Testimonials

What they are saying about Bentley Hall Educational Consulting!

“Ms. Skyler Bentley Hall stepped in following the July withdrawal of a member of our counseling team. She quickly and adeptly won the hearts and minds of our population, sharing her expertise in ways that inspired confidence at a moment of anxiousness for some of our senior students and their parents. Despite the virtual format, Skyler created meaningful connections with each student, providing personalized guidance that helped them navigate their next steps with confidence. Working with Skyler Bentley Hall as our virtual college counselor was a masterclass in professional excellence. She adapted to our school's culture quickly, and maintained consistent, high-quality connection and support for our students throughout the academic year. Her presence during the IB results announcement in July exemplified her understanding that college counseling extends beyond application deadlines - she was there when our students needed reassurance and guidance. College admissions is high stakes work, and Skyler rose to meet those stakes with poise and expertise. Throughout her year as our virtual college counselor, she navigated the pressures and complexities of guiding students through the ups and downs of their senior year. Her ability to balance professional expertise with genuine empathy made her not just an effective counselor, but a strong advocate for our seniors during this important period."

Head of School, John Smithies, American International School Dhaka, Bangladesh

“We found our work with Skyler and her organization to be extremely professional. Despite her supporting our child’s college application process from several thousand miles away, we always found it easy to keep up with important deadlines. More importantly, she was in continuous contact with our child and made sure that all their applications were on track and prepared long before things were due. Overall, I found the college application process for our second child to be much less stressful (for us and them!) and a lot of that can be credited to Skyler’s support.”

AISD Parent, U.S. Embassy, Dhaka, Bangladesh

"Skyler joined our team and supported our students in some challenging circumstances. Skyler’s professionalism, knowledge and friendly demeanor were exactly what we needed to provide a smooth transition. Students and parents really enjoyed working with Skyler and we all felt completely reassured that our students were in good hands. And they were, as they all got offers! Skyler was just amazing. I strongly recommend her."

Frédéric Bordaguibel-Labayle, High School Principal, ACS Cobham International School, UK

"As a Swedish student wanting to study abroad I received all the help that I needed and more from Skyler. With impeccable service, skills and communication Skyler helped me receive a spot at my dream university. I hade no idea of the struggle, time and effort it would take but thanks to Skyler, we managed! 10/10 :)"

Gap Year Student, Sweden (matriculating to ESCP - London Campus)

"We engaged Skyler Bentley Hall to work with our son on his university applications to both the United States and the UK. From the moment we began, Skyler was fully engaged, taking the time to really get to know our son and subsequently setting up a schedule and meeting with him on a regular basis to keep him on track with the many many deadlines involved. Skyler was also always available if we as parents had any questions and concerns. Throughout a process that can so easily feel overwhelming, our son felt not only seen and understood but also confident that with Skyler’s help he could focus on the applications and stay on top of what needed to be done. In the end he was admitted to several universities in the UK as well as in the US where he will be starting college in the Fall of 2023. Working with Skyler has been a huge pleasure and we cannot recommend her enough."

Class of 2022 Parent, Copenhagen (student matriculating to Savannah College of Art & Design, US)

"Skyler provided outstanding university/college consulting service for our high school junior and senior. She helped focus school choice and program managed the application process considering schools across the US, Canada and Denmark. She set up weekly check-ins and guided not only the creation of a relevant CV and application essay, but also ensured all required materials were submitted, and coached both our kids and us through the end-to-end process. She has excellent knowledge of post-secondary schools in multiple countries, and very helpful insight on the complex Danish application process. We had tried a few similar resources in the past and none came close to the close collaboration and efficient output as working with Skyler. She is empathetic, outcome oriented, disciplined with clear and timely communication, and most importantly, our kids didn't dread meetings with her! I can't recommend her highly enough."

Martha Ivester, Class of 2022 Parent, Denmark

"Skyler is one of the most knowledgeable university counseling consultants I have had the pleasure to work with. When our school went short one counselor at the beginning of the year, Skyler stepped in and exceeded every expectation. Her knowledge base and understanding of world-wide college and university systems makes her an invaluable resource to secondary schools, students, and families, regardless of location, and her enthusiasm is unmatched. Her organizational skills and communication skills result in everyone understanding what needs to be done and by when. She is an expert connector and networker, making her an invaluable asset to anyone she works with. Skyler is instantly likeable, full of energy, and an absolute professional. I consider myself extremely lucky to have worked with Skyler, and I give her my highest recommendation."

Amnda Lopez, College Counsellor, Copenhagen International School

"I am so grateful for Skyler's advice on college essays and great help with working through UK and EU applications. When we first spoke in February 2021, I was only partly interested in studying in Europe, often leading towards US universities. From our many conversations via Zoom and email (and our lovely meeting in Helsinki!), Skyler showed me how perfect European college life would be for me. Skyler opened my mind to what is now the next chapter of my life in Sweden. I could never thank her enough!"

Class of 2022 Student (matriculating to Stockholm School of Economics)

"Myself, my colleagues, our parents and most of all our students are hugely grateful for Skyler's help and hard work during her time with us at CIS. We very much appreciated her stepping in to work with our grade 12 students and taking on such an important role at short notice. Skyler built trust immediately due to her deep experience and broad ranging expertise and was able to offer great advice and guidance straight away. She understood the needs of our students and took the time to build relationships with all. We would be very happy to use Skyler's services again.

"Stephen McIlroy - Secondary Principal - Copenhagen International School

"As a parent of a final year undergraduate university student applying to study medicine in the UK, the application process ahead looked hugely daunting and overwhelming. I knew that Skyler was the ideal person we needed to work with in order to achieve my daughter's dream. Her undisputed knowledge of the application process, coupled with her dedicated support and encouragement through every step of the journey was above and beyond anything we may have expected. Skyler was always available and there to help, advise, encourage, motivate and provide fantastic support through even the trickier times of the process. I cannot thank you enough Skyler. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"

Parent of Undergraduate Applicant in the UK (student secured offers for Medical School, UEA and Manchester)

"Working with Skyler made an extremely stressful and uncertain medical school application process feel much easier and more relaxed. I was able to talk to Skyler about any of my concerns, which we would discuss and she would explore further, using her vast array of contacts. I felt confident with my application when it came to submission, and a lot of that was due to Skyler’s extensive knowledge of every stage of the application process, her encouragement and belief in my goals, as well as her passion for the job. Even following submission, Skyler and I maintained a close working relationship as we prepared for the interview process all the way through to securing a place at my dream university. I am so grateful for all of her help and support, and could not recommend her highly enough!"

BSc. University Student in the UK (matriculating to University of Manchester Medical School)

“As a U.S. international student applying to universities in both Canada and the U.K., Skyler provided wonderful expertise and support throughout the entire application process. She was very active in connecting me to representatives of each school I applied to and was a great support system in amplifying my applications. Her connections, timely communication, knowledge, and attention-to-detail was invaluable and eased much of the stress. I would highly recommend Skyler to any student looking for guidance in their higher education journey!”

Gap Year Student 2021 (secured offers at Edinburgh, Leeds, Sussex, Warwick, York)

"Skyler is the most expert, energetic, and professional College & Career Counselor with whom I've worked. She develops strong relationships with students in order to know their strengths and interests and guide towards their future goals. Skyler is expert and timely in the college admissions process, encouraging students to reach high and produce top level essays and applications. Skyler has ample contacts in both the international school world and universities in Europe, the UK, and the United States. Simply put - any student working with Skyler has a better chance of getting into their priority choice universities."

D.Sacks, Director of Student Support Services, International School of Beijing

"As a college counseling professional for 15 years, I was equal parts excited and nervous about moving to a school with an IB curriculum. However, during my meetings with Skyler, along with the incredible wealth of resources she shared, I was able to put my worries aside and focus on extending my knowledge in order to best prepare for my next community. I also know that my future colleagues will benefit from the time I spent with Skyler since I'll definitely be asking just a few less questions. I would highly recommend working with Skyler if you find yourself in a similar position - such a help!"

M.Takacs, College Counsellor, Singapore American School

“Skyler’s knowledge of the options available at further education institutions around the world seems virtually encyclopedic and we were always confident that she would have the answers to our questions about the most suitable locations and courses to consider.”

S.C., Class of 2020 Parent (student matriculating, Imperial College London, UK)

"Skyler's genuine enthusiasm for her students to succeed in a process riddled with much complexity and competition is a rarity to be admired. Her enthusiasm was matched by hard work and great charisma, making her always approachable, and meetings enjoyable and constructive. She was also brilliantly networked, also introducing me to key figures and experts in the field, and all the above helped me succeed in my applications!"

Class of 2020 Student, International School Basel, CH (matriculated to University of Warwick, UK)