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

My Own Personal College Counselor: Part One

Submitted by Operations Staff on Tue, 03/27/2018 - 1:45pm

by Lorraine Petrie

Ever since I was a kid, I just assumed everyone went to college after high school. Just like going from kindergarten to first grade, then grade school to high school…it was simply the natural progression of things. There wasn’t much to think about: my parents enrolled me in school, dropped me off, picked me up, and I did what I was told. They expected me to go to college, and I enjoyed school, so it was a no-brainer.

Then high school began and college became more of a reality. All of a sudden, I had choices. I had opinions. Which schools should I apply to? Did I want to stay local or go out of state? What field of study would I major in? I didn’t know what I wanted to be “when I grew up,” let alone what type of majors even existed; I was more concerned with where I was going to eat after class (and if I’d have enough time to scarf it down before volleyball practice). College planning was not at the forefront of my daily life. My mom went to college in the Philippines, and my dad had just taken a few courses at the local Cal State while he worked full-time. Soooo, they weren’t exactly experienced in the college counseling department. I don’t even think the counselor at my semi-small private high school knew my name, despite the fact that I went to all of my required scheduled appointments with him as set by the school -- and if he did, I definitely don’t remember him being remotely helpful OR interested in my future. So I was pretty much on my own.

We had reps come from different universities to speak about their schools and the programs offered, and they enticed us with photos of campus life and reasons we should apply to their school. But how to get accepted to these prestigious universities? That was a whole different topic. Heck, getting into college should be its own course. Luckily, students these days have the internet at their fingertips and information is readily available, but there is just SO much information and so little time to sift through it all, make sense of it, and come up with a realistic plan. Had my life been a Disney movie, that’s when my own personal college counselor would have magically appeared...