It's not just test prep. It's life prep.
Lots of tutors understand their subjects, but you need someone who understands YOU. You can do more than achieve a better score or GPA. You can learn to take control of stress, improve your self-awareness and resilience, and build a foundation for lasting success anywhere you go.
That is our focus, our mission, and our track record. We provide highly customized academic support to help you stay on top of whatever challenges you choose to tackle. We don’t just want you to reach your goals for the next test or the next semester. We want you to get there by developing skills that will serve you for a lifetime and go beyond the test questions and textbooks to what really matters.
-
Do you have test anxiety? We’ll work on the learning the test, but we'll also work on managing the anxiety.
-
Do complex questions overwhelm you? We’ll break them down. We’ll also work with strategies to keep from being overwhelmed in the future.
-
Having trouble with procrastination? We’ll work out a plan to manage your test prep and leave more time for the things you want to do.
The Rocket Prep Difference
What sets us apart?
We build skills that last a lifetime. We work with each student to develop personalized learning and comprehension tools that will improve their chances of success throughout their life.
Everything we do is informed by our background in psychology. We know it’s not enough to “know what to do”. You need skills that are reliable in a pinch and don’t take a lot of conscious thought. We know what those are and how to develop them. It’s all about building good habits, managing stress, and reducing mental workload.
It's not just test prep. It's life prep
We make sure the achievement is yours.
We’ll help you realistically assess the methods and skills you already have. The ones that work will be the basis of our success. If you can get better at something by practicing on your own, We’re not going to pretend you need us to tell you how to do it.
Instead, we’ll help you figure out a plan to practice so we can focus our time in session on the things we need to do together. We’ll help you figure out what to do so that, by the time we’re done, you won’t need us.
We are the booster, but you’re the main engine.
We have tools - not a one-size-fits-all curriculum
We will never make you follow a pre-set path or drag you through lessons you don’t need. We are constantly assessing and reassessing so we are always focusing on what matters most.
We provide highly customized academic support to help you stay on top of whatever challenges you choose to tackle. When we get to a challenging question or topic, we won’t just describe a method and demand that you follow it. First, we’ll help you figure out how you can use your own talents and thinking style to tackle it. And if a major shift is required, we’ll help you make that shift in a way that works for you.
We will meet you where you are.
Our Services
Testimonials
About us
Justin Menda
My name is Justin M. Menda. On my way to my B.A. in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, my M.A. in biomedical science from Drexel University, and my M.S. Ed. in Secondary Education from the University of Pennsylvania, I sampled and overcame almost every kind of personal and academic challenge.
I’m not the person who did everything right. I’m the person who has made every kind of mistake and hit every kind of roadblock. One by one, I overcame them all. Now, I work with a wide variety of students representing a broad spectrum of talents, challenges, and personal styles. So, whatever you’re going through, chances are I understand and know exactly what to do.
I provide highly customized academic support to help you stay on top of whatever challenges you choose to tackle. I help students prepare for the SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE, and various academic subjects. I have been tutoring for over 12 years, and have tutored hundreds of students!
Contact me now and let’s talk about what I can help you achieve.
With over a decade of experience in litigation, Buneka has transitioned her skills from law into educational leadership. As the Chief Operating Officer of Rocket Prep, Buneka brings a unique perspective and strategic insight to the table, spearheading the organization’s business and administrative operations with finesse. Buneka is also a law school admissions consultant, helping aspiring legal professionals navigate the complex application process with understanding and personal attentions.
Buneka’s journey began with a strong academic foundation, earning her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. She continued her pursuit of knowledge at Temple University, where she obtained her law degree, refining her analytical prowess and legal acumen.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Buneka is an avid reader and an archer. Buneka and Justin have been married for a very long time and have two lovely daughters.
Buneka J. Islam
Leah Kerry
My name is Leah Kerry. Many years ago, Justin tutored me on the SAT, and his approach to learning inspired me and motivated me in my academic pursuits. Now, I work alongside him to help other students find their personal learning style and passion for learning.
I am a Junior at Tufts University studying computer science and studio art in my undergrad.
With my two interests of tech and art, I love exploring the creative side to academics and finding joy in problem solving. As a current student, I understand the academic struggles that you are going through. I have faced academic challenges in the past, tried many solutions, and found what works best for me. In the current sphere of academia, I can relate to you and can help you find your confidence that you need in order to succeed.
Rocket Prep Blog
FAQ
The ACT has more straightforward questions, makes annotation easier (because it’s still pencil-and-paper), and has several times as much high quality practice material available for use in prep.
The SAT gives more time per question, takes less time overall, and has a very powerful graphing calculator built in that anyone can use.
There’s a lot to consider, but in most cases you can make a good decision by following this:
For most people, the best time to start is the summer between 10th and 11th grade. Earlier is better, though – as long as you can be okay with not worrying about a lot of the math until you encounter it in class over the next year or so.
Starting in September of your 11th grade year, carry around a small notebook or use a note taking app in your phone (e.g. the iPhone’s Notes app) and jot down anything that makes you think or want to say something.Over the summer, review everything you’ve written and look for trends. That’ll point you toward what’s most worth writing about.
It is not necessary, but it is beneficial. The right score can open doors, make you eligible for merit aids, and the prep process can teach you valuable skills.
Absolutely! We’ve had the privilege of working with some excellent independent education consultants (IECs) over the years. Two of our favorite consultancies are My Admissions Sherpa and College Flight Path . We’d be happy to chat with you about them and others to help you find the right one for you.
