College Search Navigators

Who We Are

Michelle J. Cassel, B.A., J.D., M.L.S.

Michelle earned her B.A., Magna Cum Laude, from Marymount University and her law degree at the City University of New York Law School. Michelle also studied Comparative Law and European Union Law in Madrid through the Marshall Wythe School of Law of The College of William and Mary. A litigator for over ten years practicing public interest law, Michelle received the 2004 Attorney of the Year Award from Legal Services of New Jersey. She also taught her practice area to the legal profession. Michelle decided to further her education while still practicing law, and earned her Masters in Library Science and Information Technology from Rutgers. Michelle is a certified Professional Librarian and has experience working as a reference librarian. In 2006, after having guided several families and their children through the college search and application process, Michelle founded College Search Navigators, based on her assessment of the growing need to help high school students and their families by providing professional college placement advice and assistance. Michelle is a Professional Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and has attended the IECA Summer Training Institute. Michelle is also a Member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), New Jersey Association for College Admission Counseling (NJACAC), as well as the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), and subscribes to HECA standards of good practice. Michelle attends national and state association conferences, and regularly participates in regional college counselor campus tours.

Don’t Let Summer Pass You By!

While many think of the summer as a time to relax, hit the beach and do anything but something academic, summer is the best time to explore potential academic majors and careers. You can learn more about this at your local library. Take advantage of the down time to up your game. You will be glad you did.

 

In Memory of Diane Gallo

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our co-founder Diane Gallo. Diane, a beloved independent educational consultant who went above and beyond for the students she served and their families, will be greatly missed. She was a great colleague and friend to all. If you had been working with Diane, please reach out to her husband Michael Gallo with a written request for a refund of any monies that may be owed to you at 43 Hillside Avenue, Glen Rock, NJ 07452.

 

Did You Know?

Imagine only sending your best SAT scores to colleges and deleting the rest. Well, you can! Since March 2009 the College Board has offered Score Choice. You can choose one SAT sitting to send to colleges, and hide the rest. This also applies to SAT II Subject tests. Needless to say, college admissions officers have mixed feelings about the program. Some agree that it will take some pressure off high school students, while others will still demand that applicants submit all of their SAT or ACT scores.  To read more click here.

 

Testimonials

"College Search Navigators did a wonderful job assisting both my daughters with the college admissions process.  They really absorbed who my girls were as unique individuals and helped them in articulating this to their target colleges.  Both of my daughters have had marvelous experiences at schools that are perfect for them. "

Frances O., mother of Beth Anne and Claire, Class of 2008, 
Georgetown University; Class of 2011, Boston College