More Than Luck**

December 15th, 2023, was the magical day when Early Decision results were announced. I was abroad, nervously refreshing my email and keeping track of the time difference. Then, a text from a friend arrivedshe was also a senior. It contained only celebratory emojis. Her daughter got accepted! Cornell! I was so thrilled for her! A few months later, I introduced her to Ms. Cathleen Shiels as my son began working with her.A short while later, a message from BU came through. I hurried to my computer. The internet felt excruciatingly slow, and the webpage wouldnt load! But just a second later, before any text appeared, the falling paper firecracker animation popped up. Yes! He got in!That moment of pure joy is something only parents who have experienced it can truly understand. I hope everyone reading my review experiences that same happiness for their child someday.I shouldnt say it was a surprise. With all the guidance Mrs. Shiels provided, the detailed analysis of the admissions competition from the Solomon team, and the in-depth discussions with my son to grasp his true desires, the Early Decision outcome wasnt left to chance. It was a carefully calculated strategic effort. When you have a professional coachs guidance, your chances of success are significantly higher than going it alone. It wasnt a lottery win; there were few surprises. We trusted their advice, and as a result, my son was accepted into his top-choice, most accessible school.More importantly, through strategic planning, Ms. Shiels helped my son gain a better understanding of himselfwho he is and what he wants. My son isnt the most diligent, self-driven, or highly disciplined child. And hes not the best listener to his mother! But throughout the process, he was guided and motivated to tackle some of the most challenging research assignments. He became increasingly independent in choosing his life path.To date, Ive recommended Ms. Shiels to two other friends, and both have achieved their goals. I hope my review assists more parents who are still searching.