Back by popular demand, Brian Eufinger from Edison Prep joins me to break down everything Dunwoody parents need to know about college admissions—especially if your child is still in middle school. I wanted this conversation now, not later, because I know how confusing the process can be. Brian shares exactly when to start, what most families get wrong, and how to plan for scholarships and success. If you’re looking for real answers, local insight, and expert advice you can trust, this episode delivers.
On this episode of What’s Up Dunwoody—brought to you by Dr. Bret Freedman, Village Orthodontics, and Discover Dunwoody—I'm Matt Weber, and I sit down with one of the most trusted voices in academic preparation in the metro Atlanta area. Brian Eufinger, co-founder of Edison Prep, joins me to demystify college admissions, share insight into standardized testing strategies, and offer practical tips to parents and students across Dunwoody. We go deep into what it means to prep smart in today’s evolving academic landscape and why Edison Prep continues to be a powerhouse for students aiming for top scores.
Whether you’re already living in Dunwoody or moving to Dunwoody and navigating local schools, this conversation with Brian is packed with expert advice on everything from when to start SAT/ACT prep to how to save tens of thousands in college tuition through scholarships. His approach is data-driven, practical, and centered around helping local families win.
The Origin of Edison Prep and the Passion Behind It
Brian and his wife Silvia started Edison Prep nearly 15 years ago and have worked with more than 23,000 students to date. What makes their story special is that both founders personally paid their way through college using test scores—an experience that continues to shape their philosophy and tutoring programs today.
Their story isn’t just about grades and scores—it’s about gratitude. Brian shares how quitting JV tennis freed up time to study for the SAT, which helped him land significant scholarships. Now, he and Silvia pay it forward, personally teaching every group class and constantly updating the curriculum to reflect current trends. That includes taking the real SAT and ACT every year themselves—a bold move that keeps them sharp and uniquely credible among test prep professionals.
Why Edison Prep Dominates the Test Prep Scene
Located on the Sandy Springs and Dunwoody line, Edison Prep offers a range of services tailored for students at different academic levels. Whether you're at Dunwoody High School, Peachtree Charter Middle, or a private school nearby, this is the go-to option for personalized test prep. And they do things differently.
Here’s what sets Edison Prep apart:
-
Top-tier expertise: Their instructors consistently score in the top 0.3% on standardized tests.
-
Personalized instruction: Group classes, one-on-one tutoring, and custom plans based on diagnostics.
-
Data-backed strategies: Edison tracks trends in UGA admissions, Zell Miller HOPE, and other programs to maximize students' return on effort.
Parents in Dunwoody, especially those unfamiliar with the testing landscape, will find Edison Prep’s commitment to transparency and education refreshing. Brian even discusses how college costs have soared since he and Matt were in high school—and why merit-based aid is more important than ever.
Free Mock Tests Every Weekend? Yep.
One of the most helpful services Edison Prep offers is its free full-length SAT and ACT mock tests, held in person and virtually over 48 weekends a year. Unlike many companies using artificial or shortened tests, Edison uses real, retired exams to give students the most accurate diagnostic experience possible.
They recommend students begin mock testing as early as the second semester of sophomore year, especially if they’re in Algebra II. These tests help families decide between the SAT and ACT and pinpoint strengths and weaknesses early.
Every group class includes one of these mock tests, and private tutoring students can take as many as needed. This level of data-driven customization allows for smarter, more efficient study paths. Plus, students receive detailed score reports that inform next steps, whether it's content review, pacing strategies, or even calculator techniques.
The Calculator Course, Bootcamps, and More
Edison Prep doesn’t just stop at core test prep. They also offer:
-
A TI-84 Calculator Course to boost ACT/SAT math scores.
-
Condensed ACT Bootcamps for students who need an efficient score bump.
-
AP History Bootcamps for AP U.S. and World History.
-
Academic tutoring in subjects like math, biology, chemistry, and physics—growing areas of demand since COVID-19 caused learning loss.
Brian mentions that while 99% of their business used to be test prep, about 15% now includes subject tutoring—especially in STEM subjects. Dunwoody parents looking for academic reinforcement for their high schoolers will find this especially useful.
How Dunwoody Families Are Saving Big
One of the most compelling stories in the podcast is how Edison Prep’s work directly translates to college affordability. Brian shares how many Edison Prep students, even those below average score improvements, gain tens of thousands of dollars in merit aid. Some go from a 34 to a 36 on the ACT and unlock massive scholarship packages. Others see a +130 point jump on the SAT and get $56,000 more in aid.
As parents navigate the stress of applications, tuition, and essays, test prep can feel like a heavy lift. But as Brian explains, smart test prep doesn’t just open doors—it keeps them affordable. For families living in Dunwoody, this kind of insight is pure gold.
Keeping It Local: Why Edison Prep Loves Dunwoody
Brian doesn’t just serve the Dunwoody community—he’s part of it. He’s taught students from nearly every school in the area, runs into past students at Kroger, and genuinely cares about local families. Even their office location is strategically positioned to serve Dunwoody residents conveniently.
If you’re a Dunwoody parent asking “How do I get started?”—the answer is to schedule a diagnostic test. From there, Edison helps map out a timeline, format prep around your student’s goals, and select the right path. And if you're just moving to Dunwoody and figuring out the school scene, this is one of the best support systems you can plug into right away.
