FAQs

A: MEK has programs for 4-12 graders.

A: We currently do not offer courses for students in grades 1-3. However, you can help your child be ready to become an MEK student when they reach middle school by giving them a love for learning.

A: For middle school students (grades 4-8), we offer MEK Learning Circles, small group courses in English and Math that help high achieving students master grade-level and above grade-level topics. We also offer MAPC – MEK's elite competition math team and Non-Fiction Reading. For students applying to magnet, private, or parochial high schools, we offer BCA Prep and ISEE/SSAT Prep.

A: We offer College Test Prep for SAT. The courses are tailored according to test score ranges so students receive the guidance they need at their level. We also offer AP course programs to help students with their AP classes, from AP English Lit to AP Chemistry. Also, we offer High School Honors courses that prepare students to ace upcoming honors courses in math and science. We also offer College Admissions Counseling to guide students through the entire college application process.

A: Absolutely! Our MEK Learning Circles - Enriched courses are designed to help struggling students succeed in their courses. The courses are aligned with Common Core State Standards.

We offer a array of School Support tutoring sessions in one-on-one format.

A: First, sign up for an MEK Learning Circles (MLC) Evaluation Test, offered virtually. Then our expert academic counselors and our Director of MLC, Ms. Binal Patel, will give you recommendations for courses.

A: Contact us here. We’ll get you started with the registration process!

It varies depending upon students’ starting scores and ultimate goal score.

However, our average student gets a 1450+ on the SAT, 34+ on the ACT, and 5 on AP Exams.

Typically, students improve 170+ points on the SAT (200+ after 20 sessions) and 6+ points on ACT.

A: A student should decide whether to take the SAT or ACT based upon multiple factors. Read this blog for help. For more specific recommendations, please contact our counselors. We would be happy to give you a free consultation.

A: A good score is a score that opens doors for your child when it comes to college applications. It is based on their prospective colleges, national averages, and specific goals. Read our blog on determining a good SAT/ACT score.

A: Yes! While your GPA is the most important factor for admission officers, your child's SAT or ACT score does play an important role.

A: Yes! this is actually more common that you think. Honors students are sometimes overconfident in their testing abilities and do not prepare adequately as a result. The SAT and ACT are very specific tests that require specific skills, time management, and test knowledge. Every student has to spend time preparing.

A: For every class, we give our recommended number of sessions, usually ranging about 20 sessions if you want to improve 200+ points. Each student will be a little different depending upon their starting level, but by and large, our recommendations give students enough time to adequately prepare to ace their tests.

A: Don't base your test prep timeline on speculated curves! It doesn't matter the time of year or the test. It only matters that a student is properly prepared. You and your child should pick your official test date based around preparation. Grade and age depend upon the child, but we recommend between his or her 10th and 11th grade year.

A: It depends upon whether the school they are applying to requires or recommends it. Contact our counselors for individual guidance.

A: It is rare for students to have to focus for 3-4 hours straight in the classroom. Strengthening attention span takes time and practice. It usually take about 3 weeks of training to see a positive change in mental endurance.

By session 4 and 5, students typically gain a better understanding of how to handle problem solving and the test format. Students see the most significant improvement after 10-15 sessions of training. This time period allows students to break inefficient study habits, facilitate time management, learn time-saving problem-solving skills, and know exactly what to expect on the SAT and ACT.

The last few sessions serve to stabilize student's scores, so they are consistently hitting their target score or beyond before the official test date.

A: We offer test prep for SSAT & ISEE , HSPT, and Bergen County Academies admissions.

A. Every year, we have students who are admitted into some of the most prestigious private and parochial schools in the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area. So many of our Bergen County Academies Prep students get accepted to BCA that they have consistently made up 1/6 or 1/5 of the incoming freshmen class.

Our students also go on to perform better in their high school classes and college admission tests because of the skills and training they acquired during high school test prep.

A: The BCA admission test consists of a timed math section and a timed essay response to a fiction or non-fiction article. For more information, click here.

A: The SSAT has a verbal, reading, math, and essay section. Click here to learn more.

A: The ISEE has a verbal, reading, math, and essay section. To learn more about the test and how it compares to the SSAT, click here.

A: The HSPT has a two math sections, a verbal, language, and reading section. Click here to learn more.

A: Yes! These tests are difficult, challenging exams that require a level of mental endurance, problem-solving efficiency, and mindset that students at this age have not handled before. Plus, many aspects of the exam may require skills that a student hasn't encountered in the classroom, such as the literary analysis essay required by BCA, the in-depth grammar knowledge for HSPT, and the analogy skills needed for the SSAT.

A: Incoming eighth graders should start building a solid foundation over the summer by attending MEK's Exam Prep 8 course. Then in the fall, students should begin more intensive training.

A: No, the course also prepares students simultaneously for the admission exams for Bergen County Technical High School and Academies @ Englewood. Find out more here.

A: For BCA Prep, we guide students and parents throughout the application process. We teach students how to write an effective application essay and review their final draft. We also offer interview coaching for students who are invited for an interview.

For private and parochial schools, we offer high school admissions counseling to help students and parents through the entire complex process.

A: Yes. We have seen students with one or two B grades during 7th and 8th grade marking period, gain admission to BCA. However, it is more difficult, since your child is competing against so many straight A students, so it is very important to focus on maintaining a top GPA.

A: Students in 7th grade should focus on earning straight As in school and should start preparing by registering for Pre-High School Prep in the Spring.

A: Your 7th grader can take the Spring Pre-High School Prep program or the Summer Exam Prep 8 program to start. Then they can take both SSAT/ISEE and BCA Prep courses, staggering them across semesters. We will accommodate your child's schedule and prepare your child for multiple admission tests in a way that won't overwhelm your child.

A: Every year, we have students accepted to Ivy Leagues and top universities in the U.S. such as Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Brown, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, Columbia,  Stanford, John Hopkins University, University of Chicago, New York University, and more.

We pride ourselves on not only helping students apply and get accepted to prestigious schools, but also guiding students to finding the college(s) in which they will truly find fulfillment and that will nurture their academic passions.

A: Students receive one-on-one attention from an expert that is often not offered at school. Over the course of many consulting sessions, students will form a personal bond with counselors and essay experts. This highly focused approach allows students to craft impressive, compelling essays and resumes.

For a full list of services offered, click here to check out our counseling programs.

A: We guide students into creating competitive college applications by encouraging academic excellence, creating effective personal essays and leadership-oriented resumes that highlight maturity, character, and service through our Roadmap to College program. While we do not guarantee acceptance to any colleges, we show student’s how to give themselves the best possible chance of admission.

A: Yes. All meetings are one-on-one, and face-to face via our Palisades Park or Closter Campus, or via Zoom virtual meetings.

A: The Common Application is accepted by over 650 colleges. However, there are several state universities and private institutions that adhere to their own applications with essay prompts that often differ from the Common App. Also, Common App colleges may still require supplemental personal information or additional essays.

A: No! MEK instructors will never write essays on behalf of students. Personal experiences are best recounted in the student’s own voice. Instead, we help students discover their own unique stories and teach them how to showcase those stories through polished, engaging essays.

A: MEK does not provide assistance to file for financial aid. However, we can recommend professionals that specialize in this service.

A: Both GPA and test scores are important to admission officers when reviewing applications. The GPA is a reflection of a student’s academic performance throughout high school while tests measure aptitude or future academic performance in college. Early test preparation and balancing a set of challenging academic courses at each grade level is greatly encouraged.

For a list of the top factors for College Admissions, check out this blog here.

A: The key to a successful high school academic experience is to take the hardest courses possible and do well in them. How many AP courses a student takes is less important the quality of the final score attained.

A: College visits are useful in helping students decide whether the school is a right fit for them. Besides learning about the academic programs offered, students can get a feel for the location, quality, and diversity of the student body, as well as living arrangements, campus activities, work/internship opportunities, and many other factors.

• A: Very important. Most colleges require a guidance counselor’s recommendation and two teacher recommendations. Some schools allow 3-5 teacher recommendation and one or more non-school related recommendations. If possible, maximize the number of recommendation letters each school allows, but choose your recommenders carefully. It is not always the friendliest teacher who will write the best recommendation!

A: Freshman and sophomore years are times when students can explore a myriad of activities that may be of interest to them. In junior year, the number of activities a student chooses to pursue should be limited to those that are meaningful and highlight a student’s passion and knowledge. By senior year, leadership skills and in-depth engagement in select activities should distinctively stand out.

There are no barriers to the type of activities student can engage in. Instead, what matters most is the passion, level of involvement, and the impact students can make through their engagement.

A: We help students become happy, successful students. MEK Learning Circles (MLC) courses are small group classes which focus on helping students in grades 4-8 develop strong academic and test-taking skills in English and Math to ace their courses and tests. All MLC courses use material and instruction that is aligned with Common Core State Standards, so our students learn to earn top grades in the classroom and feel confident and happy while doing it. 

A: Our English MLC course offerings are Writing and Critical Reading classes. Each course is tailored toward a grade. In MLC Writing, students learn to write effective essays and in MLC Critical Reading, students learn to analyze different types of texts.

For MLC Math, we offer Problem-Solving Math (PSM) and Operations & Number Sense (ONS) with courses specific to grade level.  These programs focus on strengthening students' problem-solving skills and help them solve problems and equations efficiently. 

A: MEK Learning Circles is all about hands-on engagement and teaching students classroom skills that will make them feel empowered and confident.

Rather than passive lectures and small amounts of practice, we offer students active learning, immediate application, and then skill reinforcement, so they leave each session with a skill learned, practice, and refined.

Learn more about how MEK's MLC program stands out from other tutoring centers here.

A: MEK Learning Circles courses are primarily focused on middle school students (Grades 4-8). In these courses, students learn skills which will benefit them in future high school admissions tests and higher-level courses.

A: Our expert academic counselor team will offer you a consultation after your child completes a virtual MLC student evaluation test.  Based on their score report, we will recommend the best options for your child to target their areas of weakness and hone their strengths.

A: We recommend students to always sign up for the full 20 sessions of an MLC course to see maximum results. However, some students start to show improvement as early as 5 sessions!

A: Yes! Almost all of our courses are available through virtual learning and are tagged as such throughout our website.

A: We use Zoom Education meetings for students and teachers to meet virtually. In this platform, students meet can interact with their teacher and classmates just like a physical classroom using audio and video capabilities. They can take a quiz, raise a virtual hand, and fully participate for the most engaging and effective classes possible.

During independent work such as timed practice tests, students are even virtually proctored by MEK staff for a realistic testing environment.

A: Yes! While in-classroom learning and online learning are different, MEK Review has tailored our online courses and one-on-one tutoring to be effective and engaging in a virtual setting.

Unlike many online learning options, our virtual courses are not passive video-watching or simply listening to lectures. It’s an interactive experience that simulates the engagement and participation of a physical classroom while leveraging virtual platforms to enhance learning.

For example, during our first launch of virtual courses in Spring 2020, our SAT Prep class averaged an 80-point improvement in just 7 sessions!

A: Yes. MEK offers both on-site and virtual options for our courses.

There are various types of tutoring services available near you, catering to different academic and admissions goals, from classroom instruction to high school and college admissions test prep. Some common types include:

• Private one-on-one tutoring: This involves personalized sessions where an instructor provides individual attention and tailored instruction to address specific learning gaps or challenges at the student’s own pace.
• Group courses: Group classes consist of a small group of students studying the same subject or topic together. This format encourages collaboration and allows for peer-to-peer learning. MEK Review offers these small group classes and programs throughout the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters to help students across all stages of their academic and admissions journeys through middle and high school. Course recommendations are tailored to students’ and parents’ needs based on the results of an introductory assessment students take before registering.
• Online courses: With advancements in technology, online courses have become increasingly popular. They offer convenience and flexibility by allowing students to receive instruction from qualified experts via video conferencing platforms. At MEK Review, our virtual courses are live classes where students interact with and receive feedback from their teacher in real time. We also have innovative asynchronous programs with the launch of ACT Connect in June 2023, which is a personalized package of recorded video lectures and practice tests for students with busy schedules to complete at their own pace.

Finding academic enrichment and test prep services near you can be made easier by utilizing the following methods:

• Online directories: Explore online directories or platforms dedicated to connecting students with local tutors, certified teachers, and expert instructors. These platforms often provide filters and search options based on subjects, location, and tutor reviews.
  If you are looking for more information about academic enrichment or admissions prep programs for students in grades 4-8, MEK is the premier center to help your child reach their goals through in-person or virtual classes reaching families nationwide. If you’re local to New Jersey, you can stop by our offices in:
  • Palisades Park Campus: 261 1st Street, Palisades Park, NJ 07650
  • Closter Campus: 40 Homans Ave., Closter, NJ 07624
• Recommendations, referrals, and reviews: Seek recommendations from friends, family, or teachers who may know of reputable academic enrichment and test prep services in your area. Personal referrals can be a valuable resource when searching for reliable instructors. And always make sure to read the reviews of the center that you’re researching to see what other families who have utilized their services have to say.Here are some reviews from MEK families about their experiences with our programs!
  • I am one of many moms who have used MEK since my kids were elementary students. I drove 20 miles to send my 2 sons to MEK's classes. It was well worth it because I know Ann is watching all of her students under her wings, as she would do for her own children. My 2 sons were accepted into their 1st choice high school and now attending their 1st choice major in their dream colleges. MEK is the best place for academic improvement and holistic education for your children. - Mi Kim, MEK parent
  • My son started taking classes from summer before 5th grade until summer before 9th grade WITHOUT BREAK. He finally was admitted to his dream high school last year, and is now taking summer courses to prepare for the next grade. We appreciate how much MEK helped his academic success! Thank you!!!! - K M, MEK parent
• Educational institutions: Contact your school, college, or university to inquire about academic enrichment and test prep programs they may offer. Many educational institutions have tutoring centers or can recommend trusted external tutors, expert instructors, and certified educators.

When selecting an academic enrichment or test prep service near you, it's essential to consider the following factors:

• Qualifications and expertise: Ensure that the instructors possess the necessary qualifications and expertise in the subject(s) you need assistance with. Look for instructors who have relevant academic backgrounds or teaching experience.

  All MEK instructors are certified teachers with extensive training and experts in their field of study. So, you can rest assured your child is receiving a quality educational experience from a trusted professional.

• Teaching methods and approach: Evaluate the teaching methods and approach the academic enrichment or test prep service uses. Students respond to different teaching styles, so find one that aligns with your learning preferences.

  MEK offers small group courses and one-on-one tutoring, in-person and virtual classes, rigorous teacher led and self paced curriculum, and customized planning options to ensure that all students are receiving a personalized experience specific to their learning styles and goals in order to help students get the most out of their time in the MEK classroom.

• Availability and flexibility: Check the availability and flexibility of the academic enrichment or test prep service. Determine whether they offer sessions at times that are convenient for you and can accommodate your schedule.

  This Summer, MEK is introducing convenient, flexible scheduling with group classes or one-on-one tutoring available from 8 AM - 8 PM, Monday through Friday. Courses are offered both in-person at our Palisades Park and Closter campuses for students local to New Jersey, as well as virtually for students nationwide and beyond.

The cost of academic enrichment and test prep services near you can vary depending on several factors, such as:

• Subject and level: Service rates often differ based on the complexity of the subject and the academic level. Subjects requiring specialized knowledge or advanced concepts may be priced higher.
• Type of academic enrichment or test prep service: The type of academic enrichment or test prep service you choose can also impact the cost. Private one-on-one tutoring tends to be more expensive than group or online courses due to the personalized attention provided. However, with one-on-one tutoring, your child receives step-by-step guidance, individual support, and a plan specific to their needs and goals that they may not have in a group course.
• Duration and frequency: The length and frequency of one-on-one or group sessions can influence the overall cost. Longer or more frequent sessions may come at a higher price.

Academic enrichment and test prep services near you can offer several benefits, including:

• Achieving academic and admissions goals: One-on-one tutoring and small group classes provide personalized support and targeted instruction, helping students strengthen their understanding of difficult concepts and improve their academic performance. The goal is to help students improve, whether it’s raising their GPA or their admissions test scores. Tutoring and group class sessions also guide students toward exceeding their current academic level. Certified experts can identify areas of weakness and provide additional resources and strategies to help students excel.
• Individualized attention: Academic enrichment and test prep services offer individualized attention, allowing instructors to focus on helping students complete their personalized plans for reaching their goals step-by-step. They can adapt their teaching methods to suit students' learning styles, address their questions and concerns, and provide personalized feedback and guidance that helps students.
• Boost in confidence: Working with an expert instructor can boost a student's confidence in the subject matter. As they receive tailored instruction and see improvements in their understanding and grades, they gain confidence in their abilities, which can positively impact their overall academic experience.

At MEK, our expert teachers help students build confidence in their skills by engaging them in class and reinforcing effective study habits. During a test review, rather than having the teacher explain all of the correct answers, they give students a chance to explain to their peers how to correctly approach the question.

A: MEK has programs for 4-12 graders.

A: We currently do not offer courses for students in grades 1-3. However, you can help your child be ready to become an MEK student when they reach middle school by giving them a love for learning.

A: For middle school students (grades 4-8), we offer MEK Learning Circles, small group courses in English and Math that help high achieving students master grade-level and above grade-level topics. We also offer MAPC – MEK's elite competition math team and Non-Fiction Reading. For students applying to magnet, private, or parochial high schools, we offer BCA Prep and ISEE/SSAT Prep.

A: We offer College Test Prep for SAT. The courses are tailored according to test score ranges so students receive the guidance they need at their level. We also offer AP course programs to help students with their AP classes, from AP English Lit to AP Chemistry. Also, we offer High School Honors courses that prepare students to ace upcoming honors courses in math and science. We also offer College Admissions Counseling to guide students through the entire college application process.

A: Absolutely! Our MEK Learning Circles - Enriched courses are designed to help struggling students succeed in their courses. The courses are aligned with Common Core State Standards.

We offer a array of School Support tutoring sessions in one-on-one format.

A: First, sign up for an MEK Learning Circles (MLC) Evaluation Test, offered virtually. Then our expert academic counselors and our Director of MLC, Ms. Binal Patel, will give you recommendations for courses.

A: Contact us here. We’ll get you started with the registration process!

It varies depending upon students’ starting scores and ultimate goal score.

However, our average student gets a 1450+ on the SAT, 34+ on the ACT, and 5 on AP Exams.

Typically, students improve 170+ points on the SAT (200+ after 20 sessions) and 6+ points on ACT.

A: A student should decide whether to take the SAT or ACT based upon multiple factors. Read this blog for help. For more specific recommendations, please contact our counselors. We would be happy to give you a free consultation.

A: A good score is a score that opens doors for your child when it comes to college applications. It is based on their prospective colleges, national averages, and specific goals. Read our blog on determining a good SAT/ACT score.

A: Yes! While your GPA is the most important factor for admission officers, your child's SAT or ACT score does play an important role.

A: Yes! this is actually more common that you think. Honors students are sometimes overconfident in their testing abilities and do not prepare adequately as a result. The SAT and ACT are very specific tests that require specific skills, time management, and test knowledge. Every student has to spend time preparing.

A: For every class, we give our recommended number of sessions, usually ranging about 20 sessions if you want to improve 200+ points. Each student will be a little different depending upon their starting level, but by and large, our recommendations give students enough time to adequately prepare to ace their tests.

A: Don't base your test prep timeline on speculated curves! It doesn't matter the time of year or the test. It only matters that a student is properly prepared. You and your child should pick your official test date based around preparation. Grade and age depend upon the child, but we recommend between his or her 10th and 11th grade year.

A: It depends upon whether the school they are applying to requires or recommends it. Contact our counselors for individual guidance.

A: It is rare for students to have to focus for 3-4 hours straight in the classroom. Strengthening attention span takes time and practice. It usually take about 3 weeks of training to see a positive change in mental endurance.

By session 4 and 5, students typically gain a better understanding of how to handle problem solving and the test format. Students see the most significant improvement after 10-15 sessions of training. This time period allows students to break inefficient study habits, facilitate time management, learn time-saving problem-solving skills, and know exactly what to expect on the SAT and ACT.

The last few sessions serve to stabilize student's scores, so they are consistently hitting their target score or beyond before the official test date.

A: We offer test prep for SSAT & ISEE , HSPT, and Bergen County Academies admissions.

A. Every year, we have students who are admitted into some of the most prestigious private and parochial schools in the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area. So many of our Bergen County Academies Prep students get accepted to BCA that they have consistently made up 1/6 or 1/5 of the incoming freshmen class.

Our students also go on to perform better in their high school classes and college admission tests because of the skills and training they acquired during high school test prep.

A: The BCA admission test consists of a timed math section and a timed essay response to a fiction or non-fiction article. For more information, click here.

A: The SSAT has a verbal, reading, math, and essay section. Click here to learn more.

A: The ISEE has a verbal, reading, math, and essay section. To learn more about the test and how it compares to the SSAT, click here.

A: The HSPT has a two math sections, a verbal, language, and reading section. Click here to learn more.

A: Yes! These tests are difficult, challenging exams that require a level of mental endurance, problem-solving efficiency, and mindset that students at this age have not handled before. Plus, many aspects of the exam may require skills that a student hasn't encountered in the classroom, such as the literary analysis essay required by BCA, the in-depth grammar knowledge for HSPT, and the analogy skills needed for the SSAT.

A: Incoming eighth graders should start building a solid foundation over the summer by attending MEK's Exam Prep 8 course. Then in the fall, students should begin more intensive training.

A: No, the course also prepares students simultaneously for the admission exams for Bergen County Technical High School and Academies @ Englewood. Find out more here.

A: For BCA Prep, we guide students and parents throughout the application process. We teach students how to write an effective application essay and review their final draft. We also offer interview coaching for students who are invited for an interview.

For private and parochial schools, we offer high school admissions counseling to help students and parents through the entire complex process.

A: Yes. We have seen students with one or two B grades during 7th and 8th grade marking period, gain admission to BCA. However, it is more difficult, since your child is competing against so many straight A students, so it is very important to focus on maintaining a top GPA.

A: Students in 7th grade should focus on earning straight As in school and should start preparing by registering for Pre-High School Prep in the Spring.

A: Your 7th grader can take the Spring Pre-High School Prep program or the Summer Exam Prep 8 program to start. Then they can take both SSAT/ISEE and BCA Prep courses, staggering them across semesters. We will accommodate your child's schedule and prepare your child for multiple admission tests in a way that won't overwhelm your child.

A: Every year, we have students accepted to Ivy Leagues and top universities in the U.S. such as Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Brown, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, Columbia,  Stanford, John Hopkins University, University of Chicago, New York University, and more.

We pride ourselves on not only helping students apply and get accepted to prestigious schools, but also guiding students to finding the college(s) in which they will truly find fulfillment and that will nurture their academic passions.

A: Students receive one-on-one attention from an expert that is often not offered at school. Over the course of many consulting sessions, students will form a personal bond with counselors and essay experts. This highly focused approach allows students to craft impressive, compelling essays and resumes.

For a full list of services offered, click here to check out our counseling programs.

A: We guide students into creating competitive college applications by encouraging academic excellence, creating effective personal essays and leadership-oriented resumes that highlight maturity, character, and service through our Roadmap to College program. While we do not guarantee acceptance to any colleges, we show student’s how to give themselves the best possible chance of admission.

A: Yes. All meetings are one-on-one, and face-to face via our Palisades Park or Closter Campus, or via Zoom virtual meetings.

A: The Common Application is accepted by over 650 colleges. However, there are several state universities and private institutions that adhere to their own applications with essay prompts that often differ from the Common App. Also, Common App colleges may still require supplemental personal information or additional essays.

A: No! MEK instructors will never write essays on behalf of students. Personal experiences are best recounted in the student’s own voice. Instead, we help students discover their own unique stories and teach them how to showcase those stories through polished, engaging essays.

A: MEK does not provide assistance to file for financial aid. However, we can recommend professionals that specialize in this service.

A: Both GPA and test scores are important to admission officers when reviewing applications. The GPA is a reflection of a student’s academic performance throughout high school while tests measure aptitude or future academic performance in college. Early test preparation and balancing a set of challenging academic courses at each grade level is greatly encouraged.

For a list of the top factors for College Admissions, check out this blog here.

A: The key to a successful high school academic experience is to take the hardest courses possible and do well in them. How many AP courses a student takes is less important the quality of the final score attained.

A: College visits are useful in helping students decide whether the school is a right fit for them. Besides learning about the academic programs offered, students can get a feel for the location, quality, and diversity of the student body, as well as living arrangements, campus activities, work/internship opportunities, and many other factors.

• A: Very important. Most colleges require a guidance counselor’s recommendation and two teacher recommendations. Some schools allow 3-5 teacher recommendation and one or more non-school related recommendations. If possible, maximize the number of recommendation letters each school allows, but choose your recommenders carefully. It is not always the friendliest teacher who will write the best recommendation!

A: Freshman and sophomore years are times when students can explore a myriad of activities that may be of interest to them. In junior year, the number of activities a student chooses to pursue should be limited to those that are meaningful and highlight a student’s passion and knowledge. By senior year, leadership skills and in-depth engagement in select activities should distinctively stand out.

There are no barriers to the type of activities student can engage in. Instead, what matters most is the passion, level of involvement, and the impact students can make through their engagement.

A: We help students become happy, successful students. MEK Learning Circles (MLC) courses are small group classes which focus on helping students in grades 4-8 develop strong academic and test-taking skills in English and Math to ace their courses and tests. All MLC courses use material and instruction that is aligned with Common Core State Standards, so our students learn to earn top grades in the classroom and feel confident and happy while doing it. 

A: Our English MLC course offerings are Writing and Critical Reading classes. Each course is tailored toward a grade. In MLC Writing, students learn to write effective essays and in MLC Critical Reading, students learn to analyze different types of texts.

For MLC Math, we offer Problem-Solving Math (PSM) and Operations & Number Sense (ONS) with courses specific to grade level.  These programs focus on strengthening students' problem-solving skills and help them solve problems and equations efficiently. 

A: MEK Learning Circles is all about hands-on engagement and teaching students classroom skills that will make them feel empowered and confident.

Rather than passive lectures and small amounts of practice, we offer students active learning, immediate application, and then skill reinforcement, so they leave each session with a skill learned, practice, and refined.

Learn more about how MEK's MLC program stands out from other tutoring centers here.

A: MEK Learning Circles courses are primarily focused on middle school students (Grades 4-8). In these courses, students learn skills which will benefit them in future high school admissions tests and higher-level courses.

A: Our expert academic counselor team will offer you a consultation after your child completes a virtual MLC student evaluation test.  Based on their score report, we will recommend the best options for your child to target their areas of weakness and hone their strengths.

A: We recommend students to always sign up for the full 20 sessions of an MLC course to see maximum results. However, some students start to show improvement as early as 5 sessions!

A: Yes! Almost all of our courses are available through virtual learning and are tagged as such throughout our website.

A: We use Zoom Education meetings for students and teachers to meet virtually. In this platform, students meet can interact with their teacher and classmates just like a physical classroom using audio and video capabilities. They can take a quiz, raise a virtual hand, and fully participate for the most engaging and effective classes possible.

During independent work such as timed practice tests, students are even virtually proctored by MEK staff for a realistic testing environment.

A: Yes! While in-classroom learning and online learning are different, MEK Review has tailored our online courses and one-on-one tutoring to be effective and engaging in a virtual setting.

Unlike many online learning options, our virtual courses are not passive video-watching or simply listening to lectures. It’s an interactive experience that simulates the engagement and participation of a physical classroom while leveraging virtual platforms to enhance learning.

For example, during our first launch of virtual courses in Spring 2020, our SAT Prep class averaged an 80-point improvement in just 7 sessions!

A: Yes. MEK offers both on-site and virtual options for our courses.

There are various types of tutoring services available near you, catering to different academic and admissions goals, from classroom instruction to high school and college admissions test prep. Some common types include:

• Private one-on-one tutoring: This involves personalized sessions where an instructor provides individual attention and tailored instruction to address specific learning gaps or challenges at the student’s own pace.
• Group courses: Group classes consist of a small group of students studying the same subject or topic together. This format encourages collaboration and allows for peer-to-peer learning. MEK Review offers these small group classes and programs throughout the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters to help students across all stages of their academic and admissions journeys through middle and high school. Course recommendations are tailored to students’ and parents’ needs based on the results of an introductory assessment students take before registering.
• Online courses: With advancements in technology, online courses have become increasingly popular. They offer convenience and flexibility by allowing students to receive instruction from qualified experts via video conferencing platforms. At MEK Review, our virtual courses are live classes where students interact with and receive feedback from their teacher in real time. We also have innovative asynchronous programs with the launch of ACT Connect in June 2023, which is a personalized package of recorded video lectures and practice tests for students with busy schedules to complete at their own pace.

Finding academic enrichment and test prep services near you can be made easier by utilizing the following methods:

• Online directories: Explore online directories or platforms dedicated to connecting students with local tutors, certified teachers, and expert instructors. These platforms often provide filters and search options based on subjects, location, and tutor reviews.
  If you are looking for more information about academic enrichment or admissions prep programs for students in grades 4-8, MEK is the premier center to help your child reach their goals through in-person or virtual classes reaching families nationwide. If you’re local to New Jersey, you can stop by our offices in:
  • Palisades Park Campus: 261 1st Street, Palisades Park, NJ 07650
  • Closter Campus: 40 Homans Ave., Closter, NJ 07624
• Recommendations, referrals, and reviews: Seek recommendations from friends, family, or teachers who may know of reputable academic enrichment and test prep services in your area. Personal referrals can be a valuable resource when searching for reliable instructors. And always make sure to read the reviews of the center that you’re researching to see what other families who have utilized their services have to say.Here are some reviews from MEK families about their experiences with our programs!
  • I am one of many moms who have used MEK since my kids were elementary students. I drove 20 miles to send my 2 sons to MEK's classes. It was well worth it because I know Ann is watching all of her students under her wings, as she would do for her own children. My 2 sons were accepted into their 1st choice high school and now attending their 1st choice major in their dream colleges. MEK is the best place for academic improvement and holistic education for your children. - Mi Kim, MEK parent
  • My son started taking classes from summer before 5th grade until summer before 9th grade WITHOUT BREAK. He finally was admitted to his dream high school last year, and is now taking summer courses to prepare for the next grade. We appreciate how much MEK helped his academic success! Thank you!!!! - K M, MEK parent
• Educational institutions: Contact your school, college, or university to inquire about academic enrichment and test prep programs they may offer. Many educational institutions have tutoring centers or can recommend trusted external tutors, expert instructors, and certified educators.

When selecting an academic enrichment or test prep service near you, it's essential to consider the following factors:

• Qualifications and expertise: Ensure that the instructors possess the necessary qualifications and expertise in the subject(s) you need assistance with. Look for instructors who have relevant academic backgrounds or teaching experience.

  All MEK instructors are certified teachers with extensive training and experts in their field of study. So, you can rest assured your child is receiving a quality educational experience from a trusted professional.

• Teaching methods and approach: Evaluate the teaching methods and approach the academic enrichment or test prep service uses. Students respond to different teaching styles, so find one that aligns with your learning preferences.

  MEK offers small group courses and one-on-one tutoring, in-person and virtual classes, rigorous teacher led and self paced curriculum, and customized planning options to ensure that all students are receiving a personalized experience specific to their learning styles and goals in order to help students get the most out of their time in the MEK classroom.

• Availability and flexibility: Check the availability and flexibility of the academic enrichment or test prep service. Determine whether they offer sessions at times that are convenient for you and can accommodate your schedule.

  This Summer, MEK is introducing convenient, flexible scheduling with group classes or one-on-one tutoring available from 8 AM - 8 PM, Monday through Friday. Courses are offered both in-person at our Palisades Park and Closter campuses for students local to New Jersey, as well as virtually for students nationwide and beyond.

The cost of academic enrichment and test prep services near you can vary depending on several factors, such as:

• Subject and level: Service rates often differ based on the complexity of the subject and the academic level. Subjects requiring specialized knowledge or advanced concepts may be priced higher.
• Type of academic enrichment or test prep service: The type of academic enrichment or test prep service you choose can also impact the cost. Private one-on-one tutoring tends to be more expensive than group or online courses due to the personalized attention provided. However, with one-on-one tutoring, your child receives step-by-step guidance, individual support, and a plan specific to their needs and goals that they may not have in a group course.
• Duration and frequency: The length and frequency of one-on-one or group sessions can influence the overall cost. Longer or more frequent sessions may come at a higher price.

Academic enrichment and test prep services near you can offer several benefits, including:

• Achieving academic and admissions goals: One-on-one tutoring and small group classes provide personalized support and targeted instruction, helping students strengthen their understanding of difficult concepts and improve their academic performance. The goal is to help students improve, whether it’s raising their GPA or their admissions test scores. Tutoring and group class sessions also guide students toward exceeding their current academic level. Certified experts can identify areas of weakness and provide additional resources and strategies to help students excel.
• Individualized attention: Academic enrichment and test prep services offer individualized attention, allowing instructors to focus on helping students complete their personalized plans for reaching their goals step-by-step. They can adapt their teaching methods to suit students' learning styles, address their questions and concerns, and provide personalized feedback and guidance that helps students.
• Boost in confidence: Working with an expert instructor can boost a student's confidence in the subject matter. As they receive tailored instruction and see improvements in their understanding and grades, they gain confidence in their abilities, which can positively impact their overall academic experience.

At MEK, our expert teachers help students build confidence in their skills by engaging them in class and reinforcing effective study habits. During a test review, rather than having the teacher explain all of the correct answers, they give students a chance to explain to their peers how to correctly approach the question.