College Planning Testimonials

What others say about us in the form of College Planning Testimonials is much more important than what we could tell you about ourselves!

We have been assisting college bound students and their parents with college planning since 1992. Recently, we published the book Gearing Up To Finance A College Education. Summarized below are various College Planning Testimonials or comments received from individuals about what they think about the book and the quality of the services we offer.

COLLEGE PLANNING TESTIMONIALS ABOUT THE BOOK

"Excellent book! Informative, thorough, timely, and easy reading. I am amazed at the amount of information that is covered! Prior to the book being published, my oldest daughter (now a sophomore in college) participated in one-on-one sessions offered by Scholarship Consultant Services, Inc. Now, after reviewing the book, she commented how she would have liked to have had it as a ready reference guide in-between her sessions. “Gearing Up” is timely for me in that my youngest daughter (freshman in high school) is using it to re-focus on her future college plans. She has taken the initiative in gathering information and performing some of the organizational activities noted in the book. As a parent, I am much wiser and feel more accurately informed on what my family should know and be able to do in preparation for college. Thank you for an excellent tool!"-Regina T., Parent, Trussville, AL

"The book speaks for itself. Cathy Gullo has given us a comprehensive, straightforward, and bottom-line guide for anyone pursuing a college education who needs a workable plan to attain this goal. Following her detailed study and putting into practice each step along the way will assist parents and students alike."–Dorothy A., Parent, Bossier City, LA

“I want my daughter to get into college with as much financial aid as possible. However, the time I can set aside to help her is limited. I like Gearing Up for its time-saving overview of the application process and clear guidance on problems I never dreamed of when I went to college. Whoever heard of resumes for teenagers back then or writing an essay as part of the entrance application? The information you have put together here – the resume tips, scholarship advice, sample letters, and all the rest – is really useful. Thanks for writing this, Cathy. I’m really glad I heard about your services.” –Tom Hollon, Ph.D.,Rockville,MD

“I think "Gearing Up" is a book for all students who want to pursue a college education. As an educator, I see students who find themselves overwhelmed by all the decisions they are required to make during their senior year of high school. Trying to find a college, apply, and pay it is a decision that needs guidance and knowledge. "Gearing Up" gives students the tools they need in order to make the transition from a high school to college as easy as possible. This book encourages students and parents in pursuing their goals to make the tedious process of entering college one that is joyfully memorable.”–Eleanor B., High School Instructor, Birmingham,AL

”Cathy Gullo's book Gearing Up To Finance A College Education is a clear and concise text for any parent or high school student to follow in planning for a college education. Each chapter has a format outlining easy models to follow with pertinent information explaining the important steps in locating the right choice in choosing a college and the steps to consider in planning to finance a college education. The book also has self-assessments to answer important guidelines and questions to consider every step of the way. In addition, her book is timeless in that it can be used today and also in the years to come. Since we are retired educators from Louisiana with seventy-three years of service, we endorse the book as a valuable tool for guiding families in making choices in obtaining educational goals for their children.” –Ken & Linda P., Educators, Baton Rouge,LA

“Gearing Up presents the planning process for college in a step-by-step format. Expert advice gained from years of counseling experience makes this book an excellent resource for parents and students as they approach the college years.” Cathy Gullo's book is both insightful and helpful. It takes a wide-angle approach, which is what she did for me personally when I used her services in high school. Her book gives the person a strategy that begins inwardly and works its way outwardly, which works to even out a person's goals with their strengths through self-assessment and directed research. The biggest compliment and difference about her approach is that it is practical and just makes sense. She realizes that the financial burden of college debt can often extend well beyond the college years. Reducing student loans or decreasing the burden on parents with multiple children looking to attend college is a unique aspect of her emphasis. She doesn't encourage a person to take a small scholarship from a high cost private school, unless they have personally weighed the advantages and disadvantages beforehand. She aims to not only get the best out of the individual but to make the individual aware of the best available to them."–Meredith B., Graduate School Student, Birmingham,AL

"From her seminar presentations to the completion of this wonderful book, I've found Ms. Gullo's work to not only be well presented and written, but also inspirational." –Pastor Kenneth R. Robinson,Union Bethel Christian Church,Birmingham,AL

“I love your book! It is very professional and gives helpful information without being too overwhelming, detailed, and difficult to read. I think that it will serve parents and students well.”–Dr. K. S., Dallas,TX

“The note-taking space at the end of the book, the self-assessment section, and the college selection work sheet demonstrate that Gearing Up To Finance A College Education is more than just a book. It is a workbook and a notebook that can be referenced whenever the topic of college arises during those years when most are contemplating attending college. The book’s size, durability, and readability are most appealing. It not only presents information but also coaches and motivates students to do something with it. Gearing Up To Finance A College Education is a highly organized approach to what many may perceive as a formidable obstacle, if not a foreboding experience.” –R.W., Instructor, Columbia, MO

“Gearing Up To Finance A College Education presents the planning process for college in a step by step format. Expert advice gained from years of counseling experience makes this book like no other book. It is a beautifully written book with peaceful overtones to assist parents and students in this highly stressful time of life. It is an excellent resource!”–Cornelia B., High School Teacher, Birmingham, AL

COLLEGE PLANNING TESTIMONIALS FROM CLIENTS

“I met Cathy Gullo in 1980 when she worked at E. Magnet High School where my oldest son was a student. Ms. Gullo assisted my son with a ROTC scholarship and was still in gear five years later to assist my youngest son who graduated from a private high school in 1995. I count Cathy as a friend with a wealth of knowledge in scholarship consulting. Both my sons and I are truly thankful that we had the fortune of meeting her over 25 years ago, and I look forward to her assistance with my grandchildren as they enter college.”–Sibyl, A Truly Thankful Mother of Two, Davidson, NC

“Cathy and her company helped my son and daughter prepare for college entrance exams and raised their scores enabling them to receive scholarships. The information she shared helped guide us to the college that was the best fit for them. Without her help, our children’s college experience would not have been as rewarding for them. My son is now an attorney and my daughter is a Registered Nurse. The success my children have experienced started with the groundwork laid by Cathy and Scholarship Consultant Services Inc.”–Randy F., Parent, Birmingham, AL

"Cathy Gullo’s counseling was very instrumental in my obtaining a full-paid scholarship to college. Her recommendations even helped me gain acceptance to a high-ranked optometry school where I obtained my optometry degree."–Dr. Jessica P., Chelsea, AL

“A coach – that’s how I think of Ms. Cathy Gullo. A friend told me about her work in helping parents and students go through the college planning process. I thought that it might be possible for my child to get a scholarship, but I wasn’t sure. I met with Ms. Gullo and was impressed with her common sense manner, hard work, knowledge of her subject, and past results with her students. Our son had done all the years of studying, but now it was time to step up and swing the bat at a scholarship. We would only have one season to compete and only take a few swings. Like any other competition, the results were not guaranteed, but it made sense to hire a scholarship coach to help us and give it our best effort. Were we pleased? We’ve hired her twice more since then and recommended her to countless others. We’ve seen our own results and that of others we know. If you’ve found your way to Ms. Gullo, count yourself fortunate, and engage her help. You’ll be glad you did.”-J.H., Parent,Birmingham, AL

“Cathy helped both of my daughters with scholarship advice. My oldest daughter received a full-paid nursing scholarship. My youngest daughter was already in college majoring in International Studies. Cathy informed her of different scholarships available for college students and my youngest daughter received a Rotary International Scholarship to study in Russia for almost a year. We did not know where to look, but Cathy knew and led us through the process.”–Linda G.,Parent, Birmingham, AL

“Cathy and Scholarship Consultant Services Inc. helped me in 1995 make the most of every opportunity to find assistance in paying for college. She was an invaluable resource helping me improve my ACT score as well as assisting me with applications for colleges, grants, and scholarships. I ultimately received a tuition scholarship to college and have gone on to obtain a law degree.”–Matthew F. Birmingham, AL

“As the mother of two college-age young men, I found Ms. Gullo’s book absolutely invaluable. Ms. Gullo has taken the overwhelming task of how to choose the right college, how to get acquainted with it, and how to pay for it. She has broken it down into simple, easy steps that my sons and I can understand and accomplish together. This book is a phenomenal resource for anyone going to college. Thank God for Ms. Gullo and her desire to help others achieve their goals for higher education.” –Sandy B., Parent, Pinson, AL

“One of the gifts I attribute to the tutelage of Ms. Gullo is the importance of being able to think and articulate those thoughts in writing. She was my high school English and journalism teacher. I went on to receive a degree in advertising and marketing, and now work in advertising for a major local newspaper.”–Verna P., Birmingham, AL

“The Lord used Ms. Gullo to enable me to receive a scholarship which allowed me to attend a major Christian university. I say enable because she has a gift for honing and sharpening gifts that are present in the student, but not yet fully tapped. Ms. Gullo’s seemingly endless optimism enables one to live up to one’s full potential. Through her resourcefulness, experience, determination, and optimism, she coached me in writing a resume, applying to universities, interviewing for scholarships, and studying for the ACT and SAT. I can personally vouch that her assistance is of the highest caliber. Therefore, when it came time to think about going to graduate school, there was only one scholarship coach for me to turn to – Ms. Gullo.”–Charlton H., Class of 2006, Co-Valedictorian, Birmingham, AL

“I ran across one of your business cards recently and I thought that I would send you an update on the children. My son, who graduated from high school in 2000 and who received the largest scholarship available at an out-of-state university is now working for the Governor’s office. He is looking in the future to attend Grad School and even had the opportunity to study overseas in Italy or France through a scholarship program. My daughter is now a junior in college and is very active in college and community activities. She is a political science major and worked for a senator in Washington, D.C. this summer. You were with them both through high school and college. Thank you again for everything you did for both of my children.” –Polly B., Sylacauga, AL

“I was unemployed and a student in a junior college when a mutual acquaintance introduced me to Cathy Gullo. Unsure of my future, I made an appointment at Scholarship Consultant Services, Inc. which put me on the road to fulfill a lifelong dream – a college education. At our first meeting, I was encouraged to pursue my goals and left Ms. Gullo’s office greatly inspired. We both worked together and I gained admittance to a four-year university. Two years later, I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a history degree. In her new book, Gearing Up To Finance A College Education, the same inspirational tone radiates throughout the pages. These principles will not only help perspective students gain admittance into college but also help them for the rest of their lives. In fact, I applied these principles to my life which helped gain admittance to graduate school. Thank you Ms. Gullo for your tireless effort to see people fulfill their dreams.” –Randy F., Graduate Student, Chelsea, AL

“Cathy Gullo's services helped me tremendously when I was in high school. I first went to Scholarship Consultant Services Inc. at the recommendation of an acquaintance. Looking into potential colleges and financial options was overwhelming to me. She was able to break the process down and make my efforts, combined with her efforts, more effective. Ms. Gullo helped me assess my personal strengths and weaknesses, directed the research process, and uncovered options not immediately obvious. She taught me to view myself more from the perspective of a potential college admissions counselor. Ms. Gullo edited and improved my resume and also taught me to better market myself. Prior to seeing Ms. Gullo, I was only looking into a few state schools, but she encouraged me to look at out-of-state schools as well. She shifted my perspective while encouraging me to retake the ACT, which I did and scored a 31. Then, she encouraged me to take the SAT. The result from Ms. Gullo’s coaching and research, enabled me to receive scholarships from schools both in and outside the state.”–M.B., Graduate Student, Birmingham, AL

“Being the parents of two successful young daughters whom Ms.Gullo worked with some 14 years ago paid off tremendously! The work involved preparations for the “ACT and SAT” exams, along with written “essays” and filling out “college” and “scholarship” applications for various schools. Our oldest daughter who is now an electrical engineer went on to pursue her M.B.A. Our youngest daughter is in her senior year of college pursuing a B.S. degree in electrical engineering too. Introducing our daughters to the works of Ms. Gullo was a small investment with great substantial gain. It was like putting money in the bank!–Alvin, Georgette, Tyra, and Tamara C. Birmingham,AL

COLLEGE PLANNING TESTIMONIALS--SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEES CHAIRED

“In the early 1990's, I worked for a nationally recognized coed program with high school students which was designed to provide students’ exposure to various careers. In addition to this exposure, we wanted to develop a centralized database of scholarships to aid students in their quest of a college education toward their chosen career. With the support of local business and the committee’s dedication under Cathy Gullo's leadership, that database became a reality and benefited students in a two-county area. Ms. Gullo continues to prepare and assist parents and students in their pursuit of a college education.”–D.L. Jr. Birmingham, AL

“Cathy Gullo, of Scholarship Consultant Services Inc. was very instrumental in the creation of the first ever minority business scholarship foundation. At that time, it was only a dream, but her experience, expertise, and hard work helped make this foundation a reality. She was a great asset in setting up policies and guidelines for students to follow during the application process. She helped develop the scholarship application, as well as, worked tirelessly to assist in the selection and evaluation process once all the applications were received. As business people, we were not familiar with how most of the public schools operated and chose candidates, but Cathy was. Her experience as an educator and counselor as well as her knowledge of timing and people to involve in this process was invaluable. Our organization more than exceeded our goal and was amazed with the thoroughness of the process. This was all done within a short time period on a volunteer basis. We were able to award three state-wide scholarships the first year and significantly increased the number of recipients and amounts in the following years. Once the scholarship fund had been established, it was easy for the foundation to build from that point. We couldn't have done it without Cathy leading us the first three years!”–Janice D. Moore-Smith,Corporate Real Estate, Birmingham, AL

I hope that you found the above College Planning Testimonials helpful to you in gearing up for your college education.

Click Here To Learn More About the Book Referred To In The College Planning Testimonials.