Dear Jamie

Katey loves Ringling!  Not only is she thrilled with her classes, but she is also enjoying the Sarasota community.  The unique hands-on experience and small classes make Ringling the perfect fit.  She is thriving in this environment.Your guidance in Katey’s college decisions and processes were priceless.  Not only was she accepted to all five schools that she applied, but was offered eighty thousand dollars in scholarships!  We could not have done this without your help.Thank you for caring about Katey and her future.  We know that you are making differences in students’ lives continually

Sincerely,

Monica Horter mother of Katey Shelton, 2009 George Washington Graduate now at Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota, FL.

I GOT IN!!! I cannot even explain how excited I am right now.  Thank you for everything...because of you, I get to go to the college of my dreams.  Maggie Boelter, Senior at Parkersburg Catholic High School, accepted to Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio.

Jamie: We just returned from Wake Forest and our first trip since leaving Tate a month ago. All I can say is WE DONE GOOD!  He LOVES it there and everything about WF and Winston Salem. He is not even planning to come home until Thanksgiving. He is seriously considering being an RA next year to help with costs. As we expected, he is focused, determined and starting off very strong with structured study time in the library every day. This boy of ours continues to amaze us. Thank you my friend for all your love and support. Cheryl Ewing, mother of Tate Ewing, 2009 Graduate of South Charleston High School and Wake Forest Freshman.

Jamie, I know this thank you� is long overdue. I know that without your help and guidance, Amy, would not have earned the promise scholarship. She really likes WV State and I believe will flourish there. Jacy is really on track with her classes this year. Working at the mall, peaked her interest in business and fashion. You've inspired her to strive for getting the necessary grades and test scores necessary for the promise scholarship. I have let other parents that I know all this and what we paid you was an investment that has already paid off and will continue to pay dividends for years to come. Thanks for all you have done and all you are doing. God's Peace, Rich Bishoff, father of Amy and Jacy Bishoff    

I have been working with Jamie Dickenson for about 5 years. She is a great business person as well as an unbelievable certified college planner! She has an innate ability to work with students to determine their strengths and weaknesses. She helps students through a very difficult period in their lives- teen-age years and selecting the right college/university. I recommend Jamie for any student who is considering going to college- you won't be disappointed!

Anne Lane, CPA, MBA, West Virginia Small Business Development Center

Hi Jamie: I haven't talked to you for along time. I thought you might enjoy an update on Annalisa. She loves Elon. We really appreciate your help in guiding her college selection. This has been a great choice for her. She just completed her 3rd semester and has been on the dean's list all 3. She did a winter term class during the month of January, spending 3 weeks traveling through Germany, with time also in London, Austria and the Czech Republic. That was an amazing experience.                         

She is now preparing for a semester abroad in England! She will be spending the fall semester (Sept-Dec, 2009) at the University of Sussex. Needless to say, she is very excited. She is majoring in Political Science with minors in Philosophy and International Relations and plans to go to law school. Having seen the benefit of the Princeton Review course for the SATs, she is currently taking a review course for the LSAT.

Thanks again for your guidance, thought you might enjoy hearing about one of your success stories. Sincerely, Nancy Stanton, mother of 2007 Capital High School graduate, Annalisa Stanton.

Jamie: Just wanted to take a second and tell you something Will said after leaving your office. "Mom, you and Dad always tell me I am good at things and you pat me on the back, but when I leave Ms. Dickenson's office, I feel like I can really change the world! She make me feel like I could cure cancer or something"! Jamie, you are awesome and worth every penny! Kathy Lester, mother of Will Lester, Cabell Midland 9th grader.

Jamie: I heard you on the radio yesterday and thought you did a great job. With all the information you presented, I don't know how anyone could think they could "go it alone" regarding all this college business! You really made a case for hiring your services, and I hope lots of business comes your way. Thanks for all the instruction you've given our family. Dawn Dodd, mother of Paige Dodd, 2009 Senior - Cross Lanes Christian.

Jamie: Our family really appreciates all of the advice, tools and service you have provided during this complicated (much more than I ever dreamed it would be) process. You probably don't realize it, but you have helped keep the peace in our house by being the bad guy'. When Quentin starts to balk at doing something, we just remind him what Jamie said. Thanks Again, C.R. Neighborgall, father of Quentin Neighborgall, class of 2009, Huntington High School.

Jamie: My wife Nancy and I want to thank you again for all your help. Without your assistance, and that of Debbie's, we would have been lost in the college choice black hole. The interest you demonstrated and the energy you put into the time spent with James was both refreshing and helpful. When I took James to orientation at Clemson University, he felt he made a wise choice. A choice you fostered throughout our sessions at your office. James moved in to Clemson's Holmes Residence Hall on August 16th and began the exciting journey in the next chapter of his life. At your advice, James applied and was accepted into the Clemson Honors College. We are pleased with the benefits that the university has informed us of that comes with the distinction of the Honors College. As I reflect on the past year or so, I am so thankful for your influence in James life. May God richly bless you, your staff and your influence in the lives of others who come seeking guidance. Thanks, a small word with a big message to convey! Doug Keeling, father of James Keeling, 2008 graduate of Calvary Baptist Academy, now at Clemson University

Jamie: Thank you for your WCHS 580 am Ask the Expert radio show. My wife and I are parents of eight (8) children. Five of the eight have graduated from college, two with advanced degrees. I am a graduate of WVU-Institute of Technology and have been a school teacher for 20 years. I just wanted to thank you again for the invaluable service you provide to your students. Sincerely, Alfonzo Dalton, Jr., Charleston, West Virginia

Hello Jamie: I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the time you spent with my daughter today. I can not tell you how very much I appreciate all that you do with these teens. You have a gift that is very hard to find and I can not tell you how glad I am that we are on board with you and your expertise.  I believe it is sometimes harder to steer teens in the right direction as a parent. I am extremely pleased with your guidance and friendship. Thank you so very much. LeeAnn Gutierrez, mother of Lexie Gutierrez -class of 2011- George Washington High School.

Without Jamie, Ryne would never have known about Concord's Graphic Arts Program. Thanks for all your help! Amy Schumacher, mother of Ryne Schumacher, Elkins High School, class of 2008, going to Concord University.

Dear Jamie: Working with you the last 3 years has been not only helpful, but fun. It opened doors to me that I didn't really realize were out there. I am incredibly excited about Oberlin. You were exactly right when you met me and suggested Oberlin as a good school for me. It was also helpful to me to have someone who is not my parent involved in the college search process. I'm pretty sure I would have gone crazy had it just been mom and I!

Best wishes to you in the future and thanks for everything. Sincerely, Janney Lockman, Pocahontas County High School, class of 2008, going to Oberlin College.

Thanks for everything! I know we didn't need much toward the end because Zack started ruling out football and other schools earlier than we expected. Your help was tremendous with all the form filing. Jackie and Greg Rosencrance, parents of Zack Rosencrance, George Washington High School, class of 2008, going to West Virginia University.

Hi Jamie: Just wanted to give you an update on Annalisa. She loves Elon. It seems to be a perfect fit for her. She studies hard, is doing well in her classes, has made lots of new friends, and seems to be enjoying the entire experience. We really appreciate all the effort you put into helping her with this selection. Thanks so much. Nancy Stanton, mother of Annalisa Stanton~class of 2007 Capital High School~freshman at Elon University, Elon,NC.

Dear Jamie: My wife and I would like to thank you for assisting us with James college and options. I feel that we have made a great choice for James. You appear to be truly interested and thoroughly enjoy assisting kids with what will be one day viewed as a major life decision. You are in your element helping our children. You are providing the guidance for James with a refreshing atmosphere of excitement and new horizons.  Words can hardly express the gratitude I feel toward you and Debbie. Even I am excited about the possibilities for James. Again, let me say a big thank you to you and Debbie. Doug Keeling ~ parent of James Keeling ~ class of 2008 Calvary Baptist Academy.

Jamie: Thank you so very much for all your college knowledge and advice you have given to Desiree, Melissa, Tim and I. We are so glad we found you and so grateful! I can't believe they are both in college. Melissa is doing very well at High Point and Desiree is doing well at Marshall, still uncertain about her college decision. Again thank you for everything. Good luck to you always! Debbie: Thank you so very much for all your help during our college process. It is always a pleasure talking to you and you are so very helpful all the time. I will miss you and Jamie! Sheree & Tim Dorsch - parents of Desiree Dorsch, class of 2006 Winfield High School now at Marshall University and Desiree Dorsch, class of 2007 Winfield High School now at High Point University.

Jamie: Thank you so much for agreeing to work with Lexie. I, like most people, feel very blessed to have a person with your knowledge to help with the college decision. After looking at the book on colleges with the costs, requirements, and profiles, we certainly have "0" time to mess around. You seem to be a very special person and I am so glad that you are able to connect with teen-agers so well--what a gift!  Lea Ann Gutierrez, mother of Lexie Gutierrez, class of 2011, George Washington High School.

Jamie: Just one meeting and "WOW" what an eye opening experience! Thank you so much for everything! Steve Bishop - father of Alex Finney, class of 2009. Poca High School.

Dearest Jamie: We can't begin to thank you enough for pointing our daughter (Amanda) in the wonderful direction of High Point University. She is so ready to go and so excited! We will keep you posted on how she does her first year. thank you again for your wonderful guidance and your incredible personality. Michael and Melanie Wiedeman, parents of Amanda Wiedeman - 2007 Hurricane High School graduate heading for High Point University, High Point, NC.

Dear Jamie: I couldn't have found Ohio University without you! It was such a cool experience, even though at times very stressful. I hop to see you soon. Thanks for everything. All my love, Hannah Kinker, 2007 Cabell Midland H.S. Graduate heading for Ohio University.

Dear Jamie: Thank you so very much for everything you've done for me. I don't know what I would have done without your help. You have been a big part of my college search and decision. I chose VCU over Alfred because I got into their art school and I wanted to be near some culture. Thanks for everything! Larami VanNess. 2007 Allegheny High School Graduate, Clifton Forge, Virginia heading for Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond Virginia.

Hi guys. Just wanted to drop you a line and see how you are doing. I miss talking to you. Hope everything is going good. I bet you guys are really busy now. Courtney's graduation was nice. I still can't believe she graduated. She got a scholarship from the Diocese of Wheeling Charleston. She has done really well. Jamie/Debbie I want to thank you again for all you did for Courtney. She would not be in the situation she is in now if it wasn't for you guys. I'll be calling you in the next year or two to get Matthew started. I'm definitely not going to do this all over again without you. Have a great summer and if you are ever in the area give me a call. I'll be in touch. Thanks again for everything. Courtney Newlon- 2007 Graduate of Bridgeport High School,  heading for Wheeling Jesuit University

Hi Jamie and Debbie! I would like to thank you both for your "positive attitude". After Haley left for the Asheville School, I asked if a collegiate educational advisor would be helpful. I was assured "they" would handle everything. There was a little nudge inside me saying Haley would need another knowledgeable adult looking out for her best interests. After going through the process with Lindsey with your help, I felt like I knew the steps to a successful application process for my second child. You offer much more to your students and their families. You guys are the positive energy that keeps this experience from consuming our lives. You provide a steady hand and help us to understand the acceptance or the polite denial of an educational institution is not a reflection of the character and total worth of the applicant as a productive and contributing human being. Your knowledge and guidance is exceptional, but your caring and sharing is what makes you much more than just an educational consultant and her assistant. On another note, we just returned from Freshman Orientation at University of South Carolina. It was excellent! The event was very well organized and informative. (in other words, "no stone left unturned") More importantly, we left with a feeling that the administration and staff genuinely liked young people and felt their job was to support our daughter in her successful education at USC. What more could we hope for from an academic institution? (notice I did not say expect) The rest up to Haley! Also, USC has been so organized and informative with their mass mailings and personal correspondence. I have spoken with several people about some our questions and they have always been exceptionally helpful and knowledgeable. (not to mention, southern charm and hospitality) In closing, I hope you know how much I appreciate you both. Please keep doing what you do so well! Parker is Class of 2012, see you by May 31 of his Freshman year for round 3.   Peace and prayers- Pam Kuyk and family -Haley Kuyk - 2007 George Washington HS Graduate heading for University of South Carolina.

Jamie: Where do I start? I don't know how far I would have made it in this process without you. You were such an enormous help, and I loved meeting with you to discuss all my options. I'm excited for my future at MIT and afterwards. Thanks for guiding me down this path. Sincerely, Sarah Whiteside, 2007 Graduate of Charleston Catholic H.S. heading for MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Cambridge, MA.

Thank you so much for working with me this year. Without your help, I doubt I would be going to Stanford. It really helped me with the application process and especially the decision. Knowing that I had your support and confidence allowed me to follow my dream. I couldn't have done it without you! Thank you again for helping distress the college admission process. Love, Jennifer Cooperrider, 2007 Graduate of Nitro H.S. heading for Stanford University,  Stanford, CA.

Hello Jamie: I wanted to thank you for your help last year. We met with you two times and you figured out where Jonathan might find what he was looking for. As he described it to you, "I like to make weird crap."  This past fall he enrolled at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh in Entertainment Design and loves it. He also loves the big city. He participated in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most zombies in one place, Pittsburgh mall, where Dawn of the Dead movie was filmed. There were 800+ zombies there. He seems really happy and is destined to go to AiP. Thanks again for talking him out of a traditional college and helping him find a place where he fits. Lois Hodges mother of Jonathan Hodges, South Charleston High School Graduate.

Dear Jamie: Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today. Thank you for the support you gave us. Cody Richards, 2006 Class of South Charleston High School headed for Queens University, Charlotte, NC.

Dear Jamie and Debbie: Thanks so much for holding my hand as Jay and Andrew made their journey through college applications. Jay loves VT and is working in an engineering firm for the summer. Andrew is more of a Mountaineer than a Hokie'. He is working with Habitat housing with other WVU Freshman in July, then orientation. Sincerely, Anne Silbernagel, mother of Jay, 2004 Class of George Washington, now at Virginia Tech and Andrew, 2006 Class of George Washington headed for WVU.

Dear Jamie: Thank you so much for all the help you've provided during these last several months. I truly appreciated it and enjoyed every meeting. I think it's great that you never became an accountant because you are an exceptional collegiate advisor! During my college search process I learned so much about many colleges, but more importantly I learned more about myself. I am so excited about Belmont, it is the right fit. Thanks again for all your hard work and pushing me to get my work done!. Keep turning high school seniors into college freshmen! Jason Biddle, 2006 Class of  Huntington High School headed for Belmont University.

Jamie: I just wanted to again thank you for all of your help in getting me to my dream school. As I quickly approach my half-way point here at WV Wesleyan College, I am still so happy that I was able to come here. All of the reasons why I wanted to come to Wesleyan have been affirmed and then some. It is such a wonderful school and I know that I would not be here without having your help. My parents and I still highly recommend you to all we know who are graduating high school and sing your praises quite often. Thanks Again! Rachelle Bourne, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Fall 2007- formerly Fairmont Senior HS, class of 2004.

Jamie: Thanks so much for the awesome presentation on Wednesday! We all felt as if we learned a lot about college educations and how to pay for them. You have such a great attitude and you are really a "gift" to our children. Thanks again for taking time to a fine presentation. Peggy Nichols, Christian Women's Club, ( 2/22/06)

Jamie: My name is Kelsey Johnson. I attend Oceana Middle School in Wyoming County. I want to thank you for speaking at the Youth and Government Seminar. After hearing your speech, I have thought about high school and my college choices. I realize when I enter the 9th grade next year, I am going to make very important decisions affecting my future. Learning more about the PROMISE and other scholarships has allowed me to focus more on choices I will be making in high school. Your speech made me realize how important it is to start early on my college decisions and how my future will be affected by those choices. In conclusion, I appreciate you taking the time to inform me of the many possibilities I have for my future and helping me realize the importance of planning ahead.

Dear Jamie, Thank you for all your help. I have found my dream school and I never ever would have looked in that direction if it wasn't for your guidance. I am so excited to go to Emory - it is definitely the place for me! Thank you again. Lindsay Dawson, Class of 2004, Winfield High, Emory University

Dear Jamie, Thank you so very much for all of your help, support & friendship! We have had a great year and are looking forward to our next "journey". Always, Karen Farmer, mother of Brooks, Class of 2004, George Washington HS, University of South Carolina

Dear Jamie, Thank you so much for all of your help and support throughout the past year. Thanks to you I am now a part of the Class of 2008 at my dream school. No matter how out of reach my dream seemed you always made it seem possible to get there and achieve it. My parents and I truly do not know what we would have done without you!! Thanks again, Rachelle Bourne, Class of 2004 Fairmont Sr. H.S., West Virginia Wesleyan College

Dear Jamie, Thanks for all of your help. We would never made it without you. You were of great help & encouragement to Bryan and us! Thanks again, The Battens, parents of Bryan, Herbert Hoover High School Class of 2004

Dear Jamie, Thanks again for your help. I hope that Tyler will benefit from going to a good school like George Washington University and will be happy that he chose to go out of state. Thanks for your support and help throughout the whole process. Toni Nesselrote, mother of Tyler, Fairmont Sr. High School, Class of 2004.,

Dear Jamie, Last night, friends and business folks invited us to the Natalie Cole concert. We had dinner at SOHO's prior to the concert and imagine my surprise when they said "and Jamie Dickenson has been a tremendous help in focusing our daughter on colleges and ......". JAMIE DICKENSON? "Yes, we just love her". Well, the people are Tim and Sherry Dorsch and I guess the daughter is Desiree. We'd just been talking about how kids never listen to their parents, but their point was that their daughter listens to you (and her grandparents). What you are doing for them has been priceless and they are very grateful. Isn't Charleston a small town? I love it. Pat Strickland

Hi Jamie, It's been a long time since we've spoken. Thought you might like to be updated on our girl's progress at St. Michael's. If you go to putnamlive.com you can pull up a great story about the college and Kait being named to the Dean's list. Hope all is well with you and that your business is thriving. We can't thank you enough for all the guidance you gave Kait. Take care, Nan Bedick, mother of Kaitlin, Class of 2004, Winfield High School, St. Michael's College.

Jamie, I just wanted to thank you for spending so much time with us on Friday. We had a great time talking to you and are really excited about this college journey Courtney is going to take. Her dad and I feel so much more at ease knowing you are going to be helping us and guiding Courtney along the way. I can't imagine having to do all this on my own. Again, it was great meeting you and I look forward to seeing you again sometime this summer. Robbi Whiteman, mother of Courtney Newlon - Bridgeport High, Class of 2007.

Jamie has helped me in so many ways and I have only begun to receive her help. She had me take a personality profile test to determine what kind of person I am, what schools and working environments are right for me, and also what careers suit my personality and the fields that I'm interested in. She's also helping determine what tests I need to take and what classes I need to prepare for college. I promise you that Jamie's consulting is the best investment you could ever make for your children because it's really paying off for my parents and me! Kasi Crites, Class of 2008, George Washington HS

Jamie, You've helped me make one of the biggest decisions of my life. I think I made the best choice. Sweet Briar is going to be a good school for me and I would never have found it had it not been for you. Thank you. I enjoyed meeting you and the whole college process. You made things easier for me and my family. Thank you for helping me find the perfect school. I'll keep you updated on how things are going and again Thank you! Rebecca Martin 2005 Capital High School-Sweet Briar College

Jamie, I just wanted to thank you so much for helping me during my college search. I really feel that I have made the right decision to attend WVU and you have reassured me in this feeling. Thanks again! Chris Drescher - George Washington High School, class of 2005.

Dear Jamie, Thanks for helping to put my puzzle together. Halley Smith - Nitro High School, class of 2005, will be attending Randolph-Macon Woman's College.

Dear Jamie, I just wanted to say thank you so much for all your help. When I first came to you, I was lost. I knew nothing about what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go. You helped me decide all of that. You made the process so much easier. I was on time for all deadlines and now I'm going to George Washington, where I really wanted to go! I'm excited and glad you were there through the whole process. You're great. I'll keep you updated. Have a great summer. Auzin Rafiee - St Joseph Central High School-Class of 2005.

Dear Jamie, We want to make sure you know how much we appreciate what you have done for our family. We realize if we had not met you, our girls would be going to an in-state school instead of where they were able to go with your assistance. Feel free to use us as a reference. The combination of your expertise & personality definitely worked for us. Bobby and Angie Donohoe, parents of Kasey Donohoe - Nitro High School-Class of 2005 will be attending Queens University.

Jamie: Working with you has been an amazing experience. You have opened doors to many great schools, and I thank you. My college decision has been an unforgettable ride because of you. I would not be on Furman's accepted list if it weren't for you. Thank you for pushing me down the right path. I am very grateful. You are passionate, outgoing and I could not have found someone that had more in common with me. You are a role model for me. I look up to your leadership qualities, zeal for life and kick-butt attitude. I am truly enthused for college and I thank you for introducing me to Furman, it is my perfect match and will help me to become the person I want to be in life. Hopefully I will achieve OUR dream of graduating from Furman University! Claudia Cline - Nicholas County H.S.-class of 2005

Dear Jamie, We are sending Kristina off to college on Friday. She had a wonderful orientation at the College of Charleston. She has met her roommate and is counting the days until school starts. All your hard work has paid off. We are incredibly grateful. Robin Chamberlin, mother of Kristina Morris, Class of 2005, Cabell Midland HS, College of Charleston

Dear Jamie, It is truly my pleasure to tell friends about you. You are doing a great service for our children. The college search is difficult and your help is appreciated more than you will ever know. Julie Martin, mother of Jordan Martin, Class of 2007, George Washington H.S.

Dear Jamie: Congratulations on the (article in the Charleston Gazette on 8/3/05) success and recognition of your matchmaking business. I'm so glad we have Liza and Daniel working with you. Keep up the great work! Todd Fulks, father of Liza and Daniel Fulks of Robert C. Byrd HS.

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