Success Stories

Mountains to Sea has helped dozens of students reach their testing and college goals. Here are a few of their stories.

SR worked with Mountains to Sea after not making the progress she'd hoped for with another local test prep company. After seven summer sessions leading into her senior year, she increased her score 140 points, exceeding her goal and putting her in a strong position ahead of application season.

Riley, former student

"Mr. Harms outlined his philosophy for tutoring the ACT on the first day, creating a comprehensive outline. He updated this outline weekly as he learned about me as a student, putting more pressure on my weaknesses while molding and fine-tuning my strengths to get the most out of me as a student. This malleability he has is, in my opinion, his best trait as a tutor...Mr. Harms created a personalized experience, clearly trying to get the most out of the work I was willing to put in. Optimizing my chances of getting into the school I wanted was his main concern."

Carolyn, Nick's mom

"Robbie was great! He worked with my son on ACT prep. My son enjoyed working with him and brought up his score significantly. The college prep boot camp was phenomenal as well. Robbie made the college application process much more manageable for my son."

Chris, Savannah's dad

"We had the privilege of knowing Mr. Harms from when he was a teacher and my only regret was not learning about his test prep program sooner. My oldest daughter began working with Mountains to Sea Test Prep after not making the progress she was hoping for with another local test prep tutoring company (that was also more expensive and not as friendly). She really enjoyed working with Mr. Harms and after only about 7-8 summer sessions, increased her score by 140 points for a total of 200 points more than her first test! It is beautiful to see how confident and excited she is going into college application time. We are so thrilled with this program and the results far exceeded our expectations. Mr. Harms also put on a college application boot camp for a week which really reduced our stress. Thank you for all of your help and making this a less stressful time."

MaryShell, Bentley's mom

"Mr. Harms is so knowledgeable and helpful for the college application process. He relieved some of the inherent stress and helped jumpstart her applications and feel prepared for what is yet to come this year! His daily feedback on essays and other required documents was priceless."

Teddy, Annabelle's dad

"Mountains to Sea Test Prep was so helpful in getting my daughter’s ACT score up. Robbie’s coaching and training helped her gain 6 points! I’m so glad we were able to find this help as we prepare for college."

Robert, Madeline and Robbie's dad

"Strongly recommend the College Application Boot Camp. Mr. Harms is very knowledgeable and helpful to the students. What a great way to jumpstart the application process before their busy fall semester begins. We have had two students participate and it has been an excellent experience."

Lizzie, Akhil's mom

"Mr. Harms' College Application Boot Camp was perfect for my son to get a jumpstart on completing his Common App and required essays. This class has reduced a lot of stress that comes with applying to college. Mr. Harms provided great feedback and help with the essay portion of the application, explained thoroughly how to complete the Common App, and sent nightly emails to the parents about what was covered in the class. This class was awesome and I would highly recommend it to students starting the college application process."

Simi, Akhil's mom

"Robbie was very helpful! He helped my son with the reading and writing sections on SAT and ACT, and the science section on the ACT! He was able to reach his goal scores because of Robbie!! Awesome tutor!"

Kimberly, Kate's mom

"Kate was successful in increasing her ACT scores and achieving her goal, which made her much more confident that she would be accepted to the colleges where she applied. She also attended a session led by Mr. Harms where she worked on her college essays before she began her senior year. This session helped her craft a really solid essay that she used to apply to schools in the fall. She was able to begin her senior year with peace of mind knowing that she had done most of the work required to complete her college essays. She has been accepted to the schools where she applied and Mr. Harms’ help was invaluable in that process."

Lea, Oliver's mom

"My son Oliver took the College Application Boot Camp over the summer and was able to get organized for the whole application process. Mr. Harms worked a lot on essay writing and Oliver got his Common App essay done, with much helpful feedback to improve it throughout the week. He also got started on a scholarship essay that Mr. Harms gave guidance on, and he broke down so much more so that the kids are prepared for the applications during their busy senior year. The Boot Camp week was invaluable to jump start the college application season and gave a lot of clarity and useful information to the kids and families."

Gina, Kate's mom

“Robbie helped my daughter so much on her reading and writing sections of the SAT, highly recommend his services!”

Rishi, former student

“The way he explained things, the tips he gave me, and the time he spent with me was beyond valuable. If you don’t understand something, he will take time to explain it and he never makes you feel like you’re not capable. Also, very easy for high school kids to relate because he’s not a grouchy old man tutor. Makes it easy to ask questions and advice about college and the SAT.”

Katie, Will's mom

"My son Will was helped so much by Mr. Harms! He participated in the College Application Boot Camp, ACT preparation and review, and Mr. Harms helped him with his college essays. Mr. Harms' courses and assistance with essays are easy to follow and understand. He follows each session by sending an email to the parents reviewing what they went over. Mr. Harms helped us navigate the college application process, and gave Will the confidence he needed for the ACT and college essays."

Beth, Quinn's mom

"The test and college prep he received from Mountains to Sea helped him set achievable goals and scaffold his way through the college process."

Nash, Crash Course attendee

"I really enjoyed Mr. Harms and appreciated his help so much! I really learned some helpful tips and strategies that helped me raise my SAT score a lot. Mr. Harms was patient, motivating, and positive and encouraged us."