College Planning ABC - San Jose, California

Huisha Bush

When I was in college in the early 90s, somehow my parents paid for it all and I thought nothing of it. Now that I have 2 kids going to college at the same time, I had/have been stressed with the planning and how I was gonna pay for it all. I came across a webinar with Manny and then was offered a chance to sign up to do a 1-on-1 consultation with him. I wasn't expecting much, especially not for free, but I went for it hoping it wasn't a scam. And it wasn't

If you get a chance to consult with Manny or his team, do it! It is well worth the time and he really should be charging hundreds of dollars for the information that he gives because its likely going to save you thousands of dollars or more in the end. He listened closely to and took notes about my particular financial situation, where the kids are going to college and what they wanted to major in. He let me know the money that I should be getting based on my income and household numbers, told me that I needed to make some phone calls to the schools' financial aid departments and told me exactly what I needed to say.

Since the webinar and our consultation, I've continued to participate in other webinars and zoom meetings presented by different groups and I'm starting to learn and get more comfortable with planning/paying for college. I haven't given up yet, but unfortunately we just haven't been able to get much scholarship or grant money, so we're looking at the different ways we can still make this all happen because it's now only a couple of months away. If you're in the same boat, I really recommend talking to Manny about your personal situation. He's honest, patient and non-judgemental about whatever your financial situation is and he wants to help you. Thanks Manny and College Planning ABC

Rachel Reinitz

I needed help on a unique, complex financial situation and what I could do to adjust my tax status to qualify my daughter for more financial aid. I was able to get an appointment quickly and it was very easy to book online.

My experience with Manny was great! He was very knowledgeable and quickly understood my complicated situation. He walked the thru my options with pros and cons and difference we might experience between financial aid for UCs vs private colleges. I really appreciated how direct and clear he was explaining the options to me.

I will definitely use Manny further as we seek financial aid. I highly recommend using him.

romeo guerrero

Coming from a middle income class family I didn’t think there was any way my children would receive any kind of financial aid, but with Manuel’s help we were able to receive over 21k in financial aid. Over the span of 4 years, this would equate to over 80k in aid! Manuel’s expertise of what colleges were looking for was incredible. He was knowledgeable in recommending which colleges to apply for which had a higher chance of acceptance. Moreover, Manuel considered the class size, the learning environment, and the length of time for college completion as certain majors are so impacted that it takes longer to graduate due to class availability. I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for me and my family. My eldest son has completed his 1st year of college at the University of Portland. When I asked him how it went he said, “It was the best decision in his life to pick University of Portland.” We are so grateful to Manuel and his team for making this possible. Thank you for your guidance in helping our son apply for colleges that made sense for him based on my son’s learning style and how certain colleges would be a better fit for him. As a result, my daughter will be following suit to the same university. I would have never imagined that my kids would be able to attend a private college. I am overjoyed that my kids have a better start and opportunity than I did. With both kids you have helped me save over 160K in college tuition! I look forward to working with you again for my 2 other children.

If you have the opportunity to work with Manuel and his team at College Planning ABC, I highly recommend their services. If you are considering his services don’t wait until your child is a senior, and start no later than junior year!

Mike Ponce

As a parent of a recent senior graduate, I am so thankful I attended Manuel's free college planning seminar. I enjoyed it so much that I invited several friends and attended a second session with my then, sophomore & freshman. Never too early!

What makes Manuel's (Manny) approach to college financial planning so successful is his ability to get through to each student, understanding their strengths and weaknesses. His personality is a huge factor in why I chose to work with Manny. He has a no-nonsense approach, keeping open lines of communication with parent/student. I was always kept in the loop with all of my son's appointments, deadlines, etc.

The college application process can be a daunting maze, with each school asking for something different from each of their applicants. Manny knows this maze like the back of his hand, offering new, up-to-date information on college requirements, SAT/ACT testing, essays, etc.

With Manny's help, my oldest will be attending his dream school in the fall, all the while making it very affordable to do so. I've got another senior that is currently working with College Planning ABC and my daughter right behind, will also be under Manny's guidance in the near future. College Planning ABC made college affordable for my son and I. If you've got a high school student in your life wanting to pursue his/her college education, reach out to Manny and his team at College Planning ABC.

Ruth Luevanos

I got Manny's name from a friend and we are so grateful he was able to connect our son with some wonderful private colleges that each offered him over $100,000 in merit based scholarships. Our son just finished his 1st year in the honors program at a wonderful private college in Boston with over $140,000 in scholarships guaranteed over 4 years so we can have some financial peace of mind. We just hired him to help our daughter who is a junior in high school and I have no doubt he will find us some amazing colleges for her as well. If you are a middle income family looking for ways to afford college please know that you CAN find colleges that will give your kids scholarships and other merit based aid if you hire Manny!

Shagun Patel

My college planning experience with Manny was absolutely wonderful! Not only is he an EXPERT in the financial aspect of college planning, but he also truly gave the best advice to my family and I about the college application process and all its parts.
Manny is so passionate and dedicated in what he does and he truly wants to see you succeed beyond college.
Just a year ago my family and I sought help from Manny and now one year later I am going to my top school! I can truly call Santa Clara University my home and would not have been able to without Manny's guidance. I am involved in so many clubs and organizations on campus and I'm receiving a quality private school college education all while saving money! I highly recommend going through College Planning ABC. Thank you again Manny!

amy zhou

We signed up with Manny in June of last year when the 2023 college admission process was well under the way. Looking at the insanely low acceptance rates of many top schools, we felt Manny's expertise may be able to provide some added assurance and guidance on how to pay for the high cost of private schools. He gathered our information quickly and provided very clear steps on what needed to be done, from one-on-one meetings with our student, finalizing a college list, to drafting essays as well as implementing financial strategies to lower our EFC. He was always responsive, patient, and direct. He also seemed to have a good team under him, from top-notch editors to help us with UC and Common App applications, to administrators with our FAFSA and CSS Profile filings. He made sure all our bases were covered: a strong list of safe/target/reach schools, fit academically as well as financially. Thanks to Manny, not only our child got into many of her top schools, but also received several scholarships, and financial assistance (at an Ivy) to make college more affordable!

Shobhana Hartman

I would definitely recommend College Planning ABC to any families with incoming college students. Manny was a great coach and took a personal approach to explaining all the steps required in the college acceptance process.

The entire process, from college applications to boot camp and writing college essays went very smooth. The onsite College Counselor was very friendly and sent monthly updates about important events and workshops which helped a lot.

My daughter will be graduating in the Spring of 2020 and has a job offer with Price Waterhouse.

I highly recommend Manny, not only for his professionalism, but he takes a personal approach to insure students’ success.