OVERVIEW

MEK Review is a leading private learning academy dedicated to transforming students into top performers. Since 1997, we have helped thousands of students begin an incredible success story with our programs.

 

Our students have gained admission to the best colleges in the country, earned top SAT, ACT, and SAT Subject scores, prepared for difficult H.S. admission tests, and became high achievers in the classroom.

 

With our proven frameworks for students, group classes, tutoring, exam preparation programs, and academic and admissions counseling, we are ready to help you succeed. We can’t wait to help you achieve your academic goals and change your future!

OUR PHILOSOPHY

With the right support and motivation, every student can achieve success.

MEK PRINCIPLE

Entry into top colleges and a successful future comes through hard work and expert guidance.

KEY TO SUCCESS

We approach each and every academic journey with persistence, care, and belief in our students.

LEADERSHIP

Gunn Ahn

Founder & Headmaster

Ann Ahn

Head Academic Counselor, Director of Academic Counseling Services

Michelle Sinno

Chief Mentor of Teachers

Gunn Ahn founded MEK Review in 1997. After successfully teaching thousands of students, he has developed a pedagogical program that focuses on instruction, immediate skill application and active reinforcement rather than just passive lecture and practice. His teaching philosophy influences every aspect of MEK and unfailingly produces amazing results.

“At MEK Review, we believe that practice doesn’t make perfect, practice makes permanent. That’s why our programs and methods are uniquely designed to maximize improvement and guide our students to score higher, faster.”

Ann Ahn is the backbone and the spirit of MEK. Hundreds of families know her not just as an expert counselor that has helped their child succeed, but also as a friend. She works tirelessly with parents, students, and the MEK staff to make sure every child is individually cared for, progressing, and achieving their academic goals.

"It has been a pleasure over the past two decades to provide guidance and resources to students on their academic journeys to college. I will always support my students and help them to build confidence for life. Over the years, I have seen how crucial confidence is for student's to achieve success. But how do students gain confidence? We have so many ways to empower students, but ultimately they must be the ones to put in the effort. If a student will use all the resources and strategies we give them, they will be unstoppable!”

Michelle initiated our elementary school English curriculum and College Essay program, and serves as a mentor for our teachers. For over 10 years, Michelle has led countless students to success in the College Test Prep and H.S. Test Prep programs. She helped create many of the standards for our English programs and still oversees and reinforces those programs today.

“We are only as good as the best effort and hope we give every child every day. If I can teach a child to live vicariously through a book, I have done my job.”

Gunn Ahn

Founder & Headmaster

Ann Ahn

Head Academic Counselor, Director of Academic Counseling Services

Gunn Ahn founded MEK Review in 1997. After successfully teaching thousands of students, he has developed a pedagogical program that focuses on instruction, immediate skill application and active reinforcement rather than just passive lecture and practice. His teaching philosophy influences every aspect of MEK and unfailingly produces amazing results.

“At MEK Review, we believe that practice doesn’t make perfect, practice makes permanent. That’s why our programs and methods are uniquely designed to maximize improvement and guide our students to score higher, faster.”

Ann Ahn is the backbone and the spirit of MEK. Hundreds of families know her not just as an expert counselor that has helped their child succeed, but also as a friend. She works tirelessly with parents, students, and the MEK staff to make sure every child is individually cared for, progressing, and achieving their academic goals.

"It has been a pleasure over the past two decades to provide guidance and resources to students on their academic journeys to college. I will always support my students and help them to build confidence for life. Over the years, I have seen how crucial confidence is for student's to achieve success. But how do students gain confidence? We have so many ways to empower students, but ultimately they must be the ones to put in the effort. If a student will use all the resources and strategies we give them, they will be unstoppable!”

Michelle Sinno

Chief Mentor of Teachers

Michelle initiated our elementary school English curriculum and College Essay program, and serves as a mentor for our teachers. For over 10 years, Michelle has led countless students to success in the College Test Prep and H.S. Test Prep programs. She helped create many of the standards for our English programs and still oversees and reinforces those programs today.

“We are only as good as the best effort and hope we give every child every day. If I can teach a child to live vicariously through a book, I have done my job.”

OPERATIONS

Yongchul Ji

Operations Coordinator

Minjae Park

Systems Engineer, Math & Science Teacher

Gabi Choi

Engineering Assistant

Inha University, B.Engineering | As Operations Coordinator, Yongchul manages all internal and external MEK operations, making sure that all systems are running smoothly at all times. In charge of all technology and campus operations, Yongchul is pivotal in managing our virtual and in-person classes. At MEK, we know that continuity is key in maintaining educational value and progress, and Yongchul facilitates all processes to maintain continuity.

Drexel University, B.S. | As a Math & Science Teacher, Minjae works primarily with the Tutoring department. He is a student favorite, with his effective and engaging teaching strategies. He is also our Systems Engineer, making sure that all software and hardware is working properly and up to date so teachers can teach without a hitch.

University of California Berkeley, B.A. | Gabi facilitates the management of all systems and technology involved in MEK classes and operations. She provides students, parents, teachers, and administrators with the necessary technical support to ensure that all operations and learning can happen without distractions or interruptions. Her methods and approach are driven by her positive energy and passion for educational technology.

Evan Jin

Program Operations Coordinator

Andy Chen

Program Operations Assistant

Courtney Kim

Teaching & Scoring Staff

Evan is a specialist in all MEK operations, especially in relation to class operations. Evan covers everything from MEK Learning Circles to SAT Prep, making sure all behind-the-scene operations are running smoothly and that students can have an uninterrupted learning experience.

Andy manages in-person class operations at the Closter campus and supports all scoring and material development needs. An active and compassionate team member, Andy provides help to parents, students, and teachers, to make sure that all classes run smoothly.

Courtney is a Teaching & Scoring Staff at the Palisades Park campus, specializing in Exam Prep scoring, High School Honors Math & Science assignment management, and AP material development. Courtney is an essential team member behind the scenes of every class at MEK Review.

Yongchul Ji

Operations Coordinator

Minjae Park

Systems Engineer, Math & Science Teacher

Inha University, B.Engineering | As Operations Coordinator, Yongchul manages all internal and external MEK operations, making sure that all systems are running smoothly at all times. In charge of all technology and campus operations, Yongchul is pivotal in managing our virtual and in-person classes. At MEK, we know that continuity is key in maintaining educational value and progress, and Yongchul facilitates all processes to maintain continuity.

Drexel University, B.S. | As a Math & Science Teacher, Minjae works primarily with the Tutoring department. He is a student favorite, with his effective and engaging teaching strategies. He is also our Systems Engineer, making sure that all software and hardware is working properly and up to date so teachers can teach without a hitch.

Gabi Choi

Engineering Assistant

Evan Jin

Program Operations Coordinator

University of California Berkeley, B.A. | Gabi facilitates the management of all systems and technology involved in MEK classes and operations. She provides students, parents, teachers, and administrators with the necessary technical support to ensure that all operations and learning can happen without distractions or interruptions. Her methods and approach are driven by her positive energy and passion for educational technology.

Evan is a specialist in all MEK operations, especially in relation to class operations. Evan covers everything from MEK Learning Circles to SAT Prep, making sure all behind-the-scene operations are running smoothly and that students can have an uninterrupted learning experience.

Andy Chen

Program Operations Assistant

Courtney Kim

Teaching & Scoring Staff

Andy manages in-person class operations at the Closter campus and supports all scoring and material development needs. An active and compassionate team member, Andy provides help to parents, students, and teachers, to make sure that all classes run smoothly.

Courtney is a Teaching & Scoring Staff at the Palisades Park campus, specializing in Exam Prep scoring, High School Honors Math & Science assignment management, and AP material development. Courtney is an essential team member behind the scenes of every class at MEK Review.

ACADEMIC & ADMISSIONS COUNSELING

Jaehee Ahn

Director of Academic Counseling Services, Marketing Director

University of California Berkeley, B.A. | Jaehee is a the Director of the Academic Counseling Services. She works to guide students to reach their college goals, providing counseling and constant guidance through every step of the way. She oversees all college counseling needs and coordinates with teachers and counselors to help students reach their potential.

"At MEK, we lead with compassion. Our ultimate goal is not to get you to the school of your dreams, but to give you the tools to excel there."

Jaehee Ahn

Director of Academic Counseling Services, Marketing Director

University of California Berkeley, B.A. | Jaehee is a the Director of the Academic Counseling Services. She works to guide students to reach their college goals, providing counseling and constant guidance through every step of the way. She oversees all college counseling needs and coordinates with teachers and counselors to help students reach their potential.

"At MEK, we lead with compassion. Our ultimate goal is not to get you to the school of your dreams, but to give you the tools to excel there."

EXAM PREP

Tony Kim

Dean of Studies

Rachel Erwin

Dean of Faculty

Pranav Gupta

Director of High School Admissions Test Prep & Subject Prep

Iulia Boboc

Assistant Director of High School Admissions Test Prep

Nicholas Lang

Director of High School Honors

Rutgers University, B.S. | Tony is a leader of the entire teaching team. He teaches math for College Test Prep and H.S. Test Prep and supervises and guides the Exam Prep staff to ensure student success. With a passion for teaching, Tony fosters strong relationships with his students and motivates them to achieve their goals.

University of Texas A&M, B.A. | Rachel is an influential leader on the teaching team. She teaches College Test Prep, H.S. Test Prep, and College Application Essays. Within the English Department, she serves as a leader for the Exam Prep team, working diligently to ensure all students’ success. With her clear and systematic approach to teaching, she helps students make huge improvements.

Rutgers University, B.S. | Pranav is a devoted and enthusiastic teacher for all levels of math including College Test Prep, H.S. Test Prep and competition math. Within the Math Department, he coordinates with Exam Prep staff to maximize the impact of test preparations on students. A student favorite, he inspires students to stay focused and reach their potential.

Boston College, B.A. | Iulia is a skilled English teacher who teaches College Test Prep, H.S. Test Prep, School Support Tutoring, and the MEK English Learning Circles. She is gentle but strong in her approach to teaching, making her a valuable addition to the MEK teaching team.

Stockton University, B.S. | Nick is an enthusiastic teacher devoted to helping students reach their academic goals and enjoying learning along the way. He teaches School Support math and science tutoring, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, AP Physics, and MAPC - Competition Math.

Tony Kim

Dean of Studies

Rachel Erwin

Dean of Faculty

Rutgers University, B.S. | Tony is a leader of the entire teaching team. He teaches math for College Test Prep and H.S. Test Prep and supervises and guides the Exam Prep staff to ensure student success. With a passion for teaching, Tony fosters strong relationships with his students and motivates them to achieve their goals.

University of Texas A&M, B.A. | Rachel is an influential leader on the teaching team. She teaches College Test Prep, H.S. Test Prep, and College Application Essays. Within the English Department, she serves as a leader for the Exam Prep team, working diligently to ensure all students’ success. With her clear and systematic approach to teaching, she helps students make huge improvements.

Pranav Gupta

Director of High School Admissions Test Prep & Subject Prep

Iulia Boboc

Assistant Director of High School Admissions Test Prep

Rutgers University, B.S. | Pranav is a devoted and enthusiastic teacher for all levels of math including College Test Prep, H.S. Test Prep and competition math. Within the Math Department, he coordinates with Exam Prep staff to maximize the impact of test preparations on students. A student favorite, he inspires students to stay focused and reach their potential.

Boston College, B.A. | Iulia is a skilled English teacher who teaches College Test Prep, H.S. Test Prep, School Support Tutoring, and the MEK English Learning Circles. She is gentle but strong in her approach to teaching, making her a valuable addition to the MEK teaching team.

Nicholas Lang

Director of High School Honors

Stockton University, B.S. | Nick is an enthusiastic teacher devoted to helping students reach their academic goals and enjoying learning along the way. He teaches School Support math and science tutoring, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, AP Physics, and MAPC - Competition Math.

MEK LEARNING CIRCLES

Binal Patel

Director of MEK Learning Circles

Rutgers University, B.S. | Binal’s many years of experience with students of all levels and extensive knowledge of Common Core State Standards makes her a powerful MLC leader. Her firm but patient manner yields high results among her students and helps her to reinforce the integrity of our MLC program among other teachers.

Binal Patel

Director of MEK Learning Circles

Rutgers University, B.S. | Binal’s many years of experience with students of all levels and extensive knowledge of Common Core State Standards makes her a powerful MLC leader. Her firm but patient manner yields high results among her students and helps her to reinforce the integrity of our MLC program among other teachers.

TEACHERS

Alex Rodriguez

Math Teacher

Noelle Yoo

English, Math, Science Teacher

Jo Chang

English Teacher

Erin Doherty

English Teacher

Rutgers University, B.S. | Alex is a passionate Math teacher, specializing in the MEK Learning Circles. A gentle but firm leader in the classroom, Alex is dedicated to guiding young students to build strong foundations of arithmetic, number sense, and Algebra.

Wellesley College, B.A. | Noelle is a versatile team member on the teaching team, teaching English, Math, and Science. A former MEK student, Noelle shows compassion to all students, showing her commitment to success and growth.

Jo is an English teacher on the MEK teaching team who teaches students of all grades. She also coaches 8th graders in high school admissions essays, carefully listening to their stories and helping them craft these stories into strategic essays.

Fairleigh Dickinson University, B.A. | Erin has been an English teacher with MEK since Spring of 2023. She is an educator who strives to create a calm and comfortable environment in her classroom through kind correction of student behavior and instruction. She sees teaching as a learning experience, as much for herself as for the students in her classes.

Sandra Van Dyke

English Teacher

Justin Kim

Math & Science Teacher

Nicole Washburn

Science Teacher

Chris Cullen

English Teacher, College Essay Coach

Montclair State University, M.A. | Sandra is an experienced English and Drama teacher with 30+ years of experience in the New Jersey Public School System. She is a dynamic educator, who brings her love of analysis, reading, and writing to the classroom through inquiry based and hands-on learning. She instills in her students the belief that learning is a fun adventure and through this philosophy creates lifelong learners.

Boston College, B.A. | Justin has been teaching with MEK since early 2023. His experience with math and science topics make him a versatile educator, and his approach to teaching is both analytical and fair. He encourages students to take autonomy of their education through practice and diligence beyond the classroom.

University of Florida, M.A. | Nicole has been teaching with MEK since the Summer of 2023. She enjoys bringing her passion and knowledge for science to the classroom and forming meaningful relationships with her students. Her goal is to help students find the joy and purpose in learning in order to become lifelong learners.

Saint Peter’s University, B.A. | Chris has worked as a professional writer for 12 years and has applied invaluable real-life skills learned in the media and publishing industries to his work as a teacher. His easygoing demeanor, thoughtful nature, and strong passion for writing work in concert to help students gain a newfound appreciation for the written word.

Demir Radoncic

Math Teacher

Elise Kim

TUTORING PROGRAM COORDINATOR, MATH TEACHER

Jack Murphy

College Essay Coach

Jacqueline Gooch

Science Teacher

Lehman College, M.S.Ed | Demir is a math teacher who contributes to all high school level teaching teams: College Test Prep, H.S. Honors, AP Course & Test Prep, and Tutoring. His enthusiastic and friendly teaching methods make him a favorite among students, always in high demand among his tutoring students. Demir is certified for Math Education for grades 7-12, and has many years of experience teaching in a public school setting.

Swarthmore College, B.A. | Elise Kim is a warm and perceptive Math teacher that knows how to pinpoint students’ areas of strengths and weaknesses to provide the best support for creating strong mathematicians. As someone currently applying to dentist school, she shows students firsthand how math does matter in the real world and how proficiency in math can open doors to their future.

Haverford College, B.A. | Jack is a dedicated College Essay Coach with a passion for English Literature and Philosophy, and a current PhD candidate at the University of Texas Austin. Jack is compassionate about his students, allowing them to truly open up to him. This allows students to write meaningful college essays and get to the school of their dreams.

Columbus State University, M.A. | Jacqueline is a skilled science teacher with over 13 years of experience in teaching high school students. At MEK Review, she teaches virtually, using her signature enthusiasm and dynamic teaching methods to nurture a lifelong love of learning in her students. 

Jose Beltre

English Teacher

Karina Soto

Math Teacher

Rebekah Shore

MATH TEACHER

Rudy Tresvalles

Math Teacher

The College of New Jersey, B.A. | Jose is one of our dedicated MLC English teachers. As a middle school history teacher, he is skilled in connecting and communicating with students and is effective at applying the MLC program to mold students into efficient and capable writers.

Smith College, B.S. | Karina is a member of the College Test Prep and High School Admissions Test Prep math teaching teams, and brings a hunger for teaching to every student and every group class that she teaches. Karina teaches virtual classes, ensuring that each virtual class that she teaches is full of meaningful student engagement.

Rebekah is one of our devoted MLC Math teachers. As a school teacher, Rebekah knows how to create strong connections with her students and motivate them to try their hardest. Her caring and compassionate nature allows her to develop a lasting rapport with students. This coupled with her knowledge of our MLC program allows her to guide students to becoming top performers in math.

The College of New Jersey, B.S. | Rudy is a dedicated MLC Math teacher. He works closely with students to strengthen their problem-solving skills and deepen their understanding of mathematical topics. His positive attitude and close relationship with his students make him a highly effective and caring educator.

Alex Rodriguez

Math Teacher

Noelle Yoo

English, Math, Science Teacher

Rutgers University, B.S. | Alex is a passionate Math teacher, specializing in the MEK Learning Circles. A gentle but firm leader in the classroom, Alex is dedicated to guiding young students to build strong foundations of arithmetic, number sense, and Algebra.

Wellesley College, B.A. | Noelle is a versatile team member on the teaching team, teaching English, Math, and Science. A former MEK student, Noelle shows compassion to all students, showing her commitment to success and growth.

Jo Chang

English Teacher

Erin Doherty

English Teacher

Jo is an English teacher on the MEK teaching team who teaches students of all grades. She also coaches 8th graders in high school admissions essays, carefully listening to their stories and helping them craft these stories into strategic essays.

Fairleigh Dickinson University, B.A. | Erin has been an English teacher with MEK since Spring of 2023. She is an educator who strives to create a calm and comfortable environment in her classroom through kind correction of student behavior and instruction. She sees teaching as a learning experience, as much for herself as for the students in her classes.

Sandra Van Dyke

English Teacher

Justin Kim

Math & Science Teacher

Montclair State University, M.A. | Sandra is an experienced English and Drama teacher with 30+ years of experience in the New Jersey Public School System. She is a dynamic educator, who brings her love of analysis, reading, and writing to the classroom through inquiry based and hands-on learning. She instills in her students the belief that learning is a fun adventure and through this philosophy creates lifelong learners.

Boston College, B.A. | Justin has been teaching with MEK since early 2023. His experience with math and science topics make him a versatile educator, and his approach to teaching is both analytical and fair. He encourages students to take autonomy of their education through practice and diligence beyond the classroom.

Nicole Washburn

Science Teacher

Chris Cullen

English Teacher, College Essay Coach

University of Florida, M.A. | Nicole has been teaching with MEK since the Summer of 2023. She enjoys bringing her passion and knowledge for science to the classroom and forming meaningful relationships with her students. Her goal is to help students find the joy and purpose in learning in order to become lifelong learners.

Saint Peter’s University, B.A. | Chris has worked as a professional writer for 12 years and has applied invaluable real-life skills learned in the media and publishing industries to his work as a teacher. His easygoing demeanor, thoughtful nature, and strong passion for writing work in concert to help students gain a newfound appreciation for the written word.

Demir Radoncic

Math Teacher

Elise Kim

TUTORING PROGRAM COORDINATOR, MATH TEACHER

Lehman College, M.S.Ed | Demir is a math teacher who contributes to all high school level teaching teams: College Test Prep, H.S. Honors, AP Course & Test Prep, and Tutoring. His enthusiastic and friendly teaching methods make him a favorite among students, always in high demand among his tutoring students. Demir is certified for Math Education for grades 7-12, and has many years of experience teaching in a public school setting.

Swarthmore College, B.A. | Elise Kim is a warm and perceptive Math teacher that knows how to pinpoint students’ areas of strengths and weaknesses to provide the best support for creating strong mathematicians. As someone currently applying to dentist school, she shows students firsthand how math does matter in the real world and how proficiency in math can open doors to their future.

Jack Murphy

College Essay Coach

Jacqueline Gooch

Science Teacher

Haverford College, B.A. | Jack is a dedicated College Essay Coach with a passion for English Literature and Philosophy, and a current PhD candidate at the University of Texas Austin. Jack is compassionate about his students, allowing them to truly open up to him. This allows students to write meaningful college essays and get to the school of their dreams.

Columbus State University, M.A. | Jacqueline is a skilled science teacher with over 13 years of experience in teaching high school students. At MEK Review, she teaches virtually, using her signature enthusiasm and dynamic teaching methods to nurture a lifelong love of learning in her students. 

Jose Beltre

English Teacher

Karina Soto

Math Teacher

The College of New Jersey, B.A. | Jose is one of our dedicated MLC English teachers. As a middle school history teacher, he is skilled in connecting and communicating with students and is effective at applying the MLC program to mold students into efficient and capable writers.

Smith College, B.S. | Karina is a member of the College Test Prep and High School Admissions Test Prep math teaching teams, and brings a hunger for teaching to every student and every group class that she teaches. Karina teaches virtual classes, ensuring that each virtual class that she teaches is full of meaningful student engagement.

Rebekah Shore

MATH TEACHER

Rudy Tresvalles

Math Teacher

Rebekah is one of our devoted MLC Math teachers. As a school teacher, Rebekah knows how to create strong connections with her students and motivate them to try their hardest. Her caring and compassionate nature allows her to develop a lasting rapport with students. This coupled with her knowledge of our MLC program allows her to guide students to becoming top performers in math.

The College of New Jersey, B.S. | Rudy is a dedicated MLC Math teacher. He works closely with students to strengthen their problem-solving skills and deepen their understanding of mathematical topics. His positive attitude and close relationship with his students make him a highly effective and caring educator.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEK TEACHER?

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TESTIMONIALS

  • “As I received my college acceptances, Yale and West Point among them, I had flashbacks of memories made in MEK. I sincerely thank you.”

    Sooyong K., MEK alumnus

    accepted to Yale University

  • "I want to say thank you for everything you have done for me since the 7th grade. You have always been there to support me, believe in me, and most importantly push me to achieve greater things. I would not be where I am without your constant presence."

    Jasmine S., MEK alumnus

    accepted to Princeton University

  • “The BCA Exam Prep Program, the SAT Prep and the Road Map to College Program led to my daughter’s acceptance to the University of Chicago.”

    Haiti T.C., MEK parent

    accepted to University of Chicago

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