https://vimeo.com/1122908364 Early Decision Deadlines: What Families Should Know Before Making the CommitmentBy Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert® As fall approaches, high school seniors and their families face one of the most important choices in the college admissions process: whether to apply Early Decision (ED) or wait for Regular Decision (RD). With deadlines fast approaching, many in late October or early November, this decision can shape not…

Challenge Ved Kandula approached SAT prep with skepticism. He expected “just a bunch of boring SAT tips” and wasn’t convinced a course would make a real difference. He needed instruction that felt dynamic, practical, and more insightful than a standard prep book, and a structure that would push him to master timing, vocabulary, and math under pressure. At first, I thought it would just be a bunch of boring SAT…

Challenge Before joining Prep Expert®, Fred Lewandowski wanted more than generic PSAT advice. He needed a teacher who would break down every topic clearly, push the class with targeted practice, and stay patient and responsive when questions piled up. “My instructor was Kevin Parrish, genuinely one of the best teachers I have ever had an experience with.” Fred was looking for: Complete coverage of PSAT content Proven strategies for each…

Over 3.1 American students are homeschooled; that’s just about 1 in every 20. That number has been increasing steadily every year, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic when we saw a massive jump. According to the National Home Education Research Institute, homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points above public-school students on standardized academic achievement tests, an improvement that only increases in marginalized populations. And while colleges are actively…

https://vimeo.com/1123325372 FAFSA 2025: What Families Need to Know Before Filing The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is one of the most important steps in the college admissions process. Without it, millions of students would miss out on grants, scholarships, and federal loans that make higher education possible. For the first time in three years, FAFSA opened on October 1, 2025, right on schedule. That’s a big win for…

Every part of your college application contributes to the goal of showing an admissions counselor that you will succeed academically and integrate into the college community. In other words, it’s not just your academic numbers that matter; your relationships with other people and the world around you. That’s what letters of recommendation prove. They give insight into your character, problem-solving skills, and the way you engage with the world. But…

Challenge Before joining Prep Expert®, Chase wanted an SAT score he could truly be proud of, but the process felt confusing and stressful. “He made the whole process so much easier to understand and way less stressful.” Chase knew he needed an instructor who could simplify the test, keep things positive, and help him make meaningful gains. Solution Chase enrolled in Prep Expert®’s SAT course with instructor Ilia Kolmagorov; a…

https://vimeo.com/1122281416?share=copy#t=3 Mastering College Admissions in Today’s Competitive LandscapeBy Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert® College admissions have never been more competitive, or more confusing, for students and families. Between rising tuition costs, changing testing requirements, and the growing influence of technology, many parents and students feel overwhelmed by how to approach the process strategically. At Prep Expert®, I’ve spent over a decade helping students improve test scores,…

For decades, the SAT has been a major part of the college admissions process in the United States. Many students see it as a hurdle they must clear on the path to higher education, while parents and schools often treat it as a marker of academic readiness. Yet despite its long history and widespread use, the SAT has always been controversial. Critics argue that it creates unnecessary stress, reinforces inequality,…

Challenge Before joining Prep Expert®’s 6-week Flagship SAT course, Bridget Raichle felt unsure in certain content areas and wanted a prep experience that wouldn’t feel overwhelming, especially with classes that can run up to three hours. She needed engaging, clear instruction and a supportive environment where she could build real confidence through practice. “Taylor did an incredible job explaining the content, especially in areas where I felt unfamiliar.” Solution Bridget…