Orange County's #1 College Prep — Est. 2010
Thousands Apply.
We Make Sure
You Stand Out.

Strategic test prep and college admissions consulting placing 94% of our students into one of their top 3 universities — for over 15 years.

30 %
Top 3 Admits
0 +
Avg ACT Gain
0 +
Avg SAT Pts
Free Consultation
What We'll Cover Together
15 min · No pressure · No obligation
Academic goals & grade level
Current & target test scores
Dream schools & college list
AP courses & GPA strategy
Best AR program for your student
As Seen In
15+
Years in OC
94%
Accepted into their top 3 university choices
The Challenge
The admissions process is more competitive
than ever.

Grades alone won’t get students in. The difference between admit and deny is strategystory, and the right preparation team.

,
Overwhelmed by applications, essays, and deadlines with no clear roadmap
Blending in with thousands of equally qualified applicants
Test scores that don't reflect your student's true potential
No coherent narrative tying together activities, essays, and goals

Uncertain which schools to apply to and how to stand out at each

THE AR DIFFERENCE
Get your edge with America's
top universities.

AR Academics students are accepted at 5–8× higher rates than the
national average — at the most selective universities in the country.

Ready to get your edge?

94% of AR Academics students are admitted to a Top 3 university of their choice. See how we can help your student stand out.

*Acceptance rates based on AR Academics student data, 2018–2025. National rates per most recent Common Data Set filings.

Our Services
Everything your student
needs to
win

From first diagnostic to final decision — we’re with you every step of the way.

College Consulting

Strategy-first counseling from 9th grade through senior year — college list, essay coaching, and full application strategy.

Most Popular
ACT / SAT Prep

Average +5 ACT points · +200 SAT points. 1-on-1 with 99th percentile subject specialists who know exactly what’s tested.

+5pt avg ACT · +200 avg SAT
AP Exam Prep

16 subjects. 5 live Zoom sessions + on-demand recordings. AR average: 4.57 vs. national 2.88.

4.57 avg AP score
Academic Tutoring
Expert 1-on-1 in all subjects. Open 7 days, 9am–10pm.
Programs for Schools
Workshops, Scoresback Nights & proctored testing.
AR On-Demand
ACT Launch Pad & AP Review — learn anywhere, anytime.
Watch Amanda's Message
Prep for College
A Note from Our Founder
Why I started AR Academics

“Every student has a unique story worth telling. My mission — since day one — has been to help them find it, shape it, and present it in a way that genuinely stands out. Not just a good application. Their application.”

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania and USC Gould School of Law, I saw firsthand how the college admissions process had become a game — and that families without insider knowledge were at a serious disadvantage.

So I built AR Academics to level the playing field. Over 15 years, our team has helped thousands of students across Orange County and around the world get into their dream schools — not by gaming the system, but by helping each student become the most compelling version of themselves.

Amanda Rubenstein
Founder & Head of College Counseling, AR Academics
Ivy League Grad
Law School
Admissions Expert
Meet Our Students
The faces behind every admit

These are real AR students who turned hard work and the right strategy into life-changing results.

Our Team
Admissions experts who get results

99th percentile scores. Hand-picked to perfectly suit each student’s individual needs.

Amanda Rubenstein
Founder · Head of College
Counseling

University of Pennsylvania · USC Gould School of Law. 15+ years building winning admissions strategies for OC
families.

Admissions Expert
Ivy League Grad
Law School
Read More
Michael Kimura
Director · Head of Test Prep

Expert in standardized testing strategy leading AR’s test prep methodology to consistently above-average results.

Perfect SAT/ACT Scores
College Admissions
Read More
Jesse P.
Head of College Counseling · Verbal

Verbal and college counseling
specialist guiding students to top-tier university admissions through essay strategy and positioning.

Columbia
Northwestern
Read More
Garrett O.
STEM Director

STEM specialist guiding students
through AP sciences, math, and
rigorous coursework for top STEM
universities.

MIT Admits
STEM Expert
Read More
FAQ
Common questions,
honest answers
What services does AR Academics offer?

College admissions consulting, ACT/SAT prep, AP exam prep, academic tutoring in all subjects, on-demand video programs, and school partnership programs — in-person at our Newport Beach and San Juan Capistrano offices or online via Zoom.

For college consulting, the earlier the better — as early as 9th grade. For test prep, most students begin junior year, though sophomore year is ideal. For academic tutoring, we’re here whenever your student needs support.

AR students average +5 composite ACT points and +200 SAT points — far above the national averages of +1.5 and +60. Our AP average is 4.57 vs. national 2.88. 10% of our students score in the top 1% nationwide.

Yes. All services are available via Zoom in addition to in-person at our two OC offices. On-demand programs are available globally with no schedule constraints.

Book a free consultation — a 15-minute call with our team to understand your student’s goals and find the right path forward. No pressure, no obligation.

Let's talk about your student's
path to college.

The admissions process is stressful. You have questions. You deserve clear answers from someone who’s
done this thousands of times. This is your opportunity to get them.

Book a free 30-minute consultation to discover how a partnership with AR Academics can bring clarity,
calm, and confidence to your family. We will:

01
Get honest about where
your student stands.

We start by learning about your student’s academic background, test scores, and goals — giving you an expert perspective on where they are and what opportunities lie ahead.

02
Address your specific
concerns.

Every family has unique questions. Bring us your biggest worries — whether it’s test prep, essays, school selection, or timeline. We’re here to provide direct, honest answers.

03
Show you exactly
how we can help.

No two students are alike. Based on your student’s specific needs and goals, we’ll walk you through exactly which of our programs and services will make the biggest difference.

04
Give you a clear path
forward.

You’ll leave the conversation with a tangible plan, actionable next steps, and transparent options. You’ll have the clarity and confidence to move forward with a real strategy.

Newport Beach
1303 Avocado Ave #160
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-706-5588
San Juan Capistrano
31654 Rancho Viejo Rd Suite J San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949-481-0122