Is a BS/MD Wrong for You?
Hey guys, it's Eric at Solution Prep and today I want to give you four reasons why a BS/MD program might not be your best path for college. BS/MD stands for Bachelor of Science Medical Degree. And it's something you…
A Comprehensive Guide to SAT Prep Courses in NJ: How to Choose the Right One
Selecting the right SAT prep course can significantly impact your student's college admission prospects. New Jersey offers a wide range of SAT prep options, each promising improved scores and increased confidence. But how can you determine the best SAT prep…
How SAT Scores and Essays Work Together in Admissions
When students and families type "SAT prep courses near me" into Google’s search bar, they're usually focused solely on boosting test scores. While SAT scores significantly impact college admissions, the importance of your college essay shouldn't be underestimated. Together, they…
How Colleges Deflate Acceptance Rates
Today I want to tell you why you shouldn't use a college's acceptance rate as a metric for how good of a college it is. Colleges know that when people see a low acceptance rate, it makes them seem super…
One-on-One ACT Tutoring vs. Group Classes: Which Is the Best Option for NJ Students?
Preparing for the ACT is a crucial step toward college admission, and choosing the right test preparation method is essential to maximizing your score. In New Jersey, one-on-one tutoring and group classes are two popular options which each have their…
Why Your College Essay Needs a “So What?” Moment
Learning how to write a college essay goes beyond grammar, vocabulary, and storytelling: it involves leaving the reader with a meaningful takeaway. Admissions officers read thousands of essays, and while many are engaging, only a select few effectively communicate why…
How the Big Beautiful Bill Changes Financial Aid for College
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has worked its way from the House to the Senate and back again, and it's now been signed into law by the president. So, in today’s video, I’ll break down what’s changing and what’s…
Why Community Service Matters in College Applications
Today we're talking about why community service is such an important part of your college applications. Top colleges aren't just looking to educate young minds; they're looking to change the world. They want to make the world a better place,…
Brainstorming College Essay Topics That Actually Work
College essays can feel daunting, especially when staring at a blank screen with no idea where to begin. One of the most crucial steps to crafting an effective essay is choosing the right topic, and that begins with smart college…
Personal Statement vs. Supplemental Essay: What’s the Difference?
One question I get asked a lot is what's the difference between a personal statement versus a college essay. And the fact is they're generally the same thing most of the time. Kind of. Let me explain. Your Common App…
How to Use the Summer to Stay Ahead
Summer break often means relaxation, beaches, and barbecues. But for ambitious high school students in New Jersey, summer is also the perfect time to get ahead academically, especially when it comes to college admissions testing. Utilizing the summer months wisely…
What Admissions Officers Look For in College Essays
When students ask me for college admissions essay tips, what they're actually asking is: what do colleges really care about? What are they looking for in my essay? And the answer, in a word, is passion. Colleges want to see…
Finding the Right ACT Tutor in NJ: Tips for Choosing the Perfect Match
Choosing the right ACT tutor can make all the difference when preparing for one of the most critical exams in a high school student's life. But with so many tutoring options available in New Jersey, how do you select the…
4 Reasons to Use Student Loans (even if you don’t need to)
Today, I want to explore an important question many families face during the college planning process: "Should I take out a student loan if I don't need it?" Surprisingly, the answer might not always be straightforward. Even if you can…
Common App Essay Prompts: Which One Should You Pick?
When students ask me for Common App essay tips, the number one question I get asked is: Which prompt should you pick? So in today's video, we're going to break down all seven of the Common App essay prompts and…
The Benefits of ACT Tutoring in NJ: How One-on-One Instruction Can Improve Your Score
The ACT is one of the most important tests a high school student will take. With college admissions becoming increasingly competitive, securing a strong ACT score can significantly enhance a student's college application. But preparing for this exam can feel…
America’s First National Digital SAT Scores Are In. Now what?
Hey guys, it’s Eric at Solution Prep. The first digital SAT has officially debuted in America, and scores have finally arrived! After fielding endless questions from students, parents, and educators alike about whether the digital SAT would be easier, we…
How to Start Your College Essay: 5 Foolproof Intro Strategies
When students are looking for college essay help, they often ask: what's the best way to start their application essay? So today we're going to talk about five foolproof ways to start your college application essay. The first is a…
2025-2026 Student Loan Breakdown
The new student loan rates are out for the 2025-2026 school year, and it’s a mixed bag. This week, I’ll break down both what we’re sure of for this coming year and what may be changing for the years ahead.…
Time to End the Ivy League Hype
I am literally begging families to please stop focusing exclusively on Ivy League colleges. Everywhere I look, it's Ivy this and Ivy that. Even other SAT and college admission services like ours, they advertise themselves as, "We get this percent…
Why There Are No Guarantees (you can trust)
Today we're talking about guarantees. Everybody wants one, but there are no guarantees in life. A college's graduation rate is no guarantee your student will graduate on time or at all. Their average six-months-out-of-college employment rate is no guarantee your…
How ACT Prep Courses in NJ Can Boost Your Score and College Admission Chances
For students across New Jersey, the ACT can be a pivotal piece of the college admissions puzzle. A strong score doesn’t just demonstrate academic readiness: it can also open doors to competitive schools and merit-based scholarships. With so much riding…
How Colleges Weight Grades
Today we're talking about how colleges view your grades. Grades may be the most important thing a college considers in deciding whether or not to accept you. But included in that is your level of academic rigor. Meaning if you…
Should You Get a College Coach?
Today's video is, to be honest, a little self-serving because one question I get asked a lot is: why should we hire a college admissions coach? And that's my job. That's what I do. And people ask, well, can't we…
Choosing the Right SAT Tutor in New Jersey: Factors to Consider
When preparing for the SAT, having the right tutor can profoundly impact a student's success. But with numerous options available across New Jersey, choosing the best tutor might seem overwhelming. At Solution Prep, we've guided countless NJ families through this…
How SAT Tutoring in New Jersey Boosts Scores and Opens Doors to College Success
The SAT plays a significant role in the college admissions journey, impacting everything from acceptance letters to scholarship opportunities. As New Jersey students face growing competition for college spots, achieving strong SAT scores has never been more critical. One proven…
Preparing for Success: Tips and Strategies for ACT Prep in NJ
The ACT is a key component of the college admissions process. For students in New Jersey, proper preparation can make all the difference. Whether you're aiming for a top-tier school, looking to qualify for scholarships, or just trying to boost…
The Best Day to Take the SAT
Today I'm answering the question: what's the best day to take the SAT? Is it the December SAT? Is it the June SAT? Which one's easiest? Or, because the SAT is curved and not based on how many questions you…
4-Year College Graduation Rates
Today we're talking about college graduation rates. Did you know that when the federal government publishes those at CollegeScorecard.ed.gov, they're actually showing you the 8-year graduation rate? And I don't think most students want to take eight years to get…
Choosing the Best ACT Prep Course in NJ: A Step-by-Step Guide
Selecting the ideal ACT prep course can significantly impact your student’s college admissions journey. With numerous options across New Jersey, finding the right course can seem overwhelming. At Solution Prep, we've guided thousands of NJ families through this important decision,…
Getting In From a Waiting List
Today we're answering the question: What if you're admitted to a college off their waitlist? When colleges accept students, there may be more applicants they like than they can fit into their college. So what they do is they accept…
The Ultimate Guide to ACT Prep Courses in NJ: Everything You Need to Know
Preparing effectively for the ACT is a critical step toward college success. With many ACT prep courses available across New Jersey, families often wonder how to choose the best one to ensure their student’s success. At Solution Prep, we've directly…
Ivy Decision Day Full Breakdown
We just survived Ivy Decision Day, where six of America's eight colleges in the athletic conference known as the Ivy League—that’s correct, it is an athletic conference—released their decisions for the class of 2029. That’s the high school class of…
What’s Wrong With the September SAT??
We need to talk about the problem with the September SAT. First of all, yes, you heard that right. There's going to be a September SAT this year on September 13th, which, other than during the pandemic when the College…
How to Profit from Student Loans
Today we're talking about how to make a profit with your student loans. Student loans are a helpful way for families who can't afford the college's entire bill to cover the gap between that and what they can afford. Certainly,…
Why Go to a College Open House
Today we're talking about why you should go to college open houses. Every college has open houses, a couple in the fall, a couple in the spring, and they are a great opportunity when there are so many people on…
Why You Shouldn’t Apply to Too Many Colleges
Today, I want to tell you why you shouldn't apply to too many colleges. You may have heard me say before that the sweet spot is to apply to between 5 and 10 colleges. You need at least 5 on…
Why Colleges Do & Don’t Give Scholarships
Today we're talking about why some colleges may offer you scholarship dollars while other colleges may not. When you apply to a college, they're considering you for admission, but they're also considering you for merit scholarships based on the strength…
Add These Colleges to Your FAFSA
Today we're talking about which colleges you should add to your FAFSA. When you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at FAFSA.gov, it’s going to ask you which colleges you want to receive the information. And you’re…
Prepare for These College Interview Questions
Today we're talking about some of the common questions you should be ready to answer if you have a college admissions interview. Some colleges offer and some colleges require an interview as part of their admissions process, and if you…
Being Smart About High School Course Selection
It's the time of year when guidance counselors are sending home class selections for next school year. And that leaves high school students and their parents wondering which are the right classes to take next school year. Middle school is…
What President Trump Will & Won’t Change About College & Financial Aid
There's a new president in the Oval Office. So in today's video, I'm going to break down what we do and don't expect to change about college and financial aid for the next four years. I'm not going to dip…
How to Add More Activities to College Applications
Today we're talking about an extra way to talk about activities in your college applications. In the Common App there's a section devoted to activities where you can list up to 10 of your extracurricular activities that you've already done.…
2025 Timeline for the Class of ‘26
It's the beginning of the new year, and I want to talk to you about what 2025 is going to look like for the Class of 2026. You got a big year ahead of you, so let's make a timeline…
3 Reasons Colleges Wait to Send Final Awards
It's right around New Year's, so you've probably heard back from most of the colleges you applied to early, whether that was Early Decision, Early Action, or just rolling admissions. And if you were accepted to those colleges, congratulations! That's…
How & Why to Finish SATs Junior Year
Today we're talking about your testing timeline. You should plan to take the SAT at least 2 times, 3 times is also totally fine, and that's because most colleges will put together your best reading/writing score and your best math…
BIG ACT Changes & What You Need to Know
Today we're talking about how the ACT is changing. Last July the makers of the ACT announced they would change the test effective this April. Which is pretty fast, but important to note the changes don't go into effect for…
Is Early Decision REALLY Binding?
It's December, and that means Early Decision acceptances are starting to come in. And today we're going to answer the question: Is Early Decision really binding? When you apply to colleges you'll see a variety of deadlines including early deadlines…
FAFSA is Open! (and a little broken)
Hey guys, it's Eric at Solution Prep and the FAFSA is open. FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and it's your first step for getting things like loans, grants, scholarships, and work study to help you afford…
When to Commit to a College
Hey guys, it's Eric at Solution Prep and college acceptances are starting to come in. If you applied early through rolling admissions, Early Action, or even Early Decision, we're starting to see a trickle of those acceptances. That's going to…
Do This Before & After Any College Visit
Hey guys, it's Eric at Solution Prep and today we're talking about what to do before and after any college visit. Visiting colleges is a great way to learn more about the schools you're interested in and see if you'd…
PSAT Scores Are Out! Now What?
Hey guys, it's Eric at Solution Prep and PSAT scores are starting to come out. This year, earlier than ever. As soon as October 24th if you took the PSAT from October 1st through 11th. For those of you who…
Should You Fill Out the CSS Profile?
Hey guys, it's Eric at Solution Prep, and today I'm answering the question: Should you fill out the CSS profile? The CSS profile is the College Scholarship Service, and it's like the FAFSA (the free application for Federal Student Aid),…
When Do SAT & ACT Scores Come Out?
Hey guys, it's Eric at Solution Prep, and today we're answering the question: When will I get my SAT or ACT scores? If you take the SAT on one of the seven national test dates throughout the year, scores typically…
Why Safety Schools May Reject You
Hey guys, it's Eric at Solution Prep, and today we're talking about why you might get rejected to your safety schools and what you can do about it. When you apply to colleges you should build a balanced list of…
Should You Write These “Optional” Essays?
Today we're talking about two optional essays in the Common App. If you click on the Common App tab and click on the writing section, you're going to see an area that says “Additional Information.” In there, there are two…
When College Acceptance Rates Lie
Today we have to talk about college acceptance rates and how they can often be misleading. When you see a college with an acceptance rate of 50% or 20% or 5% of the students who've applied it doesn't mean it's…
Should You Have “Other Recommenders” for College Applications?
Today we're talking about letters of recommendation for your college applications. Specifically, we're talking about the other recommenders that some colleges are willing to look at. Most schools want to see letters from two teachers plus your guidance counselor. But…
5 Ways Parents Should (and Shouldn’t) Help With College Apps
Today I am talking to parents about 5 right ways and 5 wrong ways to help your students apply to college. Parents should help students build and winnow down a list of best fit colleges. This is a family decision…
How to Prep Between SATs
Today I'm talking directly to students who just took their first SAT after having completed a course, answering the question: What do you do between now and your next SAT? Everyone should plan to take the SAT at least 2…
Most Important Rule of College Essays
Hey guys, it's Eric at Solution Prep, and today we're talking about the most important rule of writing your college application essays. It's also the most important rule of public speaking or telling jokes, and that's: Know Your Audience. Think:…
Most Important College Resource Tip for First-Years
Today we're talking about the different resources you can look forward to at college. Moving away to college is a big transition: you have to be responsible for yourself and maybe independent in a way you've never been before. Colleges…
Should You Send SAT Scores to Colleges or Apply Test Optional?
College applications are open and now you have to answer the tough question: should you submit your SAT or ACT scores to the colleges you're applying to? Well, that depends on whether or not the colleges you're applying to are…
How Colleges Look at Activities
Today we're talking about your activities. In the Common Application, and many other applications, there's space for you to list up to 10 activities. And what is it colleges are looking for exactly? Well, they're looking for your passion and…
How the ACT is Changing in 2025 & 2026
The ACT is changing. They just announced earlier this week that effective spring of 2025 (so we expect that to be the April ACT coming up), they're going to be making some changes. Maybe big, maybe small. We're going to…
Will Your AP Scores Even Matter!?
AP scores are in. If you took an Advanced Placement class in the last school year, it likely ended with a great big AP exam scored on a scale of 1-5. And your teacher probably told you that if you…
How Colleges REALLY Look at Grades
We have to talk about your grades. High school grades are the number 1 qualifier most colleges consider in determining which students to accept and which to decline. But it's important for you to understand how the colleges you're applying…
4 Ways College Applicants Fail the Essay Assignment
Hey guys, it's Eric at Solution Prep, and today we're talking about four ways students fail the assignment of writing their college application essays. One is by writing about their grades, trying to explain away bad grades, or say why…
Why Are There SO Many College Application Essays?
Hey guys, it's Eric at Solution Prep, and today we're talking about why some colleges that accept the Common App also request or require their own school specific application essays. They want to get to know the applicants who are…
Avoid These 5 “Why This College” Essay Topics
Hey guys, it's Eric at Solution Prep. Today, we're talking about five things to avoid in writing a “Why This College” essay. A lot of colleges in their application ask, “Why do you want to go to our college?” This…
3 Steps to Writing Winning College Essays
Hey guys, it's Eric at Solution Prep, and today we're talking about the three step process to writing a winning college application essay. And that's: written first, good next, and length last. In your first step, you just have to…
Why Top Colleges Reject Qualified Students
Hey, guys! It’s Eric at Solution Prep and today I want to tell you a little story about why qualified students might still get rejected from their top choice colleges. I visit a lot of colleges, and one day I…
Should You Consider “Religious” Colleges?
Hi guys! It’s Eric at Solution Prep, and today we’re discussing whether you should consider religiously affiliated colleges; even if it’s not your religion, or if you’re not religious at all. Some colleges have their faith at the center of…
The BIG MYTH About Public Colleges
Hey, guys! It’s Eric at Solution Prep, and if you know me, you know that making college affordable for students and families is something I focus a lot of my time on. But today I want to dispel a myth…
Reading & Writing on the Digital SAT
Hey, guys! It’s Eric at Solution Prep. Today we’re talking about how the reading and writing questions are different now — on the new digital SAT — compared to how they were on the old paper and pencil test. The…
Making the Most of Summer Programs
Hey, guys! It’s Eric at Solution Prep. Today we’re talking about summer programs at colleges for high school students. These can be a great opportunity for you to learn more about topics you’re passionate about, or to look more into…
How to Negotiate More Scholarships
Hey, guys! It’s Eric at Solution Prep. And as we get closer to decision deadlines the number one question I’m getting from parents and students is how do I get a little more money out of the colleges I’m considering…
Do College Sports Really Matter? And How Much?
Hey, guys! It’s Eric at Solution Prep and today we’re discussing how sports culture impacts your college selection. Yes, it’s fun to go to a big rah-rah sports school and have that culture on campus, and have games to go…
What to do After Taking the SAT & ACT
Hey guys! It’s Eric at Solution Prep. We talk a lot about what to do in preparation for your SAT or ACT, and especially during the test. Today, we’re discussing what to do directly after you take the SAT or…
9 Things to Ignore on College Visits
Hey, guys! It’s Eric at Solution Prep and today I want to talk to you about things that really don’t matter on a college visit. I have visited hundreds of colleges, and there are things I hear all the time,…
Getting to “Yes” from Rejected: Top-Choice College Hacks
Hey guys! It’s Eric at Solution Prep and now that college acceptances are in its time to answer the tough question: what if you were rejected by your top choice college? Well, fear not because there are some steps you…
3 Ways to Make Sure You’ll Graduate College ON TIME
Hey guys, it’s Eric at Solution Prep. Today we’re discussing how to graduate college on time. Here are three ways to ensure timely graduation. in America graduate public universities on time — which means in four years or fewer. Those…
Navigating Atypical Admission Offers
Today, we're discussing what if you're accepted to your top college but not as expected. Let's explore three ways to navigate this situation. are three ways we're gonna talk about today. One is, but not for your preferred starting term.…
4-Part Letter of Continued Interest
Hi, it's Eric at Solution Prep! Let's discuss letters of continued interest. They're crucial if you've been deferred or waitlisted! from the regular round, you may still be able to get accepted. And one thing that could help is a…
Your 4-Month College Application Journey (Backwards!)
Today I want to talk about the four-month journey that will be your college application project. Yes, it will take four months. Underestimate it and procrastinate about it at your peril. I have done this for so many years, and…
How to Apply to College for Free
Hey, guys! It’s Eric at Solution Prep, and today we’re talking about how to apply to college for free. Submitting a college application can cost anywhere from $35 all the way up to $95 for a single college. So if…
10th & 11th Grade Digital SAT Timeline
Hey guys! It’s Eric at Solution Prep. And today we’re talking about the Digital SAT timeline. Junior year is testing year and you want to get all your SATs done by the end of it. That way you can move…
Filing Your CSS Profile Before FAFSA!?
Hey, guys! It’s Eric at Solution Prep; and we have a problem. Typically the FAFSA — that’s the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — opens on October 1st, and I spend all of October helping families fill out their…
How to Send SAT & ACT Scores to Colleges
Hey, guys! It’s Eric at Solution Prep. Today we’re talking about sending SAT and ACT scores to colleges. If you’ll be submitting your scores — either because the college requires them or because they reflect your best academic abilities —…
How to Begin & End Any College Essay
Hey guys! It’s Eric at Solution Prep. Today we’re talking about the two most important — and toughest — parts to write of any college application essay — that’s the beginning and the end. For the beginning, so many students…
Why Go to a College Fair
October is College Fair season! Twice a year — once in the fall, and once in the spring — college reps make the rounds to college fairs for your state, your county, your district, or even your high school. And…
28 PSAT Changes in 3 Minutes
Today we're talking about what changes are coming to the PSAT. This year, high schools will have from October 2nd to October 31st to administer the PSAT on whatever day or days they choose. This PSAT will be a totally…
Where College Apps Hide Course & Grade Questions
Hey, guys! It’s Eric at Solution Prep, and today we’re talking about that massive pain in the butt that is manually entering all of your courses and grades in college apps when looking to apply to college. Yes… your guidance…
Make the Most of College Reps at School
The college reps are coming! Fall is travel season for college admissions reps; so in addition to attending college fairs in the evening, they might also be visiting high schools during the daytime to meet students, and they might be…
Five MORE Words to Cut From Your College Essays
We’re back with five more words to avoid in your college application essays. The first is “we”. So often students write “we” did this, or “we” did that; but “we” are not applying to college — you are. So focus…
Why Take Major-Specific College Visits
Today we’re talking about major-specific college visits. When you take a general college visit you’re going to learn a lot about amenities like the food, and the dorms, and the sports facilities. Your tour guide might even tell you about…
The Trick to Writing Short College Essays
Today we’re talking about short college application essays. Everyone knows the Common App will allow you to submit an essay of up to 650 words; then each college might have their own school specific supplemental essays that are just for…
Which Do Colleges Want: SAT or ACT?
A question I get a lot is whether it’s better to submit SAT or ACT scores to colleges. Right now, a lot of colleges have "test optional" policies, where if you don’t submit scores, it’s not supposed to hurt your…
The New PSAT Timeline & What it Means for You
Today we’re talking about the changing PSAT and your testing timeline. Historically, high schools have had three dates in October to choose from to administer the PSAT. Either the second Wednesday in October, the most common one. The Saturday after…
Do Colleges Care About a Major?
Hey guys. It’s Eric at Solution Prep. And today we’re talking about applying “undeclared“ for your major. Some colleges consider applicants by major or the school within a school to which they apply. There are only so many seats. But…