O'Connell Success Partners

10/27/2025

This is the first time I have heard of an actual "punishment" being doled out over a student backing out of an ED obligation. Will it be a trend? https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/26/business/tulane-early-decision-colorado-academy.html?unlocked_article_code=1.wU8.oKdL.aHJA7xCVra6C&smid=url-share&fbclid=IwY2xjawNsrKpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFiSFd2dDZUNE92bjc2TU5nAR7rdExRZOKvpNblrf7q8W-89Sx93SXQ5QB4PaklbP-PVPXRKSmB1NCJAjh_Rw_aem_TwnXELV1y43SYebbLkwoRg

In an unusual move, the university imposed a one-year ban on Colorado Academy for early-decision applications, which carry a commitment to attend.

08/31/2025

Circling back to my Class of 2025 to wish Jake K good luck at Wake Forest University, where he is a business major. Jake is a real go getter, who designed an app that connects hungry people with excess restaurant food and started a foundation to educate youth athletes about Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Jake is driven by his faith to use the talents God has given him to make an impact on others, and I am confident that he will make a significant impact at Wake Forest.

08/17/2025

Congratulations to Violet R on her decision to attend the University of Montana as a Parks, Tourism and Recreation Management major! What I loved most about my class of 2025 was how unique and authentic the students were, and Violet is the perfect example of that. In addition to loving the outdoors and fashion, Violet spends her time competing in roller derby and making muppet style puppets! At Montana, Violet hopes to work toward a career in the National Parks Service and to meet others who are “nice and weird” just like her. I can’t wait to see where the future leads her!

08/16/2025

Big congratulations to Jocelyn J for making her Hawkeye dreams come true! Jocelyn has worked extra hard, over the past few years, to overcome her fears and become a stronger person. She relies on her faith, her large extended family and special times with her friends to find her peace. At Iowa, she hopes to study communications or psychology and to write for a student publication. I am super proud of her and know she is proud of herself, as she launches into this next chapter of her life.

08/10/2025

Congratulations to Owen C on his decision to attend the University of Dayton this fall. Owen likes to do one genuinely good dead each day, something he is committed to continuing in college. He also hopes to get involved with student government in college on his path to pursuing a career in public policy. At Dayton, Owen is especially looking forward to meeting a lot of different people who will feel comfortable sharing their uniqueness with him. Wishing Owen a great four years to come!

08/07/2025

More like relocation than vacation today, but definitely enjoying the beautiful weather while I work!

08/07/2025

Congratulations to Mia B on her decision to attend the University of Tampa this fall, as a business major and history minor. Mia was a highly accomplished tennis player, who began to discover her true talents and passions when she pulled back from the competitive aspect of the sport. She enjoys service work and public speaking and is looking forward to trying new things in college, like art and guitar classes and intramural volleyball. She also wants to join a sorority to continue her community service. Wherever she puts her energy, I know she will make a big impact in her new college community!

08/01/2025

Congratulations to Rocco S on his decision to pursue his lifelong dream by attending Jacksonville University as an Aviation Management and Flight Operations major. Rocco has achieved his private pilot licence already and is racking up the sky miles in preparation for this top notch niche program. For Rocco, who wants to be a commercial pilot, a big draw to JU was the ability for aviation students to schedule flight time. It doesn’t hurt that the school is also on the beach! Fly high Rocco!!!! I can’t wait to see where the skies take you. ✈️

07/31/2025

Congratulations to Nick V on his decision to attend Miami of Ohio in the Farmer School of Business. Nick is a super active person, who pushes himself to fill his long days with school, football and working out. Because of a genetic knee disorder, he has endured quite a bit of pain and rehab over the years. But this has also made him mentally tough and ready to tackle new goals in college. In addition to studying business, Nick also plans to join an investment club and get fully involved with student life at Miami. Love and Honor Nick - and Good Luck!

07/29/2025

Congratulations to Jack C on his decision to attend Indiana University, in the prestigious Lugar School of Global and International Studies. Jack plans to major in International Studies, along with participating in Army ROTC. He also hopes to play club hockey and run for positions in IU’s student government. Jack has big aspirations, to ultimately join the CIA or work in US National Security, and he is clearly taking the important first steps in his journey. 🎓

07/24/2025

Congratulations to Morgan W on her decision to attend THE Ohio State University in the Fisher School of Business. Morgan spent much of her early life as a competitive gymnast, until a serious injury prompted a re-imagining of her life and identity. Morgan is a creative person with a positive attitude, who enjoys serving the community, yoga and fashion. OSU was her first choice going into her college search and she is looking forward to taking full advantage of the school’s many resources as she continues to add to the many facets of her identity.

07/22/2025

Congratulations to Chandler P on her decision to attend the University of Alabama Huntsville in their top notch Engineering program. Chandler has been committed to conservation and environmental issues since she was 10 years old and found a turtle on the beach with a plastic ring around his neck. Since then she has participated in multiple STEM programs nationwide, served as a mentor to younger female STEM students in her community, and created a prototype that pulls in greenhouse gases and stores them in canisters. Her dream is to work at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory as an engineer, and to reduce fossil fuel and greenhouse gas emissions from planes and develop alternate fuel sources. I have absolutely no doubt that Chandler will achieve all of that and more and can’t wait to follow her success!