Zen College Prep

College Admissions Guidance

At Zen College Prep, we provide personalized college admissions support to students around the world, helping students gain acceptance to schools like USC, Loyola Marymount, Baylor, the UCs, Pepperdine, Purdue, UPenn, Reed, Lehigh, UW, Colorado School of Mines, Michigan, Brandeis, Northeastern, and more. Services include:

College Admissions Counseling
Prospective College Research
College Application Essay and Personal Statement Guidance and Editing Services
Scholarship Essay Guidance and Editing
College Interview Preparation
Passion Project Planning
Middle and High School Academic Planning
Elementary and Middle School One-on-One Tutoring

Senior Success Package

Recommended for: Students applying to private and state colleges and universities through The Common Application, University of California campuses, and California State University campuses.
Ideal Timeframe: Spring of Junior Year- Spring of Summer Year

Initial student and family assessment, profile creation, and evaluation to determine goals, intentions, and college and career preferences.
Frequent meetings with the student to assess progress toward goals.
Review assessments and collaborate on Senior Year school coursework and activity plan.
Evaluation and discussion of academic, testing, and extra-curricular history.
College major and career mentoring.
Personalized Passion Project guidance and mentoring.
In-depth research and personalized college recommendation list.
Best practices for college visits and tours.
Activities List brainstorming, review, and editing sessions.
College application guidance and schedule management.
Guidance for Early Decision and Early Action applications when applicable.
UC Personal Insight Question brainstorming, review, and editing sessions.
Common App Essay brainstorming, review, and editing sessions.
Supplemental Essay brainstorming, review, and editing sessions.
SAT/ACT Test prep information and schedule guidance.
Final college application review.
College interview preparation (if required).
College admittance decision guidance.
Semester evaluation and discussion of academic results, testing, and extra-curricular activities.

Package Total: $5,000

Common App Only Senior Success Package

Recommended for: Students applying only to colleges and universities on the Common Application (no UC campuses)
Timeframe: Ideal Timeframe: Spring of Junior Year- Spring of Summer Year

Initial student and family assessment, profile creation, and evaluation to determine goals, intentions, and college and career preferences.
Frequent meetings with the student to assess progress toward goals.
Review assessments and collaborate on Senior Year school coursework and activity plan.
Evaluation and discussion of academic, testing, and extra-curricular history.
College major and career mentoring.
In-depth research and personalized college recommendation list.
Best practices for college visits and tours.
Activities List brainstorming, review, and editing sessions.
College application guidance and schedule management.
Guidance for Early Decision and Early Action applications when applicable.
UC Personal Insight Question brainstorming, review, and editing sessions.
Common App Essay brainstorming, review, and editing sessions.
Supplemental Essay brainstorming, review, and editing sessions.
SAT/ACT Test prep information and schedule guidance.
Final college application review.
College interview preparation (if required).
College admittance decision guidance.
Semester evaluation and discussion of academic results, testing, and extra-curricular activities.

Package Total: $4,000

Golden State Senior Success Package

Recommended for: Students applying to University of California campuses and Cal State University campuses
Ideal Timeframe: Spring of Junior Year- Spring of Summer Year

Initial student and family assessment, profile creation, and evaluation to determine goals, intentions, and college and career preferences.
Frequent meetings with the student to assess progress toward goals.
Review assessments and collaborate on Senior Year school coursework and activity plan.
Evaluation and discussion of academic, testing, and extracurricular history.
College major and career mentoring.
In-depth research and personalized college recommendation list.
Best practices for college visits and tours.
UC Activities List brainstorming, review, and editing sessions.
College application guidance and schedule management.
UC Personal Insight Question brainstorming, review, and editing sessions.
Final college application review.
College admittance decision guidance.

Package Total: $4,000

Junior Jumpstart Package

Recommended for: Students applying to private college and universities, University of California campuses, Cal State University campuses, and out-of-state colleges and universities.
Timeframe: Fall of Junior Year- Spring of Senior Year

Initial student and family assessment , profile creation, and evaluation to determine goals, intentions, and college and career preferences.
Review assessments and collaborate on school coursework and activity plan.
Evaluation and discussion of academic, testing, and extra-curricular history.
Online meetings bi-monthly fall of Junior Year, followed by weekly meetings Spring semester of Junior Year into Senior Year to discuss application requirements and deadlines, grades, goals, etc.
School major and career counseling.
Personalized Passion Project guidance and mentoring.
In-depth research and personalized college recommendation list.
Advising on summer enrichment activities, coursework, internships, etc.
Best practices for college visits and tours.
Activities List brainstorming, review, and editing sessions.
College application guidance and schedule management.
Guidance for Early Decision and Early Action applications when applicable.
UC Personal Insight Question brainstorming, review, and editing sessions.
SAT/ACT Test prep information and schedule guidance.
Final college application review.
College interview preparation (if required).
College admittance decision guidance.

Package Total: $5,500

Sophomore Smart Start Package

Initial student and family assessment, profile creation, and evaluation to determine goals, intentions, and college and career preferences.
Review assessments and collaborate on school coursework and activity plan.
Evaluation and discussion of academic, testing, and extra-curricular history.
Online meetings quarterly during Sophomore year, bi-monthly Junior year fall semester, weekly meetings during spring semester of Junior year into Senior Year to discuss application requirements and deadlines, grades, goals, etc.
School major and career counseling.
Personalized Passion Project guidance and mentoring.
In-depth research and personalized college recommendation list.
Advising on summer enrichment activities, coursework, internships, etc.
Best practices for college visits and tours.
Activities List brainstorming, review, and editing sessions.
College application guidance and schedule management.
Guidance for Early Decision and Early Action applications when applicable.
Common Application essay brainstorming, review, and editing sessions.
UC Personal Insight Questions brainstorming, review, and editing sessions.
Supplemental essay brainstorming, review, and editing sessions.
SAT/ACT Test prep information and schedule guidance.
Final college application review.
College interview preparation (if needed).
College admittance decision guidance.

Package Total: $6,000

Elementary and Middle School Tutoring Services

Elementary and Middle School Tutoring services include:
- Initial consultation with family and student to create a tailored learning plan that addresses the unique learning needs and goals of each student
- Support with homework assignments to ensure understanding and completion
- Focused tutoring in core subjects such as math, reading, science, and social studies
- Support in building foundational math skills, including problem-solving and critical thinking
- Techniques for effective study habits, time management, and organizational skills
- Assistance in developing reading comprehension, phonics, and vocabulary skills
- Help with writing skills, from grammar and spelling to essay writing and creative writing

$80 per 1-Hour Session

Package options available

Meet The Zen College Prep Team

Megan Weitzen: Lead College Admissions Counselor

In addition to working as an Independent College Admissions Counselor, Megan Weitzen has over fifteen years of experience teaching at the High School Level.

Some of Megan's credentials and accolades include:

College Counseling Certificate (2022) from The University of California, San Diego
Member of National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
Bachelor's Degree in English with a Minor in Speech Communication: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Single Subject Teaching Credential: English
California Technical Education (CTE) Credential: Public and Legal Services
Single Subject Teaching Credential: Family and Consumer Science
Activities Director 2015-2022
2020-2021 Teacher of The Year

Instructional Leader
2019 Regional Teacher of The Year Nominee

Asher Weitzen: Multiple Subject Grades K-8 Learning Interventionist and Academic Success Team Leader

Asher Weitzen has over twenty years of experience teaching and private tutoring at the Elementary School Level. Some of Asher's credentials and accolades include:

Master's in Education, with a concentration in Curriculum Design and Outdoor Education
Bachelor's Degree in Speech Communication: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential: K-8
Mastery of Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and other relevant educational standards
Ability to engage students with diverse learning styles and needs
Experience working as a Naturalist in California's State Parks
Instructional Leader

Educational Technology Lead

Get in Touch

At Zen College Prep, we believe that the college admissions process shouldn't be stressful and overwhelming. We assist college-bound students and their families in navigating this journey with ease. Starting early is key, which is why our team offers personalized guidance beginning in elementary and middle school. Our experienced teachers and tutors work with students from a young age to build strong academic foundations and develop essential skills. We provide continuous support through the entire college admissions process, from preparing applications and writing essays to ensuring all deadlines are met. Our goal is to make each student's college dreams a reality, creating a successful and enjoyable admissions experience.