FAFSA in 2025: What Families Must Know to Get College Aid on TimeBy Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert® Every year around this time, millions of families across America are hit with the same question: “How are we going to afford college?” It’s not an easy answer. College costs are climbing faster than inflation. And while financial aid has traditionally offered a critical lifeline, recent events have…

It’s been an odd few years for standardized testing. Between the challenges of the pandemic and universities dropping and then rapidly reinstating testing requirements, many students and families are wondering whether the SAT still holds weight. While some colleges have moved to test-optional admissions, the SAT continues to play a role in various parts of the college application process and beyond. So, how important is it to take the SAT…

Why Families Must Rethink College Funding in 2025—and How to Get AheadBy Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert® If you’ve been paying attention to the news lately, you know one thing is clear: federal education funding can change overnight. Recently, we’ve seen a rapid shift—federal grant and loan programs that millions of students rely on faced a sudden pause, sparking real fear across the country. And while…

If your SAT score isn’t what you’re hoping for, you don’t have to settle for a low score. In fact, you shouldn’t settle. There’s too much at stake here; your SAT score can make a huge difference on your college applications and scholarship money. But making those big jumps in performance might be easier said than done. The good news is that meaningful improvement is possible if you approach your…

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…