Testimonials
"Words just can’t express how grateful [my husband] and I are to have had (and continue to have) your help throughout [our son's] college application journey. Your deep expertise, knowledge and experience, and always gentle guidance made it easy to trust in you and know you had everything well in hand. But, MOST importantly, your emphasis on [our son’s] personal happiness, his own hopes and dreams, and his mental well being made all the difference in the world and ensured he’s going to be at the best place for him. Without you, we’re sure this would have been a very different - and probably much more difficult, frustrating, and emotionally draining - process. So, thank you. Thank you so much!" - Parent of Needham High School Class of 2024 Graduate (name withheld), University of Maryland, Class of 2028
"Maruta was incredibly helpful with helping me discover where and what I wanted to study. After deciding that I wanted to study internationally, she was able to provide useful advice during the admissions process despite having not previously navigated Australian admissions. With her assistance, I was admitted into my top choice of university. She supported me throughout the entire admissions process and celebrated my achievements. I am so grateful for her help!" - Newton South High School Class of 2023 Graduate (name withheld), Deakin University, Class of 2027
“I can’t fully describe how much Maruta has helped me during the college application process. She was always willing to answer any question and was warm and kind during our meetings. Whenever I was confused, she would always have an answer and be ready to help me with any college, no matter how impossible. Her knowledge seemed limitless, and she would always know just the strategy to help me apply to each college I mentioned. Her experience is invaluable, and without her help, I would never have gotten close to the college I ended up at.” - Will L., Cornell University, Class of 2027
"A dear friend recommended Maruta to me and my daughter, and I am so grateful! Maruta is warm, personable, knowledgeable, organized, thorough- and incredibly gifted at working with teenagers. With Maruta’s help, my daughter was able to figure out and articulate so much about herself and her goals, in a way that she never had before. Then, Maruta guided her every step of the way to identify and apply to colleges that were right for her (while asking for and fully taking into account my input). After every meeting with Grace, Maruta sent an enthusiastic and supportive email, detailing what had been accomplished and next steps. Grace found working with Maruta incredibly helpful. Maruta also helped Grace find and apply for scholarships—successfully! I was also impressed by Maruta’s ethical standards and her many professional contributions, including volunteering with NNHS Transitioning Together Program."
- Anne Maillet, parent of Grace (last name withheld), Newton North Class of 2022, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Class of 2026
"There are not enough words to describe how helpful Maruta was to me during the college process. My parents did not receive their education in the U.S. and were not sure how to be of support throughout the college application journey. Maruta made sure that my college list fit my criteria and that I was excited about the possibility of attending them in the future. Her organization is impeccable, and providing clear timelines and tasks made what seemed like a long and strenuous journey manageable. Lastly, I would like to add that Maruta has a heart of gold and only wants the best for you. I am happy to say that she has been not only a mentor for me but also a role model."
- Irene Della Rocca, Newton North Class of 2022, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Class of 2026
"Having my daughter working with Maruta Vitols has made the best formative chance we may have as parents. My husband and I had our education in Europe and moved to the USA as adults. We could not provide tips, suggestions, or strategies to our daughter to navigate the college system in the United States. In our journey, we started working with Maruta, a highly qualified professional consultant with an international background and an honest human being. Maruta's knowledge and experience provides students with options fitting their profile, allowing students to succeed in their applications.
Maruta Vitols oriented and supported my daughter in this journey with a great outcome. Maruta spent time mapping my daughter's academic background and exploring her preferences and wishes. She has great empathy, which allowed her to easily connect with my daughter, who I quote: 'I started working with a college consultant, and in the end, I found a friend.' Maruta's pace allowed my daughter to have a meaningful and 'stress-free' application process. Maruta started working with my daughter in January of her junior year, once a week. After six months -just before the beginning of her senior year, my daughter already had her list of colleges, knew which requirements she had to fill, and the essays ready to be submitted. Last but not least, Maruta's long and detailed email after every meeting lifted from our shoulders any concerns about the steps of the process and the best path to follow. Lucky the families and the students, who will have the chance to be led by Maruta Vitols, in the college application process."
- Germana Santelli, parent of Irene Della Rocca, Newton North Class of 2022, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Class of 2026
"Maruta was an enormous asset in helping us navigate the college admissions process! She was able to open my son's eyes to potential schools that weren't on his radar - a huge feat! She is an excellent communicator with both teens and parents. Her assistance during the phase of essay editing madness was invaluable. She definitely helped us feel in control over what can seem at times to be an overwhelming undertaking!"
- Deborah Bahme, parent of Nathaniel Nokken, Rice University Class of 2026
"Over zoom, Maruta was such a ray of sunshine. She was the highlight of the week that I looked forward to, she was so sweet, and she hand-delivered balloons to celebrate my accomplishments! When I was stuck with my writing, she would come up with questions to guide me. When I needed common app help, she was there. I don’t know what I would’ve done without her. I’m eternally grateful for Maruta!"
- Grace (last name withheld), Newton North High School Class of 2022, University of Massachusetts Amherst Class of 2026
"We would like to thank you from the bottom of our heart for helping Shreya in achieving her dream of getting selected by Tufts. Your guidance and motivation played a huge role in making this happen. We cannot express in words how grateful we are to you for this. Thank you so much!"
- Sanglap Roy Choudhury and Modhumita Sen, Parents of Shreya Choudhury, Tufts University Class of 2026
"Oh Maruta,
I don’t know how you do it so easily. You are a godsend. How do you get into the mind of a 19 year olds head and understand her perspective to a T?You totally speak her language like you are beside her in school. Thank you so much for reaching out to Ally in such a personal way and sharing a supportive hand. You’re not just an amazing college consultant, but a wonderful mentor and beautiful life coach.
Thank you!"
- Liz Bennett, Parent of Ally Bennett, Purdue University Class of 2025
“I cannot even begin to express how great Maruta is! She is an incredibly personable, task oriented, and overall a super fun person to work with. She really understands how to work with young adults and get things done, efficiently and thoroughly. I was not expecting to be ready to apply to schools for the fall because I had spoken with other college coaches who told me it was not possible. However, Maruta was determined to help me get there. We worked very hard to get applications done in as little as a week!
Maruta was absolutely amazing in making the application process as low stress as possible. She did a remarkable job laying things out in such an organized fashion that applying was significantly easier than I expected. Not only was Maruta great at getting the work done, but she was also so understanding and supportive about stresses outside the work we did together.
Another amazing feature Maruta has is that she really follows through. Even when the applications were done and the decision of which college I will attend was made, she helped me with all the finer details of getting me just about 100% ready to go off to school. Additionally, Maruta worked hard with my mother to reduce her stress about getting me off to college, and helped her figure things out that I could not help with.”
- Newton North High School Graduate (name withheld), Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Class of 2024
"[I have] been wanting to figure out how to put into words our gratitude for helping Robbie with choosing a college. Robbie said a while ago that he now knows he wouldn't have been able to get it all done on his own or even with our cajoling and help, that you were really good at getting him to keep going with each part of the process. Not only did you make this past year easier on Greg and I but we felt much more at ease after each of our Zoom calls with you as well. I was also thoroughly impressed with all of the topics you covered after Robbie had made his final choice which in turn has given me guidance on what to check in on with [Robbie's cousin] as he gets ready for University of Portland and made me that much more confident in the decision to have you help Robbie. Your professionalism throughout is something we learned to count on in many different ways and it clearly made an impression on Robbie as well. Thank you again for all of your compassion, guidance and support."
- Sandra Busby, parent of Robert Busby, Roger Williams University, Honors Program, Class of 2025
"Maruta is very flexible and patient and helped both my kids during same college app season. Zoom meetings worked very well for my kids and removed the commuting time-and we were using pre-lockdown! I wish we had started working with her sooner we could have taken advantage of all she has to offer. I did not take advantage and stay on top of her very thorough student meeting summaries. But, that was on me as Maruta provided plenty of detail and knowledge into the process and status."
- Wendy Evans, parent of twin graduates of Dover-Sherborn High School Class of 2020
"Her support for both academic and mental challenges during the college process, and her ability to artfully edit my college essays [are what I enjoyed the most about working with Maruta]."
Hallie Zenga-Josephson, Newton North High School graduate, Class of 2020, Harvard University Class of 2024
"She was so kind to me, and super flexible! Furthermore, she was a big help with my college process and I'm so grateful!"
- Dover-Sherborn High School graduate (name withheld), Class of 2020, Franklin and Marshall, Class of 2024
"There were not times when I was unhappy that I had chosen to work with Maruta. She helped motivate me at every turn, and I know I would not have found the school I am at now if it was not for her. [...T]he process was very efficient and worked perfectly, obviously."
- Dryden High School, NY graduate (name withheld), Class of 2020
"She was kind and easy to talk to. She was also always very prepared."
- Newton South High School graduate (name withheld), Class of 2020
"Halfway through my freshman year, I had an inkling that I wanted to transfer out of my current college. I felt incredibly conflicted, and none of my close family members could offer specific advice, as none of them had gone through the transfer process. I was nervous before our first meeting, but as soon as we spoke, I knew Maruta “got” me. She validated everything I had been feeling, and boosted my conviction in going forward. Maruta’s guidance was invaluable: she helped me create a timeline for the (confusing) transfer process and offered excellent feedback on my essays. After applying, I was offered admission to a school I had previously considered my “dream” school. After meeting with her, Maruta encouraged me to look past name prestige and seriously consider what specific opportunities each school had to offer me. With her help, I was able to confidently discern which school offered me the best value as a transfer student. This school didn’t end up being my original “dream” school, but a place whose programs, academic offerings, and student life genuinely excite me. Overall, Maruta has been the best advisor I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and I cannot recommend her enough!"
- Newton South High School graduate (name withheld), University of Rochester Class of 2022
"Maruta is smart, kind, funny, knowledgeable and great with young adults. I contacted her when my daughter was considering transferring after her freshman year in college. Maruta’s guidance was invaluable to my daughter and our family throughout the application process. She offered advice on essays and identified the considerations unique to transfer students. After my daughter was offered admission to all of the schools to which she applied, Maruta again met with her to help her evaluate the offers and formulate the questions my daughter should get answered from the schools. I feel fortunate to have had Maruta help my daughter and my family navigate the both the logistics and the emotions of transfer process. I give Maruta my highest recommendation."
- parent of Newton South High School graduate (name withheld)
"We used Maruta for my daughter's college essay. She broke the process up - from topic ideas to the final essay - into very logical, easy to navigate steps. She took the overwhelming feeling out of the process and we were very pleased with the finished product!"
- Jane Hartigan O'Connor, parent of Needham High School graduate
"Maruta was recommended to us by a friend when we were having a difficult time maneuvering the college application process. Our first meeting with Maruta was amazing. My daughter was extremely stressed out about the process and unsure about what she wanted to major in, what type of school she wanted to attend and how to make all this happen. It had been many years since I had been through the college application process and I was not able to be of much help. Maruta was immediately able to put the process in perspective and to put my daughter at ease. When we left the meeting, I could feel the stress melting off my daughter.
During the second meeting with Danielle, Maruta assisted Danielle through some testing on her strengths. From this they were able to determine some majors that would be a good fit for Danielle. They were also able to determine which colleges would be a good fit and discuss merit scholarships. In the following meeting Danielle and Maruta worked on viewing various colleges that might be a good fit, the college common application and applying for merit based scholarships. Danielle had decided to apply early action to five schools, and the applications were due in four weeks! Between the college application process, a demanding course load and a varsity sport, time was tight. Danielle worked with Maruta on the application process, writing the college essays and applying for merit scholarships.
Maruta was wonderful to work with. She was able to organize the process and keep my daughter engaged in the process. As a parent I was able to stand back and offer advice and opinions, but not get as involved with the process, which is better handled by a professional. Working with Maruta was a huge weight off my shoulders. I knew the process was under control.
Fast forward four weeks later. Danielle, finished her early action applications, applied for merit based scholarships and is now working on her second round of applications to the schools that she is applying to with the standard deadline. I don’t know how any of this could have been accomplished without Maruta’s assistance. "
- Jean Greenberg, parent of Newton North High School graduate
“It has been wonderful! Maruta has taken the burden off of me for the whole A-Z college process! All of the stressors are now gone. Maruta is very kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable about the whole process. She acknowledges that every student is an individual, and she doesn’t put in her own biases - she listens to the students and acknowledges what they want and need. Maruta recognizes the fact that every child has a different goal and a different path, and she points them in the right direction and manages that path. Maruta helps them to help themselves!”
- Amy Dehollan, parent of Newton North High school graduate
"I really liked working with Maruta. Not only was she an amazing guide for navigating college applications, helping me always feel prepared to hit submit before the deadlines, but she was also a great emotional support. I feel that her guidance has allowed me to pick the best college for me."
- Eli (last name withheld), Needham High School Class of 2018
"It was wonderful to have Maruta to oversee the application process because it meant that I did not have to bug my child about completing college essays. Maruta took care of that, and with her guidance, the words flowed. But ultimately it was Maruta’s warm, empathetic, supportive personality that did the most to make the college search process easier."
- Sharon (last name withheld), parent of Needham High School graduate
"Excellent academic coach and professional. Great communication. A pleasure to work with!"
- Barbara Burton, parent of Northeastern University graduate
"When I needed to be pushed, Maruta made important recommendations. When I needed encouragement, she was there with the right words at the right time. I would recommend working with Maruta to anyone. I was a much stronger Fulbright applicant with her help."
- Chloe Michaelidis, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Class of 2016
"Maruta has been a critical member of my support team during my US Student Fulbright Grant application. Her bubbly enthusiasm, grounded knowledge of the program through her own distinguished experience as an alumna, and her ability to illicit story and illustrative writing inspired me. The quality of my essays, which I'm thrilled to share helped me achieve a life-changing grant to Tallinn, Estonia, serves as testament to her skill as a mentor. At no point did she hold back critical feedback about ideas and writing quality, yet she was extremely approachable and friendly, creating an atmosphere in which it was comfortable to self-reflect and explore new themes. Her attention to detail is balanced by her ability to see a bigger picture behind the words, and guide the writer to see it for themselves.
During my Fulbright application, I wrote draft after draft about my father's balanced life as a career coal-industry employee and green living enthusiast. It was only after meeting with Maruta did I understand MY story in the context of the admiration for my father. With further discussion and many more drafts, I was able to evolve my writing and self-understanding to discuss my own passions, conflicts, and sources of inspiration to truly make my statement a personal one. For anyone considering seeking professional help with grant applications or personal statements, there is no one I would recommend more than Maruta for an empowering coaching relationship."
- Victoria Preston, Olin College of Engineering, Class of 2016
“At Olin, we’re required to pursue twelve credits of related classes in the Arts and Humanities space. All of my twelve were taught by Maruta. To say that she’s helped me view media from a new perspective would be a grave understatement. In her classes, I began to understand all forms of media, whether it was documentaries, video games, and even anime, on a deep, academic level, while at the same time enjoying all of the rich content packed inside.
No one else I know is quite as passionate and knowledgeable about media as Maruta, and she continuously imbues each and every class, lesson, and assignment with that excitement. She knows when to share her knowledge with her students, but also when to let the students simmer in their own thoughts, come to their own conclusions, and discuss their opinions with others. When Maruta contributes to a student-run discussion, she never fails to add a new layer of complexity and insight born from her experiences, further augmenting the conversation. And when something is unknown to her, she makes it her business to learn about it. No other professor would go so far to learn about video games or anime just so that she could teach and inspire others to probe deeper into their own interests.
Always willing to try new things in new ways, Maruta continuously evolves through teaching. With each class I took, I saw improvements born from the previous. And with each class, I continued to be challenged, forcing me to learn and grow. All in all, I couldn’t give Maruta a higher recommendation. She has shaped me into who I am, and I can’t thank her enough for all she’s done for me.”
- Zachary Homans, Olin College of Engineering Class of 2015
“From a student perspective, Maruta was great to work with because of how much she truly cared about each person getting what they wanted out of the class. Feedback in her media classes was prompt and thoughtful, and she was always available for help after hours. She challenged me to dig deeper than other professors might have into my personal connections with the subject matter, and I’m proud of the work I did as a result.”
- Stephanie Northway, Olin College of Engineering Class of 2015
"If you’re perusing a liberal arts education, then Maruta Vitols will be a perfect match for you. She can introduce you to new ideas that will change your views on the world in the best ways possible. By the time her coaching is finished you’ll feel more empowered to leave a positive mark on the world than ever before."
- Bond Collard, Emerson College Class of 2014
"Maruta Vitols excels at being everything a teacher is supposed to be. She enriched and expanded my mind, and is a compassionate, engaging and brilliant mentor."
- Ryan Fitzmartin, Emerson College Class of 2014
"Maruta was incredibly helpful with helping me discover where and what I wanted to study. After deciding that I wanted to study internationally, she was able to provide useful advice during the admissions process despite having not previously navigated Australian admissions. With her assistance, I was admitted into my top choice of university. She supported me throughout the entire admissions process and celebrated my achievements. I am so grateful for her help!" - Newton South High School Class of 2023 Graduate (name withheld), Deakin University, Class of 2027
“I can’t fully describe how much Maruta has helped me during the college application process. She was always willing to answer any question and was warm and kind during our meetings. Whenever I was confused, she would always have an answer and be ready to help me with any college, no matter how impossible. Her knowledge seemed limitless, and she would always know just the strategy to help me apply to each college I mentioned. Her experience is invaluable, and without her help, I would never have gotten close to the college I ended up at.” - Will L., Cornell University, Class of 2027
"A dear friend recommended Maruta to me and my daughter, and I am so grateful! Maruta is warm, personable, knowledgeable, organized, thorough- and incredibly gifted at working with teenagers. With Maruta’s help, my daughter was able to figure out and articulate so much about herself and her goals, in a way that she never had before. Then, Maruta guided her every step of the way to identify and apply to colleges that were right for her (while asking for and fully taking into account my input). After every meeting with Grace, Maruta sent an enthusiastic and supportive email, detailing what had been accomplished and next steps. Grace found working with Maruta incredibly helpful. Maruta also helped Grace find and apply for scholarships—successfully! I was also impressed by Maruta’s ethical standards and her many professional contributions, including volunteering with NNHS Transitioning Together Program."
- Anne Maillet, parent of Grace (last name withheld), Newton North Class of 2022, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Class of 2026
"There are not enough words to describe how helpful Maruta was to me during the college process. My parents did not receive their education in the U.S. and were not sure how to be of support throughout the college application journey. Maruta made sure that my college list fit my criteria and that I was excited about the possibility of attending them in the future. Her organization is impeccable, and providing clear timelines and tasks made what seemed like a long and strenuous journey manageable. Lastly, I would like to add that Maruta has a heart of gold and only wants the best for you. I am happy to say that she has been not only a mentor for me but also a role model."
- Irene Della Rocca, Newton North Class of 2022, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Class of 2026
"Having my daughter working with Maruta Vitols has made the best formative chance we may have as parents. My husband and I had our education in Europe and moved to the USA as adults. We could not provide tips, suggestions, or strategies to our daughter to navigate the college system in the United States. In our journey, we started working with Maruta, a highly qualified professional consultant with an international background and an honest human being. Maruta's knowledge and experience provides students with options fitting their profile, allowing students to succeed in their applications.
Maruta Vitols oriented and supported my daughter in this journey with a great outcome. Maruta spent time mapping my daughter's academic background and exploring her preferences and wishes. She has great empathy, which allowed her to easily connect with my daughter, who I quote: 'I started working with a college consultant, and in the end, I found a friend.' Maruta's pace allowed my daughter to have a meaningful and 'stress-free' application process. Maruta started working with my daughter in January of her junior year, once a week. After six months -just before the beginning of her senior year, my daughter already had her list of colleges, knew which requirements she had to fill, and the essays ready to be submitted. Last but not least, Maruta's long and detailed email after every meeting lifted from our shoulders any concerns about the steps of the process and the best path to follow. Lucky the families and the students, who will have the chance to be led by Maruta Vitols, in the college application process."
- Germana Santelli, parent of Irene Della Rocca, Newton North Class of 2022, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Class of 2026
"Maruta was an enormous asset in helping us navigate the college admissions process! She was able to open my son's eyes to potential schools that weren't on his radar - a huge feat! She is an excellent communicator with both teens and parents. Her assistance during the phase of essay editing madness was invaluable. She definitely helped us feel in control over what can seem at times to be an overwhelming undertaking!"
- Deborah Bahme, parent of Nathaniel Nokken, Rice University Class of 2026
"Over zoom, Maruta was such a ray of sunshine. She was the highlight of the week that I looked forward to, she was so sweet, and she hand-delivered balloons to celebrate my accomplishments! When I was stuck with my writing, she would come up with questions to guide me. When I needed common app help, she was there. I don’t know what I would’ve done without her. I’m eternally grateful for Maruta!"
- Grace (last name withheld), Newton North High School Class of 2022, University of Massachusetts Amherst Class of 2026
"We would like to thank you from the bottom of our heart for helping Shreya in achieving her dream of getting selected by Tufts. Your guidance and motivation played a huge role in making this happen. We cannot express in words how grateful we are to you for this. Thank you so much!"
- Sanglap Roy Choudhury and Modhumita Sen, Parents of Shreya Choudhury, Tufts University Class of 2026
"Oh Maruta,
I don’t know how you do it so easily. You are a godsend. How do you get into the mind of a 19 year olds head and understand her perspective to a T?You totally speak her language like you are beside her in school. Thank you so much for reaching out to Ally in such a personal way and sharing a supportive hand. You’re not just an amazing college consultant, but a wonderful mentor and beautiful life coach.
Thank you!"
- Liz Bennett, Parent of Ally Bennett, Purdue University Class of 2025
“I cannot even begin to express how great Maruta is! She is an incredibly personable, task oriented, and overall a super fun person to work with. She really understands how to work with young adults and get things done, efficiently and thoroughly. I was not expecting to be ready to apply to schools for the fall because I had spoken with other college coaches who told me it was not possible. However, Maruta was determined to help me get there. We worked very hard to get applications done in as little as a week!
Maruta was absolutely amazing in making the application process as low stress as possible. She did a remarkable job laying things out in such an organized fashion that applying was significantly easier than I expected. Not only was Maruta great at getting the work done, but she was also so understanding and supportive about stresses outside the work we did together.
Another amazing feature Maruta has is that she really follows through. Even when the applications were done and the decision of which college I will attend was made, she helped me with all the finer details of getting me just about 100% ready to go off to school. Additionally, Maruta worked hard with my mother to reduce her stress about getting me off to college, and helped her figure things out that I could not help with.”
- Newton North High School Graduate (name withheld), Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Class of 2024
"[I have] been wanting to figure out how to put into words our gratitude for helping Robbie with choosing a college. Robbie said a while ago that he now knows he wouldn't have been able to get it all done on his own or even with our cajoling and help, that you were really good at getting him to keep going with each part of the process. Not only did you make this past year easier on Greg and I but we felt much more at ease after each of our Zoom calls with you as well. I was also thoroughly impressed with all of the topics you covered after Robbie had made his final choice which in turn has given me guidance on what to check in on with [Robbie's cousin] as he gets ready for University of Portland and made me that much more confident in the decision to have you help Robbie. Your professionalism throughout is something we learned to count on in many different ways and it clearly made an impression on Robbie as well. Thank you again for all of your compassion, guidance and support."
- Sandra Busby, parent of Robert Busby, Roger Williams University, Honors Program, Class of 2025
"Maruta is very flexible and patient and helped both my kids during same college app season. Zoom meetings worked very well for my kids and removed the commuting time-and we were using pre-lockdown! I wish we had started working with her sooner we could have taken advantage of all she has to offer. I did not take advantage and stay on top of her very thorough student meeting summaries. But, that was on me as Maruta provided plenty of detail and knowledge into the process and status."
- Wendy Evans, parent of twin graduates of Dover-Sherborn High School Class of 2020
"Her support for both academic and mental challenges during the college process, and her ability to artfully edit my college essays [are what I enjoyed the most about working with Maruta]."
Hallie Zenga-Josephson, Newton North High School graduate, Class of 2020, Harvard University Class of 2024
"She was so kind to me, and super flexible! Furthermore, she was a big help with my college process and I'm so grateful!"
- Dover-Sherborn High School graduate (name withheld), Class of 2020, Franklin and Marshall, Class of 2024
"There were not times when I was unhappy that I had chosen to work with Maruta. She helped motivate me at every turn, and I know I would not have found the school I am at now if it was not for her. [...T]he process was very efficient and worked perfectly, obviously."
- Dryden High School, NY graduate (name withheld), Class of 2020
"She was kind and easy to talk to. She was also always very prepared."
- Newton South High School graduate (name withheld), Class of 2020
"Halfway through my freshman year, I had an inkling that I wanted to transfer out of my current college. I felt incredibly conflicted, and none of my close family members could offer specific advice, as none of them had gone through the transfer process. I was nervous before our first meeting, but as soon as we spoke, I knew Maruta “got” me. She validated everything I had been feeling, and boosted my conviction in going forward. Maruta’s guidance was invaluable: she helped me create a timeline for the (confusing) transfer process and offered excellent feedback on my essays. After applying, I was offered admission to a school I had previously considered my “dream” school. After meeting with her, Maruta encouraged me to look past name prestige and seriously consider what specific opportunities each school had to offer me. With her help, I was able to confidently discern which school offered me the best value as a transfer student. This school didn’t end up being my original “dream” school, but a place whose programs, academic offerings, and student life genuinely excite me. Overall, Maruta has been the best advisor I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and I cannot recommend her enough!"
- Newton South High School graduate (name withheld), University of Rochester Class of 2022
"Maruta is smart, kind, funny, knowledgeable and great with young adults. I contacted her when my daughter was considering transferring after her freshman year in college. Maruta’s guidance was invaluable to my daughter and our family throughout the application process. She offered advice on essays and identified the considerations unique to transfer students. After my daughter was offered admission to all of the schools to which she applied, Maruta again met with her to help her evaluate the offers and formulate the questions my daughter should get answered from the schools. I feel fortunate to have had Maruta help my daughter and my family navigate the both the logistics and the emotions of transfer process. I give Maruta my highest recommendation."
- parent of Newton South High School graduate (name withheld)
"We used Maruta for my daughter's college essay. She broke the process up - from topic ideas to the final essay - into very logical, easy to navigate steps. She took the overwhelming feeling out of the process and we were very pleased with the finished product!"
- Jane Hartigan O'Connor, parent of Needham High School graduate
"Maruta was recommended to us by a friend when we were having a difficult time maneuvering the college application process. Our first meeting with Maruta was amazing. My daughter was extremely stressed out about the process and unsure about what she wanted to major in, what type of school she wanted to attend and how to make all this happen. It had been many years since I had been through the college application process and I was not able to be of much help. Maruta was immediately able to put the process in perspective and to put my daughter at ease. When we left the meeting, I could feel the stress melting off my daughter.
During the second meeting with Danielle, Maruta assisted Danielle through some testing on her strengths. From this they were able to determine some majors that would be a good fit for Danielle. They were also able to determine which colleges would be a good fit and discuss merit scholarships. In the following meeting Danielle and Maruta worked on viewing various colleges that might be a good fit, the college common application and applying for merit based scholarships. Danielle had decided to apply early action to five schools, and the applications were due in four weeks! Between the college application process, a demanding course load and a varsity sport, time was tight. Danielle worked with Maruta on the application process, writing the college essays and applying for merit scholarships.
Maruta was wonderful to work with. She was able to organize the process and keep my daughter engaged in the process. As a parent I was able to stand back and offer advice and opinions, but not get as involved with the process, which is better handled by a professional. Working with Maruta was a huge weight off my shoulders. I knew the process was under control.
Fast forward four weeks later. Danielle, finished her early action applications, applied for merit based scholarships and is now working on her second round of applications to the schools that she is applying to with the standard deadline. I don’t know how any of this could have been accomplished without Maruta’s assistance. "
- Jean Greenberg, parent of Newton North High School graduate
“It has been wonderful! Maruta has taken the burden off of me for the whole A-Z college process! All of the stressors are now gone. Maruta is very kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable about the whole process. She acknowledges that every student is an individual, and she doesn’t put in her own biases - she listens to the students and acknowledges what they want and need. Maruta recognizes the fact that every child has a different goal and a different path, and she points them in the right direction and manages that path. Maruta helps them to help themselves!”
- Amy Dehollan, parent of Newton North High school graduate
"I really liked working with Maruta. Not only was she an amazing guide for navigating college applications, helping me always feel prepared to hit submit before the deadlines, but she was also a great emotional support. I feel that her guidance has allowed me to pick the best college for me."
- Eli (last name withheld), Needham High School Class of 2018
"It was wonderful to have Maruta to oversee the application process because it meant that I did not have to bug my child about completing college essays. Maruta took care of that, and with her guidance, the words flowed. But ultimately it was Maruta’s warm, empathetic, supportive personality that did the most to make the college search process easier."
- Sharon (last name withheld), parent of Needham High School graduate
"Excellent academic coach and professional. Great communication. A pleasure to work with!"
- Barbara Burton, parent of Northeastern University graduate
"When I needed to be pushed, Maruta made important recommendations. When I needed encouragement, she was there with the right words at the right time. I would recommend working with Maruta to anyone. I was a much stronger Fulbright applicant with her help."
- Chloe Michaelidis, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Class of 2016
"Maruta has been a critical member of my support team during my US Student Fulbright Grant application. Her bubbly enthusiasm, grounded knowledge of the program through her own distinguished experience as an alumna, and her ability to illicit story and illustrative writing inspired me. The quality of my essays, which I'm thrilled to share helped me achieve a life-changing grant to Tallinn, Estonia, serves as testament to her skill as a mentor. At no point did she hold back critical feedback about ideas and writing quality, yet she was extremely approachable and friendly, creating an atmosphere in which it was comfortable to self-reflect and explore new themes. Her attention to detail is balanced by her ability to see a bigger picture behind the words, and guide the writer to see it for themselves.
During my Fulbright application, I wrote draft after draft about my father's balanced life as a career coal-industry employee and green living enthusiast. It was only after meeting with Maruta did I understand MY story in the context of the admiration for my father. With further discussion and many more drafts, I was able to evolve my writing and self-understanding to discuss my own passions, conflicts, and sources of inspiration to truly make my statement a personal one. For anyone considering seeking professional help with grant applications or personal statements, there is no one I would recommend more than Maruta for an empowering coaching relationship."
- Victoria Preston, Olin College of Engineering, Class of 2016
“At Olin, we’re required to pursue twelve credits of related classes in the Arts and Humanities space. All of my twelve were taught by Maruta. To say that she’s helped me view media from a new perspective would be a grave understatement. In her classes, I began to understand all forms of media, whether it was documentaries, video games, and even anime, on a deep, academic level, while at the same time enjoying all of the rich content packed inside.
No one else I know is quite as passionate and knowledgeable about media as Maruta, and she continuously imbues each and every class, lesson, and assignment with that excitement. She knows when to share her knowledge with her students, but also when to let the students simmer in their own thoughts, come to their own conclusions, and discuss their opinions with others. When Maruta contributes to a student-run discussion, she never fails to add a new layer of complexity and insight born from her experiences, further augmenting the conversation. And when something is unknown to her, she makes it her business to learn about it. No other professor would go so far to learn about video games or anime just so that she could teach and inspire others to probe deeper into their own interests.
Always willing to try new things in new ways, Maruta continuously evolves through teaching. With each class I took, I saw improvements born from the previous. And with each class, I continued to be challenged, forcing me to learn and grow. All in all, I couldn’t give Maruta a higher recommendation. She has shaped me into who I am, and I can’t thank her enough for all she’s done for me.”
- Zachary Homans, Olin College of Engineering Class of 2015
“From a student perspective, Maruta was great to work with because of how much she truly cared about each person getting what they wanted out of the class. Feedback in her media classes was prompt and thoughtful, and she was always available for help after hours. She challenged me to dig deeper than other professors might have into my personal connections with the subject matter, and I’m proud of the work I did as a result.”
- Stephanie Northway, Olin College of Engineering Class of 2015
"If you’re perusing a liberal arts education, then Maruta Vitols will be a perfect match for you. She can introduce you to new ideas that will change your views on the world in the best ways possible. By the time her coaching is finished you’ll feel more empowered to leave a positive mark on the world than ever before."
- Bond Collard, Emerson College Class of 2014
"Maruta Vitols excels at being everything a teacher is supposed to be. She enriched and expanded my mind, and is a compassionate, engaging and brilliant mentor."
- Ryan Fitzmartin, Emerson College Class of 2014
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