Client Testimonials - Success Stories

Just Wanted to Thank You for Everything to Help Me

Thank you for everything in helping me & my 2023 high school grad, Bradley, on his college application journey. Because of your advice, he would not be where he is today. He got into Alabama, Auburn, Virginia Tech, Clemson, and others but ultimately chose the in-state University of Florida with one of their alternate pathways, called Gator Engineering.

He started his journey at Santa Fe College in Gainesville. He will be automatically admitted to UF in the spring of this year if he maintains a 2.0 GPA (2.5 for his critical tracking courses). He qualified for 75% Bright Futures, and we had FL prepaid, so it took a lot of work to turn down the in-state offer. I can't believe I paid $200 for a lab fee this semester, and that was it! :)

He is also doing great as a super introvert, but he's loving his freedom; his roommates are from the same program, and he loves Gainesville.

You'd appreciate an update. You are amazing! When I saw your email today, and you quoted your mom, it reminded me to write you. I hope you're doing okay and healing after the loss of your mom. :)

-Toni P.

Great Advice Over These Last Few Years

Again, Lindsay and Kay, thank you for all the great advice over these last few years.

There is no way we could not navigate this process in such a confident and organized fashion.

As a result, Michael was accepted to Anderson University Honors College, Clemson University Honors College (with additional scholarship money), Furman University (with a partial scholarship, as well as an opportunity to partner with the USC Medical School during his undergraduate studies), and acceptance into the other three colleges he applied to.

It has been a fulfilling process, and I know there is no way Michael would have received these offers if it were not for the overall guidance and, more specifically, advice regarding high school course selection/extra-curricular activities, SAT planning/strategizing, essay instruction, and interview prep.

You and your team provide an invaluable service!

-Stasia H.

Won a National Award!

Thank you and update! My son is Evan. We had a Zoom about a year ago. He is an artist. You told him to enter the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. He joined two artworks. Both artworks won a regional award.

One of those was sent to nationals. HE Won!!!!!! We leave tomorrow for New York City. The award ceremony is at Carnegie Hall on Thursday. He received this with your guidance!!!

Thank You!
Lisa F, Evan's mother

Happy Mama -Son Accepted Everywhere

”I wanted to send a quick note and let you know that Logan was accepted to every college where he applied!

We appreciate all of your guidance and help!

I cannot say enough positive things about the services that you provided. Many, many thanks!”



-Shannon T

Got a Yale Financial Aid Scholarship

Hello Elizabeth,

Thank you for your helpful guidance when our daughter Emmy applied to colleges, specifically Yale. We visited multiple Saturday sessions and met with you to review her application and activities.

Emmy put in the hard work in high school, and it was beneficial to learn which activities and honors to prioritize when applying to schools.

We were excited when she was accepted to Yale Early Action for the class of 2023. What’s been more exciting is to have a parent contribution of $0 (I.e., we pay nothing!) for her first and second years!

I tell all my friends that we are a middle-class family with a typical, average income, and each year, she has been given a Yale financial aid scholarship, which does not have to be paid back as it is not a loan. She thrives at Yale, loves her classes, and is a section leader for the Yale Precision Marching Band. Thank you for all your help and guidance!

-Lydia J.

So Glad to Have Found You

Elizabeth, Lindsay, Kay,

Our family would like to THANK YOU for all the advice you have given us in the college application process - through the Zoom webinars, face-to-face & Zoom direct appointments.

As immigrants who did not attend school in the USA, we knew nothing of the process. I am so glad to have found you and let your team guide us! I can’t even imagine what we would have done or where we would be without SG.

Here’s what Denissa got based on her applications:

• App State - Honors College & scholarship
• UNC Wilmington - Honors College
• UNC-Chapel Hill - wait-listed
• CofC - Honors College & scholarship
• HPU - Science Fellow & scholarship
• LSU - scholarship & invitation to apply to Honors

Her top choice was Chapel Hill (pre-med dreams), but she was happy enough with all other options. I enrolled at App State Honors College to keep the spot. I am still considering a Science Fellowship at HPU, but the price is relatively high, even after scholarships.

We are happy with the outcome. It’s been a journey, and we know it’s only the start! We feel much more prepared now because we have two more daughters who will go through the process.

Again, thank you, and I know you make such a difference in so many people’s lives!
All the best,

Patricia M.

Note From Sweet Student With Lots of Options

Hi Ms. Hartley!
Thank you for all your help with my college applications. I have recently been accepted to Clemson, Wofford, Furman, and TCU... all with scholarships!!! I also have the opportunity to increase TCU and Furman’s amounts in the spring.

šClemson -$7,500/yrš
Wofford -Benjamin Wofford Scholarship -$24,000/yrš
Furman -Bell Tower Scholarship -$23,000/yr
šTexas Christian Univ -Dean’s Scholarship -$21,000/yr and have been accepted into their Honors College
I’ll compete for their full-ride Chancellor scholarship in the spring!

I am ecstatic and super grateful for all the help!!


-Carter P

Thank you!

Hi Lindsay,

We appreciate and are thoroughly grateful for all you have done to help prepare Sewoe for college admission. Over a short period, she gained confidence in herself and her ability and, as a result, secured the Robertson Scholarship and is ready for college.

Thank you for all your hard work!

Sweet Note From Student Heading to Duke

Thank you so much for the help you've given me over the past four years! I was able to achieve my goals with you.

Thank you so much for making the college application process much less overwhelming and ensuring my essays, interviews, and applications were as good as they could be!

I'm so grateful to be attending my #1 school, and I would not have been able to do it without you! Thank you so much for everything!


-Sophie M

Son Heading to Vandy- Who'd Have Thought?

"I just wanted to let you know our son Jack was just accepted at Vanderbilt. I/we would only have considered a private college if I had sat in on your Seminar at Covenant Day School.

Your Junior Year Prep Seminar was perfect for focusing Jack and us on giving him the best chance at an elite school.

The second Seminar he took on Writing Essays was invaluable. Because of that essay seminar, he is a semi-finalist for the National Merit Scholarship.

In short, we are incredibly proud of Jack and very thankful for all your assistance and insight! "

-David W

First-Choice College!

Hi, Elizabeth and Lindsay. I hope this finds each of you doing well. We recommend that friends attend your College-Bound Essentials workshop and then meet with you all to map out a plan for high school.

I'm sending you my favorite senior portrait of Anna, Grace, and Matthew. Thanks again for all your great advice—they are excited about attending their first-choice college this fall.

While I am not eager to be an empty-nester, Durham and I are thrilled that they each are headed to an environment where we think they will thrive and use their God-given talents to better their little areas of the world.

Have a wonderful summer as you keep helping families navigate the college admission road.

- Sandi B

Excited by UNC, GT, Clemson, UVA

I don't know how we stand on merit awards. So far, his November Clemson acceptance indicates merit aid with details in February. About ten days ago, Clemson said merit decisions were pushed to March. He was accepted last week into the Clemson Honors College. It isn't his first choice, but that may change based on merit award.

He was accepted at UVA and was a semifinalist for the Jefferson scholarship. He was born in Chapel Hill as an Accelerated Research Scholar (particular seminar class and adviser for research grants).

Finally, we just heard he is a semifinalist for the Shovelin scholarship through the CaroMont Health Foundation. We've both hoped to be a true contender for that one. The interview is March 8th.
We'll keep you posted!

Low-Income Family Gets Full Ride to Dream School!

Thank you for all you did for Sophie. I told you she was a Questbridge Finalist. We are still waiting for Ivy Day, but that wasn't what I wanted to thank you for.

You recommended Muhlenberg to us because Sophie is a Theatre person. We toured it and loved it. It is VERY pricey, though.

She was admitted a few weeks ago, but we steeled ourselves, feeling pretty sure that the aid would not be sufficient. She received a tiny audition-based talent scholarship, but it was a drop in the bucket.

She received the Presidential Merit Scholarship and a ton of grants.š
Parental Contribution: $0!
The total aid/scholarship package without loans is $54,000. So awesome. She's very excited. We have options now.

Thank you so much!

-Kathleen C

UNCW Bound! Go Seahawks!

Mrs. Hartley,

Morgan and I thank you for all your help this past year in our college adventure.

Morgan was accepted to every university she applied to and received excellent scholarships.

She loves UNC-W and is ready to accept. Thank you again for your assistance!


-TG

Interviewing Skills Are Always a Good Thing!

Ms. Hartley!

Thank you for helping me in the interview class. After taking the class, I felt much better with my communication skills.

I had a phone interview with a Furman University Alumni, which went great. Afterward, I felt very confident and even relaxed.

Thank you again for your class!


-Katie W

This One Made Me Smile! Boy, I Got a Wake-up Call!

The time my family and I spent with you last week has made me think about college differently than I did before.

When my parents kept talking about all I needed to do to prepare for college, I thought of it as nagging.

Now I understand that if I don't step it up and take the ownership of it you told me about, I won't have the options I want (and thought I would have).

I DO want to go to a good school, but I've got to take it seriously and get into gear-but now I'm excited about it!

You gave me a lot to think about, and I want to thank you. I'll return after working on my college applications and essays.


- Josh T

Furman Comes Through With Scholarships!

Caroline debated between Vanderbilt and Furman, but ultimately, the $49,000 per year that Furman offered was too good to pass up, and she committed to them.

Thank you so much for all of your help! You made a significant difference!! I am so indebted to you!!


-Deborah V

Surprise Full Ride Scholarship to Duke!

"Thank you for all your help advising and preparing Annie for her Duke scholarship visit. She spent four days at Duke and was awarded the Benjamin N. Duke Memorial Scholarship, which covers full tuition, room and board, mandatory fees, and funding for two summer service experiences, locally and internationally.

The value of the scholarship is over $250,000 for eight semesters. She is excited to join the scholar's group and study neuroscience in the fall.

We have a current sophomore, so we will see you again shortly!"


-Karen J.

Vanderbilt Cheaper Than State School

Dear Mrs. Hartley, I'm officially a part of the Vanderbilt family! I could not have done this without your help.

Thank you for suggesting Vanderbilt and for guiding me through this process. Vanderbilt gave me a $49,000 grant!!!!


-Victoria

Girl Gets Full Ride to Small Catholic College

I am very excited to have decided to attend Christendom College (where Grace is now) beginning next fall!! I competed in a scholarship competition at the beginning of March and was very happy to receive news that I won a 75% tuition scholarship for all four years.

In addition, Christendom's sibling scholarship will bring me to a full-tuition scholarship for the two years that Grace and I are attending together. On top of that, I have another scholarship in the works, about which I am still waiting to hear details.

I am eager to begin this next step in life and again so grateful for all your help throughout the process!


-Mary Katherine M

Vandy & Dartmouth & Cornell... Oh My!

Dara started as a freshman last week at Cornell University. It was an emotional time leaving her, but we remain grateful for the opportunity and people like you who invested in her along the way. Thank you very much for your guidance and advice to her through high school.

She was accepted into great colleges, and making a final decision was tough. Although she had offers from Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Dartmouth, Boston College Honor Program, and Chapel Hill Honor Program, she accepted Cornell University.


-Femi T

High Point Is This Girl's Fit! Now Find Yours!

I don't know how to thank you enough for the help you have given me so far and the path you're putting me on. It's not the most fun process ever, but I know I'm in good hands with you helping me through! We went to visit Highpoint -I loved it!

It's so exciting to think that next year, I'll know where I'll be going to college! Thank you for doing all that you do, Mrs. Hartley. I know that you will put me on the right track.


-Suzi G

Sweet Girl Heads to Ideal Fit-U Penn

I am happy to report that our daughter Mary decided to apply to the University of Pennsylvania and was accepted! She is so excited, and we are so proud of her. She has met her goal of getting into an Ivy League School. Although she worked hard to achieve this goal, we all agree that this would only have happened with your services.

We will pay only $6700/year (study abroad included)! Thank you for all the valuable information and guidance you have given us.


-Kathleen

All Kinds of Options! Accepted to All 5 Colleges With Scholarships

My son and I have attended several of your seminars (Homeschool, Senior Year, Writing, and Interview) and have done everything you advised.

I am so thankful we did because my son was accepted into all five colleges he applied to and the UNCC Honors College.

Several of the schools sent merit scholarship offers. We tell all our friends with College Bound students that they need to attend your classes.

Thank you for all the work you do. It is an invaluable service to the families in our community, and it has been a tremendous help for us. Thank you!


-Kim H

Music Student Heads to Berklee!

Elizabeth -Thank you for your help and guidance with Ellery. Please share our thanks with your daughter as well.

For sure, your combined efforts had a significant impact on Ellery's preparedness over the last year. We are beyond excited that he was not only accepted to was accepted into Berklee College of Music (his top pick) and received a scholarship offer worth 1/2 the tuition cost but that he was encouraged to reach for his goals! He is ecstatic, and we are most appreciative.

I couldn't have done it without you! So, thank you!


-Allan A

Bright Future for Grad School!

Elizabeth, we learned last night that KK was accepted to NYU Steinhart Graduate School to study Music Therapy (only 12 received).

Your impact on our lives is still felt all these years, and I am so grateful you helped direct her.

She graduates Furman in May with Phi Beta Kappa and NO DEBT!!!
Thank you again, Elizabeth, and I look forward to bringing my "baby" (12-year-old Alex) to the middle school event in the future.

-Deborah V

Full Ride to LaGrange

Mrs. Hartley,

I've just heard back from LaGrange.
I was awarded the presidential scholarship and will attend LaGrange on an entire ride! Thank you for all your help.

-Michael Z

Levine Scholar at UNCC

Elizabeth, we are so proud of Nika and how far she has come in her high school journey. She will be attending UNC Charlotte as a Levine Scholar. She was also accepted at UNC Chapel Hill, University of South Carolina as a Capstone Scholar, NC State, UGA, among others. Additionally, Nika was accepted to Furman and Wofford with generous scholarships.

 
The expert help and guidance that you, Lindsay and your entire team offered was invaluable. Lindsay is a phenomenal counselor, and we love her positive approach. She went the extra mile to coach Nika and always offered encouragement. We can't thank her enough for supporting us every step of the way. As parents we felt well- informed and Nika felt more confident in the entire college application process.

We are looking forward to working with Lindsay and Scholarship Gold as our younger daughter navigates the college application process soon.

Regards,
Uttam & Shyama 

Yale Bound!

Nancy,

I just wanted to let you know that Aaron was admitted early decision to Yale last night! We are in absolute shock. I wanted to thank all of you for all of your help. "

Kelley P

Excited for Her Future

Good afternoon Nancy.

Isabella called me after she left the meeting with you, and she was so excited! Thank you for all of your guidance and assistance during this process. You and Elizabeth have made wonderful and insightful suggestions that we would not know about otherwise.

Christy B.

Academic Trajectory

Nancy,

 I wanted you to know that Michala will be graduating from Western Carolinas, Brixton Honors College tomorrow, with her bachelors degree in Forensic Anthropology, and a minor in History, as well as her Masters Degree in Native American Studies.  She will be attending John Hopkins University for her Doctorate next year after a well deserved semester off.  Without (your guidance -sic), Michala would never have achieved such monumental success.  Thank you just isn’t enough!

Amber H,