Lockwood College Prep

I really have learned a lot from Andy’s videos. I would highly recommend them for anyone who is in the college application and FAFSA process.

My son took the ACT crash course ahead of the April 2021 ACT exam. I was a little worried the online would enable him to slack off, but it was quite the opposite. Marissa engaged him, encourage him and he absorbed what he learned. He was taking the ACT for the second time, in order to increase his math score, and to gain some strategies in the math section, because it's his best subject and was his lowest score!?!? Happy to report that he CRUSHED it, not only the math but in every subject overall. He went from a 32 to a 35. Everyone is happy and we highly recommend Marissa and the Lockwood Test Prep for all your college exam prep (My son is also enrolling in the SAT crash course).

Andy Lockwood and the Lockwood College Prep team are fantastic and were a critical factor in my son's acceptance to a top college.
Andy personally provided my son, and I, with invaluable insight and direction for the college application process. He is an expert in the field, who is not shy to provide straight forward actionable advice but maybe his most important skill is management of his first rate team. His wife Pearl handled the filing of all our financial forms, which I found confusing, despite being a retired financial executive. Marissa, the testing tutor is incomparable. With her help my son raised his SAT score by 150 points after taking her SAT class and a few one-on-one tutoring sessions. Chris, one of the essay coaches, was first rate, and saved me, from innumerable arguments with my son about keeping on schedule to complete his personal and supplemental essays.

Our family’s relationship with Lockwood College Prep began when I sent my son to the Application Boot Camp. The time he spent there not only gave him an incredible head start on the application process, but also provided him with invaluable feedback. Andy’s generosity of time and resources were on display as he graciously included a few amazing surprises along the way. My son emerged from Boot Camp in great shape. So pleased with the camp experience, I entrusted the Lockwoods with the daunting FAFSA and CSS Profile paperwork. Pearl’s expertise is unparalleled. She ensured that the information was submitted accurately, by the prescribed deadlines and was instrumental in the structuring of the loan components. My phone calls and emails never went unheeded as the Lockwood team provided everything they promised and more. Lockwood College Prep will help your family navigate the higher...

Lockwood College Prep was a huge help in navigating the overwhelming process of getting my kids into college. From understanding the process, to helping with financial aid, and all the steps in-between, Andy and Pearl were a beacon in the that fog of confusion – plus they do it all with a smile. They definitely know their stuff. (gave 4 stars because no one can be perfect!)

The idea of paying folks to help with financial aid forms seems backwards. We need money to help pay for college, why would we pay to get financial aid? Three main reasons: 1) the forms are complicated, time consuming and mistakes cost you money, 2) ROI- you will likely pay less to the Lockwood’s than you will get back from schools, and 3) the support is comforting during a fraught process. We highly recommend them.

Andy & Pearl we’re life savers (and sanity savers) when it comes to navigating all the aspects of the college admissions process. They are the soup to nuts (and they are a bit wacky), one stop shop for all your answers. Always there when we needed them.

The college application process can be a daunting task for any high school senior and their parents. I am eternally grateful to Pearl and Andy Lockwood for guiding and helping my children find the best fit school for each of them. Andy connected with our children the very first time they met.

I decided to hire Lockwood College Prep for my first college-bound child, and the entire process was stress-free. Andy steered my son in the right direction by helping him edit his essays and kept him on track every step of the way. Andy was always available to speak with us in his straightforward manner with levity. He is honest and has a wealth of experience and expert knowledge in the college application process. He also provided a strong school selection strategy and helped my son get accepted Early Decision to his dream school.

Two years later, my daughter...

The college application process can be a daunting task for any high school senior and their parents. I am eternally grateful to Pearl and Andy Lockwood for guiding and helping my children find the best fit school for each of them. Andy connected with our children the very first time they met.

I decided to hire Lockwood College Prep for my first college-bound child, and the entire process was stress-free. Andy steered my son in the right direction by helping him edit his essays and keeping him on track every step of the way. Andy was always available to speak with us in his straightforward manner with levity. He is honest and has a wealth of experience and expert knowledge in the college application process. He also provided a strong school selection strategy and helped my son get accepted Early Decision to his dream school.

Two years later, my daughter...

I can't say enough about the high quality and results of Lockwood College Prep! After a summer of stress, fighting, and struggling to motivate our son heading into his junior year, Lockwood Prep turned it all around. Not only has our son been accepted at EVERY college he applied to (he's headed to Penn State Smeal College of Business after he graduates in June), even more importantly, he has been able to understand and embrace who he is and what his strengths are, which will set him up for success and happiness, not only in college, but beyond. Andy has a unique ability to connect with and motivate the kids he works with! And Pearl is a GENIUS on those FASFA forms (which, by the way, can cover the entire cost of Lockwood Prep, and more!). We'll definitely be using them again for our second son who's headed into his junior year in the fall!

Our family went from stress to stupendous from the moment we hired Lockwood College Prep. Not only has our son been accepted at EVERY college he applied to (he's headed to Penn State Smeal College of Business after he graduates in June), even more importantly, he has been able to understand and embrace who he is and what his strengths are, which will set him up for success and happiness, not only in college, but beyond. Andy has a unique ability to connect with and motivate the kids he works with! And Pearl is a GENIUS on those FASFA forms (which, by the way, can cover the entire cost of Lockwood Prep, and more!). We'll definitely be using them again for our second son who's headed into his junior year in the fall!

Can’t say enough about these guys. Andy and his (hilarious) pragmatic and honest advice. Pearl is incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and efficient! Marissa’s tutoring was invaluable and so personal. Thank you so much!

I seriously don't know what I would have done without them! They are so efficient and take all the stress off my shoulders. I started with them 2 years ago for my son and am now continuing with them for my daughter. Any email I get regarding finances from colleges and universities, I just forward it to Pearl, and it's taken care of in a flash. Thanks a million

Wanted to thank Lockwood College Prep and Marissa's ACT prep class! My daughter increased her score by 4 points and reached her goal score AND she did so while taking the test with a mask and gloves on because of Covid! I highly recommend this organization and test prep service! It was very helpful and are so thankful it was available through video conferencing!

We will be eternally grateful to Andy Lockwood, who 3 years ago saved our long term financial well being when he successfully appealed our ZERO financial aid package, and got us over $40,000/year in financial aid from Penn! Our oldest son had applied early decision to Penn after Penn's Net Price Calculator gave us a cost of attendance figure that was well within our means. To our dismay (and enormous stress) Penn's financial aid package came back with ZERO aid. That was in March, when my son had already pulled all his other college applications and had nowhere else to go. I called our financial aid officer at Penn and she would not give us details and simply told us we did not qualify for any aid. Desperate, I reached out to Andy and he helped me craft a letter of appeal explaining our circumstances. That appeal was rejected. It ultimately took 3 or 4 more tries, with different...

Pearl & Andy Lockwood have been very instrumental in educating us about the college application process. With 3 college age kids, we've benefited several years now from their ongoing informational webinars, their one-to-one guidance on specific issues and their FAFSA preparation. We paid lots of money for 2 college counseling services prior to them and found Lockwood College Prep to be the absolute best information and value, by far. And they are very entertaining to boot! I've laughed through many Lockwood moments when I otherwise may have been crying!

Andy and Pearl are very knowledgeable and take the time to listen! They have been so easy to work with.

Andy –

Thank you for the years of advice provided through your emails and in person and online seminars.

I wanted to point out that negotiations for a financial aid package do not need to be limited only to the time of admissions - you can "negotiate" each year.

My son attends a top university that does not offer merit scholarships, so I couldn’t really avail myself of your negotiating techniques during the admissions process. However when my second child started college, we were offered more in the way of financial aid. I didn’t think it was enough and so I called and politely spoke to my son’s financial aid officer. During our conversation, he tweaked the value of our home in the computer and miraculously we got an additional $2,300. The easiest money I’ve ever earned.

It happened again this year. The university...

As a CPA, I have referred many a client to Andy which in turn resulted in satisfied clients. However I am also a personal customer....through a financial aide appeals letter, Andy helped my daughter' s initial scholarship offer of $5,900 from Fordham Univ increase to over $36,000. The task of college planning and application is not a do-it-yourself process. You need the guidance of a professional. I have trusted Andy with both my own valued clients as well as my own daughter. You will be surprised at what you don't know and how you will find his fee is not a cost....but an investment in your child's future.

The Lockwoods are wholly responsible for my daughter affording Sweet Briar College. Due to unforeseen financial circumstances we were extremely worried about the cost of a high end private college yet wanted to provide her the experience. Sydney went to SBC 4 amazing years and not once did I worry about money or the timing of filing certain key items & papers.

Thank God for these top professionals. They have now assisted in organizing her forms for grad school. It is such a relief to turn over this important job to someone who knows what they are doing!

Thank you so much for your attention to detail, patience and creativity in dealing with a nervous single parent.

If you are a busy parent, working non stop(I’m a teacher)and fretting about affording college for one or more children please call them or listen in on one of their free...

Lockwood College Prep was extremely helpful in navigating the college search and FAFSA process. Andy and Pearl took the stress out of finding the right college for both my daughters. The consulting fee I paid was well worth the money. They helped us negotiate a better deal with the colleges and saved us money on the tuition. I am really happy that I found them before we started our college search!!

Andy and Pearl are up to date with all the latest information regarding college admissions as well as financial and merit aid. They come with a wealth of knowledge and a common sense approach. I highly recommend them.

My parents and I heard about Andy through family friends. Having lived in the US, I knew how complicated the college admissions process was, even more for an international student like me. I am so glad that we decided to work with Andy, because he suggested colleges that I wouldn’t have known of. His wife, Pearl, helped so much with filling out the financial aid forms, and both offered my parents and I advice whenever we needed it. Everyone on his team answers emails quickly and is always available to help. I will go to college in the US next year, as I was awarded a very generous financial aid award. I would highly, highly recommend Andy to anyone.

Working with Andy and Pearl relieved so much stress we were feeling during my sons junior year. I never had to worry about him writing his essay because Andy spoke to him directly, guiding and prompting him along the way. The application process went smoothly after Andy helped us make a list of schools we were all happy with.

Pearl and Andy are smart, thoughtful, funny and insightful. They listen well, offer useful advice and never lose perspective on what’s important. I would highly recommend Lockwood College Prep for any part of the college admissions process.