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?

With the number of applicants now using the Common App and the ease of submitting an online application (in the 2010-11 cycle, 1.8 million applications were submitted as of January 1, 2011), admissions officers are looking for more than just an application to make admissions decisions - you need to demonstrate a genuine interest in the school.  The best ways to do this include visiting the campus, having a campus interview if offered, attending college fairs and completing the intake form for schools you are really interested in, attending any local events in your area sponsored by the college, and emailing the admissions counselors with specific questions about programs that interest you.  These steps can help to differentiate you from the herd of "stealth applicants" who use the Common App as their sole contact with the school.

 

Testimonials

"Your help with my college and law school applications was fantastic. Picking which schools to apply to, which activities to emphasize in my applications, and how to present myself in my personal statements were all easier because of you. I cannot thank you enough for your warm encouragement and always knowledgeable advice. "

Ivana D., Class of 2007, 
Johns Hopkins University; Class of 2011, Harvard Law School