By: Chelsea Robinson

Millions of students graduate from high school every year, hoping to get into their dream colleges, only to face a rude awakening — they aren’t as ready as they thought they were. The transition period between high school and college often feels overwhelming, and standardized tests can add to the pressure.

Records from the National Center for Education Statistics show that nearly 60% of college students need remedial courses in Math or English in their first year of college, which suggests that a significant portion of the student population may not be fully prepared for college-level coursework.

With more high school graduates earning diplomas that don’t necessarily guarantee readiness for college, the question that many ask is: “What went wrong?” Is high school education missing something vital? And if so, what could it be?

Stephen Johnson, founder of AptivPrep and an expert SAT and ACT tutor, has spent time considering these questions and believes the education system could benefit from a fresh perspective.

Stephen says, “High school often teaches students to pass — whether it’s their classes or tests. It teaches them to meet the graduation requirements, but it doesn’t always prepare them for the challenges of college. It doesn’t emphasize critical thinking and independent problem-solving.”

As the gap between high school graduation and college admission continues to widen, Stephen is working to bridge that divide.

With over 20 years of experience preparing hundreds of students for pre-college examinations like the SAT and ACT, Stephen has observed that the key to narrowing the gap lies in shifting the focus of learning. This realization inspired him to create a learning platform tailored to helping students succeed in college preparation.

AptivPrep is an AI-powered platform Stephen launched to guide students in mastering the key academic skills, concepts, and strategies necessary for college readiness. The platform’s curriculum aims to equip students with essential skills such as critical thinking, comprehension, and mathematics — all of which are foundational for college success.

In addition to these skills, AptivPrep is built on Stephen’s philosophy of a low-stress, gradual approach to learning. This method seeks to build students’ confidence so they can perform well on tests and transition smoothly into college without needing remedial classes or feeling overwhelmed by their studies.

Stephen explains, “Readiness goes beyond academics. There’s a mental and emotional aspect to learning. As you teach students these skills, you also help them develop confidence. When students believe in themselves, they often perform better.”

Stephen’s methods are supported by his extensive experience. Over the past two decades of private tutoring, a large majority of his SAT and ACT students have achieved their goal scores, with many reaching impressive scores in their respective tests. The same principles drive the AptivPrep platform, making Stephen’s strategies and lessons accessible to a broader range of students at a more affordable cost.

At the heart of Stephen’s approach is a mission rooted in his personal experiences as a student. He understands the challenges that many learners face because he too navigated those hurdles. His desire to offer the mentorship he once lacked has fueled his dedication to guiding students toward their academic and personal goals.

AptivPrep helps close the learning gap by identifying areas of weakness, offering personalized study plans, and providing resources to address these areas. The platform also includes assessments that build students’ test-taking confidence and knowledge. Students who use AptivPrep not only improve academically but also acquire valuable skills for their personal lives.

As discussions about college examinations continue to evolve, experts like Stephen Johnson play a crucial role in shaping solutions. By identifying the learning issues and offering practical solutions through his AptivPrep platform, Stephen is helping to address one of the most pressing challenges in education today.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or educational advice. Results may vary, and no guarantees are made regarding outcomes. Readers should consult with educational professionals for personalized gui