2013-14 Students
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Rachel Linfield (Princeton) The whole college application process was definitely the most stressful time in my four years of high school. I knew little of where I wanted to go, and had no idea where to start with the applications. Lee was not only a counselor during this time, but also a guide and confidante. He made time for me at all times of the day, and always offered advice when I needed it. He got things done on time and reached out to the college admissions officers.
Even after my initial acceptances, Lee worked endlessly to see if we could convert a waitlist into an acceptance. When I got the call from Princeton that I had been accepted off the waitlist, the first person I called was Lee. He had devoted all of his energy to helping me achieve my goals, and I feel that I would not be going to Princeton if it weren't for Lee. I am so thankful for all the time he gave to me, and could not imagine what this process would have been like without him. Andrew Hersh (Princeton) Lee volunteered his time to work with me into the night, as he sought to understand me better for his advocacy call to Princeton before the admissions decision. Later, he walked me through the benefits and disadvantages of the schools I had applied to, what I should expect in terms of my early action application, and most significantly, calming my fears about Princeton's workload. Once accepted, I still had numerous qualms about grade deflation, competition, and academic rigor, with questions about whether it was the place for me. Lee consistently calmed my fears, explaining with brilliance and an in-depth perspective the permutations related to the academic rigor, the benefits involved, the satisfaction of hard work, and the memories that would be forged for a lifetime. I am now highly confident as I head off to new adventures at Princeton, which I recognize as a place suitable for me, and that is thanks to Lee. Throughout our discussions, he conveyed a deep and exceptional understanding of the minute details for a wide array of colleges, tossing out many names of admissions counselors with such ease. Moreover, he always upholds the highest moral standards and expectations, which he exemplifies and expects in turn, along with a scholarly perspective on many a convoluted subject. Albert Mishaan (Columbia) Lee was such a rock of stability and a fountain of sound professional advice throughout my senior year. He guided me through the application process, editing countless essay drafts, explaining the financial aid process, and coordinating my many regular decision applications. The difference from my experience in junior year with another college guidance counselor and Lee was night and day. He used his experience as a writer and counselor to help me get accepted to a great college. With his inside connections and advocacy skills, he increased the chances of myself and my peers. Without him I simply would have never gotten into Columbia. Isaac Dayan (Penn) Lee is the best thing that ever happened to college guidance. Last year, my counselor left, but was still expected to write my recommendation. After just two months with Lee, we grew a relationship as if we had known each other throughout high school and he took over the whole process. Lee's experience in the field proved helpful through connections and strategies. He helped tremendously with all of my essays, helped me successfully deal with a deferral, and even contacted a major donor to call Penn on my behalf. Every time I spoke with him was a reassuring experience because his expertise made me comfortable. Lee went above and beyond, always making me feel important and even staying with me until late at night whenever necessary; we also emailed back and forth whenever we were apart. Every question that I had was answered immediately. He was the perfect person to accompany me in the grueling college process. Without him, I may not have gotten into my top school and I feel thankful and lucky that he swooped in just in time for my senior year. Besides myself, I know countless stories of peers who were accepted to their top choice schools or received scholarships as a direct result of Lee. |
Bob Husni (Penn) From the first time I met Lee to this very day, I had a deep respect not only for his proficiency, but also his caring demeanor. It shocked me just how much he cared about not only my college trajectory, but about the path of every student. I'm a testament to the fact that he didn't just give his care and expertise to the students assigned to him, but to everyone that needed it. Lee played an instrumental part in getting me into Penn. He regularly edited my essays, discussed my grades and classes, and encouraged me to truly reach my potential.
Ely Kattan (WashU) Lee was so helpful throughout the college process for me. He directed me towards the right schools based on my personal interests. He went out of his way to establish a personal connection with the admissions officer even though I was the only one applying to WashU at the time. Lee was crucial in the process of writing my college essay and I don't think I would be in the college of my choice without him. Gabriel Kabariti (Johns Hopkins) Lee played a critical role in my getting accepted to Johns Hopkins. He frequently communicated with our regional admission counselor, Tyler, at Hopkins and reporting back to me on what I should do to improve my chances of getting in. His recommendations and his constant chats with Tyler on my admission status both helped. Lee suggested I go down to Hopkins to show I had interest in the school and told me what I had to do during the visit. His constant communication succeeded in setting up that meeting at the very end, which I believe helped Tyler make the case for my admission. Raymond Braha (Johns Hopkins) Lee helped me shape my applications and think about my future. I built an important relationship with him. Within a few minutes of conversation, you realize his vast knowledge of colleges and the admission process. Simply put, he knows his stuff. If you watched him at College Night, he knows every representative from every school, and they all know him. He introduces his students to the representatives. He even makes follow-up phone calls, vouching for the students that the representative met that night. When I told him of my plans to visit certain colleges, he gave me the contact information of admissions representatives I should meet, and helped me contact them to schedule a meeting on the school's campus. He even helped me contact professors, so that i could attend a class. In addition to his knowledge and connections to the college world, [Lee] has an unbelievable work ethic and admiration for the students. He spends unlimited hours in his office, sometimes conducting parent meetings as late as 10 o’clock. He’s always open to scheduling meetings and on short school days, he’s still in the building when everyone has left. On many occasions, he is the last person to leave the building. He’s open to discussing many topics with us, ranging from art to politics to sports, and how we can turn our personal resources into an asset college application. He helped us with applications for summer programs and internships. He helped us with every day school-life decisions. |