GE College Prep

Worked with Nicole with both of my daughters - I can't speak highly enough. She is thoughtful, consistent, diligent. Great access, great relationship with our daughters -- great results!

– Joan K. (parent), Santa Monica

I met with tutors for French, Physics, and Biology Subject Tests. I can honestly say that my experiences with each of these tutors was nothing short of spectacular. They are not only wonderful tutors, they are all committed, understanding, friendly people. They were consistently able to keep me engaged, manage time efficiently, and make my overall learning experience very enjoyable.

– Justine L. (student), Los Angeles

I worked with several tutors and every session flowed smoothly. My experience was great because my Subject Tests tutors all updated each other on my progress and what study tricks worked for me -- which made every session way more effective.

– Dani H. (student), Los Angeles

I can honestly say that my experiences with each of my tutors was nothing short of spectacular. They are not only wonderful tutors, they are all committed, understanding, friendly people. During my last-minute, panicked cram sessions that would occasionally run as late as 1:00am, my tutors did whatever it took to keep my attention and keep my work rate up (sometimes that meant feeding me chocolate periodically). I would recommend Great Expectations to absolutely anyone because I am confident that their tutors are capable of helping any student through whatever academic challenges may arise.

– Rana S. (student), Culver City

There are not enough “5 Stars" in the world to accurately express my overwhelming admiration, support and complete endorsement of Great Expectations. Jen and her team of accomplished and highly trained counselors and tutors were experts in knowing exactly how to help my son navigate through the acutely stressful college application experience, and they did it with kindness, dedication, enthusiasm, and an acute knowledge of the subjects they taught. My son has just been accepted to Cornell University and he is thrilled! I am 100% confident that without the combined efforts of both my son’s dedication and the exceptional team at Great Expectations he would not be off to this Ivy League institution in the fall.

– Tory H. (parent), Los Angeles

Before my son started working with Great Expectations, he had scored a 24 on his ACT. By the time he applied to college, with the help of his GE tutors (especially Vivia), his score rose to a 35, with a super score of 36! My son has just been accepted to Cornell University and he is thrilled! I am 100% confident that without the combined efforts of both my son’s dedication and the exceptional team at Great Expectations he would not be off to this Ivy League institution in the fall.

– Tory H. (parent), Los Angeles

My son had taken the SAT twice, both times he studied on his own with guides and practice tests I bought for him. Both times he got a 1240, which while not a bad score, wasn’t what he considered good enough for the the schools he wanted to apply to. He was skeptical about the chances of increasing his scores after two tries with no change, but we decided to give this one more try with the help of Great Expectations. They assigned a great tutor named Wesley who came to our house for five 2 hour sessions, and then my son took 3 practice tests at a nearby location over the next three weeks. My son scored a 1400, a full 160 points higher than his previous two tries. We are really grateful to Great Expectations and Wesley for the help. It was completely worth it!

– Terry S. (parent), West Hollywood

Both of my children are blessed with learning diversities. Test taking has always been a challenge, to say the least. With Great Expectations’ personalized approach and positive encouragement, my daughter was able to raise her SAT scores more than 400 points and gain admittance to several excellent universities.

– Deborah S. (parent), Malibu

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 worked with my tutor to determine which test was better for me -- SAT or ACT -- and I chose to focus on the ACT, eventually improving 6 points.

– Dani H. (student), Los Angeles

Great Expectations did a fabulous job preparing our daughter for both the SAT and SAT Subject tests. Their tutors were always on time, had a fabulous attitude and a thorough knowledge of the subjects they taught, and could convey that knowledge in a straightforward and entertaining manner. They gave my daughter the confidence to overcome her test taking insecurities, and her SAT scores rose 300 points after only a few sessions. I highly recommend them to all serious students who need to improve their SAT test taking ability.

– Ronald C. (parent), Beverly Hills

Great Expectations matched me with the best tutor I’ve ever worked with. For someone who cannot take a standardized test to save my life, my tutor helped me truly grasp the concepts and different approaches to each section. Not only did my score improve more than 300 points, but the time flew and it never felt like tutoring. She was a joy to be around and an amazing motivator.

– Clara C. (student), Santa Monica

I wasn't really too keen on getting a test prep tutor because I thought I could do it myself, but my mom insisted. After I met with my tutor, I realized that I absolutely did need the help of a tutor; the SAT wasn't just about knowing the answers to the questions but instead understanding how to navigate the tricks and the phrasing of questions. I also really got along well with my tutor! GE does a great job of pairing tutors with students based on personality type. This definitely made studying for the SAT a lot more enjoyable.

– Alysha K. (student), Newport Beach

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

I was always a pretty average student, and when I first began prep for the ACT, my score was 16. After a few sessions with my GE tutor, my score slowly started to rise. It took a while to get the results we wanted, but with help from my tutor, I finally had a breakthrough -- I got a 26 on the ACT! A 10 point jump is almost unheard of, and it definitely wouldn't have been possible without the help from Great Expectations.""I was always a pretty average student, and when I first began prep for the ACT, my score was 16. After a few sessions with my GE tutor, my score slowly started to rise. It took a while to get the results we wanted, but with help from my tutor, I finally had a breakthrough -- I got a 26 on the ACT! A 10 point jump is almost unheard of, and it definitely wouldn't have been possible without the help from Great Expectations.

– Zach L. (student), Redwood City

My test scores improved dramatically in each section because GE helped me understand the nuances of the tests and how to attack each section in the way best fit to my skills. I would highly recommend the tutors at Great Expectations – not only do they teach you everything you need to know about the SAT, ACT, or college applications, but they develop a relationship with you filled with trust, kindness, and teamwork.

– Jamie M. (student), Los Angeles

Fantastic ACT prep! Highly recommended! Great tutoring, materials and practice tests, all at a great price. My daughter went from a 26 to a 33! Vivia is an amazing tutor! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

– Kari M. (parent), Los Angeles

Fantastic. Needed ACT prep which is hard to find. They matched us with the tutor named Vivia who could not have been more perfect for my artsy daughter. They meet every Sunday, and she's getting so much out of it. Can't recommend this any higher.

– Lisa T. (parent), Los Angeles

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

My counselor was an amazing guide when it came to crafting the perfect college application. I came to GE with what I though was a solid application, and my counselor helped me make it 100 times better. I truly believe her help made the difference when it came to getting admitted into colleges!

– Tim F. (student), Palos Verdes Estates

My daughter worked with Whitney at Great Expectations during the college application process. Whitney facilitated big picture organization and knew how long tasks would take. My daughter said that her essay reviews were "picky in a good way." Overall, we were very happy with her help and the finished product!

– Steven H. (parent), San Francisco

Whitney was such a great college advisor for our son who had a short list of only about 7 schools, so he knew he had to rock it and make a solid effort with his essays and supplementals. Whitney was great from the first skype session. She got our son organized with all his school choices, submittal deadlines, and impeccable communication. Half of the battle is staying ahead of the game and being organized with the essays. Whitney kept it positive, cheerful, and also made our son feel like his essays reflected his authentic self. Thank you for making this stressful time much more pleasant and manageable! He's already heard acceptance from a great reach school and waiting on a few others.

– Lisa S. (parent), Los Angeles

We couldn't be more thrilled with Great Expectations. Our counselor was accessible (always promptly answering texts and emails) and kept my daughter organized and on schedule, and edited her essays. My daughter says she made the college application process so much easier for her. She was there for her 100% of the time and answered any questions my daughter had. HIGHLY recommend!

– Bee P. (parent), Santa Clarita

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 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

My GE counselor guided me through the college application process, first by helping me choose where to apply (she had a GREAT sense of what I was looking for), then by walking me through the logistics of filling out application forms, and most importantly, working with me to write all of my essays. I find that Great Expectations’ method is unique in that it makes the writing process infinitely easier while still granting the student complete creative license. I am now a freshman at the University of Washington and couldn’t be happier!

– Justine L. (student), Los Angeles

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 this was not the case. 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 with the tutors, he was accepted to one of his top choices.

– Suzanne C. (parent), Irvine

The college application process felt so smooth with the help of my GE counselor. I was confident in my essays and knew that I was turning in the best applications I could.

– Jamie M. (student), Los Angeles

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 worked with one of their college counselors in the fall of my senior year. She helped me organize all my deadlines for my essays and when each application was due. We worked together to finalize my college list and she had great additional schools that I had never even considered! She knew I wanted to go to a smaller school in an urban area and suggested schools that fit those criteria. Looking back, I would have been so lost without GE!

– Alysha K. (student), Newport Beach

First off, let me just say, I could have never gotten through the college process without Great Expectations! During my college counseling sessions, my tutor helped me brainstorm ideas for my essays, edited my essays significantly, and helped me fill out each and every application. I referred my friends to GE, and even though they worked with different counselors, they were all SO relieved to have the help. With their help, I got into the University of Michigan, my dream school!

– Dani H. (student), Los Angeles

One of the most important things that my counselor helped me with though was narrowing down my criteria for the college I wanted to go to. She asked me very insightful questions about what I was looking for in my college experience, and I was able to create a list of safety, target, and reach schools. She had an amazing knowledge of every school on my list along with the college admissions process itself. My counselor knew it all, from the schools' academics, to its social life, to the culture of the college town. Highly recommended company!

– Katie S. (student), Los Angeles

Great Expectations helped me meet my deadlines, taught me different essay composition techniques, and made the most stressful process a teenager faces much less stressful. In the fall, I will be attending Rhodes College in Memphis (my first choice)!

– Zach L. (student), Redwood City

My daughter’s counselor helped her explore colleges that I could not get her to consider (she will be attending a most amazing college in North Carolina that is a perfect fit for her). My teens completely look forward to their meetings, and we will never forget the dedication of my daughter's main counselor who stayed up with her past midnight to help her submit all 12 of her college applications the night before her 18th birthday!

– Gina K. (parent), Pacific Palisades

I really appreciate Great Expectations College Prep! Thanks to them, the college application process was greatly simplified. Between helping to narrow down my list of schools, providing helpful feedback on my essays, and even giving advice on choosing the right school for me, GECP made the whole process far less stressful than it could have been. I also appreciated that my college counselor was very flexible with scheduling meetings to fit my busy schedule.

– Diane M. (student), Los Angeles

Wow! What an amazing company. My college application process could not have been more efficiently organized, thanks to the help from Great Expectations College Prep. I began in the beginning of summer and my applications were ready to submit way before they were due. I believe the fine tuning of my essays helped me get into my top schools, USC and Berkeley.

– Hannah W. (student), Santa Barbara

Wow! What an amazing company. My college application process could not have been more efficiently organized, thanks to the help from Great Expectations College Prep. I began in the beginning of summer and my applications were ready to submit way before they were due. I believe the fine tuning of my essays helped me get into my top schools, USC and Berkeley.

– Hannah W. (student), Santa Barbara

I had Jen Kaifesh as my college counselor, and it truly was the best decision I have ever made! Jen helped me from beginning to end. She helped me form my list of colleges, edit the applications, and connected me with great tutors for the ACT and subject tests. Jen's spirit and passion for helping students is unparalleled. She provided support and motivation and she really truly cares about the students that she works with. Thanks to her, I got the ACT score that I wanted and am going to be attending my dream school next year. It was an incredible investment, and I would not be where I am if it wasn't for her!!!

– Hannah L. (student), Los Angeles

I had Jen Kaifesh as my college counselor, and it truly was the best decision I have ever made! Jen helped me from beginning to end. She helped me form my list of colleges, edit the applications, and connected me with great tutors for the ACT and subject tests. Jen's spirit and passion for helping students is unparalleled. She provided support and motivation and she really truly cares about the students that she works with. Thanks to her, I got the ACT score that I wanted and am going to be attending my dream school next year. It was an incredible investment, and I would not be where I am if it wasn't for her!!!

– Hannah L. (student), Los Angeles

Best investment ever for my son! He wanted to go to a 4 year college and at risk of not getting in! Jennifer 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 Jennifer at Great Expectations. Thank you Jennifer. We are truly grateful and owe this accomplishment to you!

– Lisa G. (parent), Newport Beach

I used the services of Great Expectations for over two years and am so grateful for every session. My tutor helped me with everything from testing to the application process. My test scores improved dramatically in each section because GE helped me understand the nuances of the tests and how to attack each section in the way that best fit to my skills. In addition, the college application process felt so smooth with the help of my GE tutor. I was confident in my essays and knew that I was turning in the best applications I could. Overall, I would highly recommend the tutors at Great Expectations - not only do they teach you everything you need to know about the SAT, ACT, or college applications, but they develop a relationship with you filled with trust, kindness, and teamwork.

– Dallas M. (student), Brentwood

I can't imagine going through the college application process without Great Expectations! The first session my tutor and I sat down and created a spreadsheet that detailed every test score, essay topic, deadline, and other requirements for each school. That spreadsheet was my lifeline for the next few months, and needless to say, I never missed a single deadline. My high school college counselors encouraged me to only keep my sights on "target schools," namely schools where I was well within the range of test scores and grades. Great Expectations, on the other hand, encouraged me to reach past those target schools, and as a result, I was accepted to almost every school I applied to -- even if I wasn't quite in their "range."

– Nadine C. (student), Los Angeles

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