Our Story
After years of working with the Office of Admissions at Northwestern University and at successful, well-known test prep companies, Jen Kaifesh became acutely aware of the false promises of one-size-fits-all programs and the pervasive confusion, myths, and downright misinformation floating around about the college admissions process. She recognized the need for holistic, full-service guidance for high schoolers and their families – and so began Great Expectations College Prep in 2006.

We don’t just help students strengthen their academic pursuits and navigate standardized testing and the college application process; we encourage them to find academic and extracurricular pursuits that they both enjoy and excel at. Doing so cultivates the authenticity that is an integral part of the application process while also ensuring that students have positive high school experiences. At the end of the day, colleges want strong students, but they also want real people with real commitment to their interests; our tutors and counselors have helped thousands of students excel in high school while also creating a narrative that is both authentic and unique.

We make the process as stress-free and seamless as possible, which is why our tutors and counselors talk to one another…if one tutor recognizes that a student does well with mnemonic devices but hates flashcards, this information will be passed onto the student’s other tutors, as well. And how nice would it be if a student’s college counselor was constantly getting updates from their test prep tutor regarding progress and expectations? This is exactly why we do what we do — to make everything just a little bit easier for our clients.

Our clients range from Valedictorians looking to clinch a spot at Stanford to students with severe learning differences for whom college was supposedly out of reach. Whatever a student’s goals, we are committed to helping make them a reality.
“Highly recommend, our experience was outstanding and while expensive, worth the investment. My son attends a prestigious private school that has college counselors, but they were practically useless. You don’t know what good looks like until you experience it working with someone like Jen.

“He was admitted to top 25 ranking colleges, and I truly believe that given the same grades and set of activities, he would never have been admitted if it were not for the work with Jen's team to build a narrative and support through strategic extracurricular and academic choices." - Jane A. (Coto de Caza)
"Best investment ever for my son! He wanted to go to a 4-year college and was at risk of not getting in! Jen tutored him to achieve a great score on ACT and that helped him get into the college of his choice. She did all the work with him on the application process and helped us pick the most appropriate schools to apply. Today we are on a college tour of his first pick and thrilled he was accepted! We owe it all to Great Expectations. We are truly grateful and owe this accomplishment to you!" - Lisa G. (Newport Beach, CA)
“Great Expectations was able to help my son list, prioritize, and organize his applications and essays. Through getting organized, he gained the confidence to apply to schools he may not have without them. I was concerned it would be difficult to motivate him, but because of the respect and teamwork he shared with the tutors, he was ready to work at every session. I could see through the process my son was taking ownership of his college applications and college future. As a result of all that hard work, he was accepted to his top choices!” 
-Suzanne C. (Irvine, CA)
Our Values
Success
We work closely with students to identify the programs of best fit and find a path to these institutions – places where students will feel like they belong and thrive, where they will be challenged and comfortable taking risks.
Development
We are committed to continuous improvement for both its students and its staff through regular personal, professional, and academic development. 
Integrity
Our tutors and counselors empower students to own their own journeys and take pride in the outcomes they achieve; therefore, while we guide and support students at every hairpin turn, their achievements, interests, and writing will always be their own.
Connection
Students’ connections to their tutors and counselors have a profound effect on the quality of their work, so we are acutely aware of the importance of each match. The right tutors and counselors will motivate students to work harder and achieve more, maximizing strengths and minimizing weaknesses. 
Balance
We want students to challenge themselves inside and outside the classroom and step outside of their comfort zones whenever possible, but we also value physical and mental health above all else. 
Commitment
Our students will know without a doubt that their tutors and counselors are fully invested in their success, always proactively identifying opportunities to strengthen scores and applications while still offering honest assessments and advice.
Success
Success
We work closely with students to identify the programs of best fit and find a path to these institutions – places where students will feel like they belong and thrive, where they will be challenged and comfortable taking risks.
Development
Development
We are committed to continuous improvement for both our students and our staff through regular personal, professional, and academic development.
Integrity
Integrity
Our tutors and counselors empower students to own their own journeys and take pride in the outcomes they achieve; therefore, while we guide and support students at every hairpin turn, their achievements, interests, and writing will always be their own.
Connection
Connection
Students’ connections to their tutors and counselors have a profound effect on the quality of their work, so we are acutely aware of the importance of each match. The right tutors and counselors will motivate students to work harder and achieve more, maximizing strengths and minimizing weaknesses.
Balance
Balance
We want students to challenge themselves inside and outside the classroom and step outside of their comfort zones whenever possible, but we also value physical and mental health above all else.
Commitment
Commitment
Our students will know without a doubt that their tutors and counselors are fully invested in their success, always proactively identifying opportunities to strengthen scores and applications while still offering honest assessments and advice.
Our Services
We offer several options to meet a variety of needs and expectations:
Our Grade-Specific Counseling Programs are structured, counselor-led programs that provide clear action items and deliverables tailored to each grade level. Intended for families who want proactive guidance to keep their students on track throughout high school, these programs allow you to know your exact investment, tasks, and timeline upfront – no surprises.
Our Tutoring Add-Ons provide students who enroll in our counseling programs with both academic and standardized testing support at a discounted rate. We identify students’ areas of greatest need and develop structured game plans to achieve their goals.
Our Flex Packages include hours that can be used for both tutoring and counseling with anyone on staff. For families who prefer a self-directed approach to counseling, these packages grant you access to a counselor who can answer questions and offer advice on an as-needed basis —perfect for those who are familiar with the college application process and know what support they need. When used for tutoring, tutors will devise a curriculum to maximize the number of hours available.
Our Pricing
Grade-specific programs start at...
Grade 9
$
3,250
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Grade 10
$
3,500
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Grade 11
$
5,750
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Grade 12
$
9,750
Meet our Founder
Hourly Tutoring
$
270/hour
Meet our Founder
Group Tutoring Program
Students arrange their own groups and are able to schedule sessions at times that are convenient for everyone, which means students work alongside friends and/or classmates and can select dates/times that work with their hectic schedules. 
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More Details:

For pricing information on other services such as K-12, transfer, or graduate applications, please reach out to our office.

General FAQs
Do you work with kids with cognitive disabilities/learning differences?
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Absolutely! Our tutors are experienced in supporting students with diverse learning needs, including those with cognitive disabilities and learning differences.

Which standardized tests can you help me master?
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We support students for the ISEE, HSPT, PSAT, SAT, ACT, TOEFL, and AP exams. We also have tutors who are experts in a number of graduate school exams, as well.

MOVE TO TUTORING FAQS

I’m new to tutoring. How does it work?
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We offer both group tutoring and one-on-one tutoring for both standardized test preparation and virtually every academic subject. We match each student with a tutor based on his/her needs, personality and learning type. Sessions are typically 60-90 minutes in length, and after each session, the tutor sends the student and parents an emailed summary of the session, progress, recommendations and homework assignments.

MOVE TO TUTORING

What if I’m located outside the US but still want to work with you?
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Not a problem! We have clients all over the world, and our staff is well-trained and prepared to host highly effective, engaging sessions over Zoom.

How do I pay for services? Do you offer payment plans?
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Credit card payments can be made on our website or over the phone, and checks may be mailed to our administrative office. We can also send you an electronic invoice if you would prefer a bank transfer. Payment must be received before sessions can be scheduled. Please contact our office if you are interested in a payment plan.

Tutoring FAQs
Want to learn more about tutoring?
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Since many schools are test optional, should I still test?
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Just because you test doesn’t mean you have to submit the scores everywhere you apply; if you score on the upper end of a college’s average range, include your scores with your application, but if your scores will be the weakest part of your profile, it is best to omit them. Simply put: if you can give colleges yet another reason to be impressed by you, do it! It’s also worth remembering that more and more colleges are reinstating standardized testing requirements, so having scores in your back pocket will keep doors open.

What is GE College Prep's average score improvement for the ACT or SAT?
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While all students start from different points, the average SAT score increase for our students in the Class of 2024 was 255 points, and for the ACT, 6 points.

ASK NEVADA FOR UPDATED NUMBERS

How can I get approved for extended time?
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The biggest mistake people make in seeking extended time for learning differences is waiting until the last minute to do so. Not only can the process be a lengthy one, but the testing agencies often require months/years of documentation of a student’s disabilities and challenges, so get organized as early as possible. You’ll need documentation of diagnoses, recommended treatments, and progress from a medical professional, as well as proof that the student has been given special accommodations by his/her high school.

The #1 challenge the ACT presents test-takers with is the requirement to move quickly and efficiently through the sections. Therefore, they are far more hesitant to approve these requests, as they feel it gives students a disproportionate advantage.  Of course, if you approach them with the proper documentation, your request should be granted.  If not, there is always the possibility for an appeal. College Board, which administers the SAT, is notoriously more generous about approving extended time requests.

Our tutors will help you approach standardized testing differently once you are approved for extended time; strategies and pacing rules change significantly (for the better!) once extra time is in play.  Test preparation certainly shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all service, and we will arm you with the necessary tools to maximize the additional time you are allowed.

For more information on what is needed to substantiate learning disabilities for College Board (PSAT, SAT, AP exams, etc.), visit the SAT Accommodations Page.

For more information on what is needed to substantiate learning disabilities for the ACT, visit the ACT Accommodations Page.

Which test should I take — the SAT or ACT?
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Both tests are accepted by all U.S. colleges/universities that consider test scores and are respected equally, while international schools' policies can vary.

The ACT is typically more straightforward but moves at a faster pace, whereas the SAT can be better suited for students who struggle with pacing but excel at thinking outside the box. It’s worth pointing out that, historically, College Board has been more liberal with accommodations, so if you are seeking extended time, you are perhaps more likely to have it granted for the SAT. However, if you are granted extended time on the ACT, it can be far more helpful. 

NOTE: We do NOT recommend taking the exams that some companies and schools offer that are half ACT and half SAT, then basing your decision on which section you did best. If you got distracted on one section—or struggled on a single passage—your score will be skewed. Additionally, how would you possibly do well on a section you’ve never seen before (the ACT Science section, for instance) if you have no clue what it’s testing or how to approach it?

We will work with you to determine which exam is best for your particular skill set after you take a Test Prep Diagnostic, which includes two proctored exams (one SAT and one ACT) and a meeting with a tutor to review the results shortly thereafter.

When should I start test prep?
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Many students begin preparing for the SAT/ACT as early as sophomore year (if they took Algebra II in 9th grade, which is the highest level of math tested on these exams), while others put it off until fall of their senior year. Whether you fall in the first or last group (or somewhere in between), the important thing is that you wait until you have taken the necessary high school courses and still leave yourself enough time to take the exam more than once.

Athletes on the recruitment path typically need to start preparing at the end of sophomore year or very beginning of junior year in order to have scores to share with coaches — but this does depend on the sport and division, as recruitment timelines can vary.

From our experience, the optimal time for test prep for the average high schooler is spring of junior year; you’ve likely learned everything you need to know by this point, and you don’t have to balance college essays and applications, like you would in the fall of senior year. In this instance, our goal is for students to start preparing in January and wrap up their final test date (we encourage taking it 2-3 times) by June so you’re completely done by the time summer begins.

Based on your performance in school, extracurricular commitments, and college goals, we will determine the right time for you!

How many sessions will I need, and how often should I meet with a tutor?
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The answer to this, of course, depends entirely on what you hope to accomplish. Some students only want to review the broad strokes of the SAT/ACT, while others want to dive deep over the span of several months to cover specific problem types and increase their scores as much as possible. Still others are looking for regular academic support or assistance preparing for AP exams, as well. Based on the number of exams you are preparing for and the score improvement you are seeking, we will sit down and come up with a plan that fits your goals.

How do I sign up for proctored exams?
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Students should reach out to their GE College Prep tutor directly to determine which exam to sign up for. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at exams@gecollegeprep.com or call us at 888-917-7737.

REORDER

What are your tutors’ qualifications/training?
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We only hire a mere 1-2% of its applicants—to put that in perspective, Stanford’s acceptance rate is 4%, which means it’s more difficult to get hired by us than to get into Stanford! Every tutor holds a Bachelor’s degree, and many have a Master’s or higher. Our tutors go through rigorous training with our curriculum developers to ensure that they are prepared to help our students achieve their goals.

MAKE THIS THE FIRST ONE (OR HIGHER UP)

What are proctored exams?
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Proctored exams are mock exams given to track progress and assess a student’s test-taking ability. They serve as a good indicator of where strengths and weaknesses lie in terms of material comprehension and test-taking strategy; we use regular proctored exams to tailor sessions to each student and ensure we are covering areas of the exam that they are having difficulty with.

Counseling FAQs
Want to learn more about counseling?
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What are your counselors’ qualifications/training?
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Our counselors are made up of the most experienced, educated, friendly and charismatic college admissions experts out there.

Not only do our counselors have a background in counseling (whether they worked as high school counselors, have Master’s degrees in college counseling, and/or even worked in college admissions offices), but they undergo intense training to ensure that they are ready to help students produce the best college applications.

How many sessions will I need?
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The answer to this, of course, depends entirely on what you hope to accomplish and in which area you are seeking guidance.

Do you simply want help polishing essays, or are you looking for guidance in selecting schools, navigating various requirements and deadlines, prepping for interviews, et cetera? Note that some colleges require NO essays, whereas other schools require more than ten—so, simply put, the biggest variable in this equation is WHICH SCHOOLS you are applying to.

Once that is determined and you have a sense of what parts of the process you feel in control of and which you don’t, we can help you come up with a game plan to tackle the massive to-do list in the most organized way possible.

My high school already has a college counselor, an essay boot camp, and/or other college informational activities. Won’t I get most of my questions answered at school?
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Your school counselor and school resources are a great place to start, but you have to share your counselor’s time and the floor at college information nights with dozens (if not hundreds) of other students. We have much more time to focus on YOU! We can be as involved as you’d like—reading every essay, reviewing every application, confirming colleges’ receipt of every official document you’ve sent, etc.

How many schools should I apply to?
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The answer to this question is a little different for each student, but we generally recommend using the 1-2-2 approach—in other words, applying to roughly 1 safety, 2 targets, and 2 reaches for every 5 schools you apply to.

We can help you identify which schools fit into these categories, given your specific experiences and academic credentials, and we can help make sure that you are applying to enough schools that you will have a variety of choices—but not so many that you will have to sacrifice the quality of your work on the applications you should be prioritizing.

In our experience, 8-12 schools in total is ideal, as it gives you quite a few options but still allows you to put a lot of effort into each application. There are, of course, students who apply to far more or far fewer schools than that, and it’s entirely up to you to determine how much time and energy you’re willing to put into the process.

I think I may want to take a gap year. Should I still apply to colleges this year?
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While a gap year (a year break) may be a wise option for some—whether for personal reasons or simply to take courses and strengthen an academic profile—we encourage students to apply directly to colleges, regardless.

You can always go through the application process and then decide to take a gap year after the fact, as you may miss a lot of opportunities you didn’t know existed if you jump straight into a gap year without considering the collegiate alternatives.

We are also happy to help you explore gap year programs and opportunities, as well. There are a lot of wonderful paths out there, and we are here to help you every step of the way.

Is community college the best route for me to get into a UC school?
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The most simple, honest answer is “perhaps.” There are a lot of pros and cons to consider both routes (direct and indirect), and we will help you evaluate all options and devise a thoughtful short-term and long-term game plan to help you reach your ultimate goal.

I’m a senior and it’s Thanksgiving. Is it too late to start?
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Our college counselors are trained to work with students at any stage of the application process, including on a deadline. However, the later you start, the less extensive aid we’ll be able to provide, so it’s to everyone’s benefit to get started earlier if possible.

I’m a good writer. Why do I need help with my application essays?
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Ask any professional writer out there if he or she has published a work without an additional pair of eyes—or ten! A good writer knows that a great piece of writing comes from honing and editing initial drafts with a fresh perspective, which is nearly impossible to achieve on your own when you’re writing autobiographically.

Additionally, just because you’re a good writer doesn’t mean that you necessarily know what college admissions officers are looking for. A personal statement should be an unusual combination of short story and academic essay—a hybrid most students have little experience with. We are also familiar with what topics are overdone and clichéd, as well as which ones should never be written in the first place.

Our college counselors are trained to make students’ essays the most polished, honest, unique, and interesting essays that each student is capable of. We work to identify exactly what the student is trying to say and then ensure that the essay conveys that message. An outstanding essay is concise, specific, thoughtful, compelling, and unique—not to mention utilizes a thoughtful structure, excellent grammar, and an impressive (but not too impressive) vocabulary! Writers of all backgrounds will receive expert guidance and feedback, and find their essays improved without sacrificing their voice or intent.

I have no idea what to write my essays about. There’s nothing unique about me.
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There is something unique about everyone! Our college counselors will help you unlock your powerful story and help you showcase your talents and special qualities to admissions officers. You don’t have to cure cancer to catch a college’s attention…you need to know who you are, who you want to be, and show a commitment to becoming the best version of yourself.

Should I write an essay about how COVID-19 affected me? Why/why not?
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As a general rule, only write about the pandemic if your experiences were more extreme than those of your peers—for instance; if a parent lost a job because of COVID-19, which required you to move or switch schools, that is a disruption worth noting.

However, if you would simply talk about learning to appreciate the little things, missing your activities and face-to-face interactions, or what you did to keep busy, it’s best to avoid this topic.

How will my counselor know who I am or what I want out of college?
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First, we ask every new family to fill out a brief survey about the student’s personality, interests, goals, et cetera and try to pair students with counselors who will be the best fit.

Second, our college counselors have been selected and trained specifically to work with students moving into higher education—not only help you apply to schools, but also to help you find those schools in the first place! We listen to you to discover your interests, curiosities, and preferences so that the colleges you apply to are great fits—not just a slapped-together list of recognizable schools. There are over 2800 four-year colleges in the United States alone, so it actually makes our job a lot easier if we get to know you!

Our counselors hail from all over the world and have in-depth knowledge of the college landscape, both in the U.S. and internationally. Whether it’s a school in the UC system or a small college in Iowa, we will provide you with valuable insights and guidance throughout your college selection process, helping you differentiate between what you truly want (or don’t want) and what is simply the fear of the unknown.

What sort of help will I need during the college application process?
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Figuring out where to apply can be a far more overwhelming venture than expected, as can selecting majors, completing essays, outlining/writing essays, and creating timelines to stay on track throughout the process. Our counselors can help with as much or as little of the college application process as you’d like!

When should I start college counseling?
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It depends on how much personalized guidance you are getting at your school. A lot of families start meeting with us as early as eighth grade and set a session every few months or so, just to discuss class options, extracurricular opportunities, et cetera. If you want to be an engineer, do you know which classes most college programs require? Are you familiar with the testing and academic course requirements at your dream schools? Can you drop foreign languages or sciences after three years? Do you know how to assess undergraduate programs differently based on whether or not you intend to attend graduate school? Are you visiting enough college campuses to explore your options and determine what you really want?

If not, it would be wise to set an initial meeting as early as possible…it’s never too soon to understand what path you need to be on to achieve your goals. However, if you feel your school counselor is answering your questions, you can wait until the summer before senior year, at which point we can help you start digging into essays and applications.