Study Motivation: 20 Tips for High School Students

You know you need to work on your homework and a big test is coming up soon, but you find yourself texting your friends or playing a video game instead of getting started. Most tips often focus on improving learning retention and concentration, but what if your main problem is a lack of study motivation?

There are plenty of ways to strengthen your motivation in order to improve your study habits. In fact, knowing that you need to address your poor motivation is half the battle. Next, just get started. These 20 tips can help.

20 Ways to Find the Motivation to Study

1. Identify your goals for studying

Working toward clearly defined goals can help students build motivation. Establish both long-term and short-term goals that are:

S: Specific
M: Measurable
A: Achievable
R: Relevant
T: Time-bound

For example, your long-term goal might be to increase your GPA to 3.8 so you can get into a competitive college. A short-term goal that helps you meet your long-term goal might be to score 90% or higher on your next math test.

2. Identify your motivational challenges

Poor motivation often stems from feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work you have to do. Poor motivation can also be caused by perfectionism; if you fear failure, it can be more difficult to try. Other causes can include competing priorities, fatigue, and lack of engagement with the material.

Knowing the factors that could be contributing to your lack of motivation is one of the first steps to overcoming the problem. After identifying your motivational challenges, reflect on some actionable steps toward addressing them.

3. Create an ideal study environment

It can be hard to stay motivated when your study space is a chaotic mess. Spend a few minutes organizing and tidying up at the end of each study session. Then, you can dive right into the material at the start of the next.

4. Establish a study schedule

Every high school student should have a planner, either physical or digital. Plan each week ahead of time, blocking off time for school, work, family obligations, homework, extracurricular activities, and study sessions. Aim to carve out one or two study sessions each day.

5. Get into a consistent routine

When you adopt a consistent daily and weekly routine, settling in for a study session is more a matter of habit than motivation. A consistent routine creates predictability and self-discipline, meaning that you can overcome poor motivation simply by continuing to follow your usual routine.

6. Give yourself a pep talk and use positive self-talk

When you find yourself staring at a textbook and not actually studying, it may be time for a pep talk. Either out loud or silently in your mind, take a moment to think deeply about the overarching goal of improving your academics, and then, think about your specific goals for this session.

If you’re really dreading this session, tell yourself that you’ve gotten through many, many similar sessions already and that you can definitely conquer this one too. Remind yourself that it feels better to be productive and to meet goals than to give up. Use positive self-talk, reminding yourself of your academic strengths and your past achievements.

7. Limit distractions during study sessions

Distractions can quickly derail your motivation. Turn off your phone (unless your parents or guardians tell you to keep it on in case of emergencies) and post a “Studying – Do Not Disturb” sign on your door. If you find yourself scrolling social media or checking out irrelevant websites when you’re supposed to be studying, consider using an app that blocks specific websites for productivity purposes.

8. Listen to some non-distracting music

Music can be great for study session motivation, but only if it doesn’t distract you. Consider listening to music without lyrics or music sung in a language that you don’t speak. There are also lots of ambient playlists that you can listen to for free on YouTube. Use headphones to limit external distractions.

9. Create a study checklist

Create a weekly checklist and a daily checklist for your study sessions. Try to limit your daily checklist to just a few items so as not to overwhelm yourself. You may feel more motivated to keep up with your work as you cross off tasks.

10. Enlist a study buddy for better accountability

Talk to your friends and see if anyone is interested in being a study buddy. Emphasize that you need a partner who is as committed to getting good grades as you are (to limit the possibility that study sessions will become less than productive). When both students are dedicated to staying on task, this system can increase accountability and help sustain motivation.

You and your buddy can work together in the same study space during designated times. If this isn’t always possible, stay connected through virtual platforms, texts, or a similar messaging app. Check in with each other at the start of each session, perhaps a few times during it, and at the end to discuss what was accomplished. If one of you finds your motivation declining, the other can offer some encouraging words.

11. Break up large study tasks

Poor motivation can often stem from feeling overwhelmed. If you’ve got a major study task ahead of you, such as preparing for finals week, it can be helpful to break up the big tasks into smaller ones.

Start by writing down all of your big tasks. Then, look for ways of breaking each up into smaller components. Tackle just one of those smaller tasks at a time.

12. Try the Pomodoro method to beat procrastination

The Pomodoro method is a popular way of overcoming procrastination and sustaining motivation. Here’s how to use it:

Set a timer (physical or digital) for 25 minutes and start studying.
Stay focused on your studying, with no distractions, until the timer rings.
Take a five-minute break.
Repeat steps one through three until you’ve completed four full cycles.
Take a 15- to 30-minute break.
Repeat all steps.

13. Take planned breaks

If you’re the type of student who takes breaks whenever you feel like you need one, consider trying something else for a week to see if it helps with your motivation. At the start of each study session, decide how many breaks you can take, how long they will be, and when you will take them. If you know in advance when you can take a break, it might be easier to stay focused on your work until it is break time.

14. Aim for sprints, not marathons, in your study schedule

High school success is a marathon, not a sprint. However, you should take the opposite approach with your study sessions. It’s easier to sustain your motivation and stay focused when you engage in multiple short study sessions during the course of a day than when you try to cram in eight hours on Saturdays.

15. Look for ways to make studying fun

If you enjoy playing video games in your spare time, consider gamifying your study sessions. For example, you might challenge yourself to get through a set of flashcards with no wrong answers in a set amount of time. Then, try to beat that time.

You could also use apps and websites designed specifically to gamify studying. Some examples include:

Habitica
MyStudyLife (Offers a streak feature, which provides a competitive element)
Forest
Duolingo (For language learning, also offers a streak feature)

Another helpful way to make studying fun is to pair it with small things you love. Use a pen or highlighter in your favorite color, reward yourself with a favorite snack or beverage, or move to a room where you’re getting plenty of natural light. While these adjustments are small, they can help make your study session a brighter, more enjoyable one.

16. Understand the purpose of the material

If you’re struggling to feel motivated to study because you aren’t sure why you might need to know something, consider relating the material to a real-life example or case study—ideally something that interests you outside of school. If you’re passionate about baseball, for example, then you might enjoy reading about the physics of how a pitch affects the movement of the ball through space.

This study tip does double duty. Along with enhancing your motivation to study, relating theoretical material to real-life examples can also improve learning retention.

17. Don’t skimp on sleep

Skimping on sleep for any reason—whether to carve out more time for studying or because you were out late with friends—is never a good idea. Not only will you have more trouble concentrating the next day, but you’re also likely to experience a reduction in cognitive motivation. One scientific study found that individuals display lower levels of cognitive motivation when sleep-deprived.

18. Remember your college and career goals

It can be easier to stay motivated for the long haul when you keep your eye on what matters to you. Think about your goals for getting into college and building a career, and when the going gets tough, remind yourself of your objectives. Some students like to write down their goals and post them prominently in their study space.

19. Reward yourself for a job well done

When you’ve done your job as a student well, it’s time to reward yourself. Setting monthly incentives for reaching your study goals can help sustain motivation over time. Track the time that you spend studying and, when you meet your monthly goal, choose a small reward, such as going to a movie with a friend.

20. If you’re going through a hard time, talk to someone

All the study tips in the world won’t offer enough help if you’re experiencing mental health difficulties. If you’re suffering from possible symptoms of depression or anxiety, it doesn’t mean there is something inherently wrong with you, and overcoming it isn’t a matter of willpower. It’s very common for adolescents to struggle with their mental health, and getting the help you need can make all the difference.

Talk to someone. Reach out to a close friend or a family member you trust, or talk to your school counselor or your favorite teacher. Getting the help you need now can prevent mental health struggles from holding you back in school and in life.

How do I motivate myself to study for the SAT, PSAT, or ACT test?

Generating motivation isn’t always easy. It can be helpful to establish reasonable goals and to remember what you want to gain from the test prep experience. You’re also likely to find that it’s easier to become motivated when you have a test prep partner to simplify the process by giving you an established schedule and providing structured practice activities.

Along with our structured activities and accessible instructors, KD College Prep also helps students find their motivation by connecting them to an advisor, who can help students stay on track.

How do you study effectively for admissions tests?

There are lots of different strategies for studying for college admissions tests. In general, it’s ideal to work through a structured test prep program with instructors who can clearly explain challenging concepts. Your instructors should also teach you effective, time-saving strategies for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT tests. In addition, a good test prep program should provide plenty of practice activities and well-developed study materials.

When should you start studying for the PSAT, SAT, or ACT tests?

There is no universal rule for when to start studying, as it varies from one person to the next. Some students who aim for high scores might start preparing years in advance, while others wait until they’ve completed a good amount of high school coursework. It’s best to evaluate your own strengths and areas that need improvement, and think about your goals when deciding how soon to start preparing for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT tests. You’ll want to give yourself at least a few months ahead of each test date.

Self-study vs. classroom activities: Which is best?

Self-study has its advantages, but it generally lacks structure and informed guidance. Highly self-disciplined students may be able to navigate the process alone. But most students may benefit from consistent, guided instruction and structured practice activities that have a proven track record for helping students achieve higher test scores.

At KD College Prep, our test prep programs provide the structure and guidance students need to thrive, with flexible class schedules and in-person and virtual learning options.

Need help preparing for college?

The experienced team at KD College Prep has helped tens of thousands of students around the U.S. prepare effectively for college success. Studying is often more effective when it’s done in a structured program developed by experienced instructors. Explore our test prep programs and college counseling services today. Request a free consultation to talk to an advisor about the best next steps for your student.

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Aakrist G. – Class of 2024

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“My experience with KD College Prep was immensely beneficial. The structured program and guidance provided me exactly what I needed to enhance my test score. Starting with a SAT® score of 1410, I was initially unsure about reaching my goal score. However, through dedicated practice sessions, personalized feedback, and consistent support from knowledgeable instructors at KD College Prep, I saw a significant improvement in my performance. Ultimately, they helped me achieve a score of 1530 on the SAT (test). The program not only boosted my score but also my prospects for college admissions.”

“My experience with KD College Prep was immensely beneficial. The structured program and guidance provided me exactly what I needed to enhance my test score. Starting with a SAT® score of 1410, I was initially unsure about reaching my goal score.... Read more...

Pranav K. – Class of 2025

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“KD provided exceptional instruction and coaching as I prepared for the college application and admissions process. The classes and skills I learned while being part of the program increased my test scores and my readiness for college. The personalized counseling and... Read more...

Olivia B. – Class of 2024

“When I first started KD, I had zero SAT® experience. The summer lessons helped me build my foundation and I really started to see a boost in my scores after taking numerous workshops throughout the school year to build on that foundation. Without KD, I don't think I would have the motivation to consistently study for the SAT (test). In the beginning, every time I saw a KD email, I'd remember to sign up for a workshop and practice test for the weekend. Then, it became a habit to go to KD on Saturday mornings. Going to these workshops and taking practice tests consistently helped me get exposed to every question on the SAT (test) for math. Therefore, I was hardly ever surprised to... Read more...

“When I first started KD, I had zero SAT® experience. The summer lessons helped me build my foundation and I really started to see a boost in my scores after taking numerous workshops throughout the school year to build on that... Read more...

Meenakshi S. – Class of 2024

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“My wife and I wanted to thank you profusely for working with (our daughter). She picked Texas A&M, and we are all delighted with the decision. We have visited the college a couple of times and feel it was the right... Read more...

Arun K. – Daughter, Class of 2023

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Quynh T. – Class of 2023

“Ethan is a National Merit Finalist, so he received scholarship opportunities from a number of universities based on his National Merit status, including the University of Houston, where he will be attending tuition-free. He also scored an almost perfect SAT® score (1560), thanks in part to his preparation with KD College Prep.”

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C.J. S. – Son, Class of 2023

“This was perfect for our son! He needed the structure to get organized to study and did better than expected!”

Hillary B. – Son, Class of 2023

“KD has been very useful for me and has helped me become a better test taker. I don’t think I could’ve gotten the score I got without the countless hours I put in attending workshops, taking tests, and attending reviews.”

Samarth S. – Class of 2023

“Taking KD College Prep has been one of my best choices in high school! All of the instructors definitely know their stuff and teach an extremely useful curriculum in an engaging and efficient manner. I recommend KD to anyone looking to learn more or maximize their scores!”

“Taking KD College Prep has been one of my best choices in high school! All of the instructors definitely know their stuff and teach an extremely useful curriculum in an engaging and efficient manner. I recommend KD to anyone looking to... Read more...

Preston King – Class of 2023

“Overall, it was a good experience. It instilled the discipline to focus on test preparation through workshops and assignments. The review of each test was also very helpful.”

Sajitha N. – Daughter, Class of 2023

“Honestly, was really, really solid. Doing the program the summer before junior year — and I only did the one — actually got me a lot of experience and review of technical skills needed for the SAT® test. I only had to do it once because I got to relearn those pesky algebra skills that I forgot through the program.”

“Honestly, was really, really solid. Doing the program the summer before junior year — and I only did the one — actually got me a lot of experience and review of technical skills needed for the SAT®... Read more...

Katya G. – Class of 2023

“Working with KD was incredible! I truly enjoyed how experienced the counselors were and how deeply they cared about their students. I would recommend KD and especially their college prep plan to everyone who is looking to get professional college admissions advice!”

“Working with KD was incredible! I truly enjoyed how experienced the counselors were and how deeply they cared about their students. I would recommend KD and especially their college prep plan to everyone who is looking to get professional college admissions... Read more...

Ananya A. – Class of 2023

“Our son, Joseph, is our fifth child to go through the KD College Prep program and our fourth National Merit Finalist. He had another test prep program available to him through his private high school but chose KD because he felt like it made the biggest difference in his scores in the least amount of time. He found the program easy to follow and adapt to his strengths and weaknesses. As parents, we cannot say enough good things about the KD program and would recommend it to anyone looking to improve their scores and earn scholarship dollars!”

“Our son, Joseph, is our fifth child to go through the KD College Prep program and our fourth National Merit Finalist. He had another test prep program available to him through his private high school but chose KD because he felt... Read more...

Ellyn A. – Parent of 5 KD Students

“My daughter completed your program in the Plano location. In the fall, she is headed to Colorado School of Mines to study engineering. I asked her if KD had helped her with the SAT® and ACT® tests. She said they helped her know how to manage her time while taking the test as that is a huge aspect to the test.”

“My daughter completed your program in the Plano location. In the fall, she is headed to Colorado School of Mines to study engineering. I asked her if KD had helped her with the SAT® and ACT® tests. She said they helped... Read more...

Julie M. – Daughter, Class of 2022

“(I wanted) help with writing essays and getting into my dream colleges. (I was most concerned with) keeping up with everything I have to do and meeting all the deadlines. The constant and honest feedback about my essays regardless is what I really appreciated. There was a time that writing essays just clicked, and it was much easier after that.”

“(I wanted) help with writing essays and getting into my dream colleges. (I was most concerned with) keeping up with everything I have to do and meeting all the deadlines. The constant and honest feedback about my essays regardless is what... Read more...

Neha C. – Class of 2022

“It’s hard to believe we are finally done at KD Prep with our three children. We are incredibly grateful to you for all of your support over the years, which undoubtedly helped each of our children realize their college dreams. All three were accepted to colleges with single digit admission rates. Our eldest was selected as a National Merit® Finalist and was able to apply to colleges with a perfect SAT® score. Our other two were both named National African American Recognition Scholars and National Merit Commended Scholar. One of them applied to college in 2020 with an SAT score of 1520 (780 math and 740 verbal) and the youngest scored 1500 on the October 2021 SAT test (720 verbal and 780 math). Our... Read more...

“It’s hard to believe we are finally done at KD Prep with our three children. We are incredibly grateful to you for all of your support over the years, which undoubtedly helped each of our children realize their college dreams. All... Read more...

Nike A. – Parent of 3 KD Students

“Obviously SAT® test prep was NOT fun. The experience was difficult and exhausting, but learning through KD definitely made the experience much less stressful and definitely easier. It's a great system with tons of resources all aimed to give you what you need and more to reach whatever score range you set as your goal (I was able to get a 1540). My favorite part though, specifically with the Coppell campus, was the people! Everyone was so incredibly nice and always in impossibly good moods. It was a great environment to learn and improve in!”

“Obviously SAT® test prep was NOT fun. The experience was difficult and exhausting, but learning through KD definitely made the experience much less stressful and definitely easier. It's a great system with tons of resources all aimed to give you what... Read more...

Alex N. – Class of 2023

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping me get the score I needed to receive over $464,000 in scholarships, including two full rides. I started the program the summer going into my junior year. I had an excellent GPA but struggled on standardized tests. Taking the test prep classes throughout junior year and taking practice tests got me more prepared each time I took the test. I achieved my best score the summer going into my senior year. That score allowed me to apply to my top schools as soon as early decision opened. I am so grateful to Karen Dillard and the extra practice and proctored exams! My parents are grateful too—for the small investment they got a great return.”

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping me get the score I needed to receive over $464,000 in scholarships, including two full rides. I started the program the summer going into my junior year. I had an excellent GPA... Read more...

Saadia P. – Class of 2022

“I really enjoyed KD because the teachers helped me look at the SAT® test in a whole new angle. I really began analyzing the test and learned how to work math and reading problems in a smarter way, which was really helpful. I also really appreciated all the varied practice and detailed breakdowns from instructors, helping me see not just what answer was correct but why those answers were correct.”

“I really enjoyed KD because the teachers helped me look at the SAT® test in a whole new angle. I really began analyzing the test and learned how to work math and reading problems in a smarter way, which was really... Read more...

Pranathi P. – Class of 2022

“KD had a very streamlined process of learning the ins and outs of the reading and grammar part of the SAT® test as well as a very well-structured mathematics process that went through the subjects of algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus in depth. Another great part of the KD experience was the wonderful staff giving me so many useful tips and strategies for the areas that I was specifically struggling with. The staff understands students have different strengths and weaknesses, and the fact that they tailor the info they give to each student is very useful. Overall, KD has helped me not only with SAT preparation but also with my normal school work.”

“KD had a very streamlined process of learning the ins and outs of the reading and grammar part of the SAT® test as well as a very well-structured mathematics process that went through the subjects of algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus in... Read more...

Armaan C. – Class of 2023

“I am very grateful that KD was able to offer so many resources and guides for the SAT® and PSAT tests. They really helped me get a good grasp on the types of questions that the SAT exam tested on, and I was able to get a really good score the first time I took it! Once again, thank you KD, and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to earn a high SAT score.”

“I am very grateful that KD was able to offer so many resources and guides for the SAT® and PSAT tests. They really helped me get a good grasp on the types of questions that the SAT exam tested on, and... Read more...

Sri Vamsi Krishna Putti – Class of 2023, Frisco ISD

“My husband and I are so impressed with your course and the quality of guidance that you provide. It feels like you really want our son to succeed. Thank you!”

Debra H. – Son, Class of 2023

“KD taught me so many useful strategies for the SAT® & PSAT/NMSQT® tests. They helped me improve my SAT score by over 400 points, and I got done with the SAT test at the beginning of 11th grade! I would recommend KD to anyone who wants a highly competitive SAT score.”

“KD taught me so many useful strategies for the SAT® & PSAT/NMSQT® tests. They helped me improve my SAT score by over 400 points, and I got done with the SAT test... Read more...

Praneel S. – Class of 2023

“My time and experiences at KD College Prep have efficiently guided and prepared me for my future educational career as a college student. Not only did KD help me with college entrance exams but also provided numerous informational seminars that helped me with the various steps required for college admissions. At KD I enjoyed learning from amazing teachers, who cared for each of their students individually and were ready to help wherever it was needed. Being a student at KD has also helped me figure out which learning techniques work best for me. The opportunity to engage in different learning methods such as small group interactive learning, larger group discussions, or individual practice are all ways that helped me come up with a learning... Read more...

“My time and experiences at KD College Prep have efficiently guided and prepared me for my future educational career as a college student. Not only did KD help me with college entrance exams but also provided numerous informational seminars that helped... Read more...

Tanisha P. – Class of 2020

“My feedback can only be positive, given how much you helped me get ahead with my application process. I really appreciated how much work both of you put into helping me write the best essay possible, especially reviewing my essays twice to polish them completely. In addition, I have noticed that writing my resume has released a lot of stress off my shoulder when it comes to making sure I have all the things necessary to apply to schools.”

“My feedback can only be positive, given how much you helped me get ahead with my application process. I really appreciated how much work both of you put into... Read more...

Claudia A. – Class of 2020

“My favorite things about KD were the mirroring it had to actual test questions, the availability, and the relationships you built with all the teachers and advisors who made the process of learning easier. I think that after you started going to a good amount of classes and the workshops, you knew every teacher, and they were always available to answer any questions that you had...Everyone was just so welcoming and made learning more engaging for the students, especially with the workshops. All of had their own unique style of teaching which never made a class boring.”

“My favorite things about KD were the mirroring it had to actual test questions, the availability, and the relationships you built with all the teachers and advisors who made the process of... Read more...

Rishab P. – Class of 2021

“I want to thank both of you so very much for making this dream come true. When I first came to KD, I wanted to get a score of 1520 or above... So many people told me it would be impossible to reach my desired score. After months of using KD's methods my scores definitely improved but hovered around 1350—still not near the score I needed but closer. After finally working with both of you during one on ones, my scores started to see heavy improvement and while I didn't get a score of 1520 or above as a single score, I got it as a superscore... Read more...

“I want to thank both of you so very much for making this dream come true. When I first came to KD, I wanted to get a score of 1520 or... Read more...

David P. – Class of 2022

“It takes a village to raise a child—this is so true. KD College Prep staff have been nothing but uplifting to my child and to us parents through their eager attitudes to assist, in-depth guidance and unparalleled wisdom. I am in awe at the consistent level of professionalism yet genuine concern for each and every person that walks through their doors. Thank you KD staff for being great mentors for our children!”

“It takes a village to raise a child—this is so true. KD College Prep staff have been nothing but uplifting to my child and to us parents through their eager attitudes to assist, in-depth guidance and unparalleled wisdom. I am in... Read more...

Gloria D. – Daughter, Class of 2021

“I attended KD for the last 3 years, and I was blessed with the opportunity to take the SAT^® test one last time last month. I got a 1430 on the test. I wanted to take the time to say I have finished college applications, and I would love to thank all the teachers and aides at KD for giving me the score that I got on the test. Without the extra practice, I wouldn't have been able to get through to the score I got. These past 3 years went by so fast, and it is so fun to look back at where I started and how much I have come out with flying colors. Thank you so much!”

“I attended KD for the last 3 years, and I was blessed with the opportunity to take the SAT^® test one last time last month. I got a 1430 on the test. I wanted to take the time to say I... Read more...

Kareena A. – Class of 2021

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests. The resources were very helpful, and the individualized assistance I received from teachers were what really supported my learning. Special thanks to Ms. Barwick and Mr. Hoffman!”

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests. The resources were... Read more...

Advika R. – Class of 2022

“I shifted toward taking practice tests and going to workshops because I felt those were the best ways to apply the concepts (I was) learning in class. I started applying the tips and tricks that the teachers were showing me in class. In conjunction, those two things helped me raise my score a lot because I was not a math kid before KD or high school. The repetition and being able to practice in a non-stressful environment and simulating that testing experience is something that was very beneficial for me... “The college counseling team was super patient and honest about the work I was submitting. I know for a lot of kids, it’s hard to articulate who you are through 250-300 words. It was definitely... Read more...

“I shifted toward taking practice tests and going to workshops because I felt those were the best ways to apply the concepts (I was) learning in class. I started applying the tips and tricks that the teachers were showing me in... Read more...

Blaine W. – Class of 2021

“Both of my sons have been guided by KD College Prep counselor Steve Peifer on their journey to finding the right college for them, and we could not have had a better experience and outcome. My oldest son is now a rising junior at the University of Miami, and my youngest son is an incoming freshman at Vanderbilt University. Steve’s help in navigating the complicated college landscape and finding the BEST FIT for my two sons is what has made this resource invaluable. “What made the biggest difference for my two sons was the depth and breadth of knowledge Steve has of the many universities and colleges in the U.S. First, by getting to know my kids on a one-on-one basis, he was able to... Read more...

“Both of my sons have been guided by KD College Prep counselor Steve Peifer on their journey to finding the right college for them, and we could not have had a better experience and outcome. My oldest son is now a... Read more...

Julio M. – Parent

“My daughter loved the program—the program materials and the teachers both online and in person. She participated in a year of online and a year of in person. It was incredible enrichment and helped her keep her skills sharp over the summer. She liked being challenged academically, and she loved taking classes with high school students who were focused on their college goals. These students were also excellent role models! The lessons were especially important during the pandemic when it wasn’t a typical middle school experience.”

“My daughter loved the program—the program materials and the teachers both online and in person. She participated in a year of online and a year of in person. It was incredible enrichment and helped her keep her skills sharp over the... Read more...

Beth L. – Advanced Start™ Parent

“I wanted to say thank you to all of the teachers and directors at KD for helping me get a great score on the SAT^® test. I started with a 1250 on the first KD test I took, and I got a 1530 on the December 5th SAT test. KD played a huge role in this, and I just wanted to say thanks to everyone there for helping me achieve this.”

“I wanted to say thank you to all of the teachers and directors at KD for helping me get a great score on the SAT^® test. I started with a 1250 on the first KD test I took, and I got... Read more...

Vyom S. – Class of 2022

"Our twin 16-year-old boys used KD College Prep to study/practice for the PSAT test, and we believe the classes and coaching were invaluable. Very professional and concise. Worth every penny!"

Jerry – Sons, Class of 2022

“I'm writing to thank the KD team for all the help and guidance over the last couple of years! All the resources provided were very useful to me and helped me achieve the scores I was aiming for on the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests (1520, 1580, and 34). I really appreciate everyone's willingness to be flexible and accommodate my requests!”

“I'm writing to thank the KD team for all the help and guidance over the last couple of years! All the resources provided were very useful to me and helped me achieve the scores I was aiming for on the PSAT,... Read more...

Mithra A. – Class of 2022

"The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident... I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT^® test (third time) and a 35 on my ACT® test (first time). I remember the first ever practice test I took for the SAT test was a 1230 (about 1.5 yrs ago) and the first ever practice test I took for the ACT test was a 31 or 32 (about 6 months ago)."

"The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident... I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT^® test... Read more...

Elise P. – Class of 2022

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping both of my kids over the last years reach successful outcomes on their SAT^® and ACT^® scores, which helped them get into great colleges. I found the college prep class for parents very informative and helpful during the process as well. My son (Jacob) graduated in 2018 and got a 32 on the ACT test. got accepted into Texas A&M but chose Baylor for Health Sciences. My daughter (Morgan) graduated in 2020 and got a 1450 on the SAT test and a 32 on the ACT test. got into an Ivy League school (Cornell) for Engineering. Both my kids say that they apply the test taking skills they learned at KD Prep to... Read more...

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping both of my kids over the last years reach successful outcomes on their SAT^® and ACT^® scores, which helped them get into great colleges. I found the college prep class for parents... Read more...

Jon D. – Parent

“Coming into this whole process, I had absolutely no idea what anything was, and your help was invaluable—your encouraging words, strategic advice, and wholesome stories and jokes really got me through a stressful time! I'm still on the waitlist at Harvard and other schools, but I've really started to immerse into the Emory culture, especially their debate team. Not having to pay for college and still attend a private institution is really a dream come true, and it wouldn't be possible if it were not for you.”

“Coming into this whole process, I had absolutely no idea what anything was, and your help was invaluable—your encouraging words, strategic advice, and wholesome stories and jokes really got me through a stressful time! I'm still on the waitlist at Harvard... Read more...

Shreyas R. – Class of 2020

“The most beneficial guidance I received during my College Counseling experience was being taught that it's completely ok to not know what I want to do with the rest of my life at 17/18 years old. Steve told me that a good school will help me find my path. Also, Steve's knowledge about what colleges were wanting to see in potential admissions candidates was a huge help... “There was not one specific beneficial moment or turning point in my time working with Steve, there were many. He encouraged me during the entire application process and brought to my attention many colleges I wouldn't have considered or heard about without his help.”

“The most beneficial guidance I received during my College Counseling experience was being taught that it's completely ok to not know what I want to do with the rest of my life at 17/18 years old. Steve told me that a... Read more...

Jake W. – Class of 2020

"I'm very happy my daughter chose KD as her learning partner to achieve her goals. All the experiences with KD and the Directors there are fabulous. My daughter has improved significantly."

Zarni, Daughter – Class of 2021

"I took KD classes the summer before my junior year, and I was finished with my SAT^® test by December...The test prep classes also helped me earn the award of National Merit^® Finalist."

Claire I. – Class of 2020

"It's been super helpful, and I've noticed my scores go up both on my SAT^®/ACT^® scores as well as test scores in school... Overall, I believe this to be the best college prep that money can buy."

Gopi C. – Class of 2021

"KD helped me come up with a game plan for the colleges I wanted to attend, as well as any backups, and how to manage my time during this stressful period. They helped to ease the stress and made sure that I would be successful in whichever college I picked, and I am eternally grateful for all their help and hard work!"

"KD helped me come up with a game plan for the colleges I wanted to attend, as well as any backups, and how to manage my time during this stressful period. They helped to ease the stress and made... Read more...

Omar S. – Class of 2020

"My initial goals when I first started working with the KD Counseling crew was to compile a list of colleges that I would be somewhat interested in attending and fit my career goals. I think that this step I was by far the most concerned about. I didn’t know how exactly I should go about choosing which places to apply to and if I were to be accepted, if they would fit me. The team did a wonderful job considering my likes and dislikes and helped me compile a list of colleges that suited my tastes and would further my academic career. "After this integral first step, my focus turned towards time management and writing quality essays that would stand out to colleges. I got... Read more...

"My initial goals when I first started working with the KD Counseling crew was to compile a list of colleges that I would be somewhat interested in attending and fit my career goals. I think that this step I was by... Read more...

Nina H. – Class of 2020

"I was thankful for all the help I received from KD in preparing for my SAT^® and ACT^® exams. The workshops they offered, as well as the practice exams, gave me the tools I needed to do my very best."

Morgan D. – Class of 2020

"KDCP is a must for students wanting to stay a step ahead of the game for getting into college. My son has gained huge insight from the ACT^®/SAT^® practice workshops, practice tests, and essay class."

Tiffany – Son, Class of 2021

"KD helped to increase the efficiencies of how I took the national exams. I was also able to implement these efficiencies in my daily school studies within the IB program at PESH. I would (and have) recommend KD to those students wanting an edge on their national test scores!"

"KD helped to increase the efficiencies of how I took the national exams. I was also able to implement these efficiencies in my daily school studies within the IB program at PESH. I would (and have) recommend KD to those students... Read more...

Daniel J. – Class of 2020

"Not only have I been able to significantly improve my test scores, I have learned a tremendous amount of information about the college application process due to complimentary events that KD offers."

Sam H. – Class of 2020

"I came to KD the summer before my senior year with only my determination and big goals! KD provided me with the resources necessary to improve my test score to increase my chances at my dream school, Notre Dame, with the help from amazing teachers and staff. I am so grateful for KD!"

"I came to KD the summer before my senior year with only my determination and big goals! KD provided me with the resources necessary to improve my test score to increase my chances at my dream school, Notre Dame, with the... Read more...

Matt K. – Class of 2020

"I started classes at KD the summer before 9th grade. I...made a perfect score on the PSAT (earning the National Merit^® scholarship) and, after taking the SAT^® test only once (a relief!), scored a 1590/1600."

Thomas D. – Class of 2019

"In just one year, I was able to raise my score by 300 points and get into my dream school."

Piper F. – Class of 2020

"Having our recent GHS graduate attend KD was life changing. It provided our son with choices and opportunities that he might not have had otherwise."

Kathy – Son attends Mizzou

“I came to KD College Prep after already using another tutoring service which we were not seeing results with. Due to time constraints, the traditional classes were not going to be feasible for my daughter. They took the time to figure out a personal plan that would work for her and were always available for our questions and helping her reach her goals. Every employee from the managers to the students working at their locations are top notch.”

“I came to KD College Prep after already using another tutoring service which we were not seeing results with. Due to time constraints, the traditional classes were not going to be feasible for my daughter. They took the time to figure... Read more...

Tracy – Daughter, Class of 2020

"The KD College Prep course not only provided test practice but also motivated her to work hard for her college applications. It gave her the confidence to dream big!"

Prema – Daughter attends Rice