Personal Feedback
"Tate and the staff of CPE provide an invaluable service to parents and prospective college students. As part of very portable military family, Tate worked around our busy schedule to explore all the dynamics of various engineering schools in the regions (we) were exploring for our son. The company provided straightforward counseling and sometimes coaching to help find the best fit for him. In the end, our persistence along with Tate’s help, paid off. Our son was accepted at all six of the schools he applied to (mid-major and major), received substantial financial aid packages, and found the best fit for his transition into university life. He was privileged to receive the top engineering scholarship from a major university that, with the assistance of a proven program (CPE), allowed us to benefit from the merits of organization and planning in (marketing) our son’s academic performance
Tate and the CPE staff provide all the tools for parents/student teams to work towards the most appropriate and sometimes most stressful decisions families make: making the college dream possible. It is an empiric and no-nonsense approach into the business of college student preparation, to making the most informed choice. College planning and preparation are of the most challenging times for families and it is a relief to have the kind of support from a professional staff to make the process as smooth as possible. Tate and his crew are truly a very wise investment.
(We) cannot thank you enough Tate."
--Dan and Cindy High
(Son is attending George Mason University on a Full Ride)
"We highly recommend any parent with a college bound student to work with Mr. Felts and his staff at College Planning Experts. The service and knowledge they provide kept us on track throughout the college admission, selection and funding process. Tate was always willing to address any question or concern we had with a high degree of professionalism. Having College Planning Experts as a resource throughoutt the process was not only invaluable but gave us a much needed advantage. Without Tate and his staff to guide us there is a good chance, we would not have had any scholarships. My daughter, Bailey is finishing her first year at Baldwin-Wallace College in Cleveland, Ohio. She is following her dream and having a wonderful time and a great experience in college. Thank you Tate Felts and your staff for all you do to help parents through the college process."
--Bud and Debbie Moulse
"This time last year my husband and I were beginning to panic, realizing that in less than a year our daughter would be headed off to college. Our panic increased when she applied for early decision to Meredith College and was accepted in October. We had no idea how we were going to pay for college, must less a private college.
In December I attended a seminar that Tate Felts conducted and was greatly impressed with his ideas and began to believe that our daughter’s dream could become a reality. My husband and I then met with Tate and he showed us ways we could pay for Millie’s education, as well as continue with our current lifestyle.
Tate "held our hands" through the whole process, filling out the dreaded federal forms for us and even making suggestion that would help us with our taxes last year as well as the coming years.
I would not hesitate to hire Tate again, I believe he has been worth every penny and certainly kept us from making some and costly decisions if we had done the process by ourselves. We have recommended Tate and College Planning Experts to all of our friends with children reaching the college planning age.
Thanks Tate for all of your help."
--Joe & Rae
(Daughter now attending Meredith University)
"I would recommend College Planning Experts, LLC to any parents who have rising Juniors or Seniors. Tate Felts has become a part of our family. I am so glad that I took advantage of one of the many free college planning workshops that his company offers. Tate provided valuable information about how painless and affordable college can be without having to go in debt or interrupting our familiy's financial lifestyle. Using College Planning Experts is a positive asset toward insuring your son or daughter's future."
--Charlene and Allen
Chesapeake, VA
"The interview session Tate gave provided me with an edge over the other students because I learned what to expect in an actual college interview and how to conquer obstacles I may encounter. I was able to get rid of the " 1st interview jitters " by having the session interview as practice. It gave me the ability to go into my first actual college interview with confidence. I highly recommend that all of Tate's students experience a session interview because Tate's feedback provides helpful advice on how you can achieve a successful college interview."
--Crystal, student
Chesapeake, VA
"Our story is short and sweet! My husband and I had no clue on where to begin with college for our son. When I met with Mr. Felts, he offered the road that I felt we needed to travel. I learned more from him in one meeting that I learned in the past 2 years! Once we decided to work with Mr. Felts, a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and it was smooth sailing from there. We received constant contact throughout the entire process that kept us on track with deadlines and of course the FAFSA filing. They made the many steps that are involved around college planning almost stress free, (if that is possible!) Trevor received over $100,000 in scholarship offers from one school! We had no idea this was even possible. When all was done, our son received the "Award Letter" he had been waiting for....N.C. State, his freshman year would cost us $60 a year!!!! It could not have come at a better time. We were so thankful. We knew he really wanted to go this route but we had no clue if we could afford to send him. I guess what I am saying is THANK YOU to Mr. Felts and his staff. They helped us do what we needed to do for our son to go to the college of his dreams! He was accepted into the College of Engineering. His goal is to become an architect. Thank you so much Tate for making this a reality for us."
--Richard and Kim Fulcher
"Tate Felts and his entire staff have done an outstanding job for my family over the past year. I have one child who is entering an out-of-state school as a freshman and another child who is entering her junior year at an out-of-state school. I had never applied for financial aid because of our income level quite frankly. I could not imagine receiving any financial help. With the help of Tate's expertise, we received over $16,000/year in grant money for our two students. We would have never even applied if it had not been for Tate's genuine interest in helping our family. I would recommend Tate's professional services to anyone which college-bound children. College planning can be a challenging task to take on. CPE minimized the stress that commonly associates this process, saved us much time with all the forms and best of all saved us major money we would have otherwise handed over to the colleges. Thank you, thank you, thank you Tate!"
--Patsy Marks
(Daughter is attending Appalachian State University and son is attending East Carolina University in the fall)
"Since my daughter was born my wife and I always wanted the best for her; from the place we lived and the clothes she wore to the schools she attended. As many parents do we dreamed what kind of life our child would lead and when the time came to go out into the world, what college she might attend. We also had the worry of how to afford her education.
When the idea of how to pay for her education quickly became a reality, we found out we knew very little about how to apply for financial aid and what scholarships might be available.
A friend told me about Tate Felts and his firm, so I decided to make an appointment to see how he might be able to help us through this arduous process. The first time I met Tate, I knew we had found a friend that could lead us to the finish line of funding our child's education.
Tate is well versed in completing all the necessary federal forms such as the FAFSA and also more importantly was able to show us pitfalls that may prevent you from getting the maximum amount of aid you are entitled to receive. Another service he provided was assistance with my daughter in selecting colleges that fit her interest.
Tate, I would like to thank you for the invaluable service you provided my family. Your expertise has enhanced my daughter's college experience, and allowed her mother and I to relax knowing she made all the right choices because of you."
--William C. Bennett
(Daughter is currently a freshman at UVA)
Workshop Feedback
"Great info on the FAFSA and FAP, I wish the class was longer!!" Susan, Va. Beach
"Good , concise, and practical info, thank you!" James, Va. Beach
“I'm so glad I decided to come today, and not wait until my child was a senior to start planning for this!” Beth, Chesapeake
“I learned there are options beyond what the government tells you.” Debby, Chesapeake
“Presenter was very knowledgeable and interesting. He made a stressful topic seem not so stressful.” Robert, Chesapeake
“A wealth of information to think about…time well spent!” Nance, Nags Head
“Very informative…I wish we had this last year!” Barb, Chesapeake
“Very upfront and honest information.” Estella, Chesapeake
“This presentation was very well-organized and professional. Information on availability of aid is amazing!” Jacobs, Chesapeake
“I now know that I have a better chance to afford college.” Dan, Chesapeake
“I learned things I had never heard about money available for college.” Tammy, Franklin
“Good info – helped to alleviate some fears.” Joy, Chesapeake
“It presented college in its true light; there was no sales pitch. Loved the case studies.” Michelle, Virginia Beach
“Very infomative! Let parents know about things colleges don't let you know.” Becky, Va Beach
