I had an incredible experience, and it really helped guide my vision on such a complex and confusing part of my life.
- Student, UC Santa Cruz, 2025
Kazue’s calm but engaging demeanor sets the tone for a process that is naturally stressful. For us, identifying target schools and setting up a schedule for the process in the summer before senior year was her key superpower. Providing a framework after consulting with us and our son allowed us to approach the application process with greater understanding and calm which is priceless!
- Parent, Princeton University, 2025
Working with Kazue was a pleasure, she was so helpful in the college application process, and always supported my choices. She helped me achieve my goal of going to my dream school, Tulane! I definitely couldn’t have done it without her help and guidance, and I would absolutely recommend her to other prospective students.
- Student, Tulane University, 2025
I will be forever grateful for your support over the last 4 years. I genuinely don’t believe I could’ve gotten this far without your guidance. Your input and advice throughout my college application process not only helped me decide on a college but inspired me to be more dedicated to my education and recognize opportunities that improve my future on my own.
- Student, California State University Long Beach, 2025
Kazue made me feel prepared for the college application experience when I knew nothing about applying to schools outside of Mississippi. The Common App and UC applications were foreign to me and she helped me not become overwhelmed by the tediousness and prevented me from painting myself as a so called "model student" that doesn't stand out in the eyes of the admissions officers. I am truly grateful for all that she has done for me and this program is worth all the time and effort.
- Student, UCLA, 2025
After trying unsuccessfully to begin the college admissions process with our son, we decided that he would be more successful working with someone who wasn't his parent. We contacted Exploring College Choices because we already knew Kazue in another professional area and knew that her personality and demeanor would work well with our son. After our initial family meeting, we breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that he was in good hands. Soon, he was working on his essays and had a list of colleges he was researching. When we had concerns, we would contact Kazue and she would address the issue with our son. Kazue was patient, firm and supportive every step along the way. Thanks to Kazue's help and guidance, our son was accepted to a number of colleges (including his #1 choice) and was able to make an informed decision about where he would attend.
- Parents, University of Oregon, 2025
Kazue was very skillful at identifying schools that were aligned with our son’s goals and ones that would be a good fit for him. It also allowed us to give him space to explore options without parental influence. Kazue’s services were invaluable.
- Parent, 2025
Overall Kazue is really wonderful, kind and patient. The college process is challenging and her services helped all of us stay on track from applications and essays to financial aid.
- Parent, 2025
As a parent who was mostly in the dark about all things college for my first son, Kazue was so kind, helpful and I felt I could reach out whenever I needed help especially when it came to financial aid. I highly recommend Kazue for all things college preparation.
- Parent, 2025
The college application process can be overwhelming and confusing. Regardless if you went to college yourself, the landscape has changed so much since then. Kazue is able to provide all of the necessary information on the current application and admittance process. We know so many parents and students who didn't use a counselor who were disappointed and discouraged because they were uninformed of the current acceptance expectations at the schools they were applying, especially as it varies per major. More than anything, Kazue gave us realistic expectations on where my son could be admitted based upon his high school performance and desired major. I feel like we went into the process fully informed and prepared. He was accepted into his top choice school and we feel very prepared for the next steps.
- Parent, UC Santa Cruz, 2025
Thank you for all the time and care you have put into truly getting to know me and helping me during the college admission process. I will never forget your compassion and the way you always showed interest in me not only as a student but simply as a person.
- Student, New York University, 2024
We could not have asked for a better college counseling experience! Kazue was with our daughter every step of the way and made a potentially stressful experience as smooth as possible. She always has a great attitude, is incredibly knowledgeable, is accessible and answers questions thoroughly while providing structure and clear guidance. Our daughter always looked forward to meetings with Kazue. She is a magic unicorn person and we are so thankful for her.
- Parent, University of Washington, 2024
I found that my work with Kazue was incredibly helpful in letting me streamline my college application process and trying to remove as much stress from it as possible. I felt that Kazue really cared about me and my wants out of college and suggested so many amazing places for me to go and see, and helped relieve so much stress from this process.
- Student, Clark University, 2024
I could not have gotten through this immensely stressful process (at least in one piece) if it weren't for your guidance, support, and constant kindness. I can't wait to start as a Bruin in the fall.
- Student, University of California Los Angeles, 2024
Kazue has been extremely knowledgeable and supportive! She offered tailored college selection assistance, application essay review, as well as recommendations for standardized test preparation and interview coaching. Her financial aid workshops were very helpful. Exploring College Choices LLC exceeded our expectations! We wholeheartedly recommend their services to any student and family seeking assistance in navigating the college admission process.
- Parents, Conservatorium Van Amsterdam, 2024
Navigating through numerous applications and school choices was overwhelming, but I deeply appreciated not having to worry about deadlines, and Kazue bolstered and fostered our daughter’s essay writing skills to improve her storytelling ability during the application process!
- Parent, University of California Berkeley, 2024
Very happy with my child’s current plan and acceptance to Oberlin College. Thank you for demystifying this ever-changing terrain for both parents and youth!
- Parent, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, 2024
Heaven sent!! Kazue McGregor! We couldn’t have done it without her. She guided me and my son throughout the college admission process from A to Z. She is amazing, supportive, and very knowledgeable!
- Parent, 2024
Kazue had worked with our older child during her college journey, and her support was so invaluable that there was no question we would enlist her help for our son as well. Her approach to the entire process is just right. She splits the many steps into manageable tasks and milestones that remove much of the stress and confusion…Kazue’s patience, expertise, empathy, timely reminders, and gentle guidance are so crucial as a co-pilot during this somewhat stressful chapter. I can’t recommend her enough!
- Parent, UC Santa Barbara, 2024; UC Berkeley, 2021
Kazue at Exploring Colleges is an excellent resource for the college admission process. Between meetings and guidance with the college admission process, our student was fully prepared to meet deadlines. Highly recommend!
- Parent, 2024
Thank you for all the support you lent me during my application process. You allowed me the liberty of choice for my college decision, something a lot of people don't get, and for that I am forever grateful!
- Student, Conservatorium Van Amsterdam, 2024
We were introduced to Kazue by friends who had a great experience with their son during his high school years. We were very pleased all the way through our son’s years in high school working with Kazue as she guided and directed him with targets and assignments that made the application process manageable. Her vast knowledge of schools was very helpful in guiding our son to choices he may not have considered. Honestly, we couldn't have done what she did for us ourselves.
- Parents, Harvard University, 2023
I highly recommend Kazue McGregor, she is exceptional!! She helped provide the wisdom, support, expertise and guidance to get our family through the college search and application process smoothly and gracefully. Our daughter was accepted to her top choice dream school, a highly selective college, and she had the very best experience working with Mrs. McGregor.
- Parent, Scripps College, 2023
I would not have been able to complete the application process with so little stress had it not been for Kazue’s dedication in answering all my questions and managing what needed to be done, so I could focus solely on writing to the best of my ability for schools I was actually interested in pursuing. I wouldn’t have known where to begin without her, and I finished the process confident in every aspect of how my application was done. The help was so personal and detailed, and I always felt so supported and uplifted by her.
- Student, Tufts University, 2023
Kazue has such a positive, encouraging, and gentle approach with students and parents. There were so many moments along the way when we were all feeling the pressure, and yet her clearly laid out plan kept us moving through each step and we got through it! She is calm, warm, and constantly providing positive feedback to students. She has a way of noticing the strengths of her students and believing the best about them. I think it really instills confidence in the student which in turn helps them present their best selves in their applications and essays. She is respectful and honoring to students and really makes them feel that their opinions, ideas, and desires are valuable.
- Parent, University of California Santa Cruz, 2023
Kazue is like a partner or a 3rd parent who is deeply influential during an equally stressful time in our teenager's life. The college application process is raspy for all parties. Kazue brings a quiet justice to parenting challenges during their Senior's fall year. Bravo and Kudos to such a brilliant and classy person.
- Parent, 2023
Kazue provided expert guidance throughout our college process for our son and for us as parents. She took the time to get to know him, help him identify his values and priorities, and what sorts of schools would be a good fit. She served as a third parent throughout the whole process (except with more calm, knowledge and less nagging!) Our son truly looked forward to every session with Kazue and felt completely supported by her. Your family is lucky if you get to work with her!
- Parents, University of California Berkeley, 2023
Our children had very different needs and wants in the college search and selection process. Kazue worked with each as unique individuals and put together different plans well suited to those needs and wants. Kazue is a true counselor. She helped our children navigate what can be a difficult and complicated process, providing structure, a manageable timetable, motivation when needed, and emotional support when needed. Kazue truly cares, and it shows. We cannot recommend her highly enough.
- Parents, Boise State University, 2023 & University of California Los Angeles, 2021
We have had the honor in having Kazue guide and work with both our daughters throughout their junior and senior years. We can't thank her enough and have referred many friends to her. I would highly recommend anyone in using her service. Excellent all around!
- Parents, University of California Davis, 2022
I loved every moment with Kazue. She gave me a rainbow of excellent college choices and provided structure and motivation throughout the whole process. Her experience and insight have left me feeling very confident going into the next stage of my life!
- Student, University of California Santa Barbara, 2022
Taking our College journey with Kazue has been the most rewarding and enriching experience! Kazue was there for our daughter every step of the way and brought out the best in her. We value her knowledge and her calm, caring and kind demeanor. She was organized, encouraging and motivating. Kazue was always accessible and did a tremendous job maneuvering through the Pandemic when there were so many changes on the College front. She made sure to keep us fully informed and always stayed positive and upbeat. Our daughter got into her dream program at her dream College and our whole family could not be happier! There is no one we would have rather taken this journey with!
- Parents, University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business, 2022
Kazue is a great college counselor and is awesome at providing motivation and organization during the college application process. She cares for her students as people and truly wants the best for them.
- Student, University of San Francisco, 2022
Kazue McGregor went above and beyond to ensure my daughter felt supported through her college journey. She was attentive, organized, and always available to guide her through the process during an unprecedented time. Kazue is extremely thorough and knowledgeable in her field. From the beginning to the end, she kept us updated and on pace to meet all deadlines. Kazue exceeded all my expectations by providing my daughter the guidance she needed to develop a balanced college list and results for her to choose from. Thank you!
- Parent, University of California Berkeley, 2022
Kazue was an indispensable team member as we navigated the college search and application process with our daughter. From the start, she was committed to our daughter and her needs. She spent time getting to know our daughter, who she is, and valued her as an individual. We recommend Kazue to anyone starting this process and cannot imagine having traveled this process without her. Her skill at centering student voices and needs was essential and her connection to our daughter was key.
- Parents, University of Edinburgh, 2022
Kazue did an amazing job of shepherding our son through the college admission process. He wanted to major in music and his father and I knew nothing about the audition process nor did we know anything about the various small liberal arts colleges with good music programs. Our son can be a procrastinator and Kazue did an excellent job of keeping him on track in terms of drafting essays, submitting applications and submitting audition videos. She kept the stress off of us and I know eliminated a lot of family conflict by keeping our son on track.
- Parents, University of California Santa Barbara, 2022
We were overwhelmed with the college selection and application process. Kazue expertly guided us throughout and kept us in step with the rapidly changing landscape of college admissions due to the pandemic and otherwise. Our son, Daniel, immediately liked Kazue and they worked together as a team to find the colleges that fit him best. Along the way, she offered informative workshops and helpful checklists with deadlines to keep Daniel on top of things. He learned a great deal about himself and his future goals through Kazue's warm, diligent, and competent guidance.
- Parents, University of California Los Angeles, 2022
Kazue was extremely helpful in my college application process. She helped me discover schools that would help me grow. Kazue is so kind, thoughtful, and organized which made everything a smooth process. I personally struggle with the writing process, and she helped me craft all my essays. I would have never been able to get through my college applications without her.
- Student, University of California Berkeley, 2022
Quite simply, the experience with Kazue was absolutely invaluable. The services she provided exceeded all expectations I had when we signed up. Her surpassing expertise with the college application process, her breadth of knowledge of the schools, her patient guidance and encouragement with my son, her creativity in helping with the essays, her immediate responsiveness to any and all questions and emails from me or my son, and her unflagging kindness and good nature, made the choice to employ her services one of the best investments I made regarding the college search process for my son.
- Parent, Texas Christian University, 2021
I would sincerely like to thank Kazue McGregor for her outstanding guidance during the college application process. She provided expert advice to strengthen my application and helped keep me on track for upcoming deadlines. Furthermore, she helped me make a well-balanced college list and responded very quickly to my questions. Her financial aid sessions as well as private meetings were also extremely useful. I would wholeheartedly recommend Kazue!
- Student, University of California Los Angeles, 2021
From the first meeting with Kazue, I felt a sense of calm. During a very daunting and emotional experience as finding the right school for our son, she made the process so peaceful and organized. I always felt that our son was in good hands. He has been accepted to many great schools giving him the gift of having options. Thank you, Kazue, for your keen listening skills, immense knowledge and exceptional organizational skills.
- Parent, Kenyon College, 2021
Mrs. McGregor made my college counseling experience as easy and simple as I could have ever asked. She made sure to keep me on track and helped me to finishing everything I needed on time and made sure it was well done. Before meeting with Mrs. McGregor, I was not sure if I was going to be able to make it into TCU, the school I am attending next year. However, after a few meeting she had given me the confidence that reaching my dream school was possible. I could not have asked for a better counseling experience or counselor.
- Student, Texas Christian University, 2021
Kazue was like the fairy godmother of my daughter's college selection and application process! Kind, organized, well-informed, and responsive, she alleviated so much stress and kept us on track with a step-by-step approach to this overwhelming task.
- Parent, University of California Berkeley, 2021
Kazue is simply wonderful. She made a daunting process manageable, first by helping our daughter develop a reasonable list of targeted schools and then by working with her to best present herself in the applications to those schools. When the pandemic shut down the world, Kazue did not skip a beat, shifting to online sessions and making herself available seemingly all the time. Most importantly, Kazue clearly cares about her clients, and our daughter truly appreciated Kazue's emotional support and friendship over the last two years. Thank you!
- Parent, University of California Los Angeles, 2021
Again and again, we are grateful for all the support and guidance we have received. My daughter will be attending her dream school because of Kazue.
- Parent, University of California Los Angeles, 2021
Kazue made the incredibly daunting task of sorting through all the available information about the hundreds of colleges available to American high school students completely pain free. She has a terrifically wide and deep base of knowledge about all the college options available, as well as all aspects of the application process, and has a wonderfully gentle, encouraging style. She's a great motivator-she keeps telling you and your child it'll all work out beautifully, and with her help, it does! My wife and I were dreading the whole college application process, and I honestly can't imagine having gone through it without Kazue's help. She is absolute gold.
- Parents, Pennsylvania State College, 2020
Kazue McGregor is an extremely helpful and caring college coach, and the experience was so beneficial to our efforts to find the right college for my son to study music. It was great!
- Parent, California State University Long Beach, 2020
Kazue McGregor was especially helpful in simply helping me choose where to apply and in helping me organize my thoughts about my last few choices.
- Student, University of Puget Sound, 2020
I loved the experience and you helped me a lot through the very difficult process, even during the pandemic and what would be the right choice for me.
- Student, California State University Northridge, 2020
The college counseling experiences we received through Exploring College Choices for our daughter and us as a family were at the highest professional level with extensive knowledge on the many topics of applying to college. This service for our daughter gave us great peace of mind in navigating such a big decision and allowed us to feel comfortable having many family college discussions over the past two years knowing that such a knowledgeable person was there to support us. I highly recommend Kazue McGregor as a college counselor.
- Parent, University of Puget Sound, 2020
It's difficult to imagine a better college counselor for our daughter than Kazue McGregor, who is thoughtful, calm, extremely smart, and very knowledgeable. From the first time we met through our subsequent conversations via Skype and in person, there was a clear timeline and plan for her applications, with a very clear sense as to why she was applying to each specific degree program and college. I can't recommend her enough!
- Parents, University of Southern California, 2019
Kazue McGregor helped our whole family navigate the college admissions process in an engaging, interactive and holistic manner. She brought many new colleges to our family's attention including the one that my daughter ultimately chose. She did everything in a way that generated calm and made the process less stressful for the whole family. She is just terrific!!
- Parent, Lewis & Clark College, 2019
Kazue is an amazing college counselor. She brought our children through a journey of exploration to find the best fit for their college choice. Kazue was so patient and encouraging with our children. She helped them bring out their best during the application process while remaining calm and low stress. She is so accessible to both students and parents. She actually made the college application experience enjoyable. We were all happy with the ultimate college choices of our children.
- Parents, University of California Santa Cruz & San Francisco State University, 2019
Kazue provided constant guidance and support throughout all stages of the college application process. She is incredibly knowledgeable about a variety of different types of colleges and universities and knew exactly what to look for in a school for me. I could not recommend her services more!
- Student, University of Southern California, 2019
Kazue McGregor listened intently, encouraged never judged. Made sure choices were realistic and not out of reach. She never discouraged. Made solid recommendations and gave me a parent piece of mind.
- Parent, California Lutheran University, 2019
Without Kazue and Exploring College Choices I don't know how we would have navigated the complex process of application, grants and narrowing down the college choices. Kazue clarified the process and helped us choose wisely to get a good fit for our son. Kazue is the best!
- Parent, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2019
Kazue helped me so much more than I ever thought she would. This assistance exceeded my expectations in its positive influence, but also the wide range of topics it helped me with, many of which I hadn't even thought of. She first helped me truly find what I was looking for in a college and organize my brain so I knew what I wanted. With the information of the vibe of a school and my preferred major, Kazue came up with a list of schools that all fit me very well, the majority of which I never would have applied to, let alone heard of. Later, she helped me a great deal with the application process by showing me where to go, what to do, and the best way to do it.
- Student, Whitman College, 2018
Firstly, we had no idea how to help our son get into college. Secondly, we were concerned that his high school career was not going to culminate into a College transition. Kazue put all our concerns at ease. She gave us realistic hope. She devised a plan and had several colleges in mind that would be best suited for our son and his particular needs. In the end, Kazue helped our son put together a great college application along with an amazing college essay that resulted into the admission with scholarship aid to his #1 choice. We cannot recommend Kazue enough. She is knowledgeable, patient and nurturing yet firm when she needs to be. Now, that's a winning combination if you ask me.
- Parents, University of Redlands, 2018
My daughter entered the college search process thinking that she would pursue engineering because she is strong in math. With Kazue's help and guidance, she realized that although she is strong in math, she is not passionate about engineering. She will be pursuing a subject that she is truly passionate about- Law and Society at a school that was her first choice throughout the process. Kazue also helped her navigate the college athlete process and as a result, she will be playing Volleyball on the Oberlin team. Furthermore, Kazue helped my husband and I to appropriately request the financial aid that we required to be able to actually send our daughter to the school of her dreams. We are truly grateful to Kazue for her guidance and for her genuine interest and engagement in our daughter's college search.
- Parent, Oberlin College student, 2018
Kazue took as much stress off my shoulders as she possibly can. The workshops were great. I got to socialize with people in the same boat as me, while doing something productive for college. Her one-on-one sessions were great as well. She truly cares about you and does her best to find the right school for you.
- Student, Chapman University, 2018
Thanks to Kazue McGregor's invaluable expertise, guidance, and encouragement throughout the college selection and application process, our child was able to complete the various phases, and is now slated to attend UC Irvine in the fall.
- Parents, University of California Irvine, 2018
As a parent of student looking for the perfect college for my senior son, Kazue was an invaluable resource and wealth of information. She helped guide my son towards the schools that would match his needs and and kept him on schedule with regards to paperwork and college submission forms.
- Parent, California State University Fullerton, 2018
I had an amazing experience with Kazue, she completely exceeded my expectations with everything. She was always available to help, whether it be emailing essay edits at any hour or giving financial aid advice. I never made a decision without consulting her because I completely trusted her advice. She gave me direction in which schools to look at and which majors to consider, and I probably would’ve wound up at a school I didn’t want studying something I have no interest in without her. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a counselor.
- Student, Oberlin College, 2018
Kazue was amazing throughout this process! It was a partnership that made this daunting process so much easier for the student and family. I highly recommend her services. We can't thank her enough!
- Parents, University of California Davis, 2018
Kazue did a fantastic job of guiding my student. She got to know my student and then made recommendations based on where she thought would be a good fit based on my student's personality as well as her goals. Kazue assisted us in coming up with a very well rounded list of colleges and universities to apply to, and we ended up with a very good selection to choose from once the acceptances started to roll in. My only regret is that we didn't start sooner with Kazue!
- Parent. University of California Santa Barbara, 2018
