What the New FAFSA Changes Mean for Families; and How to Maximize Aid AnywayBy Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert® The financial aid system in the U.S. is going through another round of major changes; and if you’re feeling confused, overwhelmed, or behind, you’re not alone. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) has been overhauled again, and this year’s rollout is hitting families hard, especially…

If you’ve got your sights set on the Ivy League, you probably already know that expectations are beyond high. These schools are known for academic excellence, incredible opportunities outside of the classroom, a long list of successful alumni… and extremely selective acceptance rates. But one of the most common questions we hear is also one of the most important: what SAT score do you need to get in? The answer…

Challenge When Stella Colonero first enrolled in Prep Expert®’s SAT course, her goal was simple: raise her score. But what she didn’t expect was just how much of a transformation she’d undergo; both in performance and mindset. “I had wanted to improve my score but never would I have even thought that I could improve it by at least 200 points.” Prior to Prep Expert®, Stella had tried a prep…

If you want to be an expert at anything, you need to know your subject inside and out. If you want to be a doctor, you have to know everything about human anatomy, from the Achilles tendon to the zygomatic arch. A chef doesn’t just follow recipes; they understand flavor profiles, ingredient interactions, and cooking techniques. No matter the field, deep knowledge is what transforms someone from a beginner into…

What a Department of Education Shutdown Could Mean for Your FAFSA and Financial AidBy Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert® In today’s polarized political climate, the Department of Education has become a high-stakes target—and millions of students may be caught in the crossfire. Between proposed budget cuts, federal layoffs, and talks of a complete shutdown, families are asking a critical question: What happens to FAFSA and financial…

Challenge Before joining Prep Expert®, Ganga Nair felt the weight of SAT stress, unsure how to tackle the test effectively and frustrated by the overwhelming prep process. Despite her efforts, she lacked the strategies and confidence needed to enter the exam with a positive mindset. “Before the course, I was feeling pretty stressed about the SAT.” Ganga needed more than just content review, she needed structure, mentorship, and a proven…

Why Banning International Students Would Hurt U.S. Colleges—and the Entire EconomyBy Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert® In a bold and controversial move, the Trump administration recently attempted to revoke Harvard University’s certification to enroll new international students—a decision that, if enforced nationwide, would send shockwaves not just through elite universities, but across the entire American higher education system. As the founder of Prep Expert®, I work…

Taking the SAT is a rite of passage for high school students– and it’s a rite you get to prepare for. However, the timing of that preparation can be really important. Start too early, and it’s a long, drawn out, painful process that ultimately isn’t that helpful. Start too late, and you don’t have time to develop strategies or learn how to take the test. Whether you’re a student just…

Credit: ShutterstockWe are in the middle of an academic integrity crisis. While artificial intelligence has incredible potential to revolutionize learning, it’s also fueling the fastest-growing epidemic in modern education: cheating. From AI-generated essays to ChatGPT-powered take-home tests, today’s students are facing a temptation no previous generation had — the ability to outsource their thinking. And many are taking the bait. The AI Shortcut: More Than Just “Homework Help” Across high…

Challenge When Daniel Eastham signed up for Prep Expert®, he was chasing a goal that once felt out of reach: raising his SAT score by more than 150 points. Coming from a background of “mediocrity in academic areas,” Daniel doubted whether it was possible to break past his past performance. “I was slated to be a very unlikely student to receive more than 150 points on my SAT on top…