OIS keeps your information confidential – including in the testimonials posted on this website.
“Johanna genuinely had such a big impact on my college admissions process. It was a really stressful time but she not only gave really good advice on my essays, but was a person I could talk to about any worries I had. She wasn’t just a college essay advisor for me, but someone who genuinely cared about me as a person which made the entire process so much easier for me to go through. I appreciate her help so much and know that I wouldn’t be where I am without her and her guidance.”
— Student, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North
“I had an incredible experience working with Johanna. At the start of the application process, the countless essays and other required parts of my applications seemed quite daunting. However, Johanna simplified the entire process by always being available to answer my questions and working tirelessly to help perfect my essays. Johanna is also extremely personable and I appreciated how reassuring and understanding of my concerns she was throughout the entirety of the process. Two months ago I was accepted into my dream school through Early Decision, and I could not be happier! I'm so grateful to Johanna for helping me achieve this, and I highly recommend her without a doubt!”
— Student, Princeton High School
“Working with Johanna has been magnificent. I wouldn’t know where I’d be if not for her. She diligently worked with me for months, pushing me to my best ability while respecting my boundaries. She truly wants the best for her students and their applications, caring for them as if it was her own application. I honestly think it’s unfair to the students who don’t get to work with Johanna because she is a cheat code for your application and will help you tremendously.”
— Student, Princeton High School
"Johanna was invaluable in helping me crystalize my ideas into focused and compelling essays, while retaining my authentic voice."
— Student, Princeton High School
"Without Johanna, I could not have gotten through the college process. I stepped into her office, unsure about everything, and confused about how to craft an application that best mirrored me. But, she guided me through every step of the way, helping me finalize a college list and an activity list, revise essays and supplements, and prepare me for interviews. I could approach her with any questions or issues I had at any time, and she always responded that day with a million solutions. I am so grateful for everything she has done for me and can safely say that without Johanna’s help, I would not have ended up at my first choice school!"
— Student, The Lawrenceville School
“Johanna was amazing with our son. When we found out that his junior year was going to start virtually, with no in-person schooling in sight, we knew we needed to solicit the help of an outside source to guide him through this challenging year of high school. Johanna took time to get to know our son; his interests, his strengths both in the classroom and out of the classroom, and his style of working so she could develop a manageable timeline to tackle all aspects of the college process. Getting to know him also helped her to customize a college list that was perfect for him, with schools that were on his level, and some that were a bit of a stretch too. She gave him practical tips to build relationships with his teachers to work toward asking for letters of recommendations. She encouraged him to get involved in activities at school, suggested volunteer opportunities outside of school, and told him about ways to research schools on his own when visiting them in person was not an option. She kept him on pace with all of his to-do items so as not to overwhelm him, giving him smaller assignments to do before their next meeting, or reviewing things he was working on in shared google docs between meetings. They met weekly throughout the summer before his senior year, and he was able to submit all applications by the early action deadline. Our son was so proud of his completed applications, and he has heard back from seven of his eleven schools so far with all acceptances! He also received more merit money from those schools than we anticipated! We are so happy with the choices he currently has and know he could be successful at any of those schools. We are so grateful for the help Johanna gave to our son and know he will find the perfect school for him. I highly recommend Johanna to our friends with kids beginning the college process!”
— Parent, Princeton High School Student
“Hi! I just opened up my acceptance letter to SMU!!! Thank you so so so much for everything. You helped me beyond words, and I am so thankful. You are so amazingly talented, and I have loved working with you! Could not have done it without you.”
– Senior, The Lawrenceville School
“Hi Johanna, I just committed to Drexel BSMD!! This isn’t exactly how I wanted to thank you but I just wanted you to know that I truly couldn’t have done any of this without you! Having someone to text for all of my random questions and to basically shape ALL my supplements and essays was a literal backbone for me throughout the process. Hopefully, once conditions are better, we can meet so I can say thanks again in person.”
– Senior, Hillsborough High School
“Having seen the harsh reality of the college application process through my older sibling, I was terrified to apply to schools. However, Johanna’s thoughtful guidance, constant accessibility and availability, positive and encouraging attitude, impressive organization, and motivating presence made college applications easy. Her talents include not only skillful essay revisions, but also outstanding attention to detail, flexibility, constructive criticism, communication, and personability. She never once questioned my ambition, and with her, I applied to over 20 schools and was accepted into my top choice with a $14,000 per year merit scholarship! I am so grateful I had Johanna’s support and help during this stressful process, and I would highly recommend her to anyone planning on applying to college.”
— Student, Golden High School, Colorado
“Johanna helped with virtually every aspect of the college application process, from preparation months in advance to my final application submissions. First, she helped me build a college list specifically catered to my interests and preferences. From there, she kept me on track to draft and refine each of my essays, activity lists, and anything else my applications entailed. Johanna always took extra care to ensure that every component of my applications was completed with utmost precision, even catching errors I wouldn't have noticed otherwise. Although I didn't know what to expect going into the application process, she offered targeted guidance every step of the way and paved my path to success. As a result of her help, I've been admitted into my first choice school!”
— Student, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North
"During my junior year, I was very intimidated by the college application process, particularly the essay writing aspect. Ms. Baum helped me stay on task with all my college research and applications and overcome my writer's block. She helped make the process less stressful and overwhelming, and with her help, I was able to get into my first-choice school."
— Student, Montgomery High School
"Going into the college application process, I was extremely nervous about how navigating it on my own would be, especially as a first generation immigrant. However, while working with Ms. Baum, I knew that my questions would always be kindly answered and I wouldn’t have to worry about receiving judgment for what I wrote in my college essays. We met on Zoom a countless amount of times, whenever I felt my essays needed work. She constantly gave me constructive criticism and reassurance when I was doubtful of my work. Her flexibility and adaptation to my specific needs made her a mentor who I could depend on whenever I needed help within the college application process."
— Student, Princeton High School
“The process of applying to college was daunting to me, but Johanna helped me to feel comfortable and confident about my applications. She was able to work with me to make my essays clear, concise, and most importantly, reflect my true self. I got into way more schools than I expected to, and was awarded scholarships I did not think I would receive. Best of all, I got into my dream school, William & Mary, and I can’t thank Johanna enough for helping me achieve that.”
— Student, Montgomery High School
“I think that working with Johanna through the college admissions process brought out my most presentable self. She helped highlight the information that made me unique in the eyes of any admissions officer. In all facets of the process, Johanna was incredible. However, I think the best thing she did was make evident the collegiate potential I possess; rather than help structure my essays around my academic record, she encouraged me to find interesting and creative things to talk about. I am now deciding between Wake Forest and UW-Madison.”
-Senior, Princeton High School
“We are extremely impressed and grateful for the support from Johanna for our son, not only in the final stretch of college application, but for his entire high school career. We as parents are not familiar with American high school and college application, and Johanna has provided invaluable advice and support in the course selections, shaping our son's high school education around his strengths and interests. In the final six months of college application, Johanna has helped our son organize his time and tackle his tasks methodically. We are thrilled that our son got into the college of his first choice!”
— Parents, Princeton High School Student
“We wanted to express our gratitude for all the assistance and guidance you provided to [our son] during his college application process. Your professionalism, dedication, and expertise were truly invaluable, and we are immensely grateful for your time and effort.
Your insight and attention to detail helped him navigate this daunting process with confidence. We are certain that your support played a major role in [his] success, and we couldn't be happier with the results - he is not only alive (we may have killed him if we were navigating this process without you), but in the end, he is going to Columbia! We have already begun recommending you to friends who don't want to kill their students and are embarking on the college application process!
Once again, thank you for everything you've done for our family. Your time with [our son] has made a lasting impact, and we truly appreciate it.”
— Parents, Princeton Day School Student
“I want to thank you for everything you have done for me to help me achieve my dreams. You gave me so much advice and counseling on my essays, activity lists, and narrowing down my colleges. By now, I have gotten acceptance to all of my colleges on my list, except for one. It was a pleasure to work with a kind, caring counselor. I am now going to Penn State, University Park to major in mechanical engineering thanks to you. I wish you all the best and hope we see each other again soon.”
— Student, Hillsborough High School
"Johanna was a God-send. From start to finish, she guided my son through the entire college application process with patience, encouragement, and expertise. She helped him choose appropriate schools to apply to, guided him through communication with his teachers, walked him through each application step-by-step, and expertly helped edit his essays. She took all the stress out of the process for both my son and for me! My son will be attending one of his top choices in the fall. We couldn’t be happier. I would recommend Johanna to anyone!”
— Parent, Montgomery High School Student
“Hope you are safe and doing well in this pandemic situation. My wife and I had a plan to come personally to your office and convey our thanks for all your support and guidance for our daughter during the college application process. She was really thrilled to listen and follow your guidance. Finally, she is very happy with the results. Again, we THANK YOU!!!!! for your kind support and your efforts will be remembered forever.”
— Parent, Hillsborough High School Student
OIS keeps your information confidential – including in the testimonials posted on this website.
“Johanna genuinely had such a big impact on my college admissions process. It was a really stressful time but she not only gave really good advice on my essays, but was a person I could talk to about any worries I had. She wasn’t just a college essay advisor for me, but someone who genuinely cared about me as a person which made the entire process so much easier for me to go through. I appreciate her help so much and know that I wouldn’t be where I am without her and her guidance. “
– Student, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North
“Having seen the harsh reality of the college application process through my older sibling, I was terrified to apply to schools. However, Johanna’s thoughtful guidance, constant accessibility and availability, positive and encouraging attitude, impressive organization, and motivating presence made college applications easy. Her talents include not only skillful essay revisions, but also outstanding attention to detail, flexibility, constructive criticism, communication, and personability. She never once questioned my ambition, and with her, I applied to over 20 schools and was accepted into my top choice with a $14,000 per year merit scholarship! I am so grateful I had Johanna’s support and help during this stressful process, and I would highly recommend her to anyone planning on applying to college.”
– Student, Golden High School, Colorado
“We are extremely impressed and grateful for the support from Johanna for our son, not only in the final stretch of college application, but for his entire high school career. We as parents are not familiar with American high school and college application, and Johanna has provided invaluable advice and support in the course selections, shaping our son's high school education around his strengths and interests. In the final six months of college application, Johanna has helped our son organize his time and tackle his tasks methodically. We are thrilled that our son got into the college of his first choice!”
– Parents, Princeton High School Student
“We wanted to express our gratitude for all the assistance and guidance you provided to [our son] during his college application process. Your professionalism, dedication, and expertise were truly invaluable, and we are immensely grateful for your time and effort.
Your insight and attention to detail helped him navigate this daunting process with confidence. We are certain that your support played a major role in [his] success, and we couldn't be happier with the results - he is not only alive (we may have killed him if we were navigating this process without you), but in the end, he is going to Columbia! We have already begun recommending you to friends who don't want to kill their students and are embarking on the college application process!
Once again, thank you for everything you've done for our family. Your time with [our son] has made a lasting impact, and we truly appreciate it.”
– Parents, Princeton Day School Student
“I had an incredible experience working with Johanna. At the start of the application process, the countless essays and other required parts of my applications seemed quite daunting. However, Johanna simplified the entire process by always being available to answer my questions and working tirelessly to help perfect my essays. Johanna is also extremely personable and I appreciated how reassuring and understanding of my concerns she was throughout the entirety of the process. Two months ago I was accepted into my dream school through Early Decision, and I could not be happier! I'm so grateful to Johanna for helping me achieve this, and I highly recommend her without a doubt!”
– Student, Princeton High School
“Johanna helped with virtually every aspect of the college application process, from preparation months in advance to my final application submissions. First, she helped me build a college list specifically catered to my interests and preferences. From there, she kept me on track to draft and refine each of my essays, activity lists, and anything else my applications entailed. Johanna always took extra care to ensure that every component of my applications was completed with utmost precision, even catching errors I wouldn't have noticed otherwise. Although I didn't know what to expect going into the application process, she offered targeted guidance every step of the way and paved my path to success. As a result of her help, I've been admitted into my first choice school!”
– Student, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North
“Working with Johanna has been magnificent. I wouldn’t know where I’d be if not for her. She diligently worked with me for months, pushing me to my best ability while respecting my boundaries. She truly wants the best for her students and their applications, caring for them as if it was her own application. I honestly think it’s unfair to the students who don’t get to work with Johanna because she is a cheat code for your application and will help you tremendously.”
– Student, Princeton High School
“Johanna was amazing with our son. When we found out that his junior year was going to start virtually, with no in-person schooling in sight, we knew we needed to solicit the help of an outside source to guide him through this challenging year of high school. Johanna took time to get to know our son; his interests, his strengths both in the classroom and out of the classroom, and his style of working so she could develop a manageable timeline to tackle all aspects of the college process. Getting to know him also helped her to customize a college list that was perfect for him, with schools that were on his level, and some that were a bit of a stretch too. She gave him practical tips to build relationships with his teachers to work toward asking for letters of recommendations. She encouraged him to get involved in activities at school, suggested volunteer opportunities outside of school, and told him about ways to research schools on his own when visiting them in person was not an option. She kept him on pace with all of his to-do items so as not to overwhelm him, giving him smaller assignments to do before their next meeting, or reviewing things he was working on in shared google docs between meetings. They met weekly throughout the summer before his senior year, and he was able to submit all applications by the early action deadline. Our son was so proud of his completed applications, and he has heard back from seven of his eleven schools so far with all acceptances! He also received more merit money from those schools than we anticipated! We are so happy with the choices he currently has and know he could be successful at any of those schools. We are so grateful for the help Johanna gave to our son and know he will find the perfect school for him. I highly recommend Johanna to our friends with kids beginning the college process!”
– Parent, Princeton High School Student
“"During my junior year, I was very intimidated by the college application process, particularly the essay writing aspect. Ms. Baum helped me stay on task with all my college research and applications and overcome my writer's block. She helped make the process less stressful and overwhelming, and with her help, I was able to get into my first-choice school."”
– Student, Montgomery High School
“I want to thank you for everything you have done for me to help me achieve my dreams. You gave me so much advice and counseling on my essays, activity lists, and narrowing down my colleges. By now, I have gotten acceptance to all of my colleges on my list, except for one. It was a pleasure to work with a kind, caring counselor. I am now going to Penn State, University Park to major in mechanical engineering thanks to you. I wish you all the best and hope we see each other again soon.”
– Student, Hillsborough High School