Mandee Heller Adler Testimonials
Dearest Mandee,
As we take in the incredible news of Stelios’ admission to Johns Hopkins, joining Sophia at Columbia, we cannot let this moment pass without expressing our deepest gratitude. Over the past four years, you have been more than a counselor—you have been a guiding force, a steady hand, and a source of unwavering support for our family. Your ability to combine expertise with genuine care made all the difference, not only in the strategic decisions but in the confidence and resilience you helped instill in both Sophia and Stelios.
What stands out most is that through all the critical choices, from the first summer programs in their freshman year in high school, to the last update letters a few weeks ago, the 24×7 essay revisions, and endless moments of uncertainty, it felt nonstop that next to us was not counselor but a true trusted friend. Your responsiveness, discipline, and thoughtful guidance shaped every step of Sophia and Stelios’ journey, but beyond that, the warmth and sincerity with which you approached everything made this process feel truly personal. You believed in Sophia and Stelios, pushed them when needed, and celebrated every single win, small or big, as if they were your own. You also helped them stay the course in the toughest moments of the journey. Knowing we had you by our side gave us peace of mind in a process that can so often be stressful and overwhelming.
This weekend has been one of immense joy for our family, and we know that so much of it is thanks to you. We truly appreciate everything you have done, and we know you share in this celebration from your call minute 1 of the announcement this last Friday.
With heartfelt appreciation a HUGE AND LOUD THANK YOU MANDEE,
Vassilis, Katerina, Sophia and Stelios Antoniadis
Dear Mandee,
J and I, and J of course, are coming off cloud 9 having found out the night before last that J was accepted at UPenn early decision for next year. We are writing to express our huge gratitude to you in getting J through this incredibly tough process, supporting him through the highs and lows, advising on where to apply, how to apply and worst of all having to edit his 1500 word 700 word answers for his application essays. You are incredible.
I first spoke to you by phone approximately 18 months ago, having discussed applications with a couple of counsellors in London previously. Within a few minutes I could tell that you were, and are, a force. Your advice on US schools and help with the application process was invaluable and relentless and you also engaged with J’s current school when asked. Always there at the end of a phone or promptly responding to texts or mails you operate on a level that few others do.
I was the first in my family to experience a University education and J will be the first to go to America and to the school of his dreams…I am delighted that J has seized this incredible opportunity with both hands. You will always be part of his success and our happiness and for this I can’t thank you enough.
Best wishes,
S & J
Mandee,
As the college application cycle has come to an end, we simply wanted one more time to Thank you and ICC for the amazing coaching/ help/ direction you gave Denise and Andre!
You gave us very clear expectations from the start, and the outcomes surpassed what we were driving from the start in every way.
For Denise, Trinity was a perfect choice, a challenging/amazing/(not so well known) University you highlighted to us from our first meeting, we won’t forget that…Denise got all the acceptances we had hoped for, and was able to choose wisely. We are so happy that she will end up in Trinity, not so far from our home, and perfect for her. Without your assistance, who knows what would have happened, she applied to all her schools with a great/strong resume, essays, complete early on, and so relatively unpainful/ unstressful, which says a lot about the work you do at ICC.
So, between Andre and Denise, with over 18 college acceptances, 10 or so with nice scholarships, and ending up in 2 top Universities where they are/will be attending, it was a great conclusion, to a great journey!
If we can be a reference, or you need anything from us, please keep us in mind (same as for Andre & Denise if you need any of your students to talk about Stanford/Trinity).
Best Regards,
SUZANNE & VICTOR
Dear Mandee,
As my high school days reach the end, I have had the opportunity to reflect on my experiences with regard to the college admissions process. I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for going far beyond your role as my college advisor.
Over the past several years, you have played a significant role in aiding my decision making process and creating a schedule for college-related planning. I particularly relished the attention directed toward the setting of schedules as well as review of application materials. Your ability to pay as much attention to my needs while also addressing the needs of other clients made my experience extremely individualistic and beneficial.
Perhaps most central to my wonderful experience was your incessant belief in me as an applicant. Even after some disappointing news, your confidence in my potential to succeed never faltered. Your diligence and strong commitment enabled me to rebound and subsequently apply to a whole new crop of schools, with your direction. Without your support during that time and your continuing guidance, I never would have been able to strive against a very arduous deadline.
As I depart for Princeton this September, I will warmly recollect the multitude of meetings, late evening conversations, and many edits of essays underlying your involvement in my college search and application process. I would be honored and delighted to vehemently recommend the engagement of International College Counselors, particularly your service, to other students just beginning the laborious process I have completed. I am quite sure that your expertise and dedication were substantial factors in the success I have achieved! Again, thank you very much.
Trevor
Dear Mandee,
I’m sitting on my bed right now, in my dorm, wondering how this all happened. I think back to my freshman year of high school…and how I had no idea where I would end up or who I wanted to be (one of two of those questions have been answered). I’m writing to you because you played such a huge part in getting me to where I am and to where I am going. I don’t know if I could ever do enough to thank you for everything you did for me, but I promise to pay it forward, and keep you in my mind and in my heart when I do so.
Brandeis is great so far— my roommates are total sweethearts, the people around me are all incredibly friendly, and I am super excited for classes to start!
I hope everything is wonderful, and I can’t wait to come back for a visit! Please let me know if there’s anything I can do for any of your students who want proof of how amazing you are, or anything in general.
Lots of love,
Daniela
For the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with Mandee to support the educational aspirations of all four of my children. Mandee’s dedication, expertise, and personalized approach have been instrumental in helping each of them achieve their academic dreams.
Mandee’s support and strategic guidance facilitated the acceptance of all four of my children into their chosen universities [Cornell, University of Miami, University of Michigan, and New York University]. Mandee, along with the International College Counselors team, provided excellent assistance at every step of the college admission process.
TAMARA
Dear Mandee,
I wanted to thank you so much for all of your help and guidance with our daughter and her college application process. Your insight and direction as well as support was invaluable, from 9th grade course selection to 12th grade essay revisions and everything in between. Although she attended a private school and one would expect stellar counseling, she never had the relationship, confidence, support or encouragement from her college counselor at school that she had with you. You were amazing and really made the process easier. We are beyond thrilled with her choice to attend SMU in the fall, and in addition to scholarship money she was accepted to the Pre-law scholars program!
Once again, we thank you so much for all your help.
Marisa
Mandee,
I wanted to thank YOU for all of the hard work, time, and effort you put into making sure I ended up at the right place for me. And, although it was a long and tiring process, I am so happy with the end result and cannot wait to be at Emory in the fall. I loved working with you, and I can honestly say that you inspire me to be a strong, independent, and successful woman. I will keep working on all you have taught me as I move toward college and enter the next part of my journey.
Thank you again!