One of the most common questions students and parents ask is, "How many times should you take the SAT?" The answer depends on your college goals, current scores, and how much preparation you've completed before each exam. While there's no…
Hey everyone, it’s Eric. In this blog, I want to talk a little bit about how the SAT is scored. For most of its hundred-year history, the SAT has scored students in two key areas: Math and Reading & Writing…
Hey everybody, it's Eric at Solution Prep. Today I want to talk about research. A lot of parents and students ask me, "Shouldn't we be doing a research project? Isn't that what elite colleges and universities are looking for? And…
Preparing for the SAT isn't just about how many hours you study. It's also about when you begin. Starting too late can leave students feeling rushed, while beginning too early may lead to burnout before test day. So, when should…
Hey guys, it's Eric at Solution Prep. Today I thought it would be interesting to break down where students attend college in America. There are nearly 16 million undergraduate college students across America pursuing a bachelor's degree. As of this…
Hey everybody, it's Eric at Solution Prep. One thing I hear a lot when I visit colleges is, "Well, our admissions is “holistic review."” The way the colleges say it, it’s as if they're the only ones doing it. All…
Deciding whether to retake the SAT or ACT is one of the most common questions students and parents face during the college admissions process. The short answer: it depends on your current score, target schools, and how much improvement you…
Hey everyone, it's Eric at Solution Prep. Today I want to offer a little caution about overly relying on ChatGPT and other AI tools to build your list of best-fit colleges. Most AI tools available to you are LLMs. That…
Hey everyone, it's Eric at Solution Prep, and we need to talk about why Columbia University is so important right now. Just a few weeks ago, Columbia announced that they would return to requiring SAT or ACT scores of all…
When it comes to college applications, students and parents often ask: how do colleges evaluate extracurricular activities? The good news is that admissions officers aren’t looking for a mile-long list of clubs. They care far more about depth, commitment, and…
The first nationwide Digital SAT rollout changed the standardized testing landscape, and now that students across the country have received scores, one thing has become clear: the Digital SAT is not easier than the previous paper version. While the exam…
Choosing the right topic for your college essay is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the application process. Many students search for guidance on how to choose a college essay topic because they know the personal statement…
The college essay (often called the “personal statement”) is one of the most important parts of your college application. It gives admissions officers a chance to see who you are beyond grades and test scores. Unfortunately, several persistent college essay…
Families in Monmouth County from Wall Township, Little Silver, Red Bank, Middletown, Colts Neck, Freehold, and surrounding towns are always looking for cost effective SAT prep that actually delivers results. With so many options available, the key is finding strong…
Every year, thousands of high-achieving students are rejected from colleges they seemed fully qualified to attend. Strong GPAs, impressive SAT or ACT scores, leadership positions, and advanced coursework are often not enough to guarantee admission at highly selective schools. For…
Parents and students across New Jersey often search for 1 on 1 SAT tutoring cost NJ when weighing options for serious test prep. Understanding realistic pricing helps families make informed decisions about whether private tutoring is the right investment for…
Students in Ocean County, NJ (including Toms River, Brick, Lacey Township, Manchester, and surrounding areas) are working hard to stand out in the college admissions process. The digital SAT plays a significant role in applications, scholarships, and honors program eligibility…
For families in Ocean County, NJ (from Toms River and Brick to Lacey Township and Manchester), preparing for the SAT is a key step toward strong college applications. With competitive high schools like Toms River High School North, Donovan Catholic,…
Missing the May 1 college commitment deadline (also known as College Decision Day) can feel stressful, especially as a high school senior or parent finalizing plans. The good news is that you're not necessarily out of options. While when you…
The college admissions journey builds to one critical moment: deciding where to enroll. For high school seniors and their families, a common question is when do you have to commit to a college? Understanding the college commitment deadline and overall…
Applying to college is one of the most important milestones in a student’s academic journey. While it may seem strategic to apply to as many colleges as possible to increase acceptance chances, submitting too many applications may actually work against…
As a New Jersey family planning for college admissions, one of the smartest moves you can make is getting ahead of the game by making sure you're familiar with SAT exam preparation courses in NJ. Timing isn't just important: it's…
If you're a parent or student in New Jersey navigating the world of college admissions, finding the right SAT test tutoring in New Jersey can feel overwhelming. That's where this complete checklist comes in: it's designed to guide you step…
Today, I’m spilling the beans on how to “sneak” into the Ivy League. Maybe you’ve got big Ivy ambitions, but your high school grades or SAT/ACT scores aren’t quite cutting it for direct admission. Don’t sweat it: there are clever…
For most high school seniors, the SAT and ACT are firmly in the past: over and done with, left in the rearview mirror. But believe it or not, there are some solid reasons why a 12th grader might decide to…
Today we’re diving into a hard truth about test-optional colleges. In recent years, many colleges have adopted test-optional admission policies. What does that mean? Simply put, you can apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores and still be considered for…
Today we’re talking about the travel expenses of going to college. When you look at a college’s official COA (the “cost of attendance”) you’ll see a combination of direct costs paid directly to the college, like tuition, fees, room, and…
Today, I want to answer a question I hear from a lot of parents: why does my student get A’s in school but struggle to earn SAT scores that match? There are several reasons for this, starting with how students…
Today, I’m breaking down what a 529 plan is and how it can help pay for your child to go to college. A 529 plan is a college investment account. You put money in, it grows with the market, and…
Today, I want to tell you why it's so important to take the March SAT in 2026. There are now eight SATs offered each year, but the first five are front loaded at the beginning of the school year: August,…
I want to get a little existential with you today and talk about the future. Y'know, the future: that thing that gives us all anxiety. It’s why we read the news, so we know what might happen. It’s why we…
If you’re a New Jersey parent or student starting to think about college, one of the first questions that comes up is simple: what is the SAT, and does it still matter? Between digital testing, test-optional policies, and changing formats,…
Today, I’d like to let you know why taking the SAT or ACT is still an important part of the college application process. Many colleges are test-optional these days; this fact has led many high school students and guidance counselors…
Today, we're answering the question: What if you've been deferred? If you applied early to colleges—whether it’s Early Decision or Early Action—you're going to hear back from those schools, typically sometime in December, with one of three different responses: 1…
If you’ve ever looked at your teen’s transcript and thought, “Okay… but is a 3.4 good?”, you’re not alone. Schools love GPAs, parents often think in letter grades, and colleges speak both languages. That’s where a simple GPA to letter…
Today I want to answer the following question: what kind of students get college admissions coaches? Most people assume they're just for high-achieving students competing for admission into top-tier colleges. While yes, that’s one kind of student who could benefit…
If you’ve ever Googled a SAT and ACT score chart, you’ve probably landed on a wall of tiny numbers and felt your eyes glaze over. As a New Jersey parent trying to help your teen, it can be hard to…
It’s December, and that means it’s time to answer one of the hardest questions we get from students all year: should I apply to a college Early Decision II? Most colleges offer some kind of early application deadline around November…
Choosing the right college major is one of the biggest decisions students face. For many, it feels overwhelming. If you’re an undecided college student or a parent trying to help your teen navigate this choice, you’re not alone. Every year,…
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with a maze of financial aid terms, acronyms, and formulas. Whether you're a parent trying to plan ahead or a student preparing for the next big step, understanding the language…
If you’re a New Jersey parent staring down junior year, you’ve probably heard a lot of conflicting advice about the SAT and ACT. The good news: colleges don’t prefer one over the other. The better news: once you understand the…
When ACT season hits, it can feel like everybody has a recommendation, an opinion, or a “secret weapon” tutor. But how do you actually find the best ACT tutors New Jersey has to offer for your specific teen and not…
Success on the ACT involves mastering content, developing essential test-taking strategies, and developing effective time management skills. Students in New Jersey looking to maximize their ACT scores often benefit significantly from working with specialized ACT tutors who can help them…
If you’re a parent in New Jersey staring down the SAT or ACT testing process, you’ve probably heard that private SAT ACT tutoring in New Jersey which families invest in can make a big difference. But what does that actually…
Preparing for the SAT can feel like a daunting task, but with the right strategies and resources, New Jersey students can confidently crack the test and achieve impressive scores. At Solution Prep, we have helped countless NJ students navigate SAT…
The Role of Practice Tests in SAT Preparation: New Jersey Edition Preparing for the SAT is a pivotal step in every New Jersey student's college admissions journey. While study guides, flashcards, and tutoring sessions all play essential roles, one method…
Preparing effectively for the SAT demands targeted strategies and expert insights that extend beyond general knowledge of the test. With college admissions growing increasingly competitive across New Jersey, students need practical, proven approaches to help them achieve their highest scores…
With college admissions becoming increasingly competitive, achieving a strong SAT score has never been more crucial for students in New Jersey. However, navigating SAT preparation can be overwhelming without the right guidance and resources. Enrolling in a reputable SAT prep…
Hey guys, it's Eric at Solution Prep and this is the 200th video on our channel and I've given you videos on things like college essays and applications and college search and funding college. I've given you long walk-through videos…
Achieving a high SAT score is more than just memorizing facts or reviewing basic concepts: it's also about mastering effective strategies that lead to success on test day. At Solution Prep, our SAT prep courses in New Jersey equip students…
Hey guys, it's Eric at Solution Prep and today I want to tell you how colleges actually look at your SAT scores. It's no secret that a growing list of colleges are going back to requiring SAT or ACT scores…
As college admissions become increasingly competitive, students across New Jersey face immense pressure to achieve outstanding SAT scores. An excellent way to meet this challenge is through enrollment in a structured SAT prep course. But why exactly are SAT prep…
Crafting a college essay can feel overwhelming, but having a clear structure makes the process simpler and more effective. A solid college essay structure ensures your ideas flow logically and that your essay clearly conveys your personality and insights. Here's…
Hey guys, it's Eric at Solution Prep and today I'm telling you why ChatGPT keeps writing the same college application essays. It is allowed and ethical to use ChatGPT and other AI programs as tools to help you brainstorm ideas…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…