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By Alicia Wanek
I’m thrilled to share that my twin daughters have made their college choices, received acceptance into their desired universities, secured some scholarship funds, and are set to begin their freshman year this fall. The journey to reach this milestone has not been without its challenges and hurdles. Managing the college admissions process has been quite overwhelming, especially with two students. I never anticipated it would be such an involved experience. I hold a Master’s degree and have been writing about this exact subject for this magazine for years. Reflecting on our experience, I wish I had known there were resources that could have supported us throughout this journey.
Guidance from Cram Crew
Deepak Thadhani, founder and president of Cram Crew, has spent two decades assisting students in navigating their paths to college. While the process can be challenging at times, there is a method to successfully finding the right college fit for each student. Just like any important journey, having guidance from a knowledgeable and trustworthy source can be invaluable.
Deepak understands that all parents want the best for their children, which often means accessing top-notch resources to support them. Cram Crew focuses on the students’ desires rather than the parents’. Much like a GPS, Cram Crew assists students in navigating toward their goals, while ensuring that the students take the lead. “When we have engaged clients, where they land is due to their own hard work with our guidance,” he states.
The primary aim at Cram Crew is to empower students in the decision-making process. Advisors engage with students to discover their ultimate goals and then work backward to make those ambitions a reality. For some, it may involve improving test scores to enhance competitiveness; for others, it could mean securing scholarship funds or pinpointing colleges that align with their needs. “We help them recognize the significance of their choices, but ultimately, the decision is theirs.” The team is equipped to pinpoint the necessary steps and the optimal timing to maximize their chances of gaining admission to their preferred colleges.
Personal Connection to College Navigation
This endeavor is truly a passion for Deepak, rooted in his own experiences. He excelled in mathematics, and under pressure from his parents, pursued engineering at Georgia Tech. However, he soon realized that it was not the right fit for him, despite his proficiency in math. He shifted his focus to medicine and earned degrees in Math and Biology. Even with preparations for medical school, he chose to obtain his MBA from the University of Houston. He fully understands the importance of allowing students to guide their decisions rather than being swayed by parental expectations, which is why Cram Crew emphasizes providing students with strategic advantages to help them achieve their desired goals.
The company initially began with in-home tutoring and expanded to include test preparation. Eight years ago, they introduced what they refer to as “college readiness.” “College admission encompasses a variety of factors,” Deepak explains. GPA, SAT scores, academic rigor, and community service are all considered collectively. He acknowledges that the multitude of elements involved can seem daunting. Additionally, there are numerous terms to understand—Naviance, Common App, and more. “It may feel like a lot of uncertainties, but we’ve been doing this long enough to guide them through,” Deepak assures. Being locally owned and Texas-based, they can truly focus on the unique needs of each family.
Valuable Investment in Navigating College Admissions
Deepak recognizes that utilizing Cram Crew’s services is an investment, but he emphasizes, “The return on that investment is phenomenal…Engaging in a process like ours brings comfort and confidence.”
That kind of reassurance would have been invaluable during the last few years. At least I’m now equipped to provide that sense of security for my younger two children…
Editor’s Note: Cram Crew services are available throughout North Texas. To discover how they can assist your child, visit cramcrew.com or call 713.464.2726.
