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What People Are Saying
[Novella Prep] provided me with extensive guidance and preparation in helping me map out a career that fit my educational background as well as my personal interests. As a recent grad, I was struggling to make long-term career decisions. With [Novella Prep]’s help, I was not only able to create a plan, but also build my confidence. [They] are extremely knowledgeable, and I would absolutely recommend them to anyone who is looking for pre or post-college advisement.- K.B.
We had the pleasure of working with Novella this past year as our daughter was preparing to work on her college application process. Our daughter is a very good student but felt a sense of paralysis on how to begin the process and [Novella Prep] was able to guide her every step of the way. Most importantly with making her list of schools, working on her essays and evaluating the schools where she was admitted. Thanks to [Novella Prep]’s guidance and expertise our daughter will be entering NYU - her first choice - this Fall. Thanks [Novella Prep]!- A.B.
This was the best referral for my child! [Novella Prep] really worked well and had a great demeanor with my son who has learning differences, to help him through the whole college application process and more. They are very patient and so knowledgeable! They were able to help him get into a specialized college. A very professional, knowledgeable, and comprehensive coaching approach to the college planning process. We would have been lost without [Novella Prep]'s help. Nothing close to the help our son got from his high school.- C.C.
[Novella Prep] helped our eldest through the whole college application starting spring of Junior year. The whole process was a minefield to us as we did not attend university in the US. [Novella Prep] made the whole process seamless, kept our daughter on a specific schedule to make it manageable for her, ensured she was on task with weekly check-ins and kept us informed throughout the whole process. Ultimately they enabled our daughter to be accepted into her dream college. Highly recommend their services!- R.S.
[Novella Prep] is great! [They] worked with my daughter in maximizing her abilities and helped her put her best foot forward in her college applications. They are excellent educators who truly care about their students and their students' families.- E.A.
[Novella Prep]'s work with our daughter was instrumental to her achieving academic success. [They] helped her to see her academic potential and she learned invaluable study habits that will serve her well in college and beyond. I truly do not think she would have achieved all that she has without [Novella Prep]'s encouragement, wisdom, and guidance.- D.W.
We had the pleasure of working with [Novella Prep] this past year as our daughter was preparing to work on her college application process… most importantly with making her list of schools, working on her essays and evaluating the schools where she was admitted. Thanks to [their] guidance and expertise our daughter will be entering NYU – her first choice – this Fall.- A.B.
Novella Prep was extremely helpful for editing my college essay. We went through a few different edits of my essay and got to my final draft. I ended up getting into my top school with the essay we worked on – definitely recommend!- S.V.
[Novella Prep] was terrific to have as coaches and counselors as our daughter navigated the college application process. Their hard work to help our daughter explore the best options for her interests and profile set her on the right course… Thanks in no small part to Novella’s support, our daughter secured offers of admissions to a range of compelling options and is excited to start her university pursuits in the fall.- J.W.
About the Founder
With 20 years of experience working in admissions, development, teaching, and researching, Novella Prep founder and educator Dr. Di Giacomo brings a depth of relevant knowledge to families in the Westchester County, NY area.
Novella News
Novella Prep Featured on NBC New York’s “Better Get Baquero”
We are thrilled to announce that Novella Prep was recently featured on NBC New York’s popular segment “Better Get Baquero”! This segment highlights a recent college test scam, and our advice to protect yourself from these fraudulent phone calls. We are honored to have been recognized for our commitment to helping students achieve their college dreams.
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FAQs
How do I choose between the SAT and ACT?
While there is no strategic benefit to taking the SAT or ACT in terms of admission, there are some differences to the format and item types. Novella Tip: Take a free practice SAT and ACT to see what feels like a better fit for you.
How many colleges should be on my college list?
Many students are applying to ten colleges, which means starting with a list of 20 makes sense. Consider some schools, initially, that take into account family and friends's recommendations, but ultimately, use your results from Naviance, PSAT score, GPA and major to refine your list. Make sure it is balanced in terms of how select. For more information, here is a helpful video.
Is it true SAT Subject Tests will no longer be offered? Are standardized tests still important for admissions?
As of January 2021, The College Board announced they will no longer be offering SAT Subject Tests to U.S. students in an effort to streamline the application process for colleges and prospective students alike. Instead, your student should focus their efforts on the Reading and Writing & Language components of the SAT, and look to utilize subject-specific AP courses and exams to demonstrate mastery in a discipline's core competencies. For more guidance on the advantages of AP tests, here is a helpful video on this topic.
Study Skills vs. academic tutoring: which gets better results?
If study skills is like cardio training, and tutoring is like the skill to play a sport, we know that the foundation is endurance and the fundamentals. Same with school. Start with an evaluation of your study habits, routines, and results from your current level of effort, and then consider tutoring only if still necessary. Otherwise, tutoring without fundamentals is a costly bandaid that creates dependency. See this video to learn more.
When should I start college planning?
The best way to start college planning is right after receiving your PSAT score, particularly for sophomores, and of course for juniors. The reason? The PSAT provides an early indication of your future SAT or ACT score, and coupled with GPA and potentially AP scores, provides a powerful tool for admission officers to utilize for admissions decisions, and therefore, for you as well! But, planning in the 10th grade means becoming aware of longer term goals and mindsets, approached at a pace that is comfortable for the student as a means toward both personal growth and planning practicality. Plus, you will need to know what requirements you will need to fulfill while there is still time to meet those needs! For tips on the visits, watch this video.
Making the Most of The Essential Eight™
These eight hours of a student’s day are an important opportunity for optimizing learning and improving outcomes.