Dear Toby,

Ever since I stepped through the door of Toby Rose’s College Prep of Miami, Inc. in the beginning of my sophomore year, you have been not only a college counselor to me, but also another mother figure in my life. You have assisted me with my college applications, with editing and re-editing my essays, with preparing me for interviews, with picking out my high school courses, with providing me the opportunity to work as a student worker in your office where I gained first-hand work experience... But it doesn’t stop there; you have also opened my eyes to everything happening around me, and to all the possibilities in this world.

Every month during our meetings, we would always have meaningful discussions regarding current events and debate our opinions on numerous matters. And, whenever you stumbled upon fascinating findings, you would inform me. In the beginning, most news you brought up invoked a “oh, really?” or “wow, I didn’t know that” from me, and it always bothered me, realizing how little I knew of the world I live in. And so, instinctively, I began watching the news and read newspapers and news magazines more frequently. I can’t even begin to imagine how little I would know if I have never met you. You brought out the curiosity in me. Now, I want to know everything I possibly can about the world and all that’s occurring in it.

I have never really figured out what I wanted to do with my future, with my life. I remember the first time we had a meeting, you asked me “what do you want to do in the future”. My reply was “I’m not sure” while, immediately, my mom replied “most likely something medically related”. Then, I’m not sure what gave it away, but it seems as if you immediately picked up on the fact that what she said wasn’t what I wanted at all. When my mom went to use the restroom, you asked me “you don’t want to be a doctor or anything, do you?” and I replied “no, I might not know what I want to be, but I do know that I DON’T want to be doctor or anything relate.”

From that moment and on, you recommended countless majors for me to look into, and magically convinced my parents that I don’t have to go to medical school to be successful, that there are other options out there for me where I can be happy and STILL be successful—something that even I was beginning to believe was impossible by then. After being told by all my family members and all family friends that the only way I can have a good life is if I become a doctor for all my 15 years, and that the only reason I didn’t want to be one at the moment was because I was too young and I didn’t know what’s good for my future… It really wasn’t easy holding on to what I believed in.

And so, for the first time in my entire life, I felt like someone actually respects what I have to say about my future. I felt like I wasn’t alone in this fight anymore. Most importantly, you restored my faith in myself. I believe 100% that I can have a bright future without having to be a doctor again. You always believed in me and pushed me to my best, and now I think I’m beginning to be confident about my future and myself, too.

Without you, I probably wouldn’t even have applied to George Washington University and I probably wouldn’t even have thought about looking into International Affairs. But I am so glad that you suggested GWU because the school really makes me so happy. I remember ever since the first time you brought up GWU, you glanced at me with a look in your eyes and said “wow, I think that’s the perfect school for you actually. It really could be perfect for you.” I never took that seriously, but now I have got to say: you’re completely right… There’s really nowhere else I’d rather be than to be in GWU right now (especially studying a major that I’m actually interested in, one that I actually enjoy)!

Of course, being a second mother, outside of academics, you cared about me tremendously too. You gave me advices when I was in trouble; you gave me “talks” and “lectures” (some my real mother never even gave me!) when you thought there were things I need to be careful with and watch out for; you comforted me when I felt down… We’ve always kept each other updated on our lives and you are like another support system for me, someone who will always be there for me whenever I need to talk.

I’ll always remember Toby Rose’s College Prep of Miami, Inc.. Even though I got tutored there, tutored others there, and worked there, I still get a warm feeling whenever I visit no matter how cold the AC in the rooms is (and it most definitely CAN get pretty cold). It’s almost as if I’m at a second home. I’ll always remember Steve, who is like a big brother to me. Even though when I was a student worker he obviously had to give me orders, he was always considerate and understanding too. Also, I have always admired how well he could handle difficult and stressful situations, and how dedicated he is to TRCP—he practically lives there! I’ll always remember Jeanette, who is the most wonderful Reading/Writing tutor anyone can ever have. Not only is she a walking dictionary/grammar handbook, but also she has such a big heart—always wanting to reach out to others and to give all that she can to everyone in need. I was so touched by her that I have even helped her with some of her brilliant projects outside of TRCP.  

Then, there’s you Toby. I’m so glad that I met you. Words can’t even begin to express my feelings. I’m incredibly thankful to have someone like you in my life, behind me and supporting me all the way. I will never forget my second mother, and you will always BE my second mother. I will continue to keep you updated on everything exciting happening in my life, and anything that might help future students in your programs. And if there is anyone interested in GWU, or simply anyone who you think might find it helpful to talk to me, feel free to let him/her contact me—I would always be glad to lend a hand!

Thank you for everything… And MORE!

Love Always,

Wanting Ma
Miami Palmetto Senior High ‘09
George Washington University ‘13

P.S. I LOVE YOU MOMMY NUMBER TWO! 我爱你! =)

Dear Toby,
August 3, 2009

Its been 4 years since I met you in 9th grade, and I can't believe time passed by so quickly. You are one of the few people who have stayed in my life throughout high school. You were my guide, my mentor, and most of all, my second mother. You saw my strengths and made sure that they shined. You pointed out my weaknesses and helped me overcome them. I remember how you pushed me to join Henry, Joseph, and Brian and start a charity rock band. I remember how you pushed me to retake the SAT twice in order to get a 2360. And of course, I will never forget how you pushed me to rewrite my Yale application essay the night before the deadline, a key factor to my acceptance. Thank you Toby for all that you’ve done for me.

With love,
Garrett Lau 
MIT 13’

Dear Toby,
As common sense dictates, junior and senior year of high school are the most difficult, wrought with the obstacles set in place by SATs and college applications. Yet once I stepped through that door in front of your office and sat down in front of your desk, those two years changed from despondent to full of hope. You calmed me down, made me laugh, and proved that nothing is impossible. From filling my plate with writing my activities list to deciding what outfit to wear to my alumni interviews to figuring out how best to modestly brag on college apps, you were the best! I’m going to miss our talks in your office and our talks over the phone where we discussed everything from the 2008 presidential election to the step-by-step on what to write on my resume.  When I was stuck between two Ivies, you were the voice of reason; when I was angry at something or another, you were always there to talk me through. After these two years of worries, I can now affirm that I got through it all with your help! It goes to say that you are the best second mother a person could ever have. Thanks to you, I’m going to my dream school and can proudly say that I am a Princeton Tiger!!!
Much love,
Lucy Li
Miami Palmetto Senior High ‘09
Princeton University ‘13

I can’t believe that three years’ time has gone by so quickly. I remember walking into the doors of “Toby Rose’s College Prep of Miami, Inc.” shyly and in much disbelief. But since my freshmen summer I have grown both personally and intellectually, thanks to your help and guidance. I still remember how overwhelming it was to check the admission decision from Harvard on the last day of March. It was worth all those sleepless nights, though, to be accepted by the school of my dreams. Thank you for always being there for me when I needed you most.  With your support and foresight I was able to achieve a near-perfect score of 2380 on the SATs, three perfect 800’s on the SAT II’s, and I was also able to start a rock band that raised money for breast cancer. Your sometimes-faltering memory keeps us all the more closer…

I’ll keep in touch
Toby.

Love,

Joseph Moon

Harvard Class of 2013.
 

Toby is an outstanding asset for any high school student. Having consistent, meaningful communication with my daughter in person and via the phone with Toby throughout high school, my daughter learned to prioritize, gain more confidence, navigate the school system, partake in challenging and interesting courses, prepare for standardized exams, overcome many obstacles, apply to a broad range of colleges, evaluate which would be the best choice for her, and know that even beyond high school that Toby would always be a phone call away at most.

She is dedicated, hardworking, compassionate, patient, straightforward, and most importantly knows how to relate to, gain trust from, and direct
teenagers in whatever they choose as their paths ahead.

Amy Josefsberg Ederi

Hi Toby,

            It is hard for me to put into words what I really want to say. Almost two years ago, Peter first met you as a junior at Palmetto. Now as I am preparing to attend the University of Pennsylvania, I cannot believe that that Peter was me.
            When I first started the college application process, I was overwhelmed thinking of the best way to present myself and my accomplishments. We got to know each other after talking for hours at our meetings and I soon began stopping by your office after school every time something was bothering me. I didn’t know which colleges to apply to, what essays to write, and which careers to pursue. You helped talk me through the process and used your experience to teach me about things that will help me survive in college. Most importantly, your support helped me to have the best senior year ever! Before meeting you, I would have never thought that I would be walking down the stage of Palmetto’s auditorium on the night of the Mr. Panther show or performing as part of the A’SYNC group. I will always remember how you helped me convince my parents that attending Prom takes priority over a multicultural weekend at Washington University at St. Louis.
            I think the most important thing that students should know is that you become more than just a College Application Program counselor. You are someone that I have learned to trust as a “second mother.” After years of schooling, the routine schedule of high school places many of us in a daze, a fantasy world. I did not realize that life goes beyond doing worksheets, taking notes, and preparing for tests. Talking with you about everything from politics and important world issues to social life brought me out of that fantasy world.
            Toby, you have helped me find my individuality. I am no longer afraid to be who I am and pursue my dreams knowing that you are only a phone call away.

            Thank you for everything!

                        Peter Cai

Hi Toby it's Erika. We just talked about the colleges on the phone. I talked to my parents and we've decided that I am going to apply to the University of Alabama and Auburn University. FIU will be my safety school and I am not going to completely discard the University of Texas until I receive my ACT scores (which I believe come out tomorrow). I understand that I do not have a very good chance, but what is one more application, just in case? I will keep you informed on my scores. Thank you for the very kind words you said to me. I really appreciate everything you have done for me and are currently doing. You are an amazing woman , Toby, but you already know that. Here's something you don't know: Knowing that I have you on my side makes this experience a lot less difficult for me. I would have never known what I can accomplish had it not been for you. Thank you for being a constant in my life. I know I will be happy wherever I end up and that is all thanks to you. I will be seeing you very soon I think for another appointment. When all this stress with colleges is over, we need to have a worry-free talk.

Yours very truly and sincerely,

Erika Palmer

Hi Toby,

We just dropped David off at Penn a few hours ago. (I can't believe my baby is in college!) I am so impressed with the school and the city and so excited and happy for David and so proud of him for getting into this fabulous school (in the honors program, no less!) He seems to have lucked out with a really nice roommate, and his room looks great! We are exhausted -- we ran all over town to Bed, Bath and Beyond, Target, Walmart, Staples, the supermarket and all around the campus. I wanted to say a big Thank You!! to you for all your help, advice and encouragement in making this day come about. You had said all along that this was the school for David and I think you are right. There are so many wonderful opportunites, and I have encouraged him to take advantage of all of them, especially those that are outside his usual realm of interest and familiarity. I know he will be academically challenged and stimulated and he will also have a wonderful social life and make great lifelong friends. So thank you again. We will definitely keep you up to date on how he is doing and what he is up to.

Take Care,
Carol

Carol Schoffel Faber, Esq.
Akerman, Senterfitt

Dear Toby,

The first time I walked through your doors was three years ago.  Then, I was ignorant sophomore just settling into high school life.  College seemed years away and not something I needed to worry about until later on.  But fate brought me to you that afternoon and changed my li9fe.  You gave me motivation and direction, so patiently teaching me how to market myself to colleges and scholarships.  When you asked me about my plans for college that day, I was surprised.  I need to prepare for college already?  Later, I would learn that you were right.  It is never too soon to start preparing because college opens the doors to so many opportunities, opportunities that change lives.

You taught me about reverse discrimination and showed me how to overcome that obstacle and many others that I came upon during my high school career.  I have not met anyone else as devoted to her students as you are.  You cared for me like I was you r own daughter, always there for me in my times of triumph and despair.  I would learn of something troubling at school and then worry about it all day, thinking that there was no way for me to fix or change it.  Then, I'd anxiously enter your office right after school, fidgeting with worry.  With one look, you knew something was wrong and immediately set to work thinking of ideas that would help.  By the time I left your office, I felt free of the burden that had weighed down on me all day.

During the three years that I was under your guidance, I felt that you understood me and knew what I wanted to achieve and, more importantly, what I was capable of achieving.  You believed in me like a mother would believe in her only daughter.

I never once felt the distance that many students, who are not as privileged as I am to have such a wonderful college advisor, feel with their counselors.  It was never a conference but always a discussion between two friends with you.  Our meetings were not only about academics, colleges, community service, and extracurricular but also about current events such as stem cell research, politics, and breast cancer.  These conversations were ultimately useful and beneficial to me during the many interviews with colleges I had during my senior year.  I was able to assert myself and make a lasting impression during my interviews with a firm handshake and to impart my achievements impeccably thanks to your interview etiquette sessions.

With your guidance, I was able to overcome the SAT with a 1520 and only had to take it once.  In addition, thanks to your writing class and the wonderful instructor, Julien, I was able to achieve a perfect score on my SAT II  Writing test.  These two exams ensured that I would be considered by the best schools in the nation.  Then, when application time finally arrived, you helped me compose flawless applications.  For many weeks I would bring in applications that I filled out and you would take them home and spend countless hours reading them on word at  a time to make sure I answered them correctly an did not have any mistakes on my application that would show me to a a disadvantage.  After double, triple, and quadruple checking my application, I slipped them in the envelope and sealed it.

For the next few months I waited and hoped so hard that I would get accepted even though you assured me that I would get into many outstanding colleges that I applied to.  When the results finally came in I was not disappointed.  I cried when I read the words, "I am delighted to inform you that the Committee on Admissions and Financial Aid has voted to offer you a place in the Harvard Class of 2009."  You were the first person I called to share the news because you played a huge role in my success.

For all that you have done for me and helped me achieve, I am truly and deeply grateful.  It is no small feat to get a child into the Ivy League, but you were able to do it.  Without your guidance, I would never have attained my dream school but now, I am proud to say: "Harvard '09!"  Thank you so much, Toby!

Love,
Yangyang Yu

 

Vivian Eiroa Our Lady of Lourdes Academy Miami, Florida	Mayra Castellon Gulliver Prep. Pinecrest, Florida	Claudia Iturrgui Carrollton
Lydia Vazquez Gulliver Prep. Pinecrest, Florida	Matyas Bartha Palmer Trinity School Miami, Florida	Max Weiss Ransom
MICHAEL SANCHEZ Gulliver Prep. Pinecrest, Florida	Cindy Chang Palmer Trinity School Miami, Florida	Elizabeth Lancaster Ronald Reagan Miami, Florida
Cameron Brooks Southwood Middle School Miami, Florida	Tiffany Ruiz Lourdes Academy. Miami, Florida Brown University	Michael Wasil Palmetto Senior H. S. Pinecrest, Florida University of North Carolina
Andrew Herndon Palmetto Senior H. S. Pinecrest, Florida Franklin, Switzerland	Patricia Arredondo Lourdes Academy Miami, Florida UM	Blake Hechtman Palmetto Senior H. S.  Pinecrest, Florida University of Virginia
Jacquelyn Antonell Coral Reef Senior H. S. Miami, Florida University of Florida Honors	David Faber Killian Senior H. S. Miami, Florida University of Pennsylvania	Tom Carroll Coral Reef Senior H. S. Miami, Florida Haverford
Farah Yamini Coral Reef Senior H. S. Pinecrest, Florida University of Florida Honors	Hannah Rich Carrollton Princeton University	Hyun-Haw Lim Miami Palmetto Senior H.S. Pinecrest, Florida Emory
Alex Hong Palmetto Senior H. S. University of Michigan	Matthew Tuckfield Palmer Trinity School Miami, Florida University of Central Florida	Ariella Ederi Palmetto Senior H. S. Pinecrest, Florida EMORY
Charles Lane Clements Killian Senior H. S. Miami, Florida University of Virginia	Judd Smith Palmer Trinity School Miami, Florida University of North Florida	Stephanie Cho Palmetto Senior H. S. Pinecrest, Florida
Joseph Moon Palmetto Senior H. S. Pinecrest, Florida Harvard	Andrea Garriga Florida Christian School FIU	Tiffany Lau Palmetto Senior H. S. Pinecrest, Florida Stanford University
AJ. McGlannan Gulliver Prep. Pinecrest, Florida Purdue University	Peter Cai Palmetto Senior H. S. Pinecrest, Florida University of Pennsylvania	Henry Ma Duke University
Wanting Ma Palmetto Senior H. S. Pinecrest, Florida UF Bright Futures	Matthew Herget Palmetto Senior H. S. Pinecrest, Florida	Aleck Dagrossa Palmer Trinity School Miami, Florida
Brian Foos Palmetto Senior H. S. Pinecrest, Florida University of Florida	Valeda Yong Spanish River Boca Raton	Zack Simkins Palmetto Senior H. S. Pinecrest, Florida Penn State University
Michelle Docobo Killian Senior H. S. Miami, Florida	Garret Lau Palmetto Senior H. S. Pinecrest, Florida	Carolina Canida Gulliver Prep Pinecrest, Florida Georgetown University
Yao Hsaio Palmetto Senior H. S. Pinecrest, Florida	Jenny Silver Cypress Bay High School Weston, Florida Smith College	Linda Zhou New World School  of the Arts Miami, Florida Washington University

     

		Toby Rose and Jessica Peramo Dade County Teacher Masters in Education University of Florida

  

Sarah & Cayce Wicks Florida Christian School Miami, Florida Sarah Wicks was accepted to Wheaton College	Varun Bhansali Miami Palmetto Senior H.S. Pinecrest, Florida University of Chicago	Jason Cordero Coral Reef Senior H. S. Miami, Florida 1500 SAT Georgia Tech
Stephen Parra Miami Palmetto Senior H.S. Pinecrest, Florida New York University	Jing Jing Zeng Coral Reef Senior H. S. Miami, Florida 1580 SAT Yale University	Wes Pritchett Gulliver Academy Pinecrest, Florida West Point Military Academy

     

Our forty-year experience in the field of education helps us assist hundreds of students yearly in improving their SAT* scores and getting into their first-choice college or university.  Don’t take it from us. Click below to hear what students, parents, and the community has to say about Toby Rose’s College Prep of Miami, Inc..

I have known Toby Rose for the past seven years, first as a College Prep student, and now as a friend. What she has been able to help me accomplish throughout the years, has extended far beyond the time I was a client, and I will be forever grateful to her. Toby is an excellent advisor, who truly cares about her students, and loves what she does. I recommend anyone who is serious about raising their SAT scores or just receiving some realistic advice about getting into college, to make an appointment with her. I did, seven years ago, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. 

- Jessica Peramo

 

Dear Toby,

Well it’s been a few months now since I heard the great news that I had been accepted to Smith College under the Fall Early Decision Plan!  It seems that just yesterday it was my first time in you office; I remember looking up at all the pictures of students on the wall and being amazed at their achievements, SAT scores, and college acceptance letters.  I wondered if I had what it would take to do well on the SATs and to eventually get into the college of my dreams.  And it turns out, with all of your help, guidance, and advice, I did!

My parents and I greatly appreciate the counseling on determining what colleges to apply to.  Although I was fortunate enough to get into my top choice college and didn’t end up applying to all my schools, I slept much more soundly during those nights when I was waiting for my notification letter from Smith College, knowing I had many backup plans.  I am convinced that without your help on wording my college application, I would have gone crazy, and might not have been accepted.  You also helped me prepare for my college interview; which helped me to be less nervous, since I knew exactly what to expect.  You helped me in deciding which courses to take in High School, wording my “activities list”, which SAT II’s to sign up for, and how to prepare for the SAT, all of which helped to make my resume look fantastic.  But you went beyond what was required of you as a college counselor.  I remember the night before my SAT II’s, I was really anxious about taking the tests the next morning, so I called you up on you home phone number.  When I told you that I was nervous about the test, you reassured me and told me I’d do fine and I also felt much better after you said other students were calling you up as well, because they were all just as nervous as I was.

I also wanted to thank Julien for editing all my college essays.  She did a great job fixing my grammatical and fluency errors.  Whatever I wrote, always sounded ten times better after she edited it, although it was still my essay and the ideas and meanings were still exactly the same.  Chierno’s SAT class, as well as David’s SAT II Writing class, really helped me prepare for those tests respectively.

So again, I just wanted to say thank you for everything.  I’m looking forward to attending Smith College in September and plan to study Exceptional Student Education; I think it will be the prefect school for me.  I’m sure you’ll be able to help my sister out with all this stuff too, when it’s time for her to start thinking about college.  I’ll keep in touch and let you know how I’m doing at Smith!

Sincerely,

Jennifer L. Silver

 

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