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…

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, craft…

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…

Challenge When Sofia Solano-Arango first set her sights on the SAT, she knew her approach needed a serious upgrade. With an initial score of 1150, she was looking for structure, strategy, and consistency to confidently push toward a higher score. “It really changed the way I approached the SAT.” Solution Sofia enrolled in Prep Expert®’s 6-Weekend SAT Course (Saturdays and Sundays) with instructor Harsh Patel. From day one, Harsh’s teaching…

Challenge Before joining Prep Expert®, Kayla Navarro was starting her SAT journey at a 1080 and searching for a program that could truly move the needle on her score, and her future. “Prep Expert® was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my SAT prep, and that’s largely because of my amazing instructor, Taylor Trautwein. I started this course with a 1080 and ended with a 1550 a 470…

Every year, millions of students and families rely on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to access grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and federal loans. For the 2026–27 school year, FAFSA is undergoing several key changes, some positive, some negative, that could impact how much aid families receive and how smoothly the process works. As someone who has spent years guiding students through admissions and financial aid, I want…

Challenge Blake Kosmal knew his PSAT score was nowhere near where he wanted it to be. The disappointing result left him “really bummed out” and uncertain about his future SAT prospects. “My score from the PSATs was extremely low, and honestly it really bummed me out.” After hearing about SAT prep courses from his parents, Blake was hesitant questioning if a course could truly make a difference. Solution Despite doubts,…

Mastering timing is an extremely important strategy for succeeding on any standardized test, and the ACT is no different. But forget those horror stories of grueling half-day testing; the ACT is doing its part to banish leg cramps and assuage anxieties with its new, streamlined format. ] Today’s ACT is much less exhausting; while you still need to build your testing endurance and understand the timing, it’s not a 5-hour…