College Counseling (John N. Perlman)

We paid $1,350 to John, who presented himself as a college counselor, but after receiving the payment, he vanished. Despite multiple attempts, we haven't been able to reach him.

Here’s how it happened: The initial communication was smooth. We had a one-hour conversation, and things seemed promising. John had me sign a contract and requested an upfront payment of $1,350 for 10 hours of service, which I paid promptly.

However, once payment was made, scheduling the service became a series of excuses. He either claimed the timing didn’t work, canceled at the last minute, or said he was unwell. Week after week, we couldn’t secure an appointment. At this point, he’s entirely unresponsive, and I’m concerned he may have just taken the money and disappeared.

My wife and I used John's services for all three of our kids. One of the most important services that John provided for all of them was in helping them home-in on their likeliest areas of college study. From that, he directed each of them in their high school course selections so that they were best credentialed to be admitted to the best schools for their likely majors given their grades and standardized test scores. He also helped direct them to schools with social cultures that would align with their personalities. He reviewed all of their application essays with an eye on his specific knowledge of the schools to which they applied, providing valuable feedback without doing any of the writing for them. John also assisted with helping all three of them increase their ACT/SAT scores, and increase them they did! There's so much more to say about John, but you should know that your kid needs to follow through on whatever John advises, and if they don't, you should help them along. John's job is not to "get your kid into the best college." John's job is to advise and guide your kid so that he/she has the best chance at being accepted to a college that best fits his/her academic ability, future goals, and social leanings. A huge time-saver, too!

I am so surprised to read these reviews. We would have done so so many things wrong without John. I contracted with John Perlman twice for two very different children. One is a high achiever, one has with learning difficulties. Their personalities and interests could not be more different. We were all thrilled both times. He did all the test prep, college search help, guidance with the applications, etc. All of that was terrific. But in both instances, John went the extra mile to really really get to know my kids. What makes them tick, what excites them, what scares them. He challenged their preconceptions and gave them enormous confidence through the entire process. For us that was invaluable.

Hired John Pearlman and sign agreement for $1250 to assist my son with prep for college. Had one meeting and haven't heard from him since even after numerous attempts to get in contact with of him.Buyer be ware.

Horrible MrP*** was difficult to reach, didn't return phone calls or e-mails, freqcanceled appts that were made, was not aware of changes made to the ACT test, had my son buy an ACT book that he never had him use, didn't follow up on any assignments or practice tests given, in general didn't prepare my son for the ACT test I am very angry and upset to have wasted my time and money and hope it won't adversely affect my son's chances of getting into college

Absolutely agree with other review. John Perlman is unreliable, misses and is regularly late for appointments, does not respond to texts or phone calls and disrespects his students' time and work. He demands payment upfront and fights returning money for missed visits. This guy is a nightmare- avoid at all costs.

Horrible. Mr. P[redacted] was difficult to reach, didn't return phone calls or e-mails, freq. canceled appts that were made, was not aware of changes made to the ACT test, had my son buy an ACT book that he never had him use, didn't follow up on any assignments or practice tests given, in general didn't prepare my son for the ACT test. I am very angry and upset to have wasted my time and money and hope it won't adversely affect my son's chances of getting into college.