The College Admissions Process Podcast 354. Digital SAT & Test Prep Secrets: Boost Scores with Prep Expert CEO Shaan Patel
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🎙️ Navigating the Digital SAT, National Merit, and Scholarship Success
with Dr. Shaan Patel (CEO & Founder of Prep Expert)
In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO and Founder of Prep Expert and title sponsor of The College Admissions Process Podcast. A board-certified dermatologist and Shark Tank success story (Mark Cuban deal), Dr. Patel breaks down what families must understand right now about the Digital SAT, the PSAT, and how high test scores can unlock life-changing scholarships.
🔍 Key Insights from the Conversation
🧠 Why the Adaptive Format Matters
The Digital SAT adjusts by module. Strong performance on Module 1 is essential to unlock the harder Module 2—the only path to top scores.
🏆 PSAT = Scholarship Opportunity
The PSAT isn’t “just practice.” Top 1% scorers can earn National Merit recognition, leading to full or half-tuition scholarships at 100+ colleges.
📈 Testing Is Making a Comeback
With many colleges—including Ivies and major state schools—reinstating test requirements, high scores matter more than ever for admissions and merit aid, especially amid grade inflation.
✏️ Proven Test-Taking Strategies
📝 Use Scratch Paper—Always
Writing out work boosts accuracy and frees mental bandwidth, even on a digital exam.
✍️ Writing Section Red Flags
Passive constructions (“being,” “is why,” “is because”) are almost never correct.
➗ Hard Math Tip
When stuck between two answers, the “uglier” option (square roots, fractions) is often right on higher-level questions.
📚 Beat the Clock the Right Way
Students lose time debating answers—not reading. Elimination strategies cut decision time dramatically.
🚀 Action Steps for Families
1️⃣ Start prep in 9th or 10th grade—especially to be ready for the 11th-grade PSAT
2️⃣ Practice with the College Board Blue Book App
3️⃣ Pair strong content with proven strategies to reach the 99th percentile
4️⃣ Explore Prep Expert’s courses or 1:1 college counseling support
🔗 Resources
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Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications
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