Ullram & Associates
Educational Planning for the 21st Century
Comments
“I just wanted to stop and take a moment during this busy time to say’ thank you’ for all the hard work you do. Your e-mails are great! They remind me of things I know, but forgot, and inform me of some things I haven’t thought of or haven’t been told about… You keep the stress level out of the process as best as possible while giving important guidance to help the students make the process their own. Kudos on a job well done. Third time around, and you are patiently plugging away on behalf of our kids. What more could a parent want?”
Janice — parent of Schuyler (Bates College), Sean (Ithaca College) and Tim (Northeastern University)
“I’m sitting on my bed, which is in the middle of the floor, writing my history paper during final examinations. There’s a blizzard outside and the snow is blowing sideways. My topic is a discussion of the characteristics and influences of Renaissance humanism. And while eating an apple, I was just thinking how great this all was, being warm and comfortable while winter is throwing a tantrum outside, writing about art and sciences and literature — all great stuff. Though of course the paper is due later today and, of course, I only started last night, so there’s a bit of stress associated with it — but nothing that can’t be managed, and it makes it more exciting, anyway. And that’s when I realized that I was happy being here.
So, sitting here being happy, I remembered you. It’s always nice to be remembered by somebody when they’re happy, isn’t it? Anyway, I remembered you because you helped me get here, to the exact spot I am at now. I couldn’t have gotten here without your help, encouragement, and good company. And I wanted to thank you for all of those things. For being you and being willing to share yourself. It’s pretty great, the fact that you’re part of my life.
I’ve got to get back to writing my paper. It’s due in about four hours, but you take care, alright? Keep in touch, and keep on doing what you’re doing, because it’s pretty great.”
Michael (McGill University)
“I just wanted to let you know that Amanda, John and I went to Marist College this past weekend for the Accepted Students Open House (what a nice ring that has to it!). We made a point of seeking out Lindsay M. to say ‘hello’ and to thank her. She went out of her way to say how great you were and how you were very proactive on Amanda’s behalf in being her advocate. I felt we should pass on her complimentary comments, as well as our thanks.”
Marilyn — parent of Amanda (Marist College)
“Thank you so much for getting me through this stressful year! You put up with me changing my mind all the time — thanks! Thanks for everything you did to make sure I got in where I wanted. I wouldn’t be going to Syracuse if it wasn’t for you! THANKS! I’m going to miss you!”
Hannah (Syracuse University)
"We have given thanks so many times recently for your ever so deftly (and casually) placing St. Lawrence on Ellen's list of schools last winter. Despite our connection to the school through several friends and colleagues who attended SLU, it had simply not occurred to us to consider it for Ellen. That was all you. We also have you to thank for green lighting the merit scholarship application. I doubt we need to tell you how much that money means to us, with triplets who attend private and parochial high schools. It also gave Ellen a significant confidence boost, let us tell you.
Thanks for all that you do, Terry. It really matters."
Jane and Matt — parents of Ellen (St. Lawrence University)
“Thank you for all the time you spent and the thought you gave in helping me. I am very inspired by the passion and commitment you show. I feel very special to know you truly cared about me and my future.”
Jesse (Juniata College)
“Thank you for everything you have done to organize, guide, support, counsel, pep talk, reassure, advocate and otherwise get us through the college process. A year ago, who would have thought that Jesse would have so many good choices and end up at a school where he knows he must work hard. You have done everything possible to help him set his best foot forward and to let schools know who he is. And along the way you have patiently dealt with the nervous mom of this challenging young man. I am so appreciative of the time you give to us all. As we start the process over again with Gabe next year, we look forward to working with you again.
I had a nice conversation with Michele B. at Juniata on Friday. She told me how impressed she was with you and the way you know your “kids” and represent them well, but honestly — a rare experience in her position.
Thank you once again for all the work you do. It has clearly made a difference.”
Alison — parent of Jesse (Juniata College) and Gabe (Bennington College)
“I just wanted to thank you for all your help during the college process. You made it very easy for us. Justin had many options, and that was for all your efforts in planning, contacting schools, and presenting a realistic picture to Justin of possible outcomes. You guided him to choose wisely and enlightened him to the possibilities of being selected by the different schools to which he applied. Early on, Justin felt he could be happy at any of the schools to which he applied. He never did share with us, until the week that acceptances started coming in, that he saw Middlebury as his first choice. We had a great revisit to Middlebury, sat in on classes, sampled food in the dining hall, heard the president speak, attended concerts, and took another tour of the school — it felt right. Again, thank you for the attention to our son, and for your guidance and support in selecting the environment for the next phase of his education.”
Leslie — parent of Justin (Middlebury College)
“Sooooo… are we making you work hard enough yet? Please know how much we appreciate your time and assistance. Thank you for your wisdom and care with our daughter. I can certainly speak highly of your work to anyone and everyone who will listen.”
Joanne — parent of Elana (Bennington College)
“Once again, there are no words. You are simply amazing. You’re two for two with us! And we are so appreciative. We continue to be impressed with your talents. You manage to not only win the affection of students, but their respect, as well. We learned, early on, to let you ‘run with the ball,’ because they trust you so much, and you ‘magically’ find ways to ‘encourage’ them to do what needs to be done.
In particular, we appreciate your ongoing support of Mike (even now, it is so important) and, of course, your magic touch with Marissa. You celebrated her victories and softened her disappointment — not an easy task for a surprisingly sensitive young woman not prone to overt expressions of emotion! Thank you for helping her to prepare to confidently go forth and conquer Plymouth State University … she’s eagerly looking forward to the journey!”
Jim and Ellen — parents of Mike (Framingham State University) and Marissa (Plymouth State University)
“As I’m getting ready for Tampa, I wanted to tell you how thankful I am for all of your help through the college application/decision process. Without your help, I’d probably still be a stressed-out mess trying to figure out the Common App! Your help made all the difference to me, and I don’t know what I would have done without it, and now I’m going to the school perfect for me and I can’t wait!! Thank you so much. Now, good luck with (sister) Claire!”
Meredith (University of Tampa)
“We think often and fondly of you. We will be forever indebted for your help with the Jared launch! He would not be where he is had you not been working with him!”
Candace — parent of Jared (Bates College)
November — “The custom is probably to thank you after the high school senior gets into college — preferably the college of choice. I want to thank you now, before we hear any results, for the magnificent way you have guided, supported and empowered Maura through her college search process. In particular, thank you for telling Maura the most important thing in interviews is to be herself! For all my best intentions, there have been times during this process where I have lost my focus with Maura and let my own baggage fall on her. Thank you for helping her shove my baggage, and her Dad’s, out of her way! It is the greatest gift I could have wished for her at this time. I am so grateful to you.”
Eileen — parent of Maura (Harvey Mudd College)
Janice — parent of Schuyler (Bates College), Sean (Ithaca College) and Tim (Northeastern University)
“I’m sitting on my bed, which is in the middle of the floor, writing my history paper during final examinations. There’s a blizzard outside and the snow is blowing sideways. My topic is a discussion of the characteristics and influences of Renaissance humanism. And while eating an apple, I was just thinking how great this all was, being warm and comfortable while winter is throwing a tantrum outside, writing about art and sciences and literature — all great stuff. Though of course the paper is due later today and, of course, I only started last night, so there’s a bit of stress associated with it — but nothing that can’t be managed, and it makes it more exciting, anyway. And that’s when I realized that I was happy being here.
So, sitting here being happy, I remembered you. It’s always nice to be remembered by somebody when they’re happy, isn’t it? Anyway, I remembered you because you helped me get here, to the exact spot I am at now. I couldn’t have gotten here without your help, encouragement, and good company. And I wanted to thank you for all of those things. For being you and being willing to share yourself. It’s pretty great, the fact that you’re part of my life.
I’ve got to get back to writing my paper. It’s due in about four hours, but you take care, alright? Keep in touch, and keep on doing what you’re doing, because it’s pretty great.”
Michael (McGill University)
“I just wanted to let you know that Amanda, John and I went to Marist College this past weekend for the Accepted Students Open House (what a nice ring that has to it!). We made a point of seeking out Lindsay M. to say ‘hello’ and to thank her. She went out of her way to say how great you were and how you were very proactive on Amanda’s behalf in being her advocate. I felt we should pass on her complimentary comments, as well as our thanks.”
Marilyn — parent of Amanda (Marist College)
“Thank you so much for getting me through this stressful year! You put up with me changing my mind all the time — thanks! Thanks for everything you did to make sure I got in where I wanted. I wouldn’t be going to Syracuse if it wasn’t for you! THANKS! I’m going to miss you!”
Hannah (Syracuse University)
"We have given thanks so many times recently for your ever so deftly (and casually) placing St. Lawrence on Ellen's list of schools last winter. Despite our connection to the school through several friends and colleagues who attended SLU, it had simply not occurred to us to consider it for Ellen. That was all you. We also have you to thank for green lighting the merit scholarship application. I doubt we need to tell you how much that money means to us, with triplets who attend private and parochial high schools. It also gave Ellen a significant confidence boost, let us tell you.
Thanks for all that you do, Terry. It really matters."
Jane and Matt — parents of Ellen (St. Lawrence University)
“Thank you for all the time you spent and the thought you gave in helping me. I am very inspired by the passion and commitment you show. I feel very special to know you truly cared about me and my future.”
Jesse (Juniata College)
“Thank you for everything you have done to organize, guide, support, counsel, pep talk, reassure, advocate and otherwise get us through the college process. A year ago, who would have thought that Jesse would have so many good choices and end up at a school where he knows he must work hard. You have done everything possible to help him set his best foot forward and to let schools know who he is. And along the way you have patiently dealt with the nervous mom of this challenging young man. I am so appreciative of the time you give to us all. As we start the process over again with Gabe next year, we look forward to working with you again.
I had a nice conversation with Michele B. at Juniata on Friday. She told me how impressed she was with you and the way you know your “kids” and represent them well, but honestly — a rare experience in her position.
Thank you once again for all the work you do. It has clearly made a difference.”
Alison — parent of Jesse (Juniata College) and Gabe (Bennington College)
“I just wanted to thank you for all your help during the college process. You made it very easy for us. Justin had many options, and that was for all your efforts in planning, contacting schools, and presenting a realistic picture to Justin of possible outcomes. You guided him to choose wisely and enlightened him to the possibilities of being selected by the different schools to which he applied. Early on, Justin felt he could be happy at any of the schools to which he applied. He never did share with us, until the week that acceptances started coming in, that he saw Middlebury as his first choice. We had a great revisit to Middlebury, sat in on classes, sampled food in the dining hall, heard the president speak, attended concerts, and took another tour of the school — it felt right. Again, thank you for the attention to our son, and for your guidance and support in selecting the environment for the next phase of his education.”
Leslie — parent of Justin (Middlebury College)
“Sooooo… are we making you work hard enough yet? Please know how much we appreciate your time and assistance. Thank you for your wisdom and care with our daughter. I can certainly speak highly of your work to anyone and everyone who will listen.”
Joanne — parent of Elana (Bennington College)
“Once again, there are no words. You are simply amazing. You’re two for two with us! And we are so appreciative. We continue to be impressed with your talents. You manage to not only win the affection of students, but their respect, as well. We learned, early on, to let you ‘run with the ball,’ because they trust you so much, and you ‘magically’ find ways to ‘encourage’ them to do what needs to be done.
In particular, we appreciate your ongoing support of Mike (even now, it is so important) and, of course, your magic touch with Marissa. You celebrated her victories and softened her disappointment — not an easy task for a surprisingly sensitive young woman not prone to overt expressions of emotion! Thank you for helping her to prepare to confidently go forth and conquer Plymouth State University … she’s eagerly looking forward to the journey!”
Jim and Ellen — parents of Mike (Framingham State University) and Marissa (Plymouth State University)
“As I’m getting ready for Tampa, I wanted to tell you how thankful I am for all of your help through the college application/decision process. Without your help, I’d probably still be a stressed-out mess trying to figure out the Common App! Your help made all the difference to me, and I don’t know what I would have done without it, and now I’m going to the school perfect for me and I can’t wait!! Thank you so much. Now, good luck with (sister) Claire!”
Meredith (University of Tampa)
“We think often and fondly of you. We will be forever indebted for your help with the Jared launch! He would not be where he is had you not been working with him!”
Candace — parent of Jared (Bates College)
November — “The custom is probably to thank you after the high school senior gets into college — preferably the college of choice. I want to thank you now, before we hear any results, for the magnificent way you have guided, supported and empowered Maura through her college search process. In particular, thank you for telling Maura the most important thing in interviews is to be herself! For all my best intentions, there have been times during this process where I have lost my focus with Maura and let my own baggage fall on her. Thank you for helping her shove my baggage, and her Dad’s, out of her way! It is the greatest gift I could have wished for her at this time. I am so grateful to you.”
Eileen — parent of Maura (Harvey Mudd College)