"My Friends Laughed When I Shared About My Struggling Teen's Dream To Apply To A Top School In spite Of His 2.5 GPA and 1040 SAT score. But When I Showed Them In His Senior Year His SAT Score Gain And Letters Of Admission To Top Schools…"

"Parents Of Students of the class of 2009 and 2010: Give Me 6 Minutes By Reading The Real Story Below And I'll Show You How Our Proven Test Prep System Will Help Your Teen Achieve 200 SAT Point Gains Guaranteed In 8 Weeks Or Less..Or His Next Workshop Is Free..

Also, Discover In Our FREE Seminar The 15 College Admission Secrets That 93% Of Counselors Do Not Have The Time To Tell Your Teen And
How These Insider Tips Can Help Your Teen Get The Admission Edge,
Outshine Your Neighbor's Kids In The Admission Process Without You Going Broke In Tuition Fees.

Dear parent,

You are no doubt aware about the increasingly competition for college admissions. In the May 5, 2008 issue, Time magazine states: "The high school class of 2008 numbers nearly 3.4 million, the largest in US history"

 

The article continues "More than 6.3 million applications were submitted to four-year colleges in the fall of 2006, and though the numbers aren't yet available, they most likely increased this school year".

 

Here is the kicker…

 

"No surprise then that many schools are logging record-low admission rates".

 

To compound this HUGE problem, let's bring this home. Regardless of how much tuition you currently pay for your teen's education at his school, it is HIGHLY UNLIKELY that he currently receives the needed guidance from his high school counselor to successfully get through the college planning and admission maze.


Forgive me for asking a blunt question. Has your teen met on a monthly basis with his high school counselor since freshman year?

 

Unless your teen is part of the exceptional few students attending prep LA schools like Marlborough (ratio: 1 counselor for every 70 girls) and Polytechnic, I am almost willing to bet that your answer is a resounding NO.

 

How do I know this? Trust me, I'm no psychic, I just have had experience with  hundreds of students from scores of Southern California prep schools like Loyola HS, Ramona Convent, Marlborough, Polytechnic, Westridge, Flintridge, Harvard Westlake Sacred Heart, Mayfield senior, Arcadia HS, San Marino and the list goes on…

 

Parents-and students complain and share things like: "I was told to wait to take the SAT until the junior year and that I did not need to prep for either the PSAT or SAT". Or, "My daughter was discouraged from taking the necessary amount of AP classes that I needed to be competitive".

 

Now. Please let me be clear....


I am not hear to minimize the critical input of guidance counselors because very often it is not their fault. When they deal with ratios such as 1 counselor for every 200 students, it's really hard to provide adequate attention to the students.

 

So, as I see it: Insufficient college guidance + record-high counselor to student ratio = recipe for college admission disaster.

 

Forgive me. I got carried away. As you will see, I am very passionate about the above problem as I so much want every promising student to have an equal shot at his/her dream school. For now, let me introduce myself...

My name is Jonathan Mitchell, co-founder of the Ucan College Prep Center. For the last 10 years, our test prep coaches, Melody my wife (also co-founder of the Ucan College Prep Center) and I have personally mentored and helped hundreds of students increase their SAT test scores by, on average, at least 200 pts (our guarantee).

We have been doing this so long that we have developed hyper effective ways to boost standardized test scores (on the SAT, SAT II, ACT, ISEE, and HSPT) dramatically. We coach students either at our center, at their homes or with our Live 1 to 1 Real Time Online program.

In addition, our college planning program has helped students like your teen increase their chance of admission into their top college picks.

Here are raving reviews from an ABC-TV star, a # 1 New York Times Best Seller, Counselors, parents and students:


My son, Alex, enrolled in Ucan’s test prep and college planning program as a sophomore. Alejandro had an important advantage: starting the test prep and admission process early dramatically increased his chances of success. With the help of highly trained coaches, my son improved rapidly: he went from a 2080 to a 2390 on his recent SAT practice tests. Additionally, with the ongoing strategic guidance of Jonathan and Melody Mitchell, Ucan’s college counselors, my son’s chances of being admitted to the top schools in the nation have been significantly optimized. I am so grateful to have found this unique program with its impressive track record and guaranteed test score gains. I strongly recommend Ucan Prep and Ucan Plan to any parent or student serious about test prep and college admission success.

Tony Plana is Ugly Betty's dad in the ABC TV smash hit "Ugly Betty" (His son Alex was admitted into Yale, Stanford and Princeton)

 


 Ucan Prep Did Whatever It Took To Get My Daughter Ready For the SAT

"The essence behind Ucan Prep is simple. They did"whatever it took" to get my daughter, Maddi, ready for the SAT exams, including coaching her for hours at a time when most people and all
businesses are fast asleep. Maddi's experience with her Sat coach was awesome. He totally motivated her not only to excel at the SAT's but in all of school and life. Kudos and many thanks for the amazing job you do. Working with you should be mandatory for every kid."

T. Harv Eker,
Author of the #1 New York Times Best Seller Secrets of the Millionaire Mind, President and CEO of Peak Potentials Training

 


Dear Jonathan, Thank you for taking on Scott*. I know if anyone can help him get his scores up it is you and Melody. He has everything else going for him, and this is just the one area that needs some work. Thanks again so much, Alice.

Alice Cotti is Polytechnic's head guidance counselor (*Scott was admitted into Harvard and Stanford)

 


"The strategies and test taking skills that I learned at UCAN Prep definitely seemed to make a difference when I took the actual SAT exam for the first time in October of 2006 and received a score of 2100. This score was 200 points higher than my initial SAT test with UCAN. This improvement is due to UCAN's dedication and personalized instruction regarding the topics on the test. What I learned from UCAN helped me succeed on the SAT and will help me with any other test I take in the future. Although at times the homework was taxing, I feel that the time I invested into UCAN paid off handsomely. Taner, Melody, and Jonathan- Thank you so much for your time and care. "

Jonathan Rossi (Jonathan was accepted into Harvard)
Loyola HS-Class of 2008

 


"While I'm sure there were varied reasons why my son, Jonathan Rossi, was admitted into Harvard College, I feel that the SAT preparation that he received from UCAN Prep was vital to his success. First of all, Melody and Jonathan Mitchell took a sincere interest in his progress and cared about his success. They worked around his frenetic schedule (with its countless football practices) to set him up in a small group of academic peers where he could learn not only from his teachers, but from the feedback of the other students as well. Secondly, Jonathan's teachers at UCAN were prompt, knowledgeable, and demonstrated a wealth of experience during his tutoring sessions. For all of these reasons, I highly recommend UCAN's SAT preparation to any student who is serious about doing well. Jonathan's older brother utilized the program offered by Ivy West, but I can say without hesitation that UCAN Prep was by far the better program."

Nancy Rossi

 

“Ucan Provides Students With Much More Personal Attention Than Other Test Prep Services”
"My first SAT score was a 2130. 700 Math, 740 Verbal, and 690 Writing. I have used Ivy West, Princeton Review, and now Ucan and have found that Ucan did the best job in preparing me for the test. I had done SAT IIC prep with Ucan and got a 780. Ucan provides students with much more personal attention than other test prep services. The tutors at other prep centers are young people doing this to make extra money, while the tutors at Ucan are professional. They tutor for a living and because of this are inherently better at it than others. I also used Ucan for writing and verbal but I only did a few sessions; however that preparation was also very beneficial. The people at Ucan care so much about their students and they really know their stuff. I got my Math score up to a 790, only missing one question because of my Ucan tutor’s help."

Danny Meurer
Accepted into Georgetown and Washington University.
Polytechnic. Class of 2006


"Through the help of amazing Ucan teachers, I recognized my own motivation for why I wanted to succeed not only on the SAT, but also in life. Thanks to Ucan, I was accepted into Yale and U Penn."
"My name is Reynolds Holmes and I attend Loyola High School in Los Angeles. When I first came to Ucan I didn’t expect to learn and came in with a closed mind. I viewed it as a place to get me to the next step and past the SAT and SAT II, that was all. My Ucan experience went beyond my expectations. Ucan did help me to attain a first try score of a 2110 on the new SAT (my pre-test score was a 1900) and a 730 on the Math IIC. Through the help of amazing Ucan teachers, I recognized my own motivation for why I wanted to succeed not only on the SAT, but also in life. Thanks to Ucan, I was accepted into Yale and U Penn."


Reynolds Holmes, Loyola Class of 2006.
Schools accepted into Yale and U of Penn



"Through the help of amazing Ucan teachers, I recognized my own motivation for why I wanted to succeed not only on the SAT, but also in life. Thanks to Ucan, I was accepted into Yale and U Penn."
"My name is Ying Hua, and I am a student at Marshall Fundamental Secondary School in Pasadena. I came to American without knowing how to speak English about 5 years ago. Though I studied really hard, I always felt that I would never be able to catch up with native students. However, after I enrolled in Ucan Prep, my perception about myself started to change. One thing I really like about Ucan Prep is that it is not just a simple SAT prep class; it is a class that teaches you beyond what's on the test--it helps you through regular high school work, college application, college interviews and much more. Most importantly, it helps you to realize your potential. All the teachers at Ucan prep have extensive knowledge of what they are teaching, and more importantly, they teach with a heart and are willing to help. Becuase of the help I gain from Ucan Prep, I raised my score from a low 1700 to 2160. I got admitted to Yale, Duke, Stanford; I was granted the Morehead Scholarship at University of North Carolina, Regent and Chancellor Scholarship to UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, and UC San Diego. I sincerely thank Ucan prep for all the help, and I recommend Ucan prep to all students."

Yiing Hua
Accepted into Yale and Stanford
Marshall. Class of 2006

Would You Like To Know Which Of The 15 Admission Secrets Enabled The Above Students to Aggressively Boost Their SAT, SAT II Scores And Gain Admission Into Their Top College Picks?

To Discover These 15 College Admission Secrets, Register For Our Free College Planning Seminar

As a gift for attending this power-packed seminar, you will receive A FREE Report entitled "Preparing For College-A Step-By-Step Guide".


The true story I am about to share hopefully demonstrates that regardless of the academic and test taking background of your teen,  once he implements one or all 15 college admission strategies that we reveal at our FREE college planning seminar Part I, he can achieve test taking and college admission success.

I am about to tell you a true story that happened to a recent 2005 graduate of Loyola High School who graduated. I strongly suggest that you read it with a fine tooth comb.

Here is the true story of a former 2.5 GPA student  with a 1040 SAT score who by his senior improved his score by over 400 pts.

"Patrick came to us as a sophomore two years ago. As he walked into the doors of our test prep center, there was literally a dark cloud following him: he exuded resentment towards his parents for enrolling him in our SAT program and clearly did not want to be part of the program.

What’s more is that it became obvious that his rebelliousness towards his parents caused quite frankly his negative attitude. When asked why he wasn't putting forth the effort in his school work (he had at the time a 2.5 unweighted GPA and a 1050 on his diagnostic SAT test) and Ucan Prep homework, he barked back: "I do not want to work as hard as my parents!!!!".

You see, Patrick was essentially fighting against his parents' amazing professional success.

Like most young people, Patrick was bright, but his self-esteem and self-confidence needed a serious boost. In spite of his sour demeanor, we kept believing in him as we knew there was within him, like all of us, a giant waiting to be awakened!!!!

Patrick discovers and applies a few of Ucan Prep’s 15 college admission secrets

Patrick's parents were getting truly desperate. However, they knew there had to be a solution. They took matters into their own hands and sought outside test prep and college counseling help. One of the many suggestions to salvage Patrick’s collegiate future was to expose him to a variety of summer programs before his junior year in the hope that something would truly fire him up.

Well, we did not see Patrick until he returned to us in September to resume his coaching to reach high SAT and SAT II peaks.

Wow! Something had happened... Patrick had a glow and a spark in his eyes. I asked him:
-"What did you end up doing this summer?"
- "Oh, Jonathan. Check it out. I got involved in mock trial and I love it!" "

Patrick

A 2.5 GPA & 1050 SAT score didn't stop
him from getting into top schools!

Patrick's love for mock trial and our conversation turned him on!!!! Right there, he made a decision to achieve his long-term objective. Above all, he now had complete ownership of his objective.

And as we all know, all great accomplishments begin with a simple but congruent decision. Patrick, from that moment on, took as many challenging courses to beef up his transcript and to raise his unweighted and weighted GPA following a number of key strategies we shared with him.

Now - keep in mind, it was not smooth sailing. If Patrick had shared with his friends that he wanted to apply to strong schools such as Bates, Colby and Notre Dame, I could imagine his friends laughing at his lofty goals considering his 2.5 GPA and 1050 GPA he cultivated as a sophomore.

His Ucan Prep instructors kept boosting his BELIEF SYSTEMS and reminding him: "Don't quit on your dreams and remember if other students have succeeded despite the odds, so can you."

And you know what? Patrick believed and took action.

Patrick's Amazing Academic Makeover And How It Can Inspire Your Teen To Be Admitted Into One Of His/Her Top College Picks.

Here are Patrick's astonishing results: he ended up in his junior year with a 3.8 unweighted GPA-his cumulative GPA since his freshman year was obviously lower. His SAT score went from 1050 to a 1460 (an unheard of 410 SAT gain in 1 year on the old test!), he scored a 780 on the SAT II writing and with a combination of elements which were carefully strategized, he got into all of his top college picks such as Colby and Bates (all except Notre Dame).

"Without Ucan Prep, I would not have had the success in getting into college that I did. When I first walked in, I had a score of 1050, and when I left, my score went up 310 points to a 1460. Not only that, but my SAT II writing was phenomenal as well, a 780, as a result of the help I received from the verbal instructor. My math instructor helped me so much with my worst area in the SAT-the math section; I couldn't have done it without the painstaking work he put in to help me. The personalized instruction that I received was so much different that what my friends got at other ones. Without people like Melody, Tanner, Sergue, and all the others, I could not have achieved so much. I remember all the long hours that they put in helping me and without it, I could not have gotten that score increase. I got into all of my top choices and I couldn't have done it without Ucan. Thank you so much for helping me.

Click to hear Patrick's Testimonial



Patrick Boland

A 2005 Ucan alumni, Patrick got into most of his top choices including Colby and Bates, two of the best liberal art colleges in political science. (Remember Patrick's passion for mock trial and his objective to eventually practice law?)

Now, again, I do want to be honest with you. He did not get into his number one choice, Notre Dame, which was a reach school. We knew that his freshmen and sophomore grades would come back to haunt him.

However, Patrick's amazing comeback success story inspire countless of students. Their thinking go along the lines:

"Wow, look at what he accomplished in spite of his 2.5 GPA and initial 1050 SAT score. My grades are better. Hey, if he can make it, so can I!"

Would You Like To Know Which Of The 15 Admission Secrets Enabled Patrick to Aggressively Boost His SAT, SAT II Scores And Gain Admission Into His Top College Picks Including Colby and Bates?

To Discover These 15 College Admission Secrets, Register For Our Free College Planning Seminar

As a gift for attending this power-packed seminar, you will receive A FREE Report entitled "Preparing For College-A Step-By-Step Guide".

”HERE ARE THE COLLEGES THE CLASS OF 2008 WERE ADMITTED TO:

Ucan Prep's Class of 2008

Ucan Prep's Class of 2007

Student High School Colleges Ucan seniors were admitted
Nancy Ta Alhambra HS UC Berkeley, UCLA
Sylvia Ng Alhambra HS Cal Poly Pamona, UC Santa Barbara
Christina Hernandez Alverno UC Merced, University of San Francisco
Kelly Beth Estabrook Arcadia High PCC
Marcus Haney Arcadia High School usc film scool
Justin Feldman Burbank USC, Penn State, NYU, UCSB, UCI
Matt Maislin Burbank UCSD,UCSB, Cal Poly Pomona, UCI
Brian Lee Burbank HS UCI, UCSB
Cara Tan Eagle Rock HS UCSD, UCSB, UC Riverside
Alison  Noritake Flintridge UCSD
Brynn Bralley Flintridge Sacred Heart Georgia Tech (full scholarship), University of Alabama
Marissa Dykes Flintridge Sacred Heart UCI, Oxidental, Cal Poly Pamona, LMU, CSUS, CSUN
Ryan Rogers Hotshkiss school Stanford
 Ariel Thomas Jack and Jill HamptonVirginia
Bill Graf La Salle HS UCI, UCSB, UC Davis, Santa Clara
Lorna Baggott La Salle HS LMU
Alison Macdonald La Salle Emmery
 Christian Romberger Loyola High LNU, Redlands Santa Clara
Alex  Alders Loyola High University of Redland
James Stathatos Loyola High Tulan USC, USF
Brian Olsen Loyola HS USC, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara
Brian Wayne Loyola HS Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, UCI
Charlie Hambleton  Loyola HS UCSB, CalPoly San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara
Craig Jeong Loyola HS UC Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD
Eric Ackerman Loyola HS Santa Clara, University of San Francisco
Eric Larson Loyola HS UCSB, USD
Pablo Veliz Loyola HS Pitzer, UCI, UC Davis, UC Riverside
Patrick Ng Loyola HS UCI, UC Riverside, UC Merced, Cal Poly Pomona
Rodney Davis Loyola HS UCLA, Cal Poly Pomona
Scott McIntosh Loyola HS Boston College, UCSD, UCSB, Villanueva (Merit Scholarship)
Karl Dupont Loyola HS Santa Clara, USD, LMU, University of the Pacific
Lawrence Mckinney Loyola HS USC, USD, UCSB
Luis Vite loyola HS           UCLA, UC Berkeley, Georgetown(Waitlisted)
Mark Vargas Loyola HS           Seattle University, Cal Poly Pomona
Alec Alders            Loyola HS                      Redlands
Steven Garcia Marantha UCSD
Brandon Iwata Mark Keppel USC, UCSD, UCI, UC Davis
Jayson Tran Mark Keppel N/A
Adrian Hernandez Polytec Occidental, Santa Clara
Jane Thompson Polytec Connecticut College
Joanna Hardy Polytec University of Richmond, Elon, USD, Colorado University
Scott Greg Polytec Harvard, Stanford, Georgetown, UC, Berkeley, UCLA, Wesleyan
Miles Deemer S Pasadena HS University of Manchester, UC Riverside,
Jennifer Tuck San Marino Colorado State, Boulder, Northern Arizona University
Amanda Darnell   Santa Catalina BS USC, Villanueva
Taylor Thurman South Pasadena HS UC santa Barbara
Annie Thorne St Frances HS Boston University
Danny Buckley    St Frances HS Notre-Dame, UCSB, Santa Clara (scholarship)
Katie Thorne St Frances HS Denver University
Michael Lin Temple City UC Berkeley, UCI, UCSB
Karen Young Westridge Stanford
Laura Denenholz Westridge UC Davis, Claremont McKenna, Occidental
Lauren De la Torre Westridge Northwestern, Boston College, USC, UCSB, Cornell, Colgate
Lawrence Escamilla Westridge USC, UCI, UCSB
Lindsay Sugimoto Westridge USC
Sabrina Hsu Westridge UCSD, Cornell(Waitlisted), Middlebury, Wellesley
Helene Lam Westridge UC Riverside, UC Santa Cruz, UC Merced
Eric Liu UC Berkeley, UCI, UCSB


"She was able to improve her SAT II 2c math score from a 650 to 760. Her Act score went from a 29 to a 31."
“I initially went to Ucan for prep for the SAT II Math, a test I felt was unconquerable. However, with the help of my math instructor, I was able to improve my score from a 650 to a 760. My instructor taught me to put math rules on notecards and that helped a lot because I could go over them whenever I wanted. I then decided to prep for the ACT. I improved from a cumulative 29 score to a 31. I received an 11 on my essay.”

Jacqueline Tsai
Accepted into Northwestern and USC
Polytechnic School, Class of 2006



"His Verbal Instructor helped Him Fix A Major Flaw In His Critical Thinking Skills And Helped Him Become A National Merit Finalist"
"The Ucan College Prep Center really helped me acheive what I was after, National Merit Scholar. I started with around a 1900 on the diagnostic test, and was able to bring it up to the equivalent of a 2180 for the PSAT. My math and writing teacher were wonderful working one on one with me to help me focus on the few problem areas I had. My verbal instructor demonstrated phenomenal patience and enthusiasm . In two sessions, my math teacher prepared me for the SAT II 2c, and as a result I received a 790. However, my verbal instructor helped me the most. He constantly worked with me to fix a major flaw in my critical thinking. It took a lot of time and work on my part, but my success on the SAT's is due in large part to these three tutors who worked with me at Ucan Prep."

Clifton Smith-Loyola H S-Class of 2006
Accepted to USC (National Merit Scholar and Presidential Scholar)

"Bill Started Taking Ucan Prep When He Was A Sophomore"
"My name is William Graf. I am a junior at La Salle High School. I started SAT prep classes at Ucan during my sophomore year. When I started at Ucan, my pre-test SAT score was 1700. My score on the January 2006 SAT was 2090. My math score in particular went way up. In addition to improving my test scores, Ucan also provided a wonderful tutor who helped me with French. The teachers are excellent at Ucan and I would like to thank them for all they did to motivate me and to open new doors for me."

Bill Graff. Junior
La Salle High School , class of 2007

"Because of my ACT scores along with many other attributes, I got into my first choice college"
"While studying at Ucan Prep, I worked with three instructors that were absolutely amazing . I remember that these were 3 very tedious weeks that I saw each of them once a week and it was through their encouragement that I continued on each week. They always told me I could succeed in whatever I do and that they believed in me and this truly helped me through this stressful testing period. I was training these 3 tedious weeks for the ACT which I ended up getting a 24 on a nd I was very excited about this. Because of my ACT scores along with many other attributes, I got into my first choice college, Spelman College. If it weren't for Ucan and the encouraging instructors, I don't believe I would have had the same results so I thank you, Ucan Prep for all of your patience, time, and belief in me."

Ahren Samuel, Accepted into Spellman
La Salle High School, class of 2006

Would You Like To Know Which Of The 15 Admission Secrets Enabled The Above Students to Aggressively Boost Their SAT, SAT II Scores And Gain Admission Into Their Top College Picks?

To Discover These 15 College Admission Secrets, Register For Our Free College Planning Seminar

As a gift for attending this power-packed seminar, you will receive A FREE Report entitled "Preparing For College-A Step-By-Step Guide".

Now, let your thoughts focus on this typical problem…

"Have a wonderful Easter, and again, I am so glad to have met with you. I really believe you and Jonathan are going to be a vital resource for our kids in this process."

Best,
Alice Cotti (Head Counselor at Polytechnic*)
*Polytechnic is one of the elite prep schools in Southern California)

“Ucan Prep has had a significant impact on me.  Not only did I post a 1510 on my first try, more importantly I learned the value of dedication, discipline, and hard work.  I am grateful to Jonathan for the time that I have spent with UCAN and the life changing values he has instilled in me”. 

- Justin Leung (Polytechnic). Accepted to Cornell and Columbia

"I was limiting myself. I did not believe I could break a 1500. And I did...I can apply what I learned to the rest of my life."

- Phoebe Zen (Westridge)-Accepted to Harvard and Yale

"Besides higher test scores, we have learned to be better students, how to manage our time better....but still have time to have fun."

- Perrine Zen (Westridge)-Accepted to Harvard and Yale.

“I came to the United States in 1994 and started as an ESL student in the 6th grade. Early in my 10th grade, I received a 520 on verbal. I started taking the UCAN verbal class in the summer after I finished the 10th grade. In the SAT I test of November 2000, I received a 680 on the verbal. Overall, I boosted my SAT I score up 160 points. By getting a 1470 on the SAT I along with my school grades, SAT II score, and extracurricular activities, I was admitted to several universities such as Caltech, MIT, Princeton, Cornell, UC Berkeley, UCLA. I have always believed in Jonathan’s creed of believing in oneself. Jonathan’s passion makes him such a distinguished teacher!”

- Sam Kwei. (San Marino High School)
Admitted to MIT

“I have met Jonathan Mitchell, Director of the Ucan College Prep Center on the recommendation of one of our parents. I was very impressed by the HEART of this man and his program.  Since we have had two great success stories from students at LACHSA who have taken the SAT prep courses, and because Mr. Mitchell is a genuinely impressive educator, I am very pleased to recommend this program”

Respectfully,
Odell Scott, Ph.D. Head counselor at LACHSA

“Ucan Prep has had a really big impact on me. I started preparing before a lot of my friends did. The thing I liked the most was how we worked in small private groups and I got the benefit of my peers as I was able to learn from them. My SAT I score was a 1430 and I started with a low 1200 about a year ago. Recently, I was awarded a National Merit Scholarship and I will be attending Georgia Tech in the fall.”

- Robbie Neyland. (La Canada High School)
Accepted to Georgia Tech, National Merit Scholar

“Over that short period of time my verbal score jumped over 100 points and I earned a 750. This improvement is due to the UCAN teachers’ unique teaching skills. Attending class ends up being something you look Forward to because there are incentives such as scoring a perfect 800 and competing with your peers who are just as motivated as you are. Thanks to Ucan Prep, I will now have a difficult time deciding where to attend school this fall since my choices include, UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Davis and Stanford.”

- Amina Sutherland. (John Muir High School)
Accepted to Stanford and UC Berkeley

“Time management is very important. We discussed how I should budget my time and that will be very helpful for college.”

Marlena Brown. (Immaculate Heart)
Accepted to Wellesley

“My SAT I score went from 1090 to 1200 in a short period. Thank you so much.”

- Manuel Hernandez. (St Frances)
Accepted to Brown University

“I just wanted to let you know that David Martinez was accepted at the following schools:  University of Redlands, Azusa Pacific, UCSB, UCI, Occidental, and Pomona College, Claremont, California. We are very happy that David was admitted to so many great schools and we know this would not have been possible without Ucan's assistance.  You and your staff were very dedicated.  Tanner's assistance enabled David to improve his math score by almost 100 points.  Again thank you for your part in helping David reach his goals”. 

Susan and George Martinez

“My daughter Christine has been accepted into Flintridge Prep, La Cañada next fall. I wholeheartedly thank you and Ucan's tutor who prepared my daughter to score well on her ISEE test. I really believe your effective prep system, your experienced and dedicated tutors who motivated and encouraged my daughter. Your tutor made her feel comfortable taking her ISEE test last month”

- Linda Poon

“I knew I needed to work on my SAT I math score. My tutor helped me with specific strategies that I did not get else where. After a few sessions, my math score increased by 60 points which pushed me into the range I wanted.”

- Malika Williams (Lachsfa)
Accepted to Stanford University

“Ucan Prep instilled confidence in me and I was able to raise my score 120 points, helping me obtain an 800 on the verbal portion of the test – a perfect score!”

- Janice Lee (Burbank High School; 1520 SAT score)
Accepted to UCLA

“Before I took Ucan Prep courses, I was hesitant and uncomfortable about taking the SAT. But Ucan Prep helped me to have a positive mindset before the test. The best characteristic of the program is the counselor’s incredible ability to motivate the students. I started with a 1060 and ended up with a 1290! Ucan Prep not only has a history of successes, a comfortable student to
teacher relationship and a motivated teaching staff, but it also provides the best practice and study aids to prepare for the test.”

- Romeo Papazyan. (Burbank High School)
Accepted to UCLA

“Of many who have taught me and guided me, Jonathan Mitchell has been the one person who has made the most significant impact on my life. Not only did he help me improve my SAT I verbal score from a 390-760, but also taught me life- long skills that have shaped my character.”

- Diana Thai. (Gabrielino High School)
Admitted to Princeton

“I had scored around a 700 on my verbal section. So imagine my surprise when I received my results for the October SAT I. I had scored 800! The classes also enhanced my thinking skills and overall mentality because of the greatly motivating “You can do it! Pep talks. Thank you!”

- Angela To. (Arcadia High School)
Admitted to USC

“After 5 sessions, I received an 800 on the SAT II writing.”

- Terrance Leung. (Arcadia High school)
Accepted to Dartmouth (Terrance’s initial SAT II score was a 720

“I received an 800 on the verbal portion of the test.”

- Jean (Arcadia High School)

“Another aspect of your class that I found extremely helpful was your emphasis on the ‘Reading Comprehension’ part of the SAT. Your reading techniques are just small examples of your outstanding program and the results are fantastic.”

- Ronald . (800 on the verbal section; 1540)
Accepted to UC Berkeley

Angela received an 800 perfect score on the verbal SAT I.

Henry Hernandez received an 800 on the verbal and got a combined score of 1470 on the SAT I as a sophomore from Loyola High School.

“Ucan Prep’s exercises were fun and helped a lot!”

- Malinda . (Arcadia High School)
(Received a 1510 on the SAT I)

“With the help of Ucan Prep’s class, I have achieved my score of 1520 on my first SAT I in my junior year. The Reading Comprehension seemed easy after using all the strategies. The two things I enjoyed most about the class were the games and the point competition between the two groups.”

- Sophia
(National Merit Scholar)

“My SAT score jumped from an earlier 1050 to finally a score of 1500. Thank you!”

- Steven Y. (La Salle High School)
Accepted to University of Chicago, UC Berkeley

“So how did I raise my verbal score from a 580 to a 700? The answer lies in private tutoring. In private sessions, my UCAN instructor could really work miracles because he was able to figure out how I think and what mistakes my mind was patterned on making.”

- Angela Wong (Alhambra High School)
Accepted to UC Berkeley

“Studying through Ucan Prep not only boosted my scores by 170 points, but also boosted my self-confidence. My UCAN instructors and academic advisor instilled in me the understanding that my success not only depended on my scores but also on my optimism and determination. My counselor relieved me of the stress of the college admission process.”

- Shannon Fernando. (Burbank High School)
Accepted to UCLA

“As an ESL student, I was intimidated by the verbal section and scored poorly on the diagnostic test (330). I believe that what distinguishes UCAN instructors from normal instructors is their ability to motivate students. As a result, I was able to get a 600 on the verbal portion of the test in less than a year!”

- John Lu.
Accepted to Columbia University

“I started Ucan Prep not thinking that I would improve my score by more than 50 points, but with your support and inspiration, my score ended up 200+ points. The teachers taught me everything about the SAT test, study skills, work ethic (and the list goes on). Thanks! You are the best!”

- Vivian Shin. (San Marino High School)
Accepted to UC Berkeley

“I have been admitted to the University of Pennsylvania, Emory, Swarthmore, Georgetown, Berkeley and UCLA. If it wasn’t for your SAT preparation course, I do not feel that I would have been admitted to such prestigious schools considering the high number of competitive students. In just seven weeks, I improved my score by 150 points.”

- Taylor Clark. (John Muir High School)
Accepted to University of Pennsylvania

“The Mitchell’s are truly the best thing that happened to me in my high school career. The knowledge I learned from them is beyond what books can teach. As I was working with the Mitchell’s, I also developed great confidence and conviction in myself. My gratitude for them is beyond what words can describe. I wholeheartedly thank Jonathan and Melody for the difference they’ve made in my life.”

- Annie To (Arcadia High School)
Accepted to UCLA class

“I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for me in my SAT’s. A jump of almost two hundred points (440-610) in my SAT I verbal alone was beyond my imagination.”

- Kevin. (Flintridge Prep)
Accepted to UC Berkeley

“After completing just one 7-week course, I improved my SAT score by 220 points.”

- Raffi Iknadossian. (Pasadena High School)
Accepted to UCLA

“When I first came to you, my writing score was 480. My final SAT II writing score was 600, and it all happened in 2 ½ months! I will attend Cornell University this fall and was also accepted to West Point, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD and UM-Ann Arbor.”

- Jessie Yu (San Gabriel High School)
Accepted to Cornell

“An important aspect in choosing the right prep class to take is how much the student will enjoy the class. It is a lot easier to learn when the student is involved and interested in a class with a wide and effective variety of lessons and activities. I scored a 1400 after the three months I spent in Mr. Mitchell’s class.”

- May
Accepted to UC Berkeley

“Jonathan is really a treasure. With his optimism, he can inspire even the laziest of people to get up and study. He makes you want to study, and that’s really important. Jonathan really is a wonderful person and a fantastic teacher! I’m deeply grateful to him for all that he’s done and I hope he continues to share his wisdom with others like me.”

- Ilun Lin. (Alhambra high School)

“Before the class I received 1060 on my first try on the SAT’s. After the class, I received a 1230 on the second try. I believe that your teaching methods really improved my vocabulary and test taking skills.”

- Alex (Marshall High School)
Accepted to UC BerkeleyLife Skills testimonials

“I learned discipline in setting my priorities.”

- Robbie Neyland (La Canada High School)
(National Merit scholar. Accepted to Georgia Tech

“My UCAN instructor taught me about integrity and discipline which I believe are really important in my life.”

- Alex Cho (Blair High School)
Accepted to UC Berkeley

“One of the most important things I learned from UCAN was discipline and to always keep a positive attitude.”

- Marian Chiechi (Arcadia High School)
Accepted to UCLA

“It is a great experience to study with the UCAN teachers. I not only improved my test scores but also improved my personality and character. I learned not to procrastinate and to work hard. I am truly grateful for the Prep’s teaching.”

- Tom Yim. (Arcadia High School)
(Accepted to UC Berkeley)
College Counseling Testimonials

“Over two days, with the help of Richard, my college admission counselor, I hammered out an application I was proud of.”

- Robbie N. (La Canada High School)
(National Merit scholar. Georgia Tech, class of 2006)

“UCAN is a great resource to find out about essays and the college admission experience as well as the SATs.”

- Malika Williams.
(Stanford University, class of 2006)

“The best characteristic of the program is the counselor’s incredible ability to motivate the students.”

- Romeo Papazyan (Burbank High School)
(UCLA, USC)

“Scott, my academic advisor, also eased my stress about college applications and made the process simple and exciting. He assisted me with my essays and my college choice.”

- Janice Lee (Burbank High School; 1520 SAT score) (UCLA class of 2006)

I actually had a meeting with the Tuck Family yesterday--Mary is the director at Westridge as you know--and I told her what a terrific job you have done with our kids, so you may get a call from her about her daughter, Leslie.

"Have a wonderful Easter, and again, I am so glad to have met with you. I really believe you and Jonathan are going to be a vital resource for our kids in this process."

Best,
Alice Cotti (Head Counselor at Polytechnic*)
*Polytechnic is one of the elite prep schools in Southern California)

“Ucan Prep has had a significant impact on me.  Not only did I post a 1510 on my first try, more importantly I learned the value of dedication, discipline, and hard work.  I am grateful to Jonathan for the time that I have spent with UCAN and the life changing values he has instilled in me”. 

Justin Leung (Polytechnic). Accepted to Cornell and Columbia

"I was limiting myself. I did not believe I could break a 1500. And I did...I can apply what I learned to the rest of my life."

Phoebe Zen (Westridge)-Accepted to Harvard and Yale

"Besides higher test scores, we have learned to be better students, how to manage our time better....but still have time to have fun."

Perrine Zen (Westridge)-Accepted to Harvard and Yale.

“I came to the United States in 1994 and started as an ESL student in the 6th grade. Early in my 10th grade, I received a 520 on verbal. I started taking the UCAN verbal class in the summer after I finished the 10th grade. In the SAT I test of November 2000, I received a 680 on the verbal. Overall, I boosted my SAT I score up 160 points. By getting a 1470 on the SAT I along with my school grades, SAT II score, and extracurricular activities, I was admitted to several universities such as Caltech, MIT, Princeton, Cornell, UC Berkeley, UCLA. I have always believed in Jonathan’s creed of believing in oneself. Jonathan’s passion makes him such a distinguished teacher!”

- Sam Kwei. (San Marino High School)
Admitted to MIT

“I have met Jonathan Mitchell, Director of the Ucan College Prep Center on the recommendation of one of our parents. I was very impressed by the HEART of this man and his program.  Since we have had two great success stories from students at LACHSA who have taken the SAT prep courses, and because Mr. Mitchell is a genuinely impressive educator, I am very pleased to recommend this program”

Respectfully, Odell Scott, Ph.D. Head counselor at LACHSA

“Ucan Prep has had a really big impact on me. I started preparing before a lot of my friends did. The thing I liked the most was how we worked in small private groups and I got the benefit of my peers as I was able to learn from them. My SAT I score was a 1430 and I started with a low 1200 about a year ago. Recently, I was awarded a National Merit Scholarship and I will be attending Georgia Tech in the fall.”

- Robbie Neyland. (La Canada High School)
Accepted to Georgia Tech, National Merit Scholar

“Over that short period of time my verbal score jumped over 100 points and I earned a 750. This improvement is due to the UCAN teachers’ unique teaching skills. Attending class ends up being something you look Forward to because there are incentives such as scoring a perfect 800 and competing with your peers who are just as motivated as you are. Thanks to Ucan Prep, I will now have a difficult time deciding where to attend school this fall since my choices include, UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Davis and Stanford.”

- Amina Sutherland. (John Muir High School)
Accepted to Stanford and UC Berkeley

“Time management is very important. We discussed how I should budget my time and that will be very helpful for college.”

Marlena Brown. (Immaculate Heart)
Accepted to Wellesley

“My SAT I score went from 1090 to 1200 in a short period. Thank you so much.”

- Manuel Hernandez. (St Frances)
Accepted to Brown University

“I just wanted to let you know that David Martinez was accepted at the following schools:  University of Redlands, Azusa Pacific, UCSB, UCI, Occidental, and Pomona College, Claremont, California. We are very happy that David was admitted to so many great schools and we know this would not have been possible without Ucan's assistance.  You and your staff were very dedicated.  Tanner's assistance enabled David to improve his math score by almost 100 points.  Again thank you for your part in helping David reach his goals”. 

Susan and George Martinez

“My daughter Christine has been accepted into Flintridge Prep, La Cañada next fall. I wholeheartedly thank you and Ucan's tutor who prepared my daughter to score well on her ISEE test. I really believe your effective prep system, your experienced and dedicated tutors who motivated and encouraged my daughter. Your tutor made her feel comfortable taking her ISEE test last month”

Linda Poon

"Have a wonderful Easter, and again, I am so glad to have met with you. I really believe you and Jonathan are going to be a vital resource for our kids in this process."

Best,
Alice Cotti (Head Counselor at Polytechnic*)
*Polytechnic is one of the elite prep schools in Southern California)

“Ucan Prep has had a significant impact on me.  Not only did I post a 1510 on my first try, more importantly I learned the value of dedication, discipline, and hard work.  I am grateful to Jonathan for the time that I have spent with UCAN and the life changing values he has instilled in me”. 

Justin Leung (Polytechnic). Accepted to Cornell and Columbia

"I was limiting myself. I did not believe I could break a 1500. And I did...I can apply what I learned to the rest of my life."

Phoebe Zen (Westridge)-Accepted to Harvard and Yale

"Besides higher test scores, we have learned to be better students, how to manage our time better....but still have time to have fun."

Perrine Zen (Westridge)-Accepted to Harvard and Yale.

“I came to the United States in 1994 and started as an ESL student in the 6th grade. Early in my 10th grade, I received a 520 on verbal. I started taking the UCAN verbal class in the summer after I finished the 10th grade. In the SAT I test of November 2000, I received a 680 on the verbal. Overall, I boosted my SAT I score up 160 points. By getting a 1470 on the SAT I along with my school grades, SAT II score, and extracurricular activities, I was admitted to several universities such as Caltech, MIT, Princeton, Cornell, UC Berkeley, UCLA. I have always believed in Jonathan’s creed of believing in oneself. Jonathan’s passion makes him such a distinguished teacher!”

- Sam Kwei. (San Marino High School)
Admitted to MIT

“I have met Jonathan Mitchell, Director of the Ucan College Prep Center on the recommendation of one of our parents. I was very impressed by the HEART of this man and his program.  Since we have had two great success stories from students at LACHSA who have taken the SAT prep courses, and because Mr. Mitchell is a genuinely impressive educator, I am very pleased to recommend this program”

Respectfully, Odell Scott, Ph.D. Head counselor at LACHSA

“Ucan Prep has had a really big impact on me. I started preparing before a lot of my friends did. The thing I liked the most was how we worked in small private groups and I got the benefit of my peers as I was able to learn from them. My SAT I score was a 1430 and I started with a low 1200 about a year ago. Recently, I was awarded a National Merit Scholarship and I will be attending Georgia Tech in the fall.”

- Robbie Neyland. (La Canada High School)
Accepted to Georgia Tech, National Merit Scholar

“Over that short period of time my verbal score jumped over 100 points and I earned a 750. This improvement is due to the UCAN teachers’ unique teaching skills. Attending class ends up being something you look Forward to because there are incentives such as scoring a perfect 800 and competing with your peers who are just as motivated as you are. Thanks to Ucan Prep, I will now have a difficult time deciding where to attend school this fall since my choices include, UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Davis and Stanford.”

- Amina Sutherland. (John Muir High School)
Accepted to Stanford and UC Berkeley

“Time management is very important. We discussed how I should budget my time and that will be very helpful for college.”

Marlena Brown. (Immaculate Heart)
Accepted to Wellesley

“My SAT I score went from 1090 to 1200 in a short period. Thank you so much.”

- Manuel Hernandez. (St Frances)
Accepted to Brown University

“I just wanted to let you know that David Martinez was accepted at the following schools:  University of Redlands, Azusa Pacific, UCSB, UCI, Occidental, and Pomona College, Claremont, California. We are very happy that David was admitted to so many great schools and we know this would not have been possible without Ucan's assistance.  You and your staff were very dedicated.  Tanner's assistance enabled David to improve his math score by almost 100 points.  Again thank you for your part in helping David reach his goals”. 

Susan and George Martinez

“My daughter Christine has been accepted into Flintridge Prep, La Cañada next fall. I wholeheartedly thank you and Ucan's tutor who prepared my daughter to score well on her ISEE test. I really believe your effective prep system, your experienced and dedicated tutors who motivated and encouraged my daughter. Your tutor made her feel comfortable taking her ISEE test last month”
Linda Poon“I knew I needed to work on my SAT I math score. My tutor helped me with specific strategies that I did not get else where. After a few sessions, my math score increased by 60 points which pushed me into the range I wanted.”
- Malika Williams (Lachsfa)
Accepted to Stanford University“Ucan Prep instilled confidence in me and I was able to raise my score 120 points, helping me obtain an 800 on the verbal portion of the test – a perfect score!”
- Janice Lee (Burbank High School; 1520 SAT score)
Accepted to UCLA“Before I took Ucan Prep courses, I was hesitant and uncomfortable about taking the SAT. But Ucan Prep helped me to have a positive mindset before the test. The best characteristic of the program is the counselor’s incredible ability to motivate the students. I started with a 1060 and ended up with a 1290! Ucan Prep not only has a history of successes, a comfortable student to
teacher relationship and a motivated teaching staff, but it also provides the best practice and study aids to prepare for the test.”
- Romeo Papazyan. (Burbank High School)
Accepted to UCLA “Of many who have taught me and guided me, Jonathan Mitchell has been the one person who has made the most significant impact on my life. Not only did he help me improve my SAT I verbal score from a 390-760, but also taught me life- long skills that have shaped my character.”
- Diana Thai. (Gabrielino High School)
Admitted to Princeton “I had scored around a 700 on my verbal section. So imagine my surprise when I received my results for the October SAT I. I had scored 800! The classes also enhanced my thinking skills and overall mentality because of the greatly motivating “You can do it! Pep talks. Thank you!”
- Angela To. (Arcadia High School)
Admitted to USC“After 5 sessions, I received an 800 on the SAT II writing.”
- Terrance Leung. (Arcadia High school)
Accepted to Dartmouth (Terrance’s initial SAT II score was a 720 “I received an 800 on the verbal portion of the test.”
- Jean (Arcadia High School)“Another aspect of your class that I found extremely helpful was your emphasis on the ‘Reading Comprehension’ part of the SAT. Your reading techniques are just small examples of your outstanding program and the results are fantastic.”
- Ronald . (800 on the verbal section; 1540)
Accepted to UC Berkeley Angela received an 800 perfect score on the verbal SAT I.

 

As a Parent, have you made these
mistakes and assumptions?

Mistake # 1: Assuming that because “junior” attends a prep-school or attends a distinguished public high school, all the college planning will be taken care of. A lot of parents sometimes assume that because they are sending their child to a strong public school or to a selective private prep school, “junior’s” high school counselor will provide all the college admission guidance needed to get into a selective college. From our experience, counselors at these schools, at the very best, do not start this process until the end of the junior year. By this time, it typically is too late when it comes to the planning process for admission into a selective college or university. Also, frustrated parents from a variety of private and public schools very often tell me that the bar is not set very high and very little college planning is offered by their child’s high school counselor: a major problem for the parent of a very capable and ambitious student. I want to share another quick story to drive this point home. Hopefully, you sense that I am very passionate and have very strong feelings about the absence of early college planning that exists at most public and at a large percent of private high schools

******************************************

Emigrating from China at 14, Ying was bewildered by the English language. Driven by the need to understand this new culture and to be understood, she enrolled in the 8th grade in an ESL class at Pasadena City College. As a sophomore, she began attending UCAN PREP. Here she found a home. Our philosophy resonated with Ying. She embraced the X factor (the key to any student’s massive success which you will learn in our upcoming webseminar) and followed our admission game plan.
Fast forward. As a senior, in addition to her extracurricular accomplishments, she had 15 AP courses , a 2110 on the SAT, and an unweighted gpa of 4.0.Ying received a Morehouse Scholarship at University of North Carolina and the Regents and Chancellor Scholarships to UC Berkeley. A high school teacher called her an “agent of change.”

I believe that her success reflects Ucan Prep’s motto: “Shoot for the stars. If you don’t reach it, you can still land on the moon.”

Now, here is my point. Ying was recently asked if her current high school counselor had spent the time divulging any of the college admission strategies she learned at the Ucan Prep. Her empathic answer: NO!

******************************************

The only students who learn these vital college strategies are those whose parents can afford to send their kids to elite prep schools whose yearly tuition ranges from $22, 000 to as much as $32,000 +. Or whose parents can invest as much as $ 10,000 + in a private educational consultant. Clearly, elite prep schools provide a LOW COUNSELOR TO STUDENT RATIO. Case in point. Marlboro, an elite prep school in LA, has 1 college counselor for every 20 students! Clearly, this offers the student the huge advantage of personally working over an extensive period on the college planning process with an experienced counselor who was a former admissions officer at a prestigious college.Now, compare this to Arcadia H S, a local and academically competitive public high school that has 1 counselor for every 800 students. Now, please understand. I have absolutely nothing against prep schools as my daughter attends one. However, as an educator, I am not blind to the fact that the vast majority of high school students do not have such resources.All one has to do is read reputable media sources (Time Magazine’s April 17, 2006 issue) detailing how 30% of teens drop out from high school. My mission is simple: even the playing field whereby every Ucan Prep student can access college planning and admission strategies that will help the student win the admission war!As a side point. I get very upset when I hear crappy teachers or high school counselors minimize the student’s college dreams (I experienced this first hand! More about this later…)

Mistake # 2: Not being assertive and pro-active. A number of parents assume that because the or shey invest a good chunk of money into their child’s tuition at a private high school, or into a college planning and test prep program like ours, they are no longer obliged to be part of the college planning process. Having personally coached close to a dozen families this year whose sons or daughters got into an Ivy School, I can confirm that these families (typically the mother) invested a lot of time and energy with their children visiting colleges, flying their kids to college interviews, helping their son or daughter stay on top of deadlines and more….Again, these parents were very proactive as they did not predominantly rely on the high school counselor for college admission guidance and either learned from scratch the a-z’s of the admission process, a very time-consuming process, or they used the services of outside educational firms like the Ucan Prep.

Mistake # 3: Starting the test prep and admission process late. Think about the following. Let us say that you know that your child was not a good test taker during junior high school. He struggled on private high school entrance exams like the ISEE or HSPT. Wouldn’t it make sense for your child to at the very least take a diagnostic test on the PSAT or SAT during the freshman year (or at the latest the sophomore)? This would allow you and your son or daughter to detect problem areas in advance. Also, you would know what his or her baseline SAT score was. Please keep reading to find out why knowing this baseline is so critical……Let us say, hypothetically, your child, a current freshman, is mature and has expressed an interest in applying in his senior year to Georgetown to study political science. (You would be surprised how many freshmen and sophomores we work with that fit this profile)….Now, let us say that Georgetown’s average SAT score among incoming freshman in the fall of 2006 is a 2140. You can predict that when your child is a senior, this number will be even higher. So, for argument’s sake, let us project that the average SAT score for Georgetown in 3 years will be 2170. Your child takes one of our diagnostic tests and gets a score (or baseline score) of 1360 out of 2400. Knowing the baseline early, we can safely say that he has a gap of 810 SAT points (Georgetown’s projected SAT score of 2170 minus the baseline of 1360) that needs to be bridged in the next 3 years.

Evidently, something has to be done soon because we are now dealing with a concrete number. As a parent, you have a choice: get your child to start prepping either in the 9th grade or in the 10th grade, or start him or her prepping in the 11th grade and risk him or her not having enough time to bridge this 810 pt gap.Tragically, what we see are parents who bring their son or daughter to us at the end of the junior year or beginning of the senior year.Never having taken the time to discover this baseline earlier, the parent has to accept limited choices of college admissions in the spring of the senior year as the odds of experiencing huge gains on the SAT are not good so late in the game-especially when the student is not a good test taker to begin with. Now, from experience, when a freshman or sophomore is mentally and emotionally immature, I would not recommend starting early as this game plan can backfire.However, this plan is excellent for the student who demonstrates maturity, has an already good academic track record and has ambition.

Mistake # 4: “I know it all!”

This assumption is typical of parents who are alumni of elite colleges, or whose children attend prep schools - or parents who already have a son or daughter in high school.

  • To the parents who graduated from an elite school, you are smart enough to know that the standards that got you into such a school, no longer apply.
One of our friends who is a cardiologist who graduated from Stanford Medical School shared candidly that he could not get into such a prestigious program with the grades and MCAT score he had back then.
  • To parents in the second category whose child attends a prep school, even if you are one of the lucky few parents whose child’s counselors personally spent several hours going over the college planning process since the sophomore year, you need to be aware that you are dealing with a moving target. Every year, the bar keeps rising, and there are always new distinctions to learn.

  • Finally, a physician from a local prep school came to one of my seminars recently. I was very impressed with him as typically mothers tend to be more involved in the college planning process than dads.

Anyway, he came from a personal referral and wanted to enroll his daughter, a junior, in our 1 to 1 SAT and SAT II program Here is the catch: his older daughter is currently a freshman at Claremont Mc Kenna, one of the best liberal art colleges in the US. I asked him candidly:
-"Dave, you have already gone through this process with your older daughter. Did you learn anything new here?"
I held my breath as I waited for his answer.
-Dave: "Oh, my gosh Jonathan. I wasn't aware about this, and this and this."
Dave went on and shared 4 to 5 specific college planning tips he hadn't been aware of.
Then, what came out of his lips confirmed my suspicions.
-"You know Jonathan. I find that my peers at my daughter's school suffer from myopia: they think they know it all. As a result, they are not open minded to the possibilities".
You see my friend. When you learn all our secrets and the X factor, you will realize that we throw out the door all conventional wisdom when it comes to test prepping and college planning.

To wrap up, to help parents and students avoid these cardinal mistakes, this is where the Ucan Prep comes to the rescue….

Like Patrick, we not only helped the 52 seniors of the class of 2006, but 100’s of seniors from the class of 2003, 2004, 2005 consistently win the admission war.

I am very confident that we can do the same for your son or daughter!









Sarah Bartlett
Flintridge Sacred Heart, Class of 2005

"UCAN Prep is what changed my college admissions process from me reaching and hoping for schools to having schools recruit me. I started off with a 1270 on the SAT, and after the prep class I came out with a 1520. It was remarkable the difference. UCAN is different from the other SAT prep schools because there are actual results due to the great methods they have developed for answering problems and the wonderful teachers. I learned to not be intimidated by the SAT, but to conquer it so that I could achieve my goals. My math instructor is a captivating teacher and helped me get a 800 on the SAT and a 780 on the SAT II MATH IIC. His passion for math is contagious. And all the other teachers that I have encountered have had just the same passion for seeing their students succeed. Because of UCAN Prep, so many doors we opened up for me. I got into all twelve schools I applied to, including UC Berkeley, UCLA, Washington University in St. Louis, Rice University, and University of Virginia. I highly suggest UCAN Prep to anyone who seriously wants to improve their test scores."





Patrick Lee, Loyola High School, class of 2005

"UCAN Prep was an excellent opportunity for me to improve on my SAT test taking skills while in a very positive and motivated environment. I went into the program with a preliminary score of around 1200, and I ended up getting a 1460 on my SAT's on my first try. UCAN Prep definitely changed my life immensely, and I grew more confident of myself." (Patrick was accepted into Georgetown, Uc Berkeley and a host of other selective schools)



 Brian Williams - Loyola HS, class of 2005

"The UCAN Prep center is full of dedicated, inspired, and enthusiastic teachers who truly care for their students. This fundamental care is the backbone of the organization and is the reason for my increased score on the SAT. Personally, I was not a good standardized test taker and the 980 that I received on my Diagnostic Test didn't improve my confidence too much. But in the process of continually going to classes, I learned that the SAT is just a game. The problem was, I didn't know the rules. Learning these rules was not an easy task, and along with my huge homework load at Loyola, time management became an essential element of my life. If I didn't complete all of the homework, the teachers were somewhat understanding, but were even more determined to get me back onto the right road to success, providing me with tiny quotes of inspiration from time to time. In the end of this ongoing cycle, I received a 1230 on my first SAT, and six months later, received a 1310, increasing my score 330 points. Pretty good for a bad test taker if I say so myself. I just didn't know how to play the SAT game, but UCAN Prep taught me the rules. Thank you."


Kelsey Holmes, Westridge, class of 2005

"Not only did the Ucan College Prep Center raise my SAT score 90 points, but the outstanding staff was caring and supportive in all aspects of my life. Both my math and verbal instructors were willing to work around my schedule. They wanted to know about everything that was going on in my life, academic and non-academic, before we went onto the lessons on each day. The skills that I learned were not meant only for the SAT. Along with the SAT strategies, I learned how to attack a difficult math problem and read more intuitively. This is a phenomenal program."


Qiliang Huang, Rosemead H S, class of 2005

"Ucan prep is a great learning place! The instructors not only helped me prepare to score high on the SAT, but also made me tougher when I encountered obstacles. Ucan prep helped me get into my dream University, UCLA!"



Daren Noritake, Flintridge Prep, class of 2005

"I've never been known as an awesome test taker. That point, which has been a blotch on my academic reputation throughout my student career, was made only more apparent by my 1280 PSAT score. After being pushed by relatives to seek out some sort of SAT prep class, I stumbled upon Ucan. It turned out to be the best possible choice. What makes Ucan unique as test prep organizations go is the dedication that my instructors had for my goal to achieve a higher score and succeed in my college search. And a higher score is what I did indeed achieve. Thanks to my instructors' constant drilling on the values of dedication, consistency, and overall diligence, I was able to hit a 1470 on my first try. So, I would like to say thank you to the Ucan staff. For your help, your dedication, and your caring, thank you."




    Accepted to Stanford

      Because English wasn't my first language I was presented with a major hurdle that's very difficult to overcome. However, you've helped me jump over that obstacle...      Because of your diligence and perseverance, I was able to achieve a 790 on my SAT I verbal section, and increase my math score by 70 points in only four weeks. And because of you I was also able to receive a perfect 800 on my SAT II Writing test.      Ucan Prep has shown me that anyone, despite background and challenges, can become something amazing. If Ucan can help someone who used to be befuddled by verbs, participles, and gerunds, then who knows what it can do for students who speak English naturally? The possibilities are limitless."

Michael Zhou
Accepted to Stanford, Claremont McKenna, UCLA, UC Berkeley


    Accepted to Brown University

      I started the program with a SAT score in the 1200's, but received a 1520 on my first try.

Michael Hernandez Stern



     Early in the 10th grade, I received a 520 on the verbal. I started taking the Ucan verbal class and on my next SAT I test I received a 680 on the verbal.

      Overall, I boosted my SAT I score by 160 points. By getting a 1470 on the SAT I along with my school grades, SAT II score, and extracurricular activities, I was admitted to several universities such as Caltech, MIT, Princeton, Cornell, UC Berkeley, and UCLA."Sam Kwei
Accepted into MIT, Princeton, Caltech, UC Berkeley

 



      Before I took Ucan Prep courses, I was hesitant and uncomfortable about taking the SAT. But Ucan Prep helped me have a positive mindset before the test. The best characteristic of the program is the instructor’s incredible ability to motivate the students.

      I started with a 1060 and ended up with a 1290! Ucan Prep not only has a history of successes, a comfortable student to teacher relationship and a motivated teaching staff, but it also provides the best practice and study aids to prepare for the test."Romeo Papazian
Accepted into UCLA

 



      We were limiting ourselves. We didn't believe we could break 1500. But with Ucan Prep's help... we both did. I scored 1560 and my sister got 1520. We both achieved increases of 260 + points each!

      Besides higher test scores, we've learned to be better students, manage our time better, and still have time for fun."Phoebe and Perrine Zen
Both accepted into Harvard and Yale

 



      I started Ucan Prep not thinking that I'd improve my score by more than 50 points, but with my teacher’s support and inspiration, my score ended up 200+ points. The teachers taught me everything about the SAT test, study skills, work ethic, analytical skills (and the list goes on). Thanks! You're the best!"

Vivian Shin
Accepted into UC Berkeley

 



    Accepted to Georgia Tech.

      Ucan Prep has had a really big impact on me. I started preparing before a lot of my friends did. The thing I liked the most was how we worked in small private groups and I got the benefit of my peers, as I was able to learn from them.      My SAT I score was a 1430 and I started with a low 1200 about a year ago. Recently, I was awarded a National Merit Scholarship and I will be attending Georgia Tech in the fall."Robbie Neyland
Accepted into Georgia Tech, National Merit Scholar

 




     Studying through Ucan Prep not only boosted my scores by 170 points, but also boosted my self-confidence. My UCAN instructors and academic advisor instilled in me the understanding that my success not only depended on my scores, but also on my optimism and determination. My counselor relieved me of the stress of the college admission process."

Shannon Fernando
Accepted into UCLA

 



      When I first came to you, my writing score was 480. My final SAT II Writing score was 600, and it all happened in 2 ½ months! I will attend Cornell University this fall and was also accepted to West Point, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD and UM-Ann Arbor."

Jessie Yu
Accepted into Cornell

 



      I have been admitted to the University of Pennsylvania, Emory, Swarthmore, Georgetown, Berkeley and UCLA. If it wasn't for your SAT preparation course, I don't feel that I'd have been admitted to such prestigious schools considering the high number of competitive students. In just seven weeks, I improved my score by 150 points."

Taylor Clark
Accepted into University of Pennsylvania

 



    Ucan Prep has has a significant impact on me. Not only did I post a 1510 on my first try, more importantly I learned the value of dedication, discipline, and hard work. I am grateful to Jonathan for the time that I have spent with UCAN and the life changing values he has instilled in me."Justin's combined SAT Score was 1590. Justin Leung, Polytechnic, Class of 2005
Accepted into Cornell, Columbia and UC Berkeley

 



      Ucan Prep is truly the best thing that happened to me in my high school career. The knowledge I learned is beyond what books can teach.

      I also developed great confidence and conviction in myself, and grew mentally and spiritually. My gratitude is beyond what words can describe.       I wholeheartedly thank Ucan for the difference it made in my life.Annie To
(UCLA)

 



      The most important thing I took out of this program was the ability to have responsibility and discipline. With these qualities I was able to push myselF and not give up on certain classes."

Alex Cho
(UC Berkeley)

 


 I took the SAT II Writing Prep in a small class with Ucan. I was studying by myself but hit a roadblock and couldn't reach the next level. And also I wasn't confident with what I could do.

      Ucan really helped me both in my essay by changing the way I wrote essays, and the multiple choice strategies I was taught.

      With the tutor I felt they were able to guide me along and through the weaknesses I had.

Terrance Leung.
Accepted to Dartmouth



 




    Accepted to Stanford

      "If you don't know what to do... if you're in the dark about the college experience, it's a place and a great resource to find out about essays... about the application process, what you need to do, how to organize a nice application, how to get teacher recommendations. You get all this as well as SAT studying."

Malika Williams
Stanford

 



 


 "Richard helped me a lot with college counseling.

      I remember I was in a tough situation because applications for the UC schools were due in a couple of days, and I hadn't finished it all. I had some kinks with my essay that I needed to work out. I was really stressed out.

      But I got together with Richard for two days in a row and we hammered it out. He gave me a lot of good practical information and helped me through the process. And we ended-up with an application I was extremely proud of."

Robbie Neyland
Georgia Tech, National Merit Scholar


 

Would You Like To Know Which Of The 15 Admission Secrets Enabled The Above Students to Aggressively Boost Their SAT, SAT II Scores And Gain Admission Into Their Top College Picks?

To Discover These 15 College Admission Secrets, Register For Our Free College Planning Seminar

As a gift for attending this power-packed seminar, you will receive A FREE Report entitled "Preparing For College-A Step-By-Step Guide".

 

Introducing a Whole New Way
 to Prepare for Tests Using Cutting Edge Technology and in the
 Comfort of Your Own Home

Since 2004, we have been offering Webclasses.
New 2006 Online Live Webclasses -

      Our webclasses are offered for one-on-one tutoring, a private group of 3 to 4 students or a workshop of between 5-15 students. They're built so your child can tap into our unique program wherever he is located in the world.

      We offer three levels of this program depending on the number of hours he needs. These programs are Gold (total 40 hours), Silver (total 30 hours), and Bronze (total 20 hours).

      All Gold and Silver programs also include unlimited email support with Ucan tutors. So if your child has something he needs help on between webclass sessions, he can email it and a Ucan Prep teacher will respond in 24 - 48 hours.

      But listen up. You'll need to have a few technical pieces in place so your child can study with us.

      Please read below. It's important.

      Our webclass uses a virtual and LIVE classroom format and VOIP technology in which instructors and your son or daughter speak naturally in REAL TIME and work through lessons together using a whiteboard and a digital pen.

      In other words, the instructor will share a digital file of our proprietary workbooks (your son will have the hard copy) that sits on his screen. In real time, your son or daughter will see the same file of the workbook on his computer screen and be able to show his work using the digital pen. As the student problem solves, his markings will show up in real time on his instructor's screen enabling him to receive from his SAT coach correction and feedback in real time (a key component in effective teaching).

      The instructor will teach the lesson using audio technology (voip) that enables your child to hear the instruction in real time with a clarity that often surpasses that of a regular phone!

      So you'll need an Internet connection and headset connected to your PC so you can hear the instructor and talk back and forth.

     In order to be able to interact with the tutor, you'll also need a microphone connected to your PC.

      Now just in case you're concerned, the technology we use works accessing the Internet through a dial-up modem. Speed of connection is not an issue for you to enjoy this fabulous new way of studying.

      You'll be given a special URL link to access each class.

      Don't worry. You'll get all the access information in a special email sent to you before your first call.

     See how live tutoring works over the internet VIEW DEMO
 



      Being an international student and new to the U.S. school system, I had no experience with the SAT. Grade 12 finally came and my dream of attending a sunny, school-spirited university was blocked by the SAT.      So I studied but was not pleased when I got a score of 900. I searched all around Vancouver, B.C., but found nothing except a pricey weekend program. Thankfully I found Ucan Prep.      I worked long-distance over the telephone 3 times a week for 2 hours a session. I couldn't believe my verbal instructor's patience and commitment to me. I really felt he cared as much about my future as I did.      I would normally have been bored on the phone for 2 hours, but he motivated me to not only achieve success on the SAT (my total score improved a whooping 240 points), but to want to do better in school.      I could not have been happier with the results. I really feel that my supportive verbal instructor changed my future. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Ucan Prep for the time and encouragement you gave me.

Madison Eker.
Vancouver, B.C.


Our proven live in real time online test program will help your son or daughter achieve strong standardized test scores on the SAT, SAT II subject tests, ACT, AP Calculus (AB/BC), English and Literature.

Our college admission planning program will increase his or her odds of admission into a number of schools that are strong matches.

Our program will teach your child the X factor so that you never have to be concerned about college and career futures. Once the X factor is instilled in your child, success will be inevitable.

Our Web Seminar Will Reveal How Your Child Can Win
The Admissions War Even If He Or She Is Not A Straight A Student


You Are Just A Few Days Away From Learning:

  • 15 College Admission Secrets to increase your chances of driving with the decal of your child's dream school - making you the envy of your neighbors. How to guarantee that your child's SAT score skyrockets by 190 points in 8 weeks…or less… or we will work with him or her for free until the next official test!

    Discover the X factor that helped 1 out of 5 Ucan Prep seniors gain admission into one or two Ivy League schools , and that helped over 55% of our seniors gain admission into elite schools like Northwestern, Georgetown, NYU, Rice, University of Chicago, Colby, UC Berkeley, USC …

    How technological advances allow our online programs to provide live instruction in real time to our students from around the world. (see a live demonstration)

    Ways to beef up your transcript and choose extracurricular activities to impress admission officers.

    The secret to securing powerful letters of recommendation .

  • Insider secrets about the college tours and interviews that your competition wants to hide from you .


 Either Your Son Or Daughter Learns These Strategies Now Or The Competition Will

This FREE seminar offers you an opportunity to get your teen on a fast track for college admission success. The choice to attend is yours. If you do, I promise you that, like so many parents and students in the recent years, you will walk away inspired, educated and enlightened.

More importantly, your teen will walk away knowing exactly what needs to be done to maximize the odds of admission into his/her first choice of colleges while being on track to achieving huge SAT and SAT II score gains.

Oh, before I forget, as a gift for attending this power-packed seminar, you will receive A FREE Report entitled "Preparing For College-A Step-By-Step Guide".

This jam-packed report will help your son or daughter:

  • Structure academic classes in such a way that his or her transcript impresses the admissions officers…
  • Optimize his or her chances of being a National Merit Scholar
  • And much more ….  

Would You Like To Know Which Of The 15 Admission Secrets Enabled The Above Students to Aggressively Boost Their SAT, SAT II Scores And Gain Admission Into Their Top College Picks?

To Discover These 15 College Admission Secrets, Register For Our Free College Planning Seminar

As a gift for attending this power-packed seminar, you will receive A FREE Report entitled "Preparing For College-A Step-By-Step Guide".

If you would like to call us directly, call Melody, my wife, or Carolina Cortez, our office manager, at (626) 798-5879. Or you can e-mail me directly at jonathan@ucanprep.com

To your teen's success,

Jonathan Mitchell

Co-founder and Co-director

P.S. It is extremely important that you reserve your seat now, as seats are limited. If you delay your decision, you'll have missed your chance.

PPS: I promise you will be blown away by the powerful strategies offered in this FREE seminar. College consultants will charge you hundreds of dollars for these insider tips. You get them for free.  Remember, just for attending this power-packed seminar, you will receive A FREE Report entitled "Preparing For College-A Step-By-Step Guide."