She Scored a 1490 on the SAT After Just 3 Months: Here’s the Course That Got Her There

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 course and a tutoring program, but neither proved helpful. They focused on reviewing simple problems she already knew how to solve. In contrast, she needed a program that could challenge her thinking, sharpen her strategies, and push her to the next level.
“Those courses told me to ‘look at the college board strategies and Khan Academy practice problems,’ but this course has specified that using those to practice is the opposite of what I should be doing.”
Solution
Stella credits her dramatic improvement to the energy, structure, and engagement provided by her instructor, Taylor Trautwein. Unlike her past experiences, Prep Expert®’s course felt tailored and interactive:
- Zoom classes were challenging but packed with value
- Taylor encouraged live participation and emotional check-ins
- The course provided direction, strategy, and accountability
“Even though the Zoom calls are long and require a lot of brain power, I believe that they are definitely worth it because of how much improvement I have seen.”
She also notes that students get out what they put in:
“There is a difference between taking the course just to get it over with, and maximizing your learning experience by taking notes and trying your very best on every practice quiz.”
By staying disciplined, motivated, and fully engaged, Stella was able to extract the full value of the Prep Expert® system.
Results
Stella’s hard work and Prep Expert®’s approach delivered results she once thought were out of reach:
✅ 1300 ➝ 1490 score jump (a 190-point improvement)
✅ Greater self-motivation and confidence in test-taking
✅ A new mindset and strategy for maximizing academic results
“It shows with my dramatic score increase.”
She especially appreciated the interactive environment and Taylor’s personal interest in students’ lives:
“She encouraged us to react to her drawings and type in the chat how we are feeling… She seemed very interested in our plans and experiences outside of the course as well.”
Recommendation
“I strongly recommend this course to others who really care about their SAT score and are willing to persevere through this course for a guaranteed improvement.”
From uncertain to unstoppable, Stella’s Prep Expert® journey was more than a test prep experience; it was a mindset reset.
Written by Dr. Shaan Patel MD MBA
Prep Expert Founder & CEO
Shark Tank Winner, Perfect SAT Scorer, Dermatologist, & #1 Bestselling AuthorMore from Dr. Shaan Patel MD MBA
How to Get a Good SAT Score… and what “Good” Really Means
You’ve probably heard classmates or teachers talk about what counts as a “good” SAT score. But the truth is, that…
How Prep Expert® Students Achieve Life-Changing ACT & SAT Score Improvements
For thousands of students, the SAT or ACT isn’t just a test — it’s a turning point. A higher score…
How to Get a Good ACT Score
Getting a good ACT score can feel a little mystifying to some students. After all, with the big numbers the…