What People SayAbout Us
Discover Stories of Triumph and Transformation from DGCC Graduates
Debbie and her team from Savvy College Funding Solutions will forever have a special place in my heart as she was an angel for me, helping me and Ella through the whole process of college applications. We chose Debbie because after interviewing six college advisors, she was the only one who wanted to get to know Ella and see if it was a good fit for her and my child. I saw that was an incredible character of her as a professional because it meant that she cared about the kids she works with! To Debbie, the kids she works with are not just a number. They become part of her life through one of the most critical and stressful processes these kids go through, applying to colleges. Being a single mom, going through the process for the first time, I was stressed out, but Debbie made everything seamless for me and Ella. She constantly met with Ella and provided a schedule of when things needed to be completed, so every step of the application process was stress free. She made Ella think outside the box for her essay, which led to the most incredible essay that showed who my daughter is. Debbie took on the role of friend, partner, and family throughout this whole process for my family as we experienced a personal family situation.
Through it all, Debbie was always there to answer questions, talk to us and ensure that Ella was at ease with everything happening personally. She is an amazing soul, caring, professional, and always there for her kids ( clients) and the parents. She helped us every step of the way, which is why I highly recommend her!!! Ella got into exceptional schools. Thanks to Debbie’s guidance and support. Thank you, Debbie!! We have one more to go!!! We will be starting this year with my son, and Thank goodness you are in our lives because I know that you will be there for us every step of the way!!!!
Jeanette Bozzo
Beyond professional, Debbie – and the rest of her team from Savvy College Funding Solutions – provides an honest, realistic, and thorough approach to this wacky world of applying to and paying for college. We had her work on both of our children. We are happy with the outcome.
alicia ybarbo
The process of filling out college applications is complicated, tedious and not fun. Debbie took all that off our plate. We didn’t need to figure out the steps or the order of anything because Debbie did all that for us. She met with my son continuously and in a timely manner, breaking down the steps needed to accomplish the process, and gave them to him as small assignments every week. That got him to where he had completed all his applications without the stress.
Debbie is also a very kind, unpretentious and warm person. So, it was easy for my son and myself to feel comfortable talking to her and asking all our possibly “dumb” questions, without feeling embarrassed.
Debbie is the BEST!
Jerry Reiff
The universe pointed us to Debbie, and thank goodness it did. My son was at Rice University for his freshman year and looking to transfer. A transfer situation is delicate, as you don’t leave a place unless something just isn’t right. We had gone through his high school round of applications with no outside counseling, but this time we wanted to make sure that we were addressing the transfer piece in the right way. Debbie had been recommended by a good friend so I googled, found her website, and reached out. Only it wasn’t the same Debbie Goldstein. Turns out, there are two Debbie’s who do college consulting and it wasn’t until after I’d talked with this Debbie, decided she was truly exceptional, and signed on that I found out she was not the one my friend had recommended. I told her and we laughed. She was great about it and said she would fully understand if we wanted to switch, but I said, “Absolutely not. YOU are our Debbie Goldstein.” Great call on my part, if I do say so myself. Here’s why:
1. Debbie spent very valuable time getting to know and understand my son and his situation. She quickly identified his strengths, as well as his struggles and was exceptional in communicating with him and helping calm his anxiety about the process (and the outcome).
2. She tells it like she sees it. He put forth several schools for consideration. For many, she said, “yes…that’s a fit.” For just as many, she said, “Nope.” She helped us get his list to a manageable number (5).
3. She was an invaluable resource in helping him frame his issues with Rice. He sounded directed and positive, despite having had a really difficult year. She helped ensure that he focused on fit vs. just complaining about the school.
4. I’ll just say it…my son is not good with deadlines. She was firm but patient and while the process was, I’m sure, more last-minute than she would have liked, it was waaaay better than the first time when he applied out of high school. I was there for both, and I’ll take the Debbie version any day.
5. She worked with him on a lot of late nights and weekends and certainly didn’t have to. She said she wanted to make sure she supported him until the end.
So what happened? Well, as of this writing he’s gotten into 2 out of 5 and is still waiting to hear from the other 3. She and I are pretty confident he’ll go 5 for 5 thanks, in a HUGE part, to her amazing guidance, empathy and insight. I can’t say enough good things. We are so lucky that the fates connected us with her.
Karen Wehner
Debbie is a Blessing- I am so thankful we were led to her and SAVVY College Funding Solutions. She started working with my son his sophomore year. From their first meeting, there was a strong connection. She introduced colleges to him that were not on his radar. She helped him define what he was looking for in his college experience. He looked forward to his meetings and phone calls with her. When he reached out to her, she always responded with compassion & knowledge. Debbie is a true professional who is kind and gives 110% at all times. A phone call is always answered & an email always responded to. With Debbie’s guidance, my son has options to choose from as to where he will spend his next four years.
I have a unique situation and Debbie walked me through my part of the college process with grace. She listened, checked in with me, and helped in more ways than I can list. I know that her help made a difference. I sing her praises from the rooftop and recommend her highly.
I believe it takes a village to raise a child and give them the strength and wisdom to go out and live their dream. I am so GRATEFUL Debbie is part of my son’s village.