What do I think about the College Admissions scandal? (Part I) - PREPARE for the SAT

20MarMarch 26, 2019

What do I think about the College Admissions scandal? (Part I)

When the college admissions scandal broke, my SEO guy suggested that I find something clever to say about it and use social media to disseminate my insights to the rest of the world. Solid business advice: why not try to drum up some free publicity? Unfortunately, I couldn’t figure out what to say that would both help my test prep business and still reflect my honest opinion. Even if I could come with something, how to circulate my sagacity throughout the blogosphere? While I evidently have Twitter and Instagram accountsâI don’t remember setting them upâI donât use any social media app fancier than Facebook. (The mere fact that “blogosphere” was the only term that came to mind reveals just how social-media-unsavvy I am.) Oh well. Eventually, I did decide I had somethingto say. My thoughts are a bit random but, for whoever is out there and gives a crap, here I go:

I donât know how this scandal will affect my test prep business. On the one hand, the news that scores can be easily bought or faked should erode public faith in the accuracy and value of standardized test resultsâ¦ but, on the other hand, this scandal also suggests that, if people are willing to go to such lengths to buy or cheat their way to higher scores, the SAT must still be a pretty big deal. Thus, I might reasonably conclude that ambitious parents will be just as motivated as ever to hire people like me to help their kids achieve higher test scores through old-fashioned hard work.

Putting business to the side, however, and speaking simply as a parent whose son has just completed an unpleasant and unfair* college application processâ¦ I am extremely pissed off. Moreover, as a patriotic American who would like to see the best and brightest rise to the top and help to lift all boats, I am disappointed?/sickened?/outraged? that we canât seem to offer a better, more egalitarian system for deciding who receives the golden admission tickets to elite collegesâand the lifetime benefits that accrue to these students once they graduate.

_{*Well, it seemed unfair to me but I’m not exactly objective.Â}

More to come…

by Peter Schmidtin Media, News

Nick Lomauro, Emmaus HS (Ithaca College)

Taking the PREPARE course taught me methods to save time by narrowing my answer choices for the Critical Reading and Writing sections. Mr. Schmidt also helped me to improve my writing skills tremendously. My overall score improved by more than 200 points. Mr. Schmidt is a fantastic teacher. He made taking a three-week course about standardized testing bearable, and even fun!

Patrick McTish, Emmaus HS (Villanova)

I cannot believe how much PREPARE helped to improve my score. I learned so many great test-taking techniques, especially in the reading and writing sections; these scores increased dramatically. I found that learning new vocabulary words was most helpful because I struggled on the vocabulary section of the SAT before I attended class. Also, I am able to return to class and practice my skills before I take the SAT again. PREPARE definitely helped me to improve my score on the SAT dramatically.

Pat Costa, Central Catholic HS (Lehigh)

Prepare is an unbelievable SAT preparation service. With colleges becoming increasingly more selective in their admissions, a strong SAT score is vital in order to stand out. Through Prepare, I was able to learn efficient and time-saving test taking strategies as well as improve my vocabulary, which helps me in my everyday life. After completing the Prepare course I was much more confident in my test-taking abilities. I improved 150 points from my PSAT score and was able to apply to my first choice college and feel I had a legitimate shot at acceptance. Also, after seeing how well Prepare had worked for me, many of my classmates took the course and experienced similar score increases. I would recommend Prepare to anyone because, based on my personal experience and research, itâs the best preparation service out there.

William Hogan, Notre Dame HS (Lehigh)

PREPARE gives students the edge they need to succeed on the SAT. The course significantly boosted my test scores by nearly 200 points. Honestly, this is one of the only classes that I did not want to miss. The teacher is dedicated, down to earth, and one of the most amusing teachers you could ever have. I suggest this course if you want to do well on the SATs because this courseâs guarantee of boosting your score is full-proof.

Victoria Schaarschmidt, Northampton HS, (Kutztown)

Thanks so much the course was awesome and it helped a lot. Iâm getting some nice $$$ from colleges for my scores!!!

Joe Guth, Parkland HS

I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed your class and I feel I got a lot out of it. As I was taking the SAT today I found myself approaching it very differently than my friends around me. I heard people talking about various questions that were hard or tricky in math and reading. Every time I heard that, I remembered taking that specific section and all I thought was âthis is a plug-inâ or âthey put this choice in to trick meâ. One of the greatest things I got out of your class was confidence that I would do well on the SAT. Without that I probably would have been overanxious and extremely nervous. As it was, I just thought of it being âanother practice test.

Justine Garbarino, Central Catholic HS (Catholic U.)

After receiving a score that did not reflect my high school grades or ability, I decided to take the classes to improve. The skills, tricks, and instructions that were taught allowed me to work on my weaknesses and eventually increase my score by over 400 points.

Nelson Maniscalco, Allentown Central Catholic HS (Temple)

The essay was great. I wasnât nervous at all and I had time to complete everything, and then check my work. The class was awesome…you prepared me for everything. I am gonna miss you guys. Thanks for everything.

Steve Kurtz, father of Caroline Kurtz, Notre Dame HS

Prior to Peter Schmidtâs SAT prep course, my daughterâs practice score was 1820. After taking his course and dedicating substantial time, she scored a 2310 on her first attempt. This dramatic change is atypical, but her performance proves that it is possible. I believe that the two essential components are: 1). Peter Schmidtâs course, and 2). Substantial student effort during and after the course. She could not have achieved her score without both of these. I highly recommend that students take this course as early as possible so that his methods can be practiced as much as possible.

Without any consideration for price, this course is the best SAT preparation anywhere because Peter Schmidt is the ONLY teacher and he is an exceptional one. Furthermore, the price of the course is a bargain. If you live within 50 miles of the Lehigh Valley, this is the only course to consider.

Anne Englesson, mother of George Engleson, Southern Lehigh HS (Drexel)

âI have told many people about you and Prepare. Our son, George, did very well with your course and really enjoyed it. That says ALOT when you think that it was on top of regular studies and at times tough to fit in with his sports. We think it was well worth it and so does he. His scores on his final SATâs were very good (great improvement) and gave him a lot of confidence to apply to the school that he was interested in attending. The high school program just doesnât help the student develop skills necessary to test-take correctly. I remember talking to you prior to signing George up and telling you that he had difficulty in test taking. You put our concerns to rest by telling me that you developed a way to teach the student HOW to study for the SATâs. It does work. Canât say enough about the wonderful tools you teach the students. You give them tools that take them far beyond high school years. Thanks again for all your help.â

Briana Valasek , Southern Lehigh HS (DeSales)

I am thankful that I took your course. I genuinely felt like you tried hard to make everyone improve and understand and I really appreciated that. You somehow made class fun, especially when you would get off topic, or bring us food, lol! In closing, I just wanted you to know that I am happy with my score, and I can finally put the SATs behind me. Once again, thanks for all your help.

Meredith Margolis, mother of Michael and Becca Margolis, Moravian Academy (Hofstra and American)

Iâm convinced that Prepare helped Michaelâs SAT scores improve enough to be considered (and admitted!) to more competitive universities. Peter and his fellow teachers were obviously entertaining enough to keep a relatively unenthusiastic participant from complaining about a three-hour class after school!

Jill Redfern, mother of Cole Redfern, Moravian Academy

âPeter will teach your child how to deliver on his/her potential. He is outstanding at what he does. Peter, I am putting you on my list of âpeople who actually deliver what they say they willâ in life list. Itâs a remarkably short list :)â

Anthony Bisconti, Southern Lehigh HS (Lehigh)

I am very pleased with my decision to take the class and with the outcome of my scores. [a 210-point improvement] I enjoyed having an instructor who was enthusiastic and made the class interesting.

LuAnne Procyk, mother of Jenna Procyk, Emmaus HS (St. Joseph's)

Wish I had known about you before flushing one thousand dollars away on Kaplan.

Tyler Albanese, Central Catholic HS (Lafayette)

âI want to thank you very much for all youâve done for my scores. My SAT score is nearly 200 points higher than the PSAT I took last year! I must attribute this increase to your class and teaching. Not only was I prepared with the help of your tips and instruction on various sections of the test, but also the hard work that was necessary on my part to make the most out of the class. Come test day, I was not overwhelmed by what I came across on the test and found test-taking a smooth and relaxing process. Iâm very blessed to have been a part of your class!â

Gerry Krupka, father of Phil and Zach Krupka, Central Catholic HS (Monmouth)

Prepare affords typical score improvements between 100 and 200 points. Improvements of that magnitude are a difference maker in school admission decisions, and in the level of grants awarded. A $1,250 per year grant improvement represents a 1000% return on investment in the Prepare program. I have two sons, and they both attended. In addition to SAT score improvements, my sons became better students. Prepare was a great investment in their future.

Bryan Shumock, Lehigh Valley Hawks, Lehigh Valley Streetball, and most importantly, father of three Liberty kids that did great under Peter's guidance!

âMy daughter, Kali, a junior at Liberty HS, as well as my other two older girls,(one at Temple Doctorate of PT and the other a junior at Penn State) have all used Peter Schmidtâs SAT prep program. The price is right, and Peter is an excellent instructor: Kali saw her scores rise 250 points! I appreciate everything heâs done for my kids and just wanted to give him the props for doing a great job!â

Wyatt Miller, Nazareth HS (Fordham)

Taking the Prepare class was the best thing I could have done to improve my SAT score. Not only did I get to review all of the material covered on the SAT and take several practice tests, but I also learned many of the tips and tricks that are crucial to succeeding on the test. I increased my score by 350 points overall and I couldnât be happier with my improvement.

Kelli Bujanowski, Saucon Valley HS (Ithaca College)

While taking the PSATâS last year my confidence level was completely down. I had no idea how I was ever going to do well taking the SAT. So my parents signed me up for Prepare with Mr. Schmidt. After taking the class I felt extremely comfortable taking on the challenge of the SAT. My score improved by over 250 points. I really recommend this class; not only do you learn how to take on the test but you do it by having fun!

Tyler Coulton, Parkland HS (Princeton)

Mr. Schmidtâs strengths as a teacher are not limited to his ability to captivate and inspire confidence on the often-daunting SAT. It is his personality, his energy, and his ability to relate to his students on an individual level that make these classes truly exceptional. Mr. Schmidt taught lessons in an interesting and unconventional manner that would prove successful when I took the test last fall. As a student who, at times, felt that the course would be unnecessary, I was happily proven wrong when I received my test scores. I would highly recommend Prepare to anyone wishing to end the dramatics that tests like these often are. Mr. Schmidtâs classes instilled the confidence and the information necessary for me to understand exactly what the SATs were and were not, and therein lay the difference.

Samantha Morin, Saucon Valley HS (Pitt, Swanson School of Engineering)

I would just like to thank you immensely for the benefit your course was. I improved way more than I had even deemed possible and I must thank you for that. It truly was a pleasure to have taken the class, which made such an improvement to my understanding of the test as well as how to take it properly. I will definitely be recommending the course to others, as I know my mother has already been doing. Thank you again

Nils Dahl, Notre Dame HS (U.Penn)

I was very pleased with my preparedness for the SATs and saw an increase of 260 points after my second test. Mr. Schmidt was kind enough to allow me to take a practice test to help prepare for my October test even though I was signed up for the class. Ultimately, that practice test prepared me for my most successful SAT test.

Kathy Lilley, mother of Jessica (Penn St.) and Jordan Lilley (U.Penn), Wilson HS

Both of my daughters attended Prepare classes with Peter Schmidt. Jessica took the course three years ago and the first thing she said to me after taking the SAT for the first time was, âI canât imagine how I would have been during the test if I hadnât taken the classes with Mr. Schmidt!â She felt as though she was truly prepared for the test. Because Jessica had such a positive experience, we had her sister Jordan sign up for the Prepare course this fall, prior to taking the PSAT as a junior. She just received notification that she has attained National Merit Scholar Commendation status. Before taking the SAT this winter, Jordan plans to take advantage of the free refresher classes that Prepare offers. My husband and I are so pleased that our daughters were able to do so well. I would recommend this course for SAT preparation without reservation.

Camille Roberts, Parkland HS and George Washington U.

No one ever thought SAT studying could actually be enjoyable, but Mr. Schmidt easily overcomes this impossibility. His ability to effectively teach students while also putting on a three-act play never fails to make for an engaging lecture. I took the course before I took the SATâs for the first time, but as I revisited and refreshed on the skills this course taught me, my super score went up 230 points. The class is awesome for people looking to improve their scores who need something more than just books. The class really helped me to go into test day with the confidence I needed to do well. This course is especially excellent for those struggling with the writing section. I would recommend Prepare to anyone who is serious about the SAT, because it was an enjoyable, effective, and worthwhile experience.

Elena Haag, Emmaus HS, National Merit Finalist (Duke)

Prepare is a wonderful program. Peter Schmidt is a great instructor and cares for his students. He offers a review session right before the test. You are always welcome to attend his classes again if you would like to review. PREPARE helped me achieve very high scores in both the PSAT and SAT. I especially felt prepared for the Writing and Math sections after his class and achieved a perfect score in both. I definitely recommend this program as worth your time and money.

Ken Choquette, father of Laura Choquette, Central Catholic HS (Delaware)

My daughter took Mr. Schmidtâs SAT preparatory course and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge, obtaining a score well beyond her practice tests. She built a solid foundation through Mr. Schmidtâs review and teaching that afforded her confidence that propelled her thought the exam with ease.

Yi Hua & Bao Xin Chi, parents of Helen Chi, Saucon Valley HS (Ursinus)

Prior to Prepare,, my daughterâs score was exceedingly low. Through recommendation from friends in the community, I decided to sign her up for a SAT class. After learning about Mr. Schmidtâs 100 pt guarantee, I signed my daughter up. Since the class, my daughterâs grade not only improved but improved by 400 pts. I am very thankful for the improvement and test taking skills Mr. Schmidt allowed us to see within our daughter. As a business owner, whenever I hear a customer talk about SATs with their children, I always recommend Prepare because itâs very reliable, inexpensive, and promising. Sending my daughter to take Prepare is one of the best choices Iâve made for her. I have two more kids growing up. It is without a doubt that Iâll send them to take Prepare as well.

Darlene Bishop, mother of Sarah (Pitt), Katherine (UNC) and Jennifer (Ohio State) Bishop, Southern Lehigh H.S.

Enrolling my daughters in the Prepare class was one of the best investments I ever made. I highly recommend it to any student planning to attend college. This program really works! Peter is an incredible teacher and motivator. The girls improved their SAT scores by nearly 200 points and as a result, greatly increased their scholarship opportunities: Sarah is currently at Pitt on a full tuition scholarship, while Katherine has received numerous scholarship offers and invitations to college honors programs all thanks to her SAT score.

Stephen Yoon, Freedom HS (Cornell)

Through Prepare, I was able to learn effective strategies for every section on the SAT and gain confidence with frequent practice tests in realistic testing conditions. After my Prepare course, my junior SAT and PSAT scores increased by the equivalent of 500 points on the SAT compared to my sophomore scores. Using Prepare âs stategies, I was designated as a National Merit Semifinalist (top 1 % nationally) through my junior PSAT score. Many of my friends took courses with Kaplan and Princeton Review for hundreds of more dollars and found themselves with little to no improvement. Youâve definitely made a difference in my life through your teaching. I wish you success in your work and Iâll try my best to spread the word about Prepare.

Jason Curreri, Bethlehem Catholic HS (Hofstra U. and Seton Hall Law School)

I cannot say enough about the Prepare SAT class. I know this class has had a huge impact on my life. Through this class I was not only able to get into the college I wanted but they offered me a great scholarship for all four years. The class was able to increase my math and English scores by over 250 points. My Writing grade also increased by 200 points. To tell you the truth my parents forced me to take this class and for once they were right. The teachers fully understand the SAT. Not only did they understand how to take the test but they also knew how to teach it. They were engaging and the class never seemed boring. I am now in college and owe a great debt of gratitude to Prepare. Honestly the techniques they teach are not only good for the SAT but for college writing also. I recommend this to everyone who is thinking about going to college.

Sophia Srinivasan, Parkland HS, 2011 National Merit Finalist (Georgetown)

Mr. Schmidtâs teaching was informative, but also really engaging- it was impossible not to pay attention. Prepareâs instruction in critical reading strategy and grammar rules for the writing section was especially helpful. My score increased by 250 points from a 2110 before the course to a 2360 afterward.

Jackie Busolits, Salibury HS (Grove CIty)

I was a bit apprehensive about taking a SAT class. Before I walked into Mr. Schmidtâs class I had no understanding of the SATs at all. Absolutely none! When I came out of his last class I felt prepared, confident and ready to tackle the SATs. This class was such a help because for the weeks leading up to the SATs I watched my friends stress about the test but I felt calm and ready. Mr. Schmidtâs class was so worth it and I would recommend it to anyone. This past October I got an SAT score of 1830 and I could not have done it without Mr. Schmidt.

Gillis Bernard, Moravian Academy (Vanderbilt)

The Prepare class really helped me to raise my scores in all sections of the SAT and ACT, especially math. When I started looking at colleges, I was a little worried about whether I would be able to get into the schools because my test scores were a bit lower than what the colleges were asking for, even though my GPA was appropriate. The practice tests and classes I took with Prepare definitely gave me confidence in my abilities, and increased my scores to give me an extra edge this fall when I apply to colleges. Prepare is really great, and as long as you do the homework, you will surely see great results!

Jannice Reynolds, mother of Kelsey Reynolds, Bethlehem Catholic HS (Temple)

Taking the Prepare for the SAT class with Peter helped raise my daughterâs score by over 200 points. The small class size allows individual attention and Peter focuses on all of the important issues. It was the right choice for us and we couldnât be happier!

Christine Shaneberger, Notre Dame HS (Wilkes College)

PREPARE was the best investment I could have made for my future. I was shown techniques to drastically strengthen my skills in math, reading comprehension and writing. Most importantly, PREPAREâs instructors gave me a deep understanding of the SATs, which gave me an invaluable advantage. Your class has really opened a lot of doors for me. Because I increased my SAT scores almost 500 points, I was granted a pretty substantial merit scholarship for my ânumber oneâ schoolâthat I would have not been able to afford otherwise.

Emily Paskewicz, Saucon Valley HS (Penn St.)

From the PSAT to the SAT I felt much more prepared and less stressed. The class helped me specifically with the methods for critical reading because I went in with strategies to get those sections done faster. The math was also helpful for reviewing old skills I probably would have forgotten by the time the test rolled around. I would definitely recommend this class to other students for its helpful preparation and stress-free environment.

Leslie Staffeld, Principal of Richland Elementary School, mother of Kate and Andrew Fetterman, Southern Lehigh HS (Elizabethtown)

Peter is fabulous! He helped both of our children improve their scores, especially with the writing portion of the SAT. He is a practicing educator; he teaches and takes the test so he can speak to the students from experience. Kate and Andrewâs scores opened opportunities for scholarships. Thank you, Peter!

Charles Richter, father of Gillian Richter, Moravian Academy (Brandeis)

The people at Prepare did a terrific job preparing my daughter for the test, but beyond that, they taught her a great deal about basic writing skills. It wasnât just a cram course, but rather a carefully structured experience in how to write and think clearly. Her score went up over 100 points, but she also grew as a writer. She had taken SAT prep classes with other companies but none could measure up to Prepare.

Jack Breiner, Parkland HS (Lehigh)

Prepare was the best test preparation choice I could have made. My scores went up substantially from my PSATs. The strategies I learned during the class were highly effective come test day. Also, the relaxed classroom atmosphere is conducive to learning; I actually WANTED to go to class!

John Hall, father of Emily and Megan (Penn St) Hall, Easton High School

I was under the impression that the average increase after taking an SAT prep course was about 100 points. Obviously, my daughters exceeded that average, no doubt to the credit of you and your instructors at PREPARE. I would highly recommend PREPAREâs SAT course to anyone. It is an excellent value for the money.

Cathy Pierce, mother of John Pierce, North Penn HS

Johnâs score improved tremendously, which gave him the confidence to apply to the most selective schools in the country. The instructorâs personal attention and enthusiastic attitude made the course enjoyable and the outcome was well worth the price of the course.

Peter Krasja, father of Natalie and Amelia Krasja, Emmaus HS (DeSales and Villanova)

I have recommended Prepare for the SAT to many parents. My daughter found the course both entertaining and fulfilling. Peter Schmidtâs follow up and sincere interest in students and the development of their skills makes this a âmust-doâ for college bound students and a superb value for their parents.

Joanna Kovacs, mother of Joey Kovacs, Bethlehem Catholic HS (Penn St.)

Taking the PREPARE prep course really produced results in my sonâs overall SAT scores. He increased 240 points overall while enjoying the low key, easy-to-learn atmosphere. I would highly recommend this course to any student who is college bound

Tracy Llado , mother of George Llado, Parkland HS (Pittsburgh)

We were pleased with the opportunity for George to not only go for a review the day before he retook the SAT, but the open invitation to sit in on additional classes once his classes ended. George said taking the class taught him valuable techniques as well as gave him more confidence in retaking the SAT. It was definitely a worthwhile investment. You can expect to see my ninth grader within the next two years. We appreciate your professionalism and pushing George to do better.

Deb Reda, parent of Marc Reda, Bethlehem Catholic HS (Seton Hall)

As a parent, I was very pleased with the class and Marcâs reaction. Marc wasnât thrilled when we signed up, but he came away with a very positive attitude.

Alex Pruszynski, Notre Dame HS (Penn St)

Prepare truly was a great experience and helped me attain my goal of getting into Penn State University, main campus! I do not think I would have ever scored as well on my SAT if it had not been for your class. It was not only helpful, but a lot of fun as well. I have a little brother currently in 7th grade. I have already primed my parents for sending him to your class when he gets into high school.

Joe and Julie D'Amico, parents of Kelli D'Amico, Emmaus HS (Penn St)

After what I consider the typical teenage resistance, the light went on and our daughter really bought into the methods and reasoning Peter offered the students. He challenges, and sometimes chastises, them all to their benefit. We are pleased with the results Peter helped her achieve. Just as importantly, she is pleased and she has promoted Peterâs program to her
friends

Kendra Borascius, Southern Lehigh HS (DeSales)

I loved this class! It helped me learn how to take the test. It gave me an easier way to look at the questions and I felt more confident in taking the test. I used all of the techniques you showed us in class on the test in October. Overall I rate this class a 10!

Steve Kurtz, father of Caroline Kurtz, Notre Dame HS

Prior to Peter Schmidtâs SAT prep course, my daughterâs practice score was 1820. After taking his course and dedicating substantial time, she scored a 2310 on her first attempt. This dramatic change is atypical, but her performance proves that it is possible. I believe that the two essential components are: 1). Peter Schmidtâs course, and 2). Substantial student effort during and after the course. She could not have achieved her score without both of these. I highly recommend that students take this course as early as possible so that his methods can be practiced as much as possible.

Without any consideration for price, this course is the best SAT preparation anywhere because Peter Schmidt is the ONLY teacher and he is an exceptional one. Furthermore, the price of the course is a bargain. If you live within 50 miles of the Lehigh Valley, this is the only course to consider.