Latest news with #ShaanPatel
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
FAFSA deadline approaching, students urged to seek aid now
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – An important deadline is quickly approaching for students heading to college this fall. The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, must be submitted by the end of the month. The application is the first step to accessing billions of dollars in financial aid. 'FAFSA unlocks federal grants, loans, and work-study as well as many state and college programs' aid on a first-come, first-served basis,' Shaan Patel, Founder and CEO of an online college prep service, said. The entire application can be completed online. 'Make sure you have all your necessary documents… so you get the maximum financial aid possible for college this fall,' Patel said. Dr. Rhea Watson, also known as The Scholarship Doctor and CEO of Scholarship Solutions, warns that skipping the FAFSA could cost you thousands of dollars. She emphasizes that it's a mistake to assume you won't qualify for financial aid. 'If you don't have a FAFSA application on file, it is nearly impossible, very difficult for your scholarship applications and even those financial aid packages you want to receive from a college,' Watson said. Roughly $3 billion in aid goes unclaimed every year, Watson said. 'Don't leave money on the table… it just goes and recycles through the government versus going to students who can use it to go to school and go without debt,' Watson said. The FAFSA only takes a few hours to complete if one is prepared. Once submitted, one can expect the financial aid award letter within 2 to 3 weeks. However, keep in mind that state and school-specific aid can run out quickly, so it's best to apply as early as possible. Documents needed for filling out the FAFSA include: Social Security number Parents' Social Security numbers (if you are a dependent student) Tax returns Records of child support received Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts Social Security card, driver's license, and/or alien registration card (if not a US citizen) Federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned For more information on what students need to know before they fill out the FAFSA form, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hill
FAFSA deadline approaching, students urged to seek aid now
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – An important deadline is quickly approaching for students heading to college this fall. The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, must be submitted by the end of the month. The application is the first step to accessing billions of dollars in financial aid. 'FAFSA unlocks federal grants, loans, and work-study as well as many state and college programs' aid on a first-come, first-served basis,' Shaan Patel, Founder and CEO of an online college prep service, said. The entire application can be completed online. 'Make sure you have all your necessary documents… so you get the maximum financial aid possible for college this fall,' Patel said. Dr. Rhea Watson, also known as The Scholarship Doctor and CEO of Scholarship Solutions, warns that skipping the FAFSA could cost you thousands of dollars. She emphasizes that it's a mistake to assume you won't qualify for financial aid. 'If you don't have a FAFSA application on file, it is nearly impossible, very difficult for your scholarship applications and even those financial aid packages you want to receive from a college,' Watson said. Roughly $3 billion in aid goes unclaimed every year, Watson said. 'Don't leave money on the table… it just goes and recycles through the government versus going to students who can use it to go to school and go without debt,' Watson said. The FAFSA only takes a few hours to complete if one is prepared. Once submitted, one can expect the financial aid award letter within 2 to 3 weeks. However, keep in mind that state and school-specific aid can run out quickly, so it's best to apply as early as possible. Documents needed for filling out the FAFSA include: For more information on what students need to know before they fill out the FAFSA form, click here.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
FAFSA deadline nears: Las Vegas students urged to seek aid now
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — An important deadline is quickly approaching for Las Vegas valley students heading to college this fall. The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, must be submitted by the end of the month. The application is the first step to accessing billions of dollars in financial aid. 'FAFSA unlocks federal grants, loans, and work-study as well as many state and college programs aid on a first-come come-first first-served basis,' Shaan Patel, Founder and CEO of an online college prep service, said. The entire application can be completed online. 'Make sure you have all your necessary documents… so you get the maximum financial aid possible for college this fall,' Patel said. Dr. Rhea Watson, also known as The Scholarship Doctor and CEO of Scholarship Solutions, warns that skipping the FAFSA could cost you thousands of dollars. She emphasizes that it's a mistake to assume you won't qualify for financial aid. 'If you don't have a FAFSA application on file, it is nearly impossible, very difficult for your scholarship applications and even those financial aid packages you want to receive from a college,' Watson said. Roughly $3 billion in aid goes unclaimed every year, Watson said. 'Don't leave money on the table… it just goes and recycles through the government versus going to students who can use it to go to school and go without debt,' Watson said. The FAFSA only takes a few hours to complete if one is prepared. Once submitted, one can expect the financial aid award letter within 2 to 3 weeks. However, keep in mind that state and school-specific aid can run out quickly, so it's best to apply as early as possible. Documents needed for filling out the FAFSA include: Social Security number Parents' Social Security numbers (if you are a dependent student) Tax returns Records of child support received Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts Social Security card, driver's license, and/or alien registration card (if not a US citizen) Federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned For more information on what students need to know before they fill out the FAFSA form, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Epoch Times
25-04-2025
- General
- Epoch Times
Choosing College: A Conversation With Dr. Shaan Patel
The college decision process can be a stressful and confusing one. We asked Dr. Shaan Patel—Shark Tank winner, The Epoch Times: After achieving a perfect score on the SAT, you were offered admission to many top universities. What criteria did you use to make your undergraduate decision and what do you recommend that current high school seniors prioritize in making theirs? Dr. Shaan Patel: For me, it came down to a mix of fit, opportunity, and affordability. I chose USC not because it was the most prestigious name on my list, but because it offered strong pre-med programs, generous scholarships, and access to LA's entrepreneurial and healthcare networks. For students deciding now, I'd say: Don't pick a school for prestige alone. Pick the one that's going to support your goals, minimize your debt, and help you grow in the ways that matter to you. The Epoch Times: What, if anything, do you wish you had done differently when it came to applying to college? Dr. Patel: I wish I had spent more time researching specific programs within each school. A university might be top-ranked overall, but that doesn't mean your intended major or department is the best fit. Also, I didn't realize at the time how powerful demonstrated interest could be—things like campus visits, interviews, and reaching out to departments. Those little things can matter when admissions officers are comparing similar applicants. Related Stories 3/6/2025 1/27/2025 The Epoch Times: What would you tell a student who has been rejected from his or her first-choice school? Dr. Patel: Don't let one 'no' define your path. When I didn't get into some of the Ivy League schools I applied to, it stung. But looking back, USC ended up being the perfect fit for me. Success isn't about where you go—it's about what you do once you get there. And I promise, a rejection now won't matter five years from now if you focus on making the most of wherever you land. The Epoch Times: What steps can students take to maximize their chances of choosing a college that's a good fit for them and their goals? Dr. Patel: Here's what I recommend: Visit campuses (if possible)—nothing replaces actually walking around and getting a feel for the vibe. Talk to current students and recent grads—ask about academic life, support systems, and real post-grad outcomes. Look at the career services, internship access, and alumni network—those matter more than you think. And finally—make sure it feels right. You'll grow the most in a place where you feel challenged and supported The Epoch Times: Many students take on enormous debt for the privilege of going to college. Do you believe that's a wise choice? Do you believe that a college degree is still a worthwhile pursuit in most cases? Dr. Patel: I absolutely believe a college degree is still worth it—but not at any cost. If a student is choosing between a school that would put them in six figures of debt and one that offers substantial aid, I say: Go where the money is. You can still get a great education and incredible opportunities without drowning in debt. I'm living proof that scholarships and smart planning can change your life—and that's the same advice I give my students today. Dr. Shaan Patel released his book, "Digital SAT Playbook," in March 2024. Shaan Patel The Epoch Times: What's the most important thing you did as an undergrad at USC to set yourself up for success? Dr. Patel: Hands down, it was starting my SAT prep business while I was still in school. I didn't wait for someone to hand me an opportunity—I created one. That experience taught me about entrepreneurship, risk, and time management. And it ended up being the foundation for everything I've done since, including Prep Expert and Shark Tank. I always tell students: Use college as a launchpad, not just a classroom. The Epoch Times: Once the choice is made and a commitment sent, what do you recommend incoming freshmen do to prepare for the college adventure ahead? Dr. Patel: Before starting college, I wish I had spent more time learning how to manage my time and energy, not just my schedule. Incoming freshmen should: Set goals—not just academic, but personal, financial, and professional. Learn basic skills like budgeting, email communication, and networking. Reach out to roommates and professors early—it builds comfort and confidence. And most of all: Come in with an open mind and a strong mindset. College will challenge you—but if you're intentional, it'll also change your life.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Top colleges reinstate SAT, ACT requirements for admissions; former CCSD grad offers students tips
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – High school seniors are receiving their acceptance letters and making those final, life-changing college decisions however, for younger students, the landscape of standardized testing and college application requirements is rapidly changing. Many Ivy League and top-tier colleges are reinstating the SAT and ACT requirements for admission, reversing policies that made testing optional during the pandemic, CEO and Founder of Prep Expert Shaan Patel said. 'There was a huge landmark article in the New York Times, talking about when they got rid of the ACT and SAT scores, requirements in college admissions it actually favored wealthier students even more. ' While some universities never changed their requirements for standardized testing, like the University of Florida; here is a look at those that have rejoined the test requirements: University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)Harvard UniversityStanford UniversityCalifornia Institute of Technology (Caltech)Brown UniversityYale UniversityDartmouth CollegePurdue UniversityGeorgetown UniversityMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)Johns Hopkins University (announced 8/20/24)Carnegie Mellon University (announced 8/29/24)University of Miami (announced 1/17/25)Penn State (announced 2/14/25)University of Wisconsin – Madison (beginning 2027 – announced 2/20/25)Ohio State University (announced 3/22/2025) UNLV and UNR are both test optional for admission. While SAT scores are not required, submitting them along with your ACT scores can strengthen your application. Colleges are discovering that standardized tests can help level the playing field among students. Research suggests that test scores are a more reliable predictor of college success than high school grades. By reinstating test requirements, colleges hope to identify talented students from all backgrounds who might otherwise be overlooked. Shaan Patel, a former Clark County high school grad raised his score from average, to explained that better scores on the SAT, ACT, and PSAT not only help with college admissions, but can help secure scholarships. 'Get a good test score and apply for as many scholarships as possible. I applied for a ton of local scholarships, through the public education foundation, NV Energy had scholarships, Ronald McDonald House, and local charities,' he added. 'Prep expert, my company also offers scholarships, that you can win.' All to reduce the cost of college, it's more expensive than attend and live on campus at a public university it's about $150K, double that for a private university. He added that students can improve test scores by practicing with official test questions. 'If you're studying for the SAT, go to the college board, they have dozens of free practice exams to use,' he said. 'If you are studying for the ACT, go to the official ACT website, dozens of practice exams there.' Patel also added that if you want to try and ace the test, you have to learn strategies and those are best done with a tutor or prep test course. Those are not free. The average cost for test prep and strategy courses can range widely, from about five hundred up to several thousand dollars. This depends on the type of course and format. If you do it at your own pace online or meet in person. On Sunday, Patel will host a free live webinar for parents to register CLICK HERE. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
