going forward in his studies to an institution that he has been striving to attend because it is where he feels he will flourish academically and socially. I want to thank you for your hard work and dedication. Your support meant a great deal to our family. Thank you so much.

    ~ Kathy

  • Thank you so much, Carolyn, for teaching Jose how to advocate for himself and for making BC truly accessible for him.

    ~ HS Guidance Counselor

  • My son just received admissions to two of his top college choices with generous scholarship offers thanks to your help with his essay.

    ~ Alice, Queens, NY

  • Thank you very much for your very helpful service at such a late notice. Having you check over and perfect my essay gave me the confidence I needed to finally submit my applications! I couldn’t have done it without you!

    ~ Grace Crockett, Queens, NY

  • Carolyn was a good match for my son – she helped him to improve both his SAT and ACT scores and was willing to work around a busy soccer schedule.

    ~ Rose, Suffern, NY

  • My son had Carolyn as a SAT tutor. She taught him the strategies needed to improve his score by over 200 points, ensuring his placement in his desired school, and earning him an academic scholarship of a third of the tuition! Highly recommend!

    ~ Colleen Stryker, NY

  • In a short amount of time, Carolyn helped me brainstorm really great ideas for my essay. With her guidance, the essay was edited and the end result was awesome!

    ~ Jack E., Ramsey, NJ

  • Carolyn’s insight and perspective in the college application process is relevant, valuable, and right on target. Her caring, non-judgemental demeanor with the applicants is refreshing. She is available practically on-call. I highly recommend Carolyn for both test prep, essay/supplemental question editing and strategy and general application counseling.

    ~ Delia Serrano

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