• Expert Planning Grades 7-12
  • Expert Guidance for Applications
  • Expert College Admissions Consulting for Students and Families

We advise students and families on how to get admitted to competitive colleges and win scholarships. Every year, about 96% of our students are admitted to at least one top-3 choice college and win millions of dollars of merit-scholarships.

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Prep Expert’s Admissions Counseling team provides expert guidance on how to get admitted to the most competitive colleges. With many decades of proven experience, we are here to guide students and families through every step of the process by providing 1:1 admissions consulting advice.

We work with a wide range of students, from the most high-achieving students to students ready to reach their full potential in college. Whether starting early in 7th grade or senior year during the application process, Prep Expert will step in and radically improve a student's path to getting accepted to top colleges.

For rising seniors and seniors, we lead students through the actual application process to create superior essays and applications. For students grades 7–11, we advise on every detail to prepare highly competitive profiles years in advance through a careful analysis of students’ academic and personal interests. Our results are consistent and unparalleled.

Prep Expert’s team is led by our Admissions Director, Akbar Rahel, Esq. We are a smaller team of experienced counselors who are dedicated to ensuring success with every student. Our packages are designed to maximize every student's potential prior to and during the application process.

We invite you to work with one of the most trusted names in education and one of the world's leading college admissions consultancies by scheduling a free consultation.

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In order for us to schedule a consultation, we need to get some information about you/your student. Please fill out the following and the head of our admissions consulting department, Akbar Rahel, will get in touch with you shortly.

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Admissions Director

Our admissions team is headed by Akbar Rahel, Esq.
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Our backstory:

Years before Shaan Patel, the founder and CEO of Prep Expert went on Shark Tank and secured an investment from Mark Cuban, Akbar presented to Shaan's students in Las Vegas while leading his own admissions consulting company. After Shaan's success on Shark Tank, Akbar founded the Admissions Consulting department, now widely recognized as one of the world's leading educational consultancies along with Prep Expert's test preparation and tutoring.

Akbar is an attorney, teacher, tutor, and Admissions Counselor with over 25 years of proven experience successfully advising students from a diverse range of backgrounds for acceptance into the best schools in the world. He holds a Juris Doctorate from the Georgetown University Law Center and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley.

His multidisciplinary experiences as a teacher with overwhelmingly positive student evaluations, former litigator with a top ten global law firm, and director of an admissions counseling firm enables him to provide a perceptible competitive advantage to students who seek to establish themselves beyond the ordinary. As a doctoral student prior to fully focusing on admissions consulting, he was awarded many highly competitive scholarships and grants, including Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) scholarships from the U.S. Department of Education in multiple languages and a research grant from the Law and Society Association.

Akbar has personally advised over 1,000 students and families through undergraduate and graduate applications on a strictly 1:1 basis. In in-person seminars, online webinars, and special events for various schools and organizations, he has provided valuable guidance to many thousands of students and families. One such event was featured in another Shark Tank episode.

He brings a lifetime of demonstrable commitment to student achievement. Among other accomplishments, he taught a student-initiated course at U.C. Berkeley every semester for almost four years and has many years of private tutoring experience for standardized tests and writing. As an Admissions Counselor, he advises students throughout their high school career in addition to the actual application process. He also works with graduate applicants applying to a wide range of programs, such as law, medicine, business, doctoral, master's, and pharmacy. Success – measured by acceptances – is achieved at every level, and his students are regularly accepted to the best universities, including Harvard, Yale, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Brown, Dartmouth, Columbia, Princeton, and Georgetown.

Akbar's expansive and multicultural skill sets (including deep analytics, critical thinking, writing and administrative understandings) help develop each student's unique personal narratives in order to gain admission to the best schools. There are very few admissions experts with his level of knowledge and experience.

At Prep Expert, in addition to personally advising students and families, Akbar trains and leads a team of highly experienced counselors.

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In order for us to schedule a consultation, we need to get some information about you/your student. Please fill out the following and the head of our admissions consulting department, Akbar Rahel, will get in touch with you shortly.

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96% of our students are accepted to one of their top-3 choices.

With superior guidance and mentorship, our students are consistently accepted to the most competitive programs.

Acceptances include, but are not limited to, the Ivy League, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, University of Chicago, Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown, USC, MIT, Stanford, Caltech, Georgia Tech (especially in Computer Science), UT-Austin, UIUC (especially in Computer Science), Emory, BS/MD programs, NYU, Johns Hopkins, Washington University, University of Virginia, Duke, University of Michigan, UNC-Chapel Hill, Tufts, Rice, specialized music and arts programs, top liberal arts colleges such as Amherst, Wellesley, and Swarthmore, and top business programs.

We work with a wide range of applicants, from the absolute most high-achieving students to students ready to reach their full potential in college. Many of our greatest successes revolve around boosting students into colleges well beyond the "numbers" into colleges with less than 15% acceptance rates.

Moreover, as a testament to the superiority of the applications submitted with Prep Expert's expert guidance, our students win millions of dollars of merit-based scholarships every year. Many of these scholarships are awarded to less than .05% of applicants, including but not limited to, Boston University's Trustee Scholarship, the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship, USC's Trustee and Presidential Scholarships, the Coca-Cola Scholarship, Georgia Tech's Stamps President's Scholars Program, and countless other highly competitive scholarships.

Free Consultation

In order for us to schedule a consultation, we need to get some information about you/your student. Please fill out the following and the head of our admissions consulting department, Akbar Rahel, will get in touch with you shortly.

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For rising seniors and seniors, the actual application process represents a critical juncture for countless reasons. In a holistic review process, even the most high-achieving students must submit a compelling narrative with stand-out essays and applications. Quite simply, applicants with outstanding grades, test scores, and activities will almost certainly get rejected by competitive colleges if the overall applications are poorly completed—unfortunately, this is the norm for students and families who don't understand the importance of submitting carefully thought-out applications to differentiate themselves from other highly qualified students.

For students who are ready to reach their full potential in college, the application process is a great opportunity to highlight strengths, explain some deficiencies, and calibrate their narrative to get admitted to colleges beyond their expectations. Every year, for example, Prep Expert students are admitted to colleges that students' high school guidance counselors advise are "out of reach." With great applications, our students are regularly admitted to top colleges despite lacking the best grades, test scores, or extracurricular activities.

Ultimately, Prep Expert is here to help all students reach their dream colleges—and it is never too late to get expert guidance. Our team can step in at any point and help students submit superior applications.

Student with laptop

Our Admissions Consulting services for students in the application process include the following:

Full evaluation of a Student's Profile

Upon signing up, we examine the transcript, activities, test scores, personal life, and every element of a student's profile to determine where a student stands in the application process—whether preparing for high school or in junior year. As part of this analysis, we quickly identify pathways forward for the applications and perform a gap analysis of anything else that may be done to bolster a student's overall candidacy through high school.

Brainstorming Essay Topics and Teaching Students

We take a very proactive approach to leading students through the drafting process. For example, prior to students' drafting essays, we teach students how to write the essays. In other words, this is not a process whereby students write drafts on their own and then send essays to us for editing. Students receive precise guidance on how and what topics to write about based on their profile.

Advising on the "Strategic Positioning” of Applications

Selecting the majors that will maximize chances for admission is a critical component of the applications. Contrary to what many college representatives may admit, admissions offices are seeking to “shape” their incoming classes. Thus, it is important to align an overall narrative with majors that provide a competitive advantage in the application process for each college.

Organizing Each Overall Application

As part of our proactive approach, we advise on how to organize essays and applications. Many colleges have multiple supplemental essay prompts, and it is critical to carefully plan essay responses. For example, a student cannot simply write a Common Application essay without thinking ahead to how they will respond to supplemental prompts. Redundancy must be avoided, and the best part of every student should be presented in every application.

Editing Essays

The editing process requires a high degree of expertise and attention to detail that is very different than other forms of writing. For example, the main Common Application essay must have an introduction that captures a reader's attention. Moreover, negative language must be avoided, a balance of creativity and simplicity must be struck, and mundane phrases edited out, in addition to presenting grammatically correct essays with plenty of voice. Supplemental essays must be perfectly calibrated for each college and short-take responses should display personality and intellectual vitality.

Providing Expert Tips for Superior Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation carry immense weight in the applications. Whether properly completing “brag sheets” or presenting teachers with essays and resumes, we provide numerous tips to students on how to secure impactful recommendations.

Advising on College List and on Early Action/Early Decision Options

With a data-informed approach based on decades of experience, we put together a balanced college list in collaboration with students and families. In this hypercompetitive admissions environment, we also make detailed recommendations on the Early Action/Early Decision options. In fact, in the past five years, over 65% of our students got admitted to one of their top-3 choices in the early rounds.

Completing Applications Online

Whether the Common Application, UC Application, ApplyTexas Application, or individual applications such as Georgetown or MIT, completing the online applications represents yet another main component of the process. For example, completing the Activities section of the Common Application—or other application platforms like the UC—requires a high degree of attention to detail and expertise. Understanding how to present descriptions and awards with very limited character and word counts significantly impacts applications.

Preparing for Interviews

For colleges that interview, students must make a great impression and receive a high mark for the admissions committees. Avoiding standard responses and preparing for various questions will help any applicant stand out during interviews.

Scheduling/Deadline Management

Since the application process itself is very time consuming, students must treat the process with a sense of discipline and commitment. By planning ahead, teaching students and showing model answers, and setting clear timetables for tasks to be completed, we take the stress out of the process.

Creating/Finalizing Resume

Many colleges allow students to submit a resume with the applications. Creating a resume that adds value beyond what is shared in the Activities and/or Additional Information of different platforms will further help students stand out in the process.

Advising on Athletic Recruitment

We regularly work with recruited athletes across a broad range of sports from all over the world. Athletes often require specialized advice, such as how to reach out to coaches and ensuring that grades and test scores are in place to be admitted.

Answering Any and All Questions

Every applicant is truly unique. As part of the process, there will be many questions that Prep Expert is ready to answer. For example, how and where should a student explain some poor grades? What to do if a teacher writing a recommendation leaves school? Where should a research abstract be submitted? How should additional transcripts be submitted? Should an arts portfolio or research abstract be submitted? Ultimately, we are here to provide 1:1 guidance for every detail of the applications.

Free Consultation

In order for us to schedule a consultation, we need to get some information about you/your student. Please fill out the following and the head of our admissions consulting department, Akbar Rahel, will get in touch with you shortly.

Schedule a Free Consultation

In a highly competitive environment, the importance of expert planning ahead of senior year cannot be emphasized enough. As part of the planning process, Prep Expert provides expert guidance for students and families prior to the actual application process. We work to educate students and families on what it truly takes to get admitted to top colleges—we avoid gimmicks and instead focus on building serious profiles for our students with pragmatic, detailed, and actionable plans with clear timetables.

By working together in advance of the application process, we have more time to strategize with every student on a 1:1 basis. Every student is unique, and we work to maximize each student's potential on every level.

Two students studying

Our Admissions Consulting services for students grades 7–11 include the following:

Full evaluation of a Student’s Profile

Upon signing up, we examine the transcript, activities, test scores, personal life, and every element of a student’s profile to determine where a student stands in the application process—whether preparing for high school or in junior year. As part of this analysis, we quickly identify pathways forward for the applications and perform a gap analysis of anything else that may be done to.

Advising on the "Strategic Positioning” of Applications

Selecting the majors that will maximize chances for admission is a critical component of the applications. Contrary to what college representatives may admit, admissions offices are seeking to “shape” their incoming classes. Thus, it is important to align an overall narrative with majors that provide a competitive advantage in the application process for each college.

Discussing and Planning Research Options

Depending on a student’s interests and passions, we provide detailed advice on various options to perform research in all disciplines, from science to the humanities. Many members of our admissions team also supervise independent projects and help students learn about and engage in the process of submitting work for publication—while also providing additional tips on how to corroborate research in the application process.

Scheduling Tests

Standardized tests still represent an absolutely critical part of the application process—even at "test optional" colleges. Even in the UC system, for example, submitting AP exam scores is an important way to stand out in the process (the UC's have gone "test blind" in the application process). Moreover, tests are required for many colleges. With proper planning and guidance, students will have plenty of time to ace different exams and plan tests at the best times.

Advising on Class Schedules

The rigor of curriculum available to a student represents a key part of course selection. Balancing a student’s core academic interests with the need to remain competitive in their high school is often an underappreciated aspect of creating a competitive profile—we evaluate all options, including online and junior college options, to ensure students are scheduling the right classes through high school. Moreover, class schedules should align with a student’s overall angle in the application process.

Identifying Academic Interests and Career Options

Many students do not know what their academic passions are and what career options interest them—and that’s ok! As part of our process, we discuss career options, what job opportunities are available with different majors, and help young students understand job markets of the future.

Planning Impactful Extracurricular Activities

At most high schools, there are myriad options to join clubs, sports, and volunteering activities. Yet the fact is that students have a limited amount of time and must select the activities that are most impactful and that align with their overall narrative. Balancing time commitments is critical to ensuring success inside and outside of the classroom. Moreover, it is important to identify and act on leadership activities, such as founding initiatives and running for leadership posts.

Advising on Competitions

Competing in local, national, and international competitions represents another way to stand out from other highly competitive students. With our extensive knowledge across different subjects, we guide students on different options based on a student’s strengths and passions.

Advising on Competitive Summer Programs

With an endless number of summer programs available to students, we help students apply and get accepted to highly competitive programs based on a student's interests. Many of the respected summer programs require multiple essays, recommendations, and a compelling narrative as to why a student should be admitted.

Help with All Academic Needs

We have every resource available for students and families, including the world's best tutors and test instructors. Many members of our team are full-time tutors and instructors with thousands of hours of teaching experience and top 1% scores on exams. We can step in at any moment and help students' academic achievements.

Answering Any and All Questions

For younger students, there will undoubtedly be many questions in high school. What if a teacher has a bad reputation but the class is needed? How to pivot if a student’s interests evolve? What to do if an activity is consuming more time than anticipated? Which high school to attend? We are here to provide expert guidance.

Free Consultation

In order for us to schedule a consultation, we need to get some information about you/your student. Please fill out the following and the head of our admissions consulting department, Akbar Rahel, will get in touch with you shortly.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Our packages are designed for students and families to achieve success in the application process. In addition to our 25, 40, and 60 hour admissions packages, we also offer a Custom package for families with special needs and requests, such as supervising independent research projects. Please inquire about adding SAT or ACT prep classes at no additional charge during special promotions.

Student with laptop
Flagship Package

$6,999

25 hours of one-on-one admissions consulting. Recommended for Juniors & Seniors.

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Gold Package

$9,999

40 hours of one-on-one admissions consulting. Recommended for Juniors & Seniors.

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Platinum Package

$13,999

60 hours of one-on-one admissions consulting. Recommended for 8th graders and Freshman.

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Custom Package

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We understand some families have unique needs. Please contact us for details.

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Student and Parent Testimonials

“As an international applicant, I can tell everybody that Mr. Akbar is the GOAT. He helped me and many of my friends. I transferred to a top college with a $50,000 scholarship. I swear to God he is a boss and I really love him. A great investment and this would not have happened without him.”
Student, I.S.
“Mr. Akbar helped me streamline my college applications into a very straightforward and manageable process. He walked me through all parts of the Common Application as well as certain school-specific applications of which he had incredible knowledge. His advice and counsel not only helped me get into Harvard, but have stuck me with me throughout my college career as well, preparing me for post-graduate opportunities. He will surely leave you having learned something about yourself. Cheers, Mr. Akbar!”
Student, J.M.
“I was referred to Akbar through a few friends who had sought his help for graduate school applications (all got in to first-choice programs). After completing a degree in Business Administration, I decided that I actually wanted to attend medical school after volunteering abroad. From the beginning, Akbar talked me through the process, reviewed my transcript, explained what classes I would need to complete, how to prepare for the MCAT, and more. He helped through the process of applying to Postbac Premed programs and I was accepted to an Ivy League program with superior essays. While in the program, we stayed in touch and Akbar again advised me through the medical school application process. He always thought outside “outside-the-box” and advised me to do some outreach that others kept saying would not be worth it. As it turned it, this outreach played a huge role for me and I was accepted to a top medical school in the U.C. system. I cannot thank Akbar enough. I personally know at least 5 people that he has helped and I can say for sure he is a master of the application process.”
Student, H.B.
“I would not have been accepted into graduate school at UChicago without the help of Akbar. We worked together on my entire academic career in order that I was positioned for success. Throughout the experience, he was a good communicator, excellent listener, prudent strategist, and a kind human being. You do not have to speak to Akbar for longer than ten minutes to perceive how knowledgeable he is. When we experienced challenges, Akbar doubled down on providing clear and concise feedback backed by good reasons. He was also patient and accommodating. I therefore highly recommend working with him for admissions consulting and consider the packages offered by Prep Expert to be a great value.”
Student, B.D.
“Akbar's experience and knowledge in the college counselling industry are second-to-none. He has worked with me to turn my seemingly unrelated extracurriculars and life story into a coherent, compelling college application. What I love about Akbar is his punctuality in online meetings, detailed plans for tasks, and quick response time for any question you have for him; it makes the process so much smoother and quicker. In our essay edits, I found Akbar's feedback and advice to be just right, not so broad that I didn't know where to start and not too specific that I didn't have to write something new. He introduced insightful ideas for me to elaborate on in my essays while letting me develop my own creative and expository writing skills. Without Akbar's guidance, I would not have been admitted to many of my dream schools (including U.C. Berkeley). I would highly recommend him for the college application process!”
Student, S.B.
Free Consultation

In order for us to schedule a consultation, we need to get some information about you/your student. Please fill out the following and the head of our admissions consulting department, Akbar Rahel, will get in touch with you shortly.

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