Our Approach
In 2018, Ultimate Test Prep was founded on the principles of student success, strong foundations, and family savings. We have helped thousands of students and families raise standardized test scores, earn substantial scholarships, and become accepted into their dream schools.
We are a team of teachers, college planners, and tutors that have the passion to help students along their pathway to higher education. We make sure that each meeting is full of energy, motivation, and direction. We also help our students set achievable goals on their road to success.
Our Vision
To provide the most innovative, personalized test-preparation and college planning guidance to empower students with skills and insights.
Our Mission
We provide comprehensive testing analysis, personalized instruction, and help students reach achievable goals. We create a student-oriented curriculum for a variety of learning styles. We help students achieve higher test-scores to increase acceptance to higher education programs and make them more affordable.
Our Team
Matt Vassil
CEO, Test-Prep Instructor, and College Planner
Charlotte, NC location
Matt studied at St. Louis University where he tutored countless individuals in various types of standardized testing. Since 2018, Matt has taught and written ACT, SAT, and PSAT curriculum full-time at Ultimate Test Prep. He develops new instructional material on a weekly basis and individualizes his approach for every student. He has been an important contributor to the continued revisions of our curriculum, Analyze Your ACT. As a result, students love Matt's feedback, his patience, and his insights, and the results speak for themselves.
Matt's competitiveness in sports helps him to stay focused on the goals of his students as well. His college advice is targeted, his feedback on essays is detailed and insightful, and his positive demeanor helps students reach that next goal on their way to college.
mattvassil@ultimatetestprep.com
Winni van Gessel
Founder, Test-Prep Instructor, and College Planner
Lexington, KY location
Winni studied instructional design at the University of Kentucky. He applied his skills in numerous classroom programs and then focused on the ACT when he experienced how important this test score was when his daughters applied to college. Ever since, he has made analyzing and teaching standardized tests, including the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, and LSAT, to any willing student his life's work. Winni is the author of the book Analyze Your ACT.
As a past Montessori teacher, curriculum director, and high-school counselor, Winni knows how to guide, motivate, and support students on their way to college. After 10 years full time on the job, he elevates essays, provides clarity in college lists, and adds additional scholarships, while helping students set achievable goals to avoid stress and last-minute work.
At this time, Winni is not able to accept appointments, but he can still be reached at the email address listed below.
Niki Ledford
College Planner
Lexington, KY location
Schedule with Niki
Niki is a graduate of The University of Cincinnati where she counseled students as an Academic Advisor and led the Summer Orientation program for incoming freshman. Niki also holds Masters in Community Counseling from Eastern Kentucky University. Niki is dedicated to helping young adults in their crucial life transition period. She has taught life, personal growth, and development skills for over six years. Niki utilizes her communication and leadership expertise in her college planning; she focuses on the unique details of each student to assist them in identifying and highlighting their goals, as well as to provide resources and information to help families make informed decisions.
Niki is the proud mother of two teenagers herself. She understands how GPA, activities, test scores, essays, and deadlines are all crucial elements during four years of the road to college.
Jordan Shands
Test-Prep Instructor/College & Financial Aid Planner
Lexington, KY location
Schedule with Jordan
Jordan Shands is a Jessamine County native and first generation 2015 Berea College alumni, holding a B.A. in African American Studies with a Music Minor. With a passion for guiding students towards success, Jordan has spent the past 4 years as the College Career Coach at Lafayette High School, aiding students in navigating the college application process, securing financial aid & scholarships, and exploring career opportunities.
Jordan is also the visionary behind "BROTHERS," a mentorship program serving nearly 80 students, fostering leadership and life skills in a supportive environment. Jordan's extensive experience in higher education and financial aid ensures strategic guidance for students and families. Beyond education, Jordan, known as "JAYDN SOL," is a singer/songwriter who enjoys basketball, video games, travel, and continuous learning.
David Lane
Test-Prep Instructor
Lexington, KY location
Schedule with David
David earned an electrical engineering degree and master's in education at the University of Kentucky. After working as a software engineer, he decided to follow his passion and become a teacher. He started in the math department and currently teaches courses in computer programming and engineering at Bryan Station High School.
As a teacher and parent, David understands the benefits of maximizing test scores and minimizing the unnecessary stress with test taking. As an instructor, he has seen his students and children attend the college of their choice and earn substantial scholarships by working with Ultimate Test Prep. David enjoys analyzing students' standardized tests to pinpoint the exact areas for improvement. His dedication to helping others is loved by his students.
davidlane@ultimatetestprep.com