CurriculumResearcher

College Prep Genius

OtherGrade 8

About This Curriculum

College Prep Genius has been recognized as a leading resource for students and families striving for academic and test prep excellence. Featured in numerous publications, news outlets, and education forums, our innovative approach has empowered tens of thousands of students to achieve remarkable results on standardized tests and secure valuable scholarships. Our founder’s expertise and dedication to student success have made College Prep Genius a trusted name in education, spotlighted for transforming the way families approach college preparation. Stay informed about our latest accomplishments and media features as we continue to make a difference in students’ lives. Please enter at least 2 characters for name. Please enter at least 10 characters for details. Please enter a valid phone number. Please enter a valid email address.

What makes it unique: <cite index="3-4,3-5,3-6">The program's distinguishing feature is its emphasis on scholarships—teaching students to use exam scores to access scholarships that can help pay for college, potentially making the course pay for itself through scholarship winnings.</cite>

College Prep Genius: SAT/Test Prep Strategy Program for Scholarship-Focused Students

College Prep Genius is a test preparation program founded by homeschooling mother Jean Burke that teaches strategies and patterns for the SAT, PSAT, and ACT tests. The curriculum emphasizes scholarship attainment through improved test scores and offers multiple delivery formats including self-paced modules, live classes, and DVD instruction.

Best for

Highly motivated middle and high school students focused on scholarship attainment who can commit to intensive test preparation, particularly in homeschool settings

Evaluation Criteria

4 strengths · 3 neutral

Content AccuracyStrength

The program appears to accurately reflect standardized test formats and strategies. Multiple reviewers report significant score improvements validating the methods taught.

Reviewers report score increases of 200-300 points, with one specific mention of a 250-point improvement, and the program uses actual exam questions for practice

Instructional ClarityStrength

The program provides structured, strategy-based instruction with clear test-taking methods and acronyms to memorize. Multiple reviewers confirm the step-by-step approach effectively teaches logical patterns and question-solving techniques.

Reviews mention 12 lesson modules, step-by-step instruction through each SAT section, proven tips and strategies, and test strategy acronyms for students to learn

Real World ApplicationStrength

The program strongly connects to real-world outcomes through scholarship attainment and college preparation. The emphasis on financial benefits provides clear practical application.

Multiple reviews emphasize scholarship potential, financial benefits of high scores, and the founder's children receiving full scholarships; program markets itself as paying for itself through scholarship winnings

Teacher Parent SupportStrength

The curriculum provides multiple support options including course books, DVDs, and different instructional formats. Parents report being able to use it independently with their children.

Reviews mention course books that restate video content, DVD lessons for independent use, and layout that allows students to work independently with parental oversight

EngagementNeutral

The program engages students through multiple delivery methods and practical strategy application. However, the intensive nature may not appeal to all learners.

Offers in-person classes, live virtual classes, self-paced modules, DVDs, and workbooks; students report increased confidence and reduced test anxiety

Age AppropriatenessNeutral

While marketed for Grade 8, the intensive nature and scholarship focus may be more appropriate for highly motivated students. The program recommends early test-taking starting in middle school.

One reviewer found it overwhelming for average students, noting it requires considerable time and effort, while the program itself recommends starting test prep in middle school

Assessment FeedbackNeutral

The program includes practice tests and exposure to actual exam questions but limited detail on ongoing progress monitoring tools. The focus is on strategy mastery rather than continuous assessment.

Mentions realistic practice test approach and exposure to actual exam questions, but reviews don't detail specific formative assessment tools beyond practice tests

Sources: homeschool.com, weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com

Review Sources

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Christa Sterken

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homeschoolcom

Homeschool.com

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Key Facts
GradesGrade 8
SubjectOther
PedagogyTraditional
Faith-BasedNo
FormatDigital + Physical
Pricing<cite index="18-1">Fundamental SAT/ACT eCourse: $189 for 1-year membership</cite>; <cite index="23-19">Comprehensive SAT/ACT eCourse: $239 for 1-year membership</cite>; <cite index="11-2">Virtual Boot Camp: $395 (3-day or 8-week live sessions with 12 hours instruction)</cite>; <cite index="11-2">In-Person Boot Camp: $445 (2-day live boot camp with 12 hours instruction)</cite>. Individual materials available à la carte from $15-$70.
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Data sources: homeschoolcom