The Student Compass

"Our son has worked with Jake Horne of the Student Compass starting in his senior year of high school. Since our son graduated, Jake has functioned more officially as a mentor, through a well planned gap year and two years of college. Jake has been a wonderful resource at a number of junctures of our son's life, helping him set goals and determining means of achieving them. For example, Jake has helped clarify what college courses to take in any given semester, jobs or internships to explore, and how to deal with many other issues involving living at school. Jake stays in regular communication with our son, and with us, as needed. There has always been friendly and open conversation between them, and trust. As parents, we are very grateful for the informed and independent perspective Jake offers to our son, and to us. We highly recommend Student Compass as an excellent source to help young adults navigate these critical stages in their lives to ensure success."

"Jake Horne is an amazing mentor who cares about the students he works with. In the time I’ve spent working with him, I’ve grown to be a more independent person, organized student, and creative thinker. He focuses on bettering individuals by helping them find their talents and skills, and provides valuable information/predictions on what the future may hold for certain career fields, which I find extremely valuable. Most of our mentoring sessions are done via Skype and last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. We cover future plans during that time and address what can be done to improve the present. Recently, Jake suggested that I take some time to travel as it would broaden my horizons and open up another world of connections and networking opportunities. In our time speaking, Jake has helped me matriculate to college and is now assisting me in finding the appropriate career to suit my personality and skill set. I value his input tremendously, as it is tailored and specific to my needs and not some generic advice."

"I've known Jake Horne for over a decade as an educator and friend. During that time, I've observed him in his professional contacts with young people, where he is warm, caring and thoughtful. He asks smart questions, provides them with good counsel and asks them to rise to their best. For Jake, working with students is both a serious responsibility and a pleasure. They develop relationships that last well after the end of their formal interactions. Parents I know speak highly of their children's experience with him. Michael McGill Director, Program for District Leadership and Reform Bank Street College of Education New York City"

"Jake and I have been working together for over a year, and it has been an absolutely amazing experience. Jake helped me in preparing for the Toefl IBT exam and in writing my college application essay, while also assisting me in improving my speaking and writing skills. After spending so much time of intensive work with Jake, I can whole heartedly say that he does a lot more than just teaching. He gives his heart and soul to his students, by mentoring and leading them towards achieving their goals. Thanks to Jake's teaching and mentoring, I got accepted to Columbia University and am now pursuing an undergraduate degree in Economics. What at first seemed impossible, soon became very possible with Jake's guidance, and I would definitely recommend working with him, to anyone who is serious about succeeding in the American academic system."

"Jake's work with our granddaughter, Ashley Miles, was outstanding. His personal relationship with Ashley grew over her Gap year in which she participated in 4 different and challenging international programs. He had excellent rapport with her and orchestrated a thrilling year for her before college. As grandparents Jake gave us great support when problems arose. Jake immediately got involved and found solutions.....even on a Sunday! We failed to take into consideration all the extraneous expenses that Ashley incurred, but that was not Jake's problem. We are so very grateful to Jake for his wise counsel and following Ashley's progress and keeping in touch with both Ashley and us throughout the year. She says it was "the BEST year of her life"."