Testimonials

Hear directly from recent students and parents about their experience in working with Dr. Powell:

“Alex Powell is wonderful and perhaps the best college investment we could have made. Although I’m a retired college professor and we have two other children who have recently gone through the college admissions process, we really needed help unravelling the mysteries of the music world. Alex’s insight and knowledge of the college/conservatory music community is encyclopedic, and he is able to match the student’s interest to the appropriate institution really well, indeed in both the musical sector as well as overall. Since he is a kind fellow, Alex clearly took the student’s interest and skills to heart, and formed a very tight bond with our daughter. “I can’t wait to tell Alex…” was a common refrain in our house for months! He also kept us parents informed at the appropriate level, and was a true partner for our daughter. Our family recommends him wholeheartedly and without reservation.”

– Parent of a Boston University student

“Although our admissions successes were a happy byproduct, my writing has absolutely transformed under Alex’s mentorship. Every time I finished a new draft, Alex would have a flurry of suggestions ready for me to work with to refine my piece. But Alex focused on helping me discover and improve my own process of writing rather than editing my essays himself, leaving me with skills necessary to tackle academic writing, future application essays, and even creative work. As I enter my first year of college, I feel like I’ve developed a “mini-Alex” inside my head that will guide my writing for the rest of my life.”

– Harvard student

“Having Dr. Powell on our team during our college application journey was wonderful. He helped us approach the college search in a very organized and efficient way, and he worked with my daughter frequently until they could come up with the final list. For each school, he had a vast amount of information and guidance on the approach to that school’s application. While working directly with our student, he was always available to us parents for any questions and meeting requests. When our student got into her first choice, we knew we couldn’t accomplish it without his guidance and support. We are forever thankful!”

– Parent of an NYU student

“We first connected with Alex at the beginning of my son’s junior year of high school. Although the ways he assisted us were myriad, early on Alex helped us understand the types of programs we should be targeting given my son’s specific interests. He helped us understand the difference between a pure conservatory, the dual degree programs and finally more traditional colleges and universities with strong music programs. He supported our initial questions with a lengthy analysis of pros and cons and provided long lists of examples of each type of school we could do further research on our own. He even reached out to experts and colleagues in the field who answered a couple of specific questions our son had posed about music theory pathways. Alex is a terrific consultant and was willing to meet us where we were at each stage in the process.”

– Parent of a Cleveland Institute of Music student

“The only thing I would have done differently would have been starting to work together sooner rather than later. It was extremely helpful to have a strong musical perspective on what my talents were and how to bring those out in front of the admissions teams. I was glad to have someone who could see my strengths and use that information to help create the best profile for colleges. Again, thank you for all your work, and I would say that all future students that work with you have a great counselor who can bring out the best in them.”

– New England Conservatory student

“Your guidance on communication regarding studio assignments and scholarship appeals was very valuable. We wouldn’t have known that we could appeal these aspects, which ultimately resulted in our son getting a sizable scholarship and the studio of his choice. In terms of the value proposition for your services, the increase in the scholarship award essentially offset the cost of your services.”

– Parent of a Temple University student

Having someone help me organize a list of schools was incredibly helpful because I had no idea what to look for and expect with 90% of the music programs. It made the process so much easier having another set of eyes look out for things. The second huge help was the essay editing. While some of it was hard to swallow, it was 1000% necessary for my writing development. It was awesome to have someone that doesn’t know me as well as everyone else in my life fill me in on where the gaps in my writing don’t make sense. I felt supported throughout the whole process and never felt hung out to dry or like my ideas weren’t heard. You were incredibly helpful and understanding throughout the entire process, and I genuinely don’t know what I would’ve done without you.

– Boston University student

“Alex has been so helpful in the college search, application, and the rest of the process. He listened to our concerns as parents and was able to fill many gaps. For example, he gave advice to our student in a very supportive way that if the suggestions came from a parent, it probably would have backfired. Even though Alex is not from our local area, he had connections and was able to give specific studio, professor contact, as well as music group recommendations that helped our student to polish the portfolio to the next level. He also guided our student to reach out to the college professors in a professional way. Overall, I appreciated how encouraging he was and we always felt that he’s there with us if there’s anything we need. Thanks such much Alex!”

– Parent of a Carleton College student