What Dismantling the Department of Education Could Mean—and What Families Should Do NextBy Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert President Trump signed an executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. It’s a bold move, one that could reshape how our schools operate, how states fund education—and how millions of students access financial aid. As the founder of Prep Expert and someone who’s spent the…

What Happens to FAFSA If the Department of Education Shuts Down? Here’s What Families Need to KnowBy Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert If you’re a parent or student, you’ve probably heard the headlines: President Trump has proposed dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. While the executive order isn’t final, and any full closure would require Congressional action, it’s left many families wondering—what happens to FAFSA? As…

For students starting the college search, thinking about where to go to school can be a truly daunting task. After a while, every brochure looks the same: smiling faces, a sunny day on the quad, engaged students, and promises upon promises of extracurriculars and opportunities. Sometimes it feels like everything just starts to blur together, and eventually, many start wondering about whether or not it really matters where you go.…

Harvard’s Free Tuition for Middle-Income Families: A Bold Move—and a New Era in College AffordabilityBy Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert We’re witnessing a turning point in higher education. Harvard University—arguably the most prestigious school in the world—just announced that families earning up to $200,000 a year will now qualify for free tuition. Yes, you read that right: $200,000. This isn’t just a headline. It’s a shift…

Choosing the Right College: What Actually Matters MostBy Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert For high school seniors across the country, this is one of the most exciting—and overwhelming—times of the year. After months of applications, essays, and waiting, acceptance letters have finally landed. Now comes the tough part: deciding where to go to college. I’ve worked with thousands of families over the past decade through Prep…

The word “recession” sends shivers down the spine of many Americans, especially in the wake of recent economic volatility. But while concerns about a recession are understandable, they are often overblown. As someone who has built and scaled a successful education company, Prep Expert, during both booming markets and downturns, I believe recessions are not only survivable but also present incredible opportunities for those who approach them with the right…

What the Dismantling of the Department of Education Could Mean for Students and ParentsBy Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert Recently, the education world was hit with big news—President Trump signed an executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. As someone who works directly with families navigating college admissions, standardized testing, and financial aid, I’ve heard a lot of concern and confusion in recent…

Why the New Digital SAT Is the Best Version YetBy Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert The SAT has officially entered the digital age. For the first time in nearly a century, the exam that has shaped college admissions for generations is going from paper to pixel. And in my view—this is the best thing that could’ve happened to students. The Digital SAT: Shorter, Smarter, and More…

When you’re making college decisions, you have a lot to keep in mind. Your college experience isn’t just the four or so years that you’re there; the decisions you make about where to go to school will impact your career, family life, and really, your entire future. It’s an extremely important decision– the first real adult decision that many students will make. You need to make an informed decision and…

It’s Time to Rethink the Department of Education By Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert Last week, President Trump signed an executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. As someone who has spent the last 15 years in education—helping students prepare for college and succeed on standardized tests—I think this is the bold move our system has needed for a long time. Let me…