Great Expectations is a tremendous asset in preparing for all the different standardized tests and also helping with the application process. The time spent with our tutor not only resulted in scores higher than we’d ever hoped for, but it was also an enjoyable experience. She knew how to manage a very stressful time and keep the pressure to a minimum. We highly recommend Great Expectations to any family.

Donna B. (parent), Santa Monica

Our tutor really understood how to help my daughter prepare for the SAT. He was able to identify early on the specific areas where she needed to improve, and most importantly, what type of preparation she needed to do in order to make those gains. Thanks to a 510-point improvement, my daughter will be attending Stanford University in the fall. Thank you!

Susan H. (parent), Santa Monica

I wasn’t treated just like any high school student; I was able to focus on my weaknesses and enhance my skills. My tutor was very knowledgeable about the intricacies of both the ACT and the SAT. Because of this, I was able to study more efficiently for each of them. With the help of my GE tutor, I scored a 34 on my ACT and was admitted to Amherst College (my top choice) Early Decision.

Jenn K. (student), Pacific Palisades

My daughter was fairly independent in the college application process. That being said, we (and especially me, lol) needed somebody to bounce things off of. Jen Kaifesh came highly recommended to us, and she lived up to her excellent reputation. She has her finger on the pulse of the college application madness--and I found her to be resourceful as well as realistic. My daughter is an excellent student but really had no "hooks". She was admitted to several elite colleges and will be attending an Ivy League University this fall. I 100% recommend Jen and her amazing expertise!

M.D. (parent), Pacific Palisades

It was truly amazing that my daughter got through all the applications, wrote all the essays, ended up feeling confident about the testing process, and even enjoyed the time spent with her counselor...and more or less stress free. GE College Prep, YOU ROCK!! You are a parents fantasy come true. I really can't thank you enough!

Rae V. (parent), Los Angeles

I was a little hesitant at first to use a college prep company for my daughter. I had a bad (and expensive) experience with Revolution Prep earlier, and I was not a believer after that. When I realized that we needed a little help, I asked a few parents from her high school if they could recommend someone that would be able to give us more personal "one on one" time. Wow, I'm so thankful that Jennifer at GE College Prep was able to fill those shoes. I never thought that my mind could be changed. It turned out to be such a positive experience, and the best of all...(besides the fact that she got into every college she applied to except for 1 waitlisted status), my daughter got to be around someone so full of knowledge and positive energy.

Rae V. (parent), Los Angeles

The value add for the money spent is far beyond expectations. I’m sure you have clients that spend a lot more money than we did, so we are so grateful for your valuable time and attention. You can count on me to be an enthusiastic advocate for Great Expectations to everyone I know getting ready for the college preparation process. Great Expectations’ guidance equipped Tim with the tools to highlight the best he had to offer in a genuine way. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Claudia L. (parent), Torrance

There are no words to say how much I appreciate your counseling with Tim during his college application process. Tim has been accepted to EVERY school to which he applied; including his top choice! Tim is a proud member of the Class of 2023 Wolverines! Your approach with Tim was tailor made. Lessons were structured and incredibly efficient. I’m amazed at how much you accomplished in a limited amount of time.

Claudia L. (parent), Torrance

There are so many bizarre ins and outs of applying to college that stump, and subsequently freak out, 98 percent of high school seniors, but my counselor knew how to deal with them: whether it was a Common App glitch, questions that don’t make any sense, or scheduling (and preparing for) interviews, I was well-prepared. I received an acceptance from Stanford University, my top choice, and I am 100 percent positive that without GE, I would not have submitted a strong enough application to get in. Working with GE definitely puts any student in the best possible position when the time rolls around to start thinking about college.

Benny D. (student), Pacific Palisades

I was referred to Great Expectations College Prep from a friend who initially said, ‘This company will preserve your relationship with your teen during a very stressful time and will make sure every "i" is dotted and every "t" is crossed when it comes to college applications.’ Her referral went beyond my highest expectations!

Gina K. (parent), Pacific Palisades

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Blog

Freshmen and Sophomores: 5 ways to prepare for the college application process

Submitted by Operations Staff on Tue, 09/22/2015 - 1:08pm

1) Do well in school and challenge yourself. Colleges want to accept students who go above and beyond what is required -- so take Honors and AP classes whenever possible, but be sure that you don't overwhelm yourself or burn out.

2) To prepare for standardized testing, you can start exploring the differences between the SAT and ACT, but you should also make sure that the fundamentals are in place. Take the time now to build a foundation in grammar, reading skills, and basic math concepts -- it will save you a great deal of time down the road if you learn and retain this information now.

3) Start exploring potential areas of academic or career interest. While no one expects a 14- or 15-year-old to know what they want to do when they grow up, colleges certainly love to see kids who have been trying to figure it out -- and, even better, those who have found a particular passion and pursue it whenever possible. If you want to be a doctor, get an internship at the hospital -- or if you want to be a writer, join every journalism/poetry/etc club you possibly can and submit your work to contests or for publication. No matter what interests you, take additional classes, whether online or at the local college; do independent research on a topic that interests you; find summer programs that get you out of your comfort zone. Admissions officers want to see passion and commitment -- find something you love and go after it!

4) Similarly, get involved in a cause that you care about. Don't just pad your resume with a million random community service projects...find what matters most to you and invest yourself and your time in that. Even better, create a club, organization, or charity for an underserved cause in your community -- if it doesn't exist, create it! As Ghandi said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

5) Visit college campuses whenever possible. You may think you know what you want, but you'll be surprised how various colleges feel when you're actually there. Be open to visiting schools that don't fit your current criteria -- you may think you want an urban school, but a more rural school with a great college town might suit you just fine.

Not sure how to tackle your college essays?